The 10 Best Korean Facial Cleansers of 2024

Embarking on a journey toward a well-rounded skincare routine begins with choosing the perfect facial cleanser tailored to your skin's unique needs.

But what exactly defines an ideal cleanser?

It's all about preserving the natural pH levels of your skin. Your skin thrives when it maintains a pH of approximately 5.5, slightly acidic in nature. That's why low-pH cleansers are highly praised by skincare experts and enthusiasts alike. In our previous discussions on the secrets of the ideal Korean skincare routine, we also touched upon the importance of these formulations.

With a plethora of excellent Korean facial cleansers available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the abundance of choices. To aid you in navigating this exciting journey and to provide guidance amidst the vast array of options, we've curated a list of standout products. Let's kickstart your skincare adventure and simplify the selection process for those who find themselves adrift in this sea of choices.

The 10 Best Korean Facial Cleansers For Healthy Skin

1. ROUNDAROUND Comfort Green Tea Trouble Bubble Foam 200ml

28,800 KRW | 144 KRW per ml | Foam Cleanser | Suitable For Sensitive, Problematic Skin

The Roundaround Comfort Green Tea Cleanser is a favored choice among those with sensitive or troubled skin. This Korean facial cleanser has earned recognition for meeting the rigorous standards of the MFDS, positioning itself as a trusted dermacosmetic solution for combating acne. With a blend of salicylic acid and LHA, it delivers a gentle yet effective cleanse, while the infusion of green tea and tea tree extract helps to restore moisture to the skin. Its fluffy foam texture minimizes the risk of irritation during use, and its balanced pH formulation makes it suitable for daily application. Plus, its transparent packaging allows you to keep an eye on when it's time to replenish your stock of this fantastic cleanser!

2. AESTURA Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser 150ml

20,000 KRW | 134 KRW per ml | Foam Cleanser | Dermacosmetic Brand | Suitable For Dry Skin

Yet another exceptional option to consider is the Aestura AtoBarrier365. This brand specializes in dermacosmetics, prioritizing the repair and fortification of the skin barrier, particularly for dry and compromised skin. With its formula optimized for the skin's pH balance, it helps prevent issues caused by tight, dry skin. The cleanser's thick, foamy consistency makes it easy to cleanse the face with minimal irritation. Recognized as the 'touchless cleanser,' this Korean facial cleanser is renowned for its effortlessly smooth and luxuriant foam produced with just a single pump.

3. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml

9,900 KRW | 66 KRW per ml | Gel Cleanser | Award-Winning Facial Cleanser

The next on our list is the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, a timeless favorite among Korean facial cleansers. True to its name, this cleanser is ideal for your morning routine. It delicately eliminates overnight sebum and oil accumulation, leaving your skin revitalized and moisturized as you begin your day. With a pH level of 5–6, it perfectly aligns with your skin barrier's optimal balance. Once lathered, you'll notice that the bubbles are moist, airy, and light. Infused with BHA and Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, this face wash offers a dynamic duo of benefits. While BHA targets the removal of dead skin cells, sebum, dirt, and pollutants from your pores, the latter ingredient, a potent antioxidant, excels in alleviating skin issues and soothing irritation. Together, these ingredients create one of the most effective facial cleansers suitable for all skin types.

4. ROUNDLAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser 150ml

13,000 KRW | 87 KRW per ml | Cream Cleanser | Award-Winning Facial Cleanser

The 1025 Dokdo Cleanser surged in popularity as people became increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of microdust on the skin. In search of gentle yet effective cleansers capable of removing dirt and debris while maintaining moisture, this cleanser emerged as a standout choice. This Korean facial cleanser exceeded expectations by not only cleansing but also leaving the skin feeling hydrated post-wash—a rarity among deep cleansers. Its secret? Deep ocean water, enriched with essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, replenishes and revitalizes the skin. Moreover, the presence of panthenol, allantoin, and ceramide NP ensures sensitive skin is soothed and protected. Despite its gentle, low pH formula, the product lathers up remarkably well, ensuring a thorough cleanse with each use.

5. S.NATURE Blanche All In One Cleanser For All Skin Types 260ml

28,000 KRW | 108 KRW per ml | Gel Cleanser | Award-Winning Facial Cleanser | Suitable For The Whole Family

Did you know that prioritizing your skin's health, particularly its barrier function, is the secret to attaining that desirable glowing, glassy complexion? A strong skin barrier efficiently retains moisture, leaving your skin hydrated, supple, and resilient. If your skincare routine involves excessive cleansing, you might unknowingly strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture, inadvertently causing more harm than good. A weakened skin barrier not only increases skin sensitivity but also speeds up the aging process. The S.Nature All in One Cleanser revolutionizes skincare with its focus on promoting skin health through moisture-rich cleansing. Formulated with a gentle, low pH formula and a powerful blend of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, red snow, BioDTox™️, beta-glucan, Portulaca oleracea extract, and chamomile, this cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It goes beyond cleansing to nourish and safeguard the skin, making it ideal for the entire family. Don't miss out on exploring their other best-selling cleanser, the Aqua Rice Foam Cleanser, to complete your skincare routine with a commitment to your skin's well-being.

