13 Best Korean Oil Cleansers for Glass-like Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Mar 13, 2024
Korean Oil Cleansers for Glass-like Skin
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Let’s admit we can’t get enough of the coveted glass-skin look that the Korean people boast of possessing! However, not many people are aware of the secret behind it. Well, apart from the good genes, their ten-step skincare routine should get all the credit. These best Korean oil cleansers are the doorway to that much-talked-about double-cleansing of the 10-step routine! Because, no matter how much we stress the benefits of skin treatment and a good moisturizer, your skincare routine is incomplete without a cleanser. It is the stubborn waterproof makeup, residues, and build-ups that harm our skin and traditional cleansers only are not enough for that.

Having said that, skincare specialists around the world have agreed on the benefit of ‘double cleansing’ which consists of two effective steps— a cleansing oil, and a face wash. "Cleansing oils contain hydrating and soothing ingredients that may actually be more effective and less irritating than some traditional cleansers," says Joshua Zeichner, a New York-based certified dermatologist. Before you decide to incorporate this magical product into your routine, take a look at the products that are already a rage in the beauty industry—

13 Best Korean Oil Cleansers

THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Facial Cleansing Oil needs no introduction for being popular among influencers already! It is a Korean oil-based cleanser that cleanses your face without leaving any residues and build-ups that might be harmful to your skin. The face cleansing oil’s ingredients are extracted from plant-based materials to provide risk-free care to your skin. The gentle formula of the cleanser is best suited for all skin types to achieve radiating skin.

Pros
  • Suits sensitive skin
  • Gentle formula
  • Natural ingredients
  • Good for acne-prone skin
  • Light scent
  • Brightens the skin
Cons
  • Contains mineral oil

Quick Tip

Rice water is beneficial for acne-prone skin. It soothes and reduces the appearance of pimples. Gently massage it onto your skin to remove pimple-causing bacteria.

  • Best for Oily Skin

    Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

    Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
  • Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is one good Korean cleansing oil for oily skin which claims to be a mild one consisting of vegetable-based oils like— black bean oil, black currant oil, and black sesame oil. The gentle formula doesn’t irritate the skin and the washable texture allows an effective thorough cleansing after you are done with the process. The product controls sebum production and makes for a great option for oily skin.

    Pros
    • Best suited for oily skin
    • Naturally extracted
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Silicon-free
    • Fragrance-free
    • Balances pH
    Cons
    • Poor pump design
    • Comedogenic
  • Best for Heavy Makeup

    Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil

    Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil
  • It’s time to say goodbye to raccoon eyes and makeup residues. Packed in a simplistic transparent bottle, Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil works as a great cleanser to remove impurities, eye makeup, lip makeup and even the overall makeup base. It is made with nourishing apricot seed oil that helps in effortlessly removing the makeup without any pulling of the skin. Just 1-2 pumps of this velvety cleansing oil should be massaged into dry skin and emuslified with some lukewarm water.

    Pros
    • Double cleansing
    • No tugging
    • Does not clog pores
    • Water-friendly formula
    • Works on heavy makeup
    • Tangerine scent
    Cons
    • Not for oily skin
  • Best for Dry Skin

    IUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil

    IUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
  • IUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil melts your makeup like a dream without facilitating acne, breakouts, or clogged pores. With the goodness of exotic ingredients like calendula flower extracts, canola oil, sunflower seed oil, and cananga odorata flower oil, the plant-based oil makes sure to remove even stubborn makeup for complete cleansing. The alcohol-free product also ensures all-day-long hydration for your skin, making it one of the best Korean oil cleansers for dry skin.

    Pros
    • Deeply cleanses thoroughly
    • Exotic plant-based ingredients
    • Fragrance-free
    • Free of harmful chemicals
    • Provides moisturization
    • Reduces blackheads
    Cons
    • Poor packaging
  • Dermatologically-tested

    MANYO FACTORY Pure Cleansing Oil

    MANYO FACTORY Pure Cleansing Oil
  • MANYO FACTORY Pure Cleansing Oil is derived from clean natural ingredients which effectively remove buildups, makeup, sebum, and sunscreen to make way for your actual skincare routine. The gentle components like olive oil, camellia oil, vitamin E, argan oil, jojoba seed oil, and omega 3 fatty acids treat and balance the pH of your skin while removing the toxic elements from your face. The hypoallergenic product is made to keep nasty reactions at bay for people with sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Gentle formula
    • Melts impurities effectively
    • Non-irritant components
    • Derived from natural oils
    • Balances skin pH
    • Contains anti-oxidant
    Cons
    • Overpowering smell
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil

    Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil
  • Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil is one of the best Korean oil cleansers which is specially curated for people with sensitive skin. The cleansing oil is loaded with the goodness of natural ingredients like jojoba, grape seed oils, olive, and aloe vera that give a soothing effect to your skin. Loaded with PHA, the cleansing oil is best suited to gently exfoliate and remove dirt and impurities from the upper layer of your skin.

