Top 10 Best Korean Face Washes for Glowing Skin: Your Ultimate Guide

on  Updated: October 12, 2024

Best Korean Face Washes

Are you looking for the best Korean face wash? Then you have come to the right place! Let’s say you’re looking for that perfect cleanser that will leave your skin feeling as fresh as a drama hero (minus the heartbreak, of course). Korean skincare is all about glowing, healthy skin, and that journey starts with just the right face wash. But, with so many options, how do you know which one is perfect for you?

Don’t worry! Whether you have oily, dry or ‘combination’ skin, there are Korean face washes to take care of all skin types. Let’s move on to choosing the best face wash to have some fun! The real goal is to keep the skin bright and fresh!

Check out the 10 best Korean face washes at a glance:

1
Cosrx Best Korean Face Washes

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Price: $12.50

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2
Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Foam Cleanser

Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Foam Cleanser

Price: $19.00

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3
Innisfree Green Tea Foam Cleanser

Innisfree Green Tea Foam Cleanser

Price: $12.00

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4
Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

Price: $16.50

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5
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam

Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam

Price: $11.80

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6
Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser

Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser

Price: $18.99

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7
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam

Price: $38.00

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8
Banila Co Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser

Banila Co Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser

Price: $2.75

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9
Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser

Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser

Price: $25.00

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10
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Price: $12.00

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Why Korean Face Washes Are the Gold Standard

Why is Korean face wash so popular? Because it is the gold standard! Whenever you think of Korean skincare, thorough care, plump skin, and a lightweight texture come to mind. Let’s take a deeper look at why Korean face washes are called the best.

First, Korean face washes are always designed according to the skin’s needs. If your skin is dry, for example, that face wash will contain moisturizers and nutrients so that the skin is alive like a ‘spoon’. And if the skin is oily, it absorbs the excess oil and cleans your skin beautifully.

Speaking of which, what do you think—”Okay, so what is the best Korean face wash?” Hmmm, that’s the fun question! If you’re a fan of Korean skincare, you need to know about this. All of their face washes contain sweet ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and hyaluronic acid. Sounds like skin care or a pancake recipe?

Let me tell you a little story: A friend of mine started using a Korean face wash. “It makes my skin feel like I’m standing under a trickling waterfall!” she said on the first day. And really! The magic of Korean face wash can be understood after just one use.

Another great thing about Korean face washes is their packaging! They are so beautiful that they are made to be given as gifts. And if you’re binge-watching a series on Netflix, have some face wash on hand—it’ll spice up your skincare routine, too!

So, if you are looking for the best Korean face wash, you should have some Japanese noodles and a Korean face wash in your fridge. Your skin will look great, and your selfies will look great!

As you learn about this gold standard of Korean skincare, your skin will hopefully be golden, fresh, and glowing, too. So, what are you waiting for? Head out to find your best Korean face wash!

Top 10 Best Korean Face Washes for Every Skin Type

Whether your skin behaves like a moody teenager (hello, breakouts!) or needs some extra TLC, there’s the best Korean face wash out there that’ll have your skin looking fresh and radiant. Here are the top 10 Korean face washes you can easily find for your skin type. Let’s dive into the goodness, shall we?


Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Price: $12.50

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (Best for Oily Skin)

If you’re dealing with oily skin that has you shining by lunchtime, Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is the go-to for balancing out excess oil while keeping your skin’s moisture intact.

  • Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, BHA.
  • Benefits: This gel cleanser works wonders on oily and acne-prone skin. It controls oil without stripping your skin dry, leaving you with a fresh, matte finish.
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Lightweight, balances oil, perfect for daily use.
    • Cons: Might not be hydrating enough for dry or combo skin.

Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Foam Cleanser

Price: $19.00

Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Foam Cleanser (Best for Acne-Prone Skin)

Acne giving you a hard time? Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Foam Cleanser is like a spa in a bottle for those with acne-prone skin. Plus, it smells as refreshing as it sounds.

  • Key Ingredients: Green tea extract.
  • Benefits: This antioxidant-rich foam cleanser soothes inflamed skin, reduces redness, and helps to prevent future breakouts.
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Soothes acne-prone skin, reduces redness, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
    • Cons: The fragrance might not be for everyone.

Innisfree Green Tea Foam Cleanser

Price: $12.00

Innisfree Green Tea Foam Cleanser (Best for Combination Skin)

When your skin can’t decide whether it’s oily or dry, the Innisfree Green Tea Foam Cleanser steps in to bring balance to the chaos. It hydrates the dry areas while controlling oil in the T-zone.

  • Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, glycerin.
  • Benefits: Perfect for combination skin, this cleanser hydrates while keeping oil in check, leaving your skin refreshed but never greasy.
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Hydrating and balancing, good for everyday use.
    • Cons: May not be strong enough for those with severely oily or dry skin.

Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

Price: $16.50

Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser (Best for Dry Skin)

If your skin’s so dry you’re tempted to bathe in moisturizer, Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser is about to become your new favorite. It’s designed for ultra-sensitive, dry skin and feels like a fluffy cloud on your face.

  • Key Ingredients: Panthenol, madecassoside.
  • Benefits: This super gentle formula hydrates while it cleanses, making it perfect for dry and sensitive skin types.
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Hydrates and soothes without irritating the skin.
    • Cons: May not remove heavy makeup, so double cleansing is recommended.

Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam

Price: $11.80

Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam (Best for Sensitive Skin)

If your skin’s mood swings are worse than Monday mornings, Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam is here to save the day. Formulated by an ancient Korean medicinal brand, it’s designed with simplicity and gentleness in mind.

  • Key Ingredients: Saposhnikovia divaricata root extract.
  • Benefits: This foam cleanser calms sensitive skin, reduces redness, and won’t leave your face feeling tight or dry.
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Gentle, fragrance-free, and non-irritating.
    • Cons: May not give you a thick lather if that’s your thing.

Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser

Price: $18.99

Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser (Best for Sensitive and Dry Skin)

Dry and sensitive skin? Meet Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser. This foam cleanser is made with a low-irritant formula, perfect for those with easily upset skin that craves hydration.

  • Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides.
  • Benefits: Provides deep hydration without irritating the skin. It’s like giving your skin a big, fluffy hug.
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Extremely gentle, rich foam, suitable for dry and sensitive skin types.
    • Cons: Not the best for heavy makeup removal.

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam

Price: $38.00

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam (Best for Mature Skin)

When your skin demands a little extra luxury, Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam is here with its herbal-infused magic. This cleanser is great for mature skin or anyone who wants a more refined skincare experience.

  • Key Ingredients: Ginseng extract, peony extract.
  • Benefits: Cleanses without stripping while promoting hydration and skin elasticity. A perfect cleanser for more mature skin that needs both nourishment and care.
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Nourishing, great for anti-aging, luxurious feel.
    • Cons: Expensive, but worth it for those looking for a premium product.

Banila Co Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser

Price: $2.75

Banila Co Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser (Best for Double Cleansing Fans)

Love the double cleanse method? The Banila Co Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser is designed to be the perfect second step after your oil cleanser, leaving skin squeaky clean but never dry.

  • Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, papaya extract.
  • Benefits: This foam cleanser removes impurities while hydrating the skin, making it a perfect follow-up to an oil-based cleanser.
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Removes dirt and makeup without stripping, perfect for double cleansing.
    • Cons: Not the best for those who prefer a one-step routine.

Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser

Price: $25.00

Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser (Best for Dry, Sensitive Skin)

For those who feel like their skin is thirsty all the time, Laneige’s Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser is here to hydrate while it cleanses. It’s a gentle, milk-like formula that gives dry skin the TLC it deserves.

  • Key Ingredients: White tea leaf extract.
  • Benefits: Provides intense hydration while melting away impurities, perfect for those with dry and sensitive skin.
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Extremely hydrating, gentle on the skin.
    • Cons: May not work well for oily skin types.

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Price: $12.00

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser (Best for Dull Skin)

Want brighter skin? The Face Shop’s Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser is here to help. It’s infused with rice water, known for brightening and clarifying the skin, leaving you glowing after each wash.

  • Key Ingredients: Rice water extract.
  • Benefits: Brightens dull skin, improves skin tone, and helps remove makeup and dirt without harsh scrubbing.
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Brightening, gentle, suitable for all skin types.
    • Cons: May be slightly drying for those with very dry skin.

How to Choose the Best Korean Face Wash for Your Skin

Finding the best face wash for your skin is not an easy task, but don’t worry! We are here to help you. As you know, the skin is a smooth, protective layer of our body, so it is important to take care of it. Let’s discuss how we choose the best Korean face wash.

1. Match it with your skin type:
Understand your skin first. Is it oily, dry, or sensitive? If you have oily skin, you can use a gel or foam-based face wash, which will absorb oil and leave your skin clean. And if you have dry skin, look into a moisturizing face wash.

Once my friend bought a face wash, which was labeled “for all skin types”. Then she said, “Is it face wash or rat food?” 🤣 So, be careful and pick a face wash that matches your skin type!

2. Note the ingredients:
Korean face washes are usually made with natural ingredients. Ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid nourish your skin. If you are wondering “is green tea just a drink?” But let’s say – it is also very beneficial for the skin!

3. Aroma and Texture:
Understand how the face wash smells and what its texture is like. Some like very sweet scents, while others prefer more floral scents. So find your favorite scent face wash.

