15 Best Korean Cleansing Oils For That Glass-Skin Glow (2024)
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The best Korean cleansing oils are the K-beauty secret to deep-cleanse the skin from sebum, sunscreen, and makeup – but how do you know which ones are really worth the hype?
Leave it to us! Here at Haul of Fame, our beauty geeks use a signature research process to find superstar products that deserve a spot in your cart.
Here’s our shortlist of the best oil cleansers to add to your Korean skincare routine:
- Best Korean Cleansing Oil For Oily Skin: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
- Best Korean Cleanser For Dry Skin: ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
- Best Korean Cleansing Oil For Combination Skin: Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
- Best Korean Cleansing Oil For Acne-Prone Skin: iUNIK Calendula Cleansing Oil
- Best Affordable Cleansing Oil: Celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Read on for our full best Korean cleansing oil review!
Best Korean Oil-Based Cleansers For Oily Skin
If you struggle with excess sebum, the best facial cleansing oils are just the thing you need to remove dirt, blackheads, and dead skin cells. Say hello to a glass-skin finish!
Here are our top picks for the best Korean cleansers for oily skin:
1. ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
1. ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
For a squeaky-clean cleanse, ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is one of the best pore cleansing oils in our books!
We totally see why TikTok christened this face wash the best Korean cleansing oil for blackheads. This cult-favorite cleanser feels gentle on the skin and yet it’s super potent on sebum and blackheads.
It works great to remove sunscreen and foundation too, but we find that it’s not as effective on waterproof mascara and highly-pigmented makeup.
Infused with heartleaf extract, we find this to be one of the best Korean face washes for oily skin as it naturally helps to regulate sebum production. It leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized after a wash!
What we love:
- Lightweight formula
- Deep cleans pores and blackheads
- Moisturizes without leaving a greasy residue
Something to consider:
- Takes a bit of effort to remove makeup
- May cause breakouts
2. Numbuzin No. 1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil
2. Numbuzin No. 1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil
If you’re looking for the best Korean cleanser for oily skin, the Numbuzin No. 1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil works like a dream!
Made with corn oil and macadamia seed oil, the formula emulsifies easily to dissolve oil buildup and light makeup. We love how this pore-cleansing oil noticeably cleans blackheads and smooths skin. You’re left with a fresh face that feels soft and supple.
Although it cuts through waterproof makeup pretty easily, it can be a bit tough to clean mascara off as the cleanser has a burning sensation around the eyes. These Korean cleansing wipes work better for this area.
What we love:
- Lightweight texture
- Deep cleans sebum, blackheads, and makeup
- No greasy residue
Something to consider:
- Stings eyes
3. Celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
3. Celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
If you’re looking for budget-friendly Korean cleansing oil recommendations, try the Celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil. Despite the affordable price tag, this Korean oil cleanser works like a charm!
Fun fact: Jojoba seed oil has a similar composition to the skin’s natural oils, making it perfect for melting off sebum and impurities.
The addition of bergamot essential oil in the formula makes it perfect for oily skin types, as it promotes a healthy oil balance. Sweet almond oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and grape seed oil add a nourishing boost.
The runny texture feels great on oilier skin types – it spreads very easily and doesn’t feel heavy at all on the skin.
Keep in mind that this formula contains alcohol, which can feel drying on dry or irritated skin. We also notice that it leaves a slight film on the skin after washing.
What we love:
- Lightweight, runny texture
- Moisturizes skin
- Cleans sebum, blackheads, and makeup well
- Budget-friendly
Something to consider:
- Contains alcohol
- Leaves a light residue
4. Dr.G Green Deep Cleansing Oil
4. Dr.G Green Deep Cleansing Oil
Need a little boost to bust those blackheads? Check out this top Korean cleansing oil! Dr.G’s Green Deep Cleansing Oil gets its deep-cleaning properties from plant-derived ingredients including green tea extract and grape seed oil.
Cleaning with this oil cleanser is a breeze. It effectively removes sunscreen and makeup (though waterproof mascara takes a bit of an extra effort), and has a noticeable effect on blackheads.
