The magic of the best Korean cleansing oil lies in its ability to gently remove impurities from the pores—blackheads, sebum, and makeup. “Cleansing oils are the first step in your cleanse routine and are used as the first part of a double cleanse,” Dr. Christine Hall, a general practitioner in medical aesthetics, explains to Vogue.
“Usually applied onto dry skin, a cleansing oil melts away oil-soluble contaminants like makeup and SPF and the grime from the day. After massaging into the skin water is added which emulsifies the product and washes it away. It can then be followed with a water-soluble cleanser which washes away water-soluble products.”
Dr. Anetta Reszko, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explained to Vogue previously that double cleansing (a two-step process of using a water-based cleanser after an oil cleanser) “is often recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin to ensure all impurities are thoroughly removed.” “For dry or sensitive skin, a single oil cleanse may be sufficient, as it effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin.”
Vogue’s Favorite Korean Oil Cleansers
To make the most of your Korean oil, remember not to apply the oil with a wet hand or a wet face as that will emulsify the formula before it has been massaged into the skin. To better prepare the skin to retrieve sebum from pores, take a page from K-beauty TikTok creator Liu Yuhan, who suggests placing warm towels on your nose for ten minutes. The heat and steam will help open up the pores before applying a cleansing oil to remove the sebaceous filaments.
Another tip is to apply the cleansing oil before hopping into a steamy shower to open up the pores. Careful not to get your face wet, massage your skin to get rid of blackheads. When finally ready, emulsify the formula with water and rinse. Ahead, a look at the best Korean cleansing oils on the market right now.
In This Article
- Why We Love It: This vegan oil cleanser is unscented and contains only nine ingredients, making it perfect for everyday use. Its gentle watery texture leaves the skin moisturized but not oily, and is great for those who need to rebuild their skin barrier. The key ingredient—black rice bran oil—works to tone, brighten, and nourish the skin.
- Key Ingredients: Black rice bran oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil
- Best For: Sensitive skin, brightening
- Size: 5.1 oz
- Why We Love It: The thickest of the oil cleansers, this balm can remove it all: makeup, sunscreen, blackheads, and dead skin. Without stripping the skin of its natural barrier, the balm melts into an oil from the skin’s heat and later becomes delightfully milky when introduced to water. The mild formula also has a light herbal scent from ten plant-based essential oils.
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut extract
- Best For: Dry skin
- Size: 4.05 oz
- Why We Love It: For those who want a lightweight oil that removes sebum and grim while soothing the skin, look no further. The cleansing oil is made up of 10% calendula flower extract which calms sensitive skin. The ingredient is also full of antioxidants that studies show protect the skin from free radicals.
- Key Ingredients: Calendula extract, sunflower oil
- Best For: Dry skin, soothing
- Size: 6.76 oz
- Why We Love It: The ever-so-powerful rice bran oil in this cleansing oil dissolves and removes sebum build-up and makeup. However, what makes this formula special is the ingredient LHA, which is a derivative of salicylic acid and works similarly to gently slough off dead skin.
- Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, sunflower seed oil, LHA
- Best For: Slow exfoliation, brightening
- Size: 6.76 oz
- Why We Love It: This bestselling non-comedogenic formula removes any trace of the day with a single rich lather. Made in mind for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin, this cleanser works for everyone.
- Key Ingredients: Argan oil, rice bran oil
- Best For: Acne-prone skin, sensitive skin
- Size: 6.76 oz
- Why We Love It: This cult classic silky olive oil-based formula leaves skin soft and radiant every time. Along with the antioxidant-rich 100% organic olive oil, there is a blend of vitamin E and rosemary lead oil to protect and refresh the skin. All in all a luxurious experience that rinses away easily without stinging the eyes.
- Key Ingredients: Olive oil, vitamin E, rosemary leaf oil
- Best For: Dry skin, acne-prone skin
- Size: 6.7 oz
- Why We Love It: Who says an oil cleanser can’t be deeply pore cleansing? Abib’s blend of six plant-based oils and PHA gently massages and exfoliates pore buildup such as blackheads. Another star ingredient is heartleaf extract which works to soothe and moisturize the skin while also controlling sebum.
- Key Ingredients: Heartleaf extract, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, PHA
- Best For: Sensitive skin, dry skin
- Size: 6.76 oz
- Why We Love It: The amount of skincare technology in this cleansing oil is magnificent. Omega ceramide, cholesterol, and fatty acids work to strengthen a weakened skin barrier while 8 types of hyaluronic acids in different low, medium, and high molecules keep the skin hydrated—in other words, wow. With a texture as lightweight as water, it quickly emulsifies to wash away makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and blackheads.
- Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid
- Best For: Dry skin, sensitive skin
- Size: 6.76 oz
- Why We Love It: Remove all traces of the day with this cleansing oil formulated with the calming centella asiatica. The blend of the four botanical oils leaves skin soft and supple, but never greasy. If your skin barrier is particularly irritated, this cleansing oil will soothe irritation and redness.
- Key Ingredients: Sunflower oil, centella asiatica
- Best For: Sensitive skin, acne-prone skin
- Size: 6.76 oz
- Why We Love It: The watery oil formula glides on easily for a smooth facial massage that helps to remove any blackheads and sebum. The ginseng oil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory brightening benefits as well. Oh, and the light grassy scent adds to the lush experience of kneading your face.
- Key Ingredients: Soybean oil, ginseng oil
- Best For: Mature skin, dry skin
- Size: 7.1 oz
Everything You Need to Know
What makes Korean cleansing oil special?
“Korean cleansing oils emphasize skin barrier support and a sensory experience, using lightweight, non-comedogenic oils that thoroughly cleanse without disrupting skin hydration,” board-certified general and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu tells Vogue. “They often double as skin-care treatments, infusing skin with antioxidants and botanicals as they cleanse.”
What ingredients are common in Korean cleansing oils?
Common ingredients include rice bran oil, ginseng oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and the calming centella asiatica. Many also have an array of different herbal oils to refresh the skin.
What should people look for in a Korean cleansing oil?
For those with acne-prone skin, they should look for non-comedogenic oils and avoid heavy occlusives like coconut oil or shea butter. According to Dr. Liu, generally, people should look for emulsifying formulas that are packed with plant-based oils and fragrance-free or lightly fragranced.
What skin type best benefits from using Korean cleansing oils?
Dr. Carmen Castilla is a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital told Vogue previously that “cleansing oils can be used for essentially all skin types,” but notes that they are most beneficial for those with sensitive, dry, eczema, or mature skin types who can benefit from the extra hydration they impart. Dr. Hall echoes this, recommending that those with oily and acne-prone skin follow up with a water-soluble cleanser to ensure no excessive oily residue is left behind.
How to Use a Cleansing Oil?
With dry hands, apply one to two pumps of cleansing oil onto dry skin for 30 to 60 seconds to break down excess oil, makeup, sweat, and sunscreen. Add a splash of water to emulsify the product and then rinse off. For those with acne-prone or oily skin, follow up with a water-based cleanser.
- Dr. Jenny Liu is a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey and host of The Skin Deep & Unfiltered podcast.
- Dr. Christine Hall is a general practitioner in medical aesthetics.