A friend of mine is very fond of floral face wash. She said, “When I use it, it feels like I’m standing in a flower garden!” 🌸 So, if you feel like you’re in a flower garden while washing your face, then face wash is just right!

4. Read the review:
It is good to learn from others’ experiences. Check out the reviews on various websites. When you see what others say about the face wash, you will know if it is right for you.

5. Try a little:
Finally, remember, you may get a better face wash than the first time. It takes some effort. So if the first face wash doesn’t work for your skin, don’t despair. One woman said, “I thought it was going to transform my skin, but then I found out, I was just washing my face!” 😂

So, you are all set to choose the best Korean face wash for your skin! Your skin is guaranteed to be bright and fresh. So, begin your face wash discovery journey, and remember—it’s like being the heroine of your own skincare story! 🌟

Benefits of Adding a Korean Face Wash to Your Routine

Korean face washes don’t just clean your skin—they transform it. Here’s what you’ll get from incorporating one into your routine:

  • Hydration and Nourishment: Korean cleansers focus on keeping your skin hydrated while washing away impurities.
  • Gentle Formulation: They’re made for everyday use, so you won’t strip your skin dry (unlike that harsh face scrub you used in high school—never again).
  • Perfect Prep for the Rest of Your Routine: A good cleanse sets the stage for toners, serums, and moisturizers to work their magic.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Korean face wash isn’t just about washing your face—it’s about treating your skin with the love it deserves. Whether you’re oily, dry, or somewhere in between, there’s a K-beauty cleanser out there for you. Try one of these top picks and get ready to glow like your favorite K-drama star. Your skin (and your selfies) will thank you!

FAQs about the Best Korean Face Wash

Answer: Korean face washes are known for their gentle yet effective formulas. They often use natural, innovative ingredients like green tea, rice water, and even snail mucin (yep, snail slime!) to cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Plus, they tend to focus on long-term skin health, rather than quick fixes. Korean cleansers are also great at prepping your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine, like toners and serums. It’s all about that glow!

Answer: It’s all about knowing your skin type and what it needs. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Look for a best Korean face wash with ingredients like tea tree oil or salicylic acid to help control excess oil and breakouts.
  • Dry Skin: Go for something hydrating, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or panthenol.
  • Sensitive Skin: Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic option that calms irritation with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica or green tea.
  • Combination Skin: You’ll need a balancing cleanser that hydrates dry areas while controlling oil in your T-zone.

Answer: Most Korean face washes are designed to cleanse the skin, but not all are strong enough to remove heavy makeup on their own. Many K-beauty lovers follow the double cleansing method, where they use an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based face wash to remove any remaining impurities. For heavy makeup, look for cleansers specifically designed for makeup removal, like the Banila Co Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser.

Answer: Twice a day is the sweet spot—once in the morning to refresh your skin and once in the evening to remove dirt, oil, and any grime you’ve picked up during the day. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to use a super gentle cleanser like Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam in the morning and save the more thorough cleanse for the evening.

Answer: Absolutely! In fact, many best Korean face wash products are perfect for acne-prone skin. Look for cleansers that contain tea tree oil, BHA, or green tea—ingredients known for their acne-fighting properties. The Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Foam Cleanser is a great option as it calms breakouts while soothing redness.

Answer: Yes, many Korean face washes are great for mature skin. Look for products with hydrating and nourishing ingredients like ginseng, peptides, and antioxidants. The Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam, for instance, is packed with herbal extracts that not only cleanse but also support skin elasticity and hydration, making it a fantastic option for those with mature skin.

Answer: Double cleansing is a popular K-beauty practice, and it’s especially helpful if you wear makeup or sunscreen. The first step involves using an oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup, SPF, and excess oil. Then, you follow up with a water-based Korean face wash to cleanse the skin and remove any remaining impurities. If you’re not a fan of double cleansing, no worries! You can still use a good Korean face wash, just make sure it suits your skin type and needs.

Answer: Yes, plenty! Korean skincare is known for its gentle formulations, and there are several options for sensitive skin. Look for fragrance-free cleansers with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica, madecassoside, or green tea. Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam and Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser are both fantastic for sensitive skin as they cleanse without causing irritation.

Answer: Of course! Skin is skin, and anyone can benefit from using a best Korean face wash. In fact, many men love the light, refreshing feel of Korean cleansers. Whether you’re battling oil, acne, or just want that fresh, clean feeling, there’s a Korean face wash for you. Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a popular unisex option that’s effective for oily and acne-prone skin.

Answer: You can easily find Korean face washes in the US, either online or in stores. Popular retailers like Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora carry many of the top brands. You can also check out K-beauty specialty sites like Soko Glam and Peach & Lily for an even wider selection. Just search for your preferred product and start glowing!