Here’s the bonus bit we love: This stellar cleanser contains multi-probiotics to heal the skin from within and promote a stronger skin barrier!
What we love:
- Deep cleans pores and blackheads
- Contains probiotics to support skin health
- Non-comedogenic – suitable for sensitive skin
Something to consider:
- Needs extra effort to remove waterproof makeup
5. ATRUE Pure Balancing Cleansing Oil
Cinching the #1 spot in the Cleansing Oil category at Hwahae Beauty Awards 2021, this ultra-popular beauty favorite does a fantastic job of cleansing, exfoliating, and soothing.
The ATRUE Pure Balancing Cleansing Oil is a nourishing blend of 8 botanical oils including apricot kernel oil, olive oil, and jojoba seed oil. It’s great at removing dead skin cells and impurities from the skin, leaving the face feeling squeaky clean.
We love the gentle, clean formula: it’s free from mineral oils, parabens, sulfates, alcohols, silicones, and artificial fragrances and colors.
On another note, it does leave the skin feeling a little tight so it’s best to avoid it if you have dry skin.
What we love:
- Cleans sebum, blackheads, and makeup well
- No greasy residue
- Vegan formulation free from nasties
Something to consider:
- Dries out the skin a little
Best Korean Cleansing Oils For Dry Skin
While the best oil cleansers work wonders to cleanse oily skin, they’re super nourishing for dry skin types too! Oil-based cleansers moisturize while they clean, making it easy to rock healthy, hydrated skin.
Check out our top picks for the best cleansing oils for dry skin:
6. ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
6. ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
The ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil tops our list of best Korean cleansers for dry skin. The rich, lush formula feels like a soothing balm on parched, flaky skin! This award-winning best-rated cleansing oil leaves skin feeling nourished and moisturized.
The cult-favorite cleanser is made with a blend of 14 plant-based oils including jojoba seed oil, argan oil, olive oil, and camellia oil. It’s one of the best oil makeup removers, cleansing everything from sunscreen and foundation to waterproof makeup.
We wouldn’t say this is the best skin cleansing oil for sensitive skin though. Yes, it has a non-comedogenic formula, but the texture feels pretty heavy on the skin. Plus, there are reports of this cleanser leading to breakouts on acne-prone skin.
What we love:
- Powerful formula
- Effectively cleans blackheads and makeup
- Has a moisturizing effect
Something to consider:
- Thick consistency – doesn’t spread easily
- Might aggravate sensitive skin
For the complete double cleansing duo, get the ma:nyo Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam too! The thick and creamy cleanser is tough on impurities without drying out the skin, making it one of best Korean cleansing foams for dry skin.
7. Haru Haru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil
7. Haru Haru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil
Haru Haru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil features Korean black rice bran oil as the star ingredient, which helps to improve skin dryness with rich rice proteins and minerals.
The clean formulation is made with 95% natural-derived ingredients, including jojoba seed oil, macadamia seed oil, olive oil, and other skin-boosting natural oils. It’s one of the best vegan cleansing oils!
The cleanser emulsifies well and melts into dry skin to thoroughly cleanse while keeping it nicely hydrated.
It stings the eyes though so it’s definitely not the best facial cleansing oil to use for removing eye makeup.
What we love:
- Easy to emulsify and work into the skin
- Moisturizes the skin
- No greasy residue
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan formulation
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Something to consider:
- Stings eyes
PS. Get the Haru Haru Wonder Black Rice 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel, one of the best Korean cleansing gels, for your double cleansing routine!
8. Lanbelle Deep Cleansing Oil
8. Lanbelle Deep Cleansing Oil
Search for “best Korean face wash for dry skin” and you’ll see this K-beauty favorite pop up on your feed. We’re big fans of the Lanbelle Deep Cleansing Oil for its nutrient-packed formula!
The brand keeps it clean with just 11 ingredients, a combination of natural oils and EWG Green-grade ingredients. The blend of lavender, lemon, macadamia, and grape seed oil cleans impurities well while keeping skin soft and smooth.
The unique formula is designed to fight off inflammation, smooth wrinkles, and repair sun damage.