6. BEPLAIN Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam 160ml

26,000 KRW | 163 KRW per ml | Cream Cleanser | Award-Winning Facial Cleanser

Are you someone who enjoys switching up your skincare products from time to time and trying out new additions to your routine? If so, you'll want to try this Korean facial cleanser! Allow us to introduce the Beplain Mung Bean low pH cleanser, enriched with polyol at a concentration of over 30%—a key ingredient renowned for enhancing skin moisturization and refining texture. Experience the nourishing power of mung beans with this innovative cleanser! While mung beans might not be a familiar skincare ingredient to some, they have long been a staple in Korean skincare practices. Traditionally, Koreans would grind mung beans into a paste and use it as a facial mask. This ingredient works wonders in soothing inflammatory skin conditions, thanks to its potent antioxidant properties and cooling effect. Additionally, it helps balance skin tone and reduce sebum production, providing a gentle yet thorough cleanse.

7. DR. DIFFERENT Zero Cleanser pH Balancing Formula 200ml

25,000 KRW | 125 KRW per ml | Foam Cleanser | Dermacosmetic Brand | Award-Winning Facial Cleanser

Dr. Different was featured in one of our most popular posts showcasing the best Korean retinol creams, and here they are again! Their low pH facial cleanser remains a steady seller in the market due to its gentle yet effective cleansing properties without causing irritation. With one of the richest and densest foams available, washing your face becomes easy and effortless. Formulated with an amino acid surfactant, ceramide, and other hydrating ingredients, this cleanser is exceptionally skin-friendly, offering deep nourishment and moisturization. Tailored for normal and dry skin types, this Korean facial cleanser is an ideal choice. You can confidently rely on products from renowned dermacosmetic brands like Dr. Different. Plus, for those with oily skin concerns, they offer an alternative option—the Zero Cleanser for Oily Skin.

8. THEYEOBAEK26 Sundinge Sherbet Cleansing Milk 200ml

29,000 KRW | 145 KRW per ml | Cleansing Milk | Recommended By Skin Estheticians And Dermatologists | Highly Suitable For Dry Skin

We are delighted to present a true hidden gem in the skincare market—the Sundinge Sherbet facial cleanser. Crafted by a professional skin esthetician specifically to address the concerns of individuals with dry, rough skin, this low pH cleansing milk is a game-changer. With 27 carefully selected ingredients, including 16 humectants and active agents, it outshines most ampoules in terms of hydration. Notably, its primary ingredient is Centella asiatica water (68%), ensuring immediate relief for irritated skin. Additionally, ingredients like ectoine, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and madecassoside work synergistically to shield and soothe the skin from external aggressors while restoring its natural barrier. These extraordinary qualities elevate the Sundinge Sherbet cleanser to a league of its own, setting a new standard for excellence in facial care.

9. MEDIPEEL Green Cica Collagen Clear Foam 2.0 120ml

15,000 KRW | 125 KRW per ml | Gel Cleanser | Highly Recommended For Acne-Prone Skin

Struggling to manage acne? Then you're in for a treat with this Korean facial cleanser. The Medipeel Green Cica Collagen Clear 2.0 is not your average cleanser; it delves deep to tackle the underlying causes of acne head-on. With an impressive ability to eliminate 99.73% of Propionibacterium acnes, the primary bacterium responsible for pore and hair follicle blockages, this cleanser also effectively regulates sebum production. Enriched with a powerful Cica Complex featuring madecassoside, asiatic acid, Centella asiatica extract, asiaticoside, and madecassic acid, alongside panthenol for oil balance, this cleanser offers holistic skincare benefits. Moreover, it incorporates AHA and PHA for gentle exfoliation, ensuring a clearer complexion as part of your daily skincare routine.

10. IANCELL Hyaluronic Synergy Cleansing Gel 200ml

45,000 KRW | 225 KRW per ml | Gel Cleanser | Dermacosmetic Brand | Suitable For All Skin Types | Highly Recommended For Dry, Sensitive, And Damaged Skin

The Iancell Hyaluronic Synergy Cleansing Gel emerges as a breakthrough innovation for those with dry, sensitive skin concerns. Formulated with mild acidity and enriched with key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, allantoin, Centella asiatica extract, Lactobacillus, and panthenol, this gel cleanser offers unparalleled hydration and gentle cleansing. The synergistic blend of hyaluronan and beta-glucan ensures a deeply hydrating cleanse, effectively removing dirt, debris, and sebum without causing irritation. Its rich foaming action minimizes any sensation of tightness post-wash, making it exceptionally gentle on the skin. While Iancell products may not fall under the budget-friendly category, the trust and acclaim they've earned in professional settings such as dermatology clinics and esthetic skin clinics underscore their worthiness. With their proven efficacy and quality, investing in Iancell skincare products is a decision that consistently delivers value, which is why we frequently feature this esteemed Korean skincare brand in our content.

Price Comparison

Here's a summary of the retail prices for the Korean eye creams mentioned. Please be aware that these are standard prices and do not reflect any potential discounts or promotions. Keep in mind that it's typical for these products to be available at lower price points due to common discounts and promotions.

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the brands mentioned in this post. Our recommendations are based on thorough research, including reviews and product ingredients, to ensure that we provide you with accurate and unbiased information.

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