    Pros
    • Easy-to-use
    • Naturally derived ingredients
    • Lightly exfoliates
    • Controls sebum production
    • Nourishes the face
    • Best suited for sensitive skin
    • Leaves the skin purified
    Cons
    • Scented
  • Tonymoly Wonder Apricot Deep Cleansing Oil

    Tonymoly Wonder Apricot Deep Cleansing Oil
  • Tonymoly Wonder Apricot Deep Cleansing Oil is one good Korean Oil Cleanser that is suitable for all age groups and is mostly meant for people with dry skin. With the benefits of apricot seed oil, the cleansing oil gently breaks down the makeup base while extracting the impurities and dirt from the skin as the first step of the skincare routine. The deep cleansing oil doesn’t clog pores and ensures that your skin remains hydrated all day long.

    Pros
    • Dissolves build-ups
    • Deep cleanses pores
    • Water-friendly formula
    • Contains natural plant-based oil
    • Fruity scent
    • Moisturizes the face
    Cons
    • The pump could be sturdier
  • MANYO FACTORY Herb Green Cleansing Oil

    MANYO FACTORY Herb Green Cleansing Oil
  • MANYO FACTORY Herb Green Cleansing Oil is a good option to effectively remove your daily makeup. With the goodness of artemisia, tea tree, jojoba, olive oil, and vitamin E, the deep cleansing oil extracts impurities without clogging the pores. The naturally derived gentle formula soothes the upper layer of the skin while removing the dead cells and blackheads alongside the impurities and dirt. The product contains zero chemicals, synthetic oil, or PEGs and, thus, it makes for a great option for sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Naturally derived
    • Removes impurities and dirt
    • Light textured
    • Soothes the skin
    • Deeply cleanses
    • Doesn’t irritate the skin
    • Zero chemicals
    • Dermatologically-tested
    Cons
    • Packaging could be better
  • S SARANGHAE MEANS I LOVE YOU Double Cleansing Oil

    S SARANGHAE MEANS I LOVE YOU Double Cleansing Oil
  • S SARANGHAE MEANS I LOVE YOU comes with a 2-in-1 double cleansing oil that effectively removes the makeup from your skin while infusing a deeply moisturizing formula in your skin. With the goodness of green tea extracts, white truffles, and powerful anti-aging components, the skin repairing formula is unmatched for the Korean product. As it softly breaks your makeup and deals with dirt and debris, it leaves hydration on your skin that lasts through all day.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Removes makeup effectively
    • Keeps skin hydrated
    • Goodness of olive oil
    • Doesn’t strip off natural oils
    • Works for sensitive skin
    • Keeps skin soft
    Cons
    • Overpowering smell

    Quick Tip

    While double cleansing, opt for an exfoliating cloth that completely removes dust, dirt, and residue. The second wash with exfoliator removes build-up to give glowing skin.

  • DearKlairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil

    DearKlairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil
  • DearKlairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil is a daily cleansing oil that quickly emulsifies to make your skin and pores squeaky clean. The hydrating formula comes from 85% plant-based oils which are loaded with linoleic acid, antioxidants, and vitamins to give your skin the ultimate touch of luxury when you remove your makeup. The spreadable texture helps in melting away makeup effectively while the hydrating components leave a radiant glow after that.

    Pros
    • Mild ingredients
    • Melts away the makeup
    • Hydrating formula
    • Rich in antioxidants
    • Suits all skin type
    • Handy packaging
    Cons
    • Pump could be sturdier
  • IOPE Moist Cleansing Oil

    IOPE Moist Cleansing Oil
  • IOPE offers a Korean oil cleanser for your skincare that works as a purifying oil to give you a radiant complexion while removing the impurities from your skin. The oil cleanser, which is the perfect blend of grapeseed oil, coconut oil, safflower oil, and olive oil, extracts even the slightest of makeup from your skin along with the dirt, dust, and other components from your skin for a brighter complexion.

    Pros
    • Naturally derived
    • Strengthen the upper layer
    • Cleanses thoroughly
    • Has amino acid
    • Provides moisture to your skin
    • Soothing and refreshing glow
    • Strengthens the skin barrier
    Cons
    • May cause an allergic reaction to some
  • numbuzin No.1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil

    numbuzin No.1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil
  • This easy-peasy cleansing oil is indeed an easy-peasy one to use! All you need is a few drops of the holy grail to remove the accumulated residues from your face. With the goodness of macadamia ternifolia seed oil and corn oil, the plant-based product claims to dissolve even the strongest form of waste from your pores to make them squeaky clean. It further decreases the sebum production that single-handedly causes acne.