It does have a strong lemon scent though. It’s not completely unpleasant but it can remind you of furniture spray, so that’s a personal call.
What we love:
- Cleans sebum, blackheads, and makeup well
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized
- No greasy residue
- Low-irritation formula – suitable for sensitive skin
Something to consider:
- Has a strong lemon scent
Best Korean Cleansing Oil For Combination Skin
To address the unique needs of combination skin, look for oil cleansing products with unique formulations that purify the skin without drying it out.
We’ve shortlisted our favorite cleansing oils for combination skin:
9. Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
9. Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
Korean skin care cleansing oil Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is jam-packed with skin-loving nutrients to cleanse, balance, and moisturize. We love how it gives a fresh feel without drying out the skin.
The star ingredient of this cult-favorite vegan cleanser is black sesame oil, which fights off inflammation and oxidative damage with its antioxidant-rich properties. Jojoba seed oil is part of the mix to deep-clean sebum and impurities while hydrating the skin.
We’re fans of the formulation – it’s tough enough on blackheads and makeup yet feels gentle and lightweight on the skin. The clean, hypoallergenic formula is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
PS. It’s one of the best K-beauty cleansing oils to go for if you’re on a budget too!
On the flip side, it doesn’t emulsify very well. It takes a while to wash the product off completely.
What we love:
- Cleans sebum, blackheads, and makeup well
- Leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized
- Vegan formulation
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Budget-friendly
Something to consider:
- Doesn’t emulsify well
- Difficult to wash off
10. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil
10. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil
The clever combo of ceramides and moisturizing oils makes the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil the perfect pick for combination skin types.
The formula’s ceramide NP strengthens the skin barrier while bergamot fruit oil unclogs pores and balances sebum production. The addition of evening primrose oil and sage oil helps to soothe dryness and irritation.
This mild cleanser feels incredibly lightweight on the skin. The water-like texture glides smoothly across the face and cleans well without leaving any sticky, oily residue.
That said, it’s a little too mild for makeup, so you’ll probably need to pair it with a proper makeup remover.
What we love:
- Lightweight formula
- The water-like texture spreads easily
- Has a moisturizing effect
- Helps to balance sebum production
- Supports skin barrier health
Something to consider:
- Too mild to work as a makeup remover
11. Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
11. Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
We love a good cleanser that heals while it cleans, and the double-duty Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil does just that! Made with minimal ingredients, the formula contains purified Centella Asiatica to strengthen the skin barrier.
When it comes to cleaning, it’s got the power! It’s one of the best oil cleansing oils, easily dissolving sebum and impurities for a squeaky-clean finish.
It’s one of the best makeup cleansing oils too, effectively removing sunscreen, foundation, and eye and lip makeup.
We wouldn’t recommend this for acne-prone skin types though as there are many accounts of this cleanser causing sensitive skin to break out.
What we love:
- The water-like texture spreads easily
- Lightweight formula
- Cleans sebum, blackheads, and makeup well
- No greasy residue
Something to consider:
- Might aggravate sensitive skin
12. Make P:rem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cleansing Oil
The Make P:rem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cleansing Oil has a unique blend of plant oils that make it a firm favorite for combination skin.
The formula contains willow bark extract, a natural source of BHA to banish blackheads while improving skin texture. Boswellia Carterii sap, a classic Ayurvedic ingredient, fights off inflammation while adding a soothing effect on the skin.
We love this clean cleansing oil, made without mineral oils, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. It does have a strong oily scent that occurs naturally though, so keep that in mind if you’re specifically looking for an unscented product.
What we love:
- The water-like texture spreads easily
- Cleans sebum, blackheads, and makeup well
- No greasy residue
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Something to consider:
- Has a strong oily scent
Best Korean Oil Cleansers For Acne-Prone & Sensitive Skin
Looking for the best cleansing oil for acne prone skin? Clean, minimal-ingredient formulations are the way to go!
Here are our top picks for the best Korean cleansers for acne-prone skin:
13. iUNIK Calendula Cleansing Oil
13. iUNIK Calendula Cleansing Oil
iUNIK’s Calendula Cleansing Oil is our pick for the best oil cleanser for acne-prone skin. The plant-based formulation melts sebum and makeup like a dream while being super soothing on the skin!
The formula is a moisturizing mix of calendula flower extracts, canola oil, sunflower seed oil, and cananga odorata flower oil. It’s alcohol-free, making it a good fit for irritated skin.
The rich texture of the cleansing oil emulsifies easily and it’s just as easy to wash off.
The only thing we’re not too keen on is the packaging itself. The pump tends to leak, creating an oily mess around the bottle.
What we love:
- Cleans sebum, blackheads, and makeup well
- Moisturizes skin
- Vegan formulation
- Doesn’t contain alcohol
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Something to consider:
- The pump leaks but hopefully the packaging improves
14. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
14. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
If you’re looking for the best clean cleansing oil for sensitive skin, the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil is another worthy product to consider.
This gentle cleanser keeps it simple with 2 skin-boosting ingredients, dissolving impurities and smoothing the skin with a little help from glycine soja, while ginseng seed oil locks in moisture and protects the skin.
The texture is wonderfully rich, and it’s easy to apply all over the face. It washes off easily without leaving any icky, greasy residue.
It’s pretty mild, so if you’re looking for the best pore-cleansing product, this isn’t it. Although it’s free from artificial fragrance, it has a natural earthy smell that takes some getting used to.
What we love:
- Rich, moisturizing texture
- No greasy residue
- Clean formulation
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Something to consider:
- Too mild for waterproof makeup
- Strong earthy scent
15. Abib Pore Cleansing Oil Heartleaf Oil Wash
15. Abib Pore Cleansing Oil Heartleaf Oil Wash
Made with heartleaf extract, the Abib Pore Cleansing Oil Heartleaf Oil Wash clarifies without irritating, making it one of the best Korean cleansers for oily acne-prone skin.
This best pore cleansing facial cleanser gets its mild exfoliating effect from chestnut bark extract, while lavender extract soothes sensitive skin after cleansing.
Despite its deep-cleaning properties, the texture is lightweight and feels comfortable even on irritated skin. The runny cleanser spreads easily all over the face and leaves no oily residue when you wash it all off.
What we love:
- Cleans sebum and blackheads well
- Lightweight texture
- No greasy residue
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Something to consider:
- Too mild for waterproof makeup
What Makes Korean Cleansing Oils Good?
Not all cleansers can effectively remove all the sebum, dead skin cells, sunscreen, and makeup that build up on the face throughout the day. The best way to dissolve oil is with oil, and that’s where the best cleansing oils come in!
Oil-based cleansers used to be off-limits to oily skin and acne-prone skin types for fear of pore-clogging and breakouts, but you’ll find plenty of innovative K-beauty formulations today that are non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin.
Good Korean cleansing oils effortlessly melt impurities off the skin, so there’s no need for rigorous scrubbing or tugging on the skin.
How To Choose Korean Oil Cleansers
Consider these factors when choosing the best Korean cleansing products for you:
- Skin type: Look for a purifying pore cleanser if you have oily skin, and an alcohol-free hydrating cleanser if you have dry skin. If you’re prone to breakouts, try oil cleansers with minimal, clean ingredients.
- Ingredients: You might like specific ingredients in your cleanser to suit your skin type or personal preference. For example, jojoba seed oil is known to be great for removing sebum, while lavender is perfect for soothing the skin.
- Potency: If you’re planning to use your oil cleanser as a makeup remover, get one that can effectively clean waterproof and high-pigment makeup.
- Budget: Think about how much you’d want to spend on the cleanser. If it’s doubling as your makeup remover, it makes sense to spend a little more for a quality cleanser.
How To Use Korean Oil Cleansers
New to oil cleansers? Follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Pump the oil cleanser onto dry, clean hands.
- Step 2: Massage the oil onto face (yup, when it’s dry and with makeup on).
- Step 3: Spread the oil using circular motions to melt away sebum, blackheads, sunscreen, and makeup.
- Step 4: Add warm water and continue massaging until oil starts to emulsify into a milky texture.
- Step 5: Rinse the cleanser thoroughly.
- Step 6: Follow up with the best Korean water-based cleansers to remove any remaining residue on the skin.