    Pros
    • Natural oils
    • Dissolves blackheads
    • Melts waterproof makeup
    • Decreases sebum production
    • Easy-to-use
    • Cleans pores
    Cons
    • Has fragrance
  • THANKYOU FARMER Pollufree Pore Deep Cleansing Oil

    THANKYOU FARMER Pollufree Pore Deep Cleansing Oil
  • THANKYOU FARMER’s cleansing oil is a fragrance-free product best suited for double cleansing for the ones who take the skincare game rather too seriously! The product contains Korean perilla herb extract which has been known for being a holy grail for sensitive skin people The gentle formula of the cleansing oil ensures that your skin doesn’t get irritated, thus, it is indeed a great product to consider for people who are looking for a non-irritating product.

    Pros
    • Deeply cleanses
    • Removes pollutants
    • Clinically tested
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Removes excessive serum
    • Best for irritated skin
    Cons
    • Strong fragrance

    How to Choose the Best Korean Oil Cleanser?

    Before you lay your hands on the best Korean oil cleanser, let us tell you that Korean oil cleansers come in two forms- balm and oil. Both work equally great on your skin, to begin with. Let’s have a look at how you can pick the best kind of cleanser for your skin—

    a) Type- People with oily skin should look for a lightweight cleanser that often contains linoleic acid to keep the natural oil of the skin balanced. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, you should look for a product with oleic-rich acid as it infuses hydration and doesn’t strip off the natural oil from your skin.

    b) Price- Korean oil cleansers come at different prices to match your budget. From premium beauty to drugstore ones, Korean brands have something for everyone’s budget.

    c) Components- It is a no-brainer that you should refrain yourself from adding color, fragrances, and harmful chemicals into your skincare routine irrespective of the skin type. However, people with sensitive skin should opt for a hypoallergenic formula, to begin with!

    Pro Tip

    Use the cleansing oil to perform a facial massage to reduce inflammation. You can either use a facial tool or your knuckles to reduce puffiness, bloating, and random redness.

    What is the Correct Way to Use Korean Oil Cleanser?

    After a long tiring day, when you are ready to pamper yourself, cleansing oil should be the first thing you should lay your hands on—

    • First, take a look at the instruction on the package whether you need a dry or wet base before you proceed.
    • Take a generous amount of oil and start massaging in circular and anti-circular motions before washing it off or using a cloth to remove the impurities.
    • Now, take a cleanser for the next step of your double cleansing process, and rub it in the palms to generate foam to clear off the oil and leftover debris. Lastly, wash it off with normal cold water and pat it dry with a clean cloth.
    • Splash your favorite toner or mist immediately to balance the pH of your skin and lock in the moisture before proceeding with other steps.

    Now that you know how Koreans remain youthful and glowy, consider including these best Korean oil cleansers in your skincare regimen for a flawless outcome. We would love to bust out the myths that people with oily skin cannot explore this kind of cleansing oil. Well, we hope you would got a fair idea from the above points now that there are cleansing oils specially meant for oily skin beauties. These cleansers are the first step of the famous K-beauty skincare routine, and we don’t deny their effectiveness for sure.

    FAQ's

    Are oil cleansers safe?
    Yes, oil cleansers are safe irrespective of skin type. Several oil cleansers target different skin types.
    How do cleansing oils work?
    Cleansing oils break the strong bond of the mineral sunscreens and waterproof makeup with your skin that a foaming cleanser couldn’t do alone.
    Which cleansing oil is best for acne?
    Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is best suited for acne-prone skin. Other than that, any non-comedogenic cleansing oil that doesn’t clog pores is best for your acne-prone skin.
    What is the difference between Korean oil cleansers and milk cleansers?
    Korean oil cleansers are oil based which extract dirt, debris, and makeup from your skin while milk cleansers are water-based and moisturize your face when cleaning.
    What are the best Korean cleansing oils?
    There are so many, as listed above. However, a cleansing oil with natural ingredients and gentle formula should be on everyone’s lookout.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Having reviewed the best Korean oil cleansers, our skincare aficionado Anoushka offers her readers a reliable guide in the world of K-beauty skincare. Understanding the popularity and effectiveness of Korean skincare products, she conducted comprehensive research on various oil cleansers. Key aspects such as ingredient lists, formulation, effectiveness in removing makeup and impurities, and skin compatibility were evaluated. According to her, the Face Shop Rice Water Bright Facial Cleansing Oil, the Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil and the IUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil are the top-performing oil cleansers that deliver outstanding results. This review will help skincare enthusiasts explore the best Korean oil cleansers, promoting a double-cleansing routine for thoroughly cleansed and nourished skin with a touch of Korean beauty expertise.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More