Why Do You Need To Double Cleanse?
The secret to perfecting the signature Korean glass skin? Double cleansing! It’s always a great idea to pair an oil cleanser with a foam or gel cleanser for a thorough cleaning.
Think of oil cleansers as the best pre-cleansing oils to remove impurities and makeup while a follow-up foam or gel cleanser removes any pore-clogging cleanser that might be left over.
Here are some perks of double-cleansing:
- Deep cleans the skin to remove dirt, sebum, sunscreen, and makeup
- Avoids potentially clogging pores from leftover oil cleanser
- Boosts absorption of follow-up skincare products
- Prevents acne by keeping skin clean
- Clarifies skin without stripping it off its natural oils
Best Korean Cleansing Oils FAQs
What’s The Best Korean Oil Cleanser?
Here are the best Korean oil cleansers according to skin type:
- Best Korean Cleansing Oil For Oily Skin: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
- Best Korean Cleanser For Dry Skin: ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
- Best Korean Cleansing Oil For Combination Skin: Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
- Best Korean Cleansing Oil For Acne-Prone Skin: iUNIK Calendula Cleansing Oil
What Is The Korean Oil Cleansing Method?
The Korean oil cleansing method is part of the double-cleansing technique. Start off cleansing your face with an oil cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser. The oil cleansing method is a great way to dissolve sebum, sunscreen, and makeup.
What Oils Do Koreans Use In Their Face?
Koreans use different types of oils on their face depending on what they need. The ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is popular for removing blackheads, while the crowd-favorite Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil soothes and hydrates.
Should I Oil Cleanse Every Day?
Yes, you should oil cleanse every day. Use it as part of your morning and evening skincare routine. If you can only do it once a day, do it in the evening so that you can thoroughly cleanse your skin from the day’s buildup before you head to bed.
Is Cleansing Oil Better Than Cleanser?
Cleansing oil is better at removing oil-based impurities, sunscreen, and makeup compared to other types of cleansers. It’s best to pair cleansing oil with a water-based cleanser.
Do Dermatologists Recommend Oil Cleansing?
Dermatologists recommend oil cleansing in the evening as part of a double-cleansing routine. Start with an oil cleanser to melt away the day’s buildup on the face, and follow up with a foam or gel cleanser.
Who Should Avoid Oil Cleansing?
Oil cleansing is suitable for all skin types. Test a small patch to make sure you don’t have any sensitivities to the cleanser. For oily skin types, follow up with a water-based cleanser to reduce the chances of clogging pores with oil cleanser residue.
Can I Use Oil Cleanser Alone?
You can use oil cleanser alone if you have dry skin. If you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, always follow up with a foam or gel cleanser to make sure you get all the oily residue off.
Is Micellar Water Or Cleansing Oil Better?
Micellar water is a great cleanser but it may not be as effective at dissolving oil-based impurities as cleansing oils.
Can I Use Cleansing Oil Instead Of Face Wash?
Yes, you can use cleansing oil instead of face wash if you have dry skin. The cleansing oil helps to keep the face hydrated after washing. For oily or acne-prone skin types, use cleansing oils with a face wash. This gets rid of any oil-based residue.
Do I Need To Cleanse After Oil Cleansing?
Yes, it’s best to cleanse with a foam or gel cleanser after oil cleansing. This double-cleansing technique thoroughly cleans the skin and helps you perfect that glass-skin finish.
Can I Use Cleansing Oil Without Makeup?
Yes, you can use cleansing oil even if you’re not wearing any makeup. You can use it to remove dirt, sebum, blackheads, and dead skin cells.
Summary: Best Korean Cleansing Oils
Double-cleansing with the best Korean cleansing oils is our favorite beauty trick to achieving bright and glowing skin!
A final tip from us: Formulations matter so make sure you use an oil cleanser that’s suited for your skin type.
Lightweight oil cleansers are perfect for oily skin, while alcohol-free cleansers ensure dry skin types don’t get dried out after cleansing. Clean ingredients make for the best cleansing oil for acne-prone skin.
Which Korean cleansing oil is going on your shopping list? Let us know in the comments below!