The Best Korean Oil Cleansers for Dry, Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
Your cleanser should work hard—without being harsh. Korean oil cleansers do just that. They clear away makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, all while keeping your skin feeling smooth and calm. It’s no wonder they’ve become a go-to step in the famous Korean double cleanse routine.
And it’s not just hype. A study from 2019 showed that oil cleansers did a much better job at removing waterproof sunscreen than regular face washes. Like, they left behind only about 6% of the sunscreen, while normal cleansers left over 36%. That’s a pretty big difference—especially if you're layering on products every day.
Another reason to love them? They’re way gentler on your skin barrier. So if your skin is dry or easily irritated, oil cleansers can actually help keep things calm and moisturized instead of making it worse.
We’ve tried, tested, and narrowed down the best Korean oil cleansers out there—so whether your skin’s dry, oily, or somewhere in between, you’ll find one that actually works for you.
Why Choose a KOREAN Oil Cleanser?
What sets them apart? It’s in the ingredients, the feel, and how they fit perfectly into a gentle but effective double cleansing routine.
Many Korean brands use plant oils like rice bran, green tea, and camellia—ingredients that have been trusted for ages to soothe and nourish skin. In fact, a 2020 study even shows that these natural oils can help protect your skin barrier, calm irritation, and ease breakouts.
On top of that, Korean oil cleansers are usually pH-balanced and fragrance-free, making them great if your skin is sensitive or prone to acne. They’re designed to be light, hydrating, and won’t clog your pores—something you don’t always get with regular oil cleansers.
So, the bottom line is this: Korean oil cleansers mix smart science with time-tested natural ingredients, and your skin will really notice the difference.
The Best Korean Oil Cleansers for Dry, Oily, & Acne-Prone Skin
Alright, let’s get into it — finding the right oil cleanser can feel tricky, especially when your skin has its own moods. Some days it’s dry, other days it’s shiny, and sometimes it’s just breaking out for no reason. That’s why I’ve broken it down by skin type, so you can find something that actually fits your routine.
Best Korean Oil Cleansers for Dry Skin
If your skin feels tight after washing or flakes around your nose or cheeks, you’ll want something that cleans without making things worse.
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Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil – This one’s seriously hydrating. It’s made with 50% soybean oil, and the ginseng seed oil gives it this calming, spa-like feel. It removes sunscreen and makeup but leaves your skin soft, not squeaky.
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The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil – This is a classic for a reason. It feels creamy and adds a gentle glow, thanks to the rice water.
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Dr. Ceuracle Pro Balance Pure Cleansing Oil – Kind of a hidden gem. It’s packed with good-for-you oils that don’t strip the skin and just help it feel balanced and smooth.
Best Korean Oil Cleansers for Oily Skin
If you’re dealing with shiny T-zones or mid-day grease, don’t skip oil cleansers — they can help control oil when you use the right one.
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Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil – It sounds rich, but it’s honestly so lightweight. It rinses off easily and helps with oil control without drying your skin out.
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Heimish All Clean Balm – This one starts as a balm and melts into an oil. It melts off stubborn makeup fast—and it’s honestly so satisfying to use.
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Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [PHA] – This one gently exfoliates while cleaning your pores, which is perfect if blackheads are a thing for you.
Best Korean Oil Cleansers for Acne-Prone Skin
Okay, I get it — putting oil on acne-prone skin feels scary. But Korean oil cleansers are built differently. These are calming, non-comedogenic, and actually help reduce breakouts over time.
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Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil – Honestly, it’s one of the safest picks for breakout-prone skin. It’s gentle, doesn’t clog pores, and the ginseng helps calm redness too.
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Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil – This one’s simple, super clean ingredients, and really good at pulling out all the gunk without causing drama.
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iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil – Calendula’s the real MVP in this one. It helps calm flare-ups and reduces that angry-skin feeling.
Why is Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil #1 for Every Skin Type
This oil cleanser has earned a serious fan base both in Korea and globally. It topped Olive Young’s bestsellers list (that’s Korea’s go-to beauty hub) and has over 4.8-star ratings on sites like YesStyle and Stylevana, with thousands of real reviews.
It’s made with 50% soybean oil, which is super gentle and full of antioxidants that help calm your skin. It melts away makeup, sunscreen, and gunk from the day without messing up your natural oils. There’s also ginseng seed oil in there, and that’s not just for show — ginseng helps boost circulation and gives your skin that healthy, rested look. (Studies even back it up — this one from Pharmaceuticals shows ginseng helps with hydration and reducing oxidative stress.)
No matter your skin type, this oil just works.
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Dry skin? It keeps things soft and smooth.
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Oily? It balances you out without clogging pores.
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Breaking out? It’s fragrance-free and doesn’t trigger irritation.
And honestly, if you're wearing sunscreen every day (which you totally should), this is the kind of cleanser that actually gets it all off without rubbing too hard. We’ve tried a bunch, and this one really does the job.
How to Use a Korean Oil Cleanser (Without Making a Mess)
Using an oil cleanser might sound fancy, but it’s super simple—and honestly kind of satisfying. Here's how to do it right:
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Start with dry hands and a dry face. Yep, no water yet! Pump 1–2 times into your palm.
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Massage it in. It’ll melt away everything—even waterproof mascara and sunscreen.
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Add a bit of water. Wet your hands and keep massaging. The oil will turn milky—that’s called emulsifying.
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Rinse it off.
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(Optional but worth it) Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser for the full Korean double cleanse.
Trust me, once you try this, there’s no going back to makeup wipes. It’s gentler, more effective, and your skin will thank you.
Where to Buy
You don’t have to go hunting all over the internet—we’ve got the real deal right here at Cheon Beauty. You can grab the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm—right from us. We make sure everything is authentic, fresh, and shipped with care.
✨ Shop now at Cheon Beauty and treat your skin.
P.S. We often run sweet deals, so keep an eye out!
FAQ
Can oily skin use oil cleansers without clogging pores?
I get why this sounds confusing—using oil when your skin’s already oily? But trust me, oil cleansers can actually help balance things out. They break down all the extra oil and dirt without stripping your skin dry, which means fewer clogged pores and less shine over time. Just make sure you pick one that’s light and won’t block your pores.
Are Korean oil cleansers safe for sensitive skin?
If your skin’s easily irritated, you’ll be happy to hear that most Korean oil cleansers are super gentle. They usually skip strong fragrances and harsh stuff, and their pH is balanced to keep your skin calm. I’d say look for ones made for sensitive skin—you’ll get a nice, soothing cleanse without the redness or stinging.
How often should I use an oil cleanser?
You don’t have to go crazy with it. Using an oil cleanser once a day, especially at night, works best for most people. It’s perfect for wiping off makeup, sunscreen, and everything your skin picked up during the day. If you’re not wearing makeup or heavy products, you can adjust and use it less often—just listen to what your skin needs.
Can oil cleansers help with acne?
Good news—yes, they can! Oil cleansers help melt away all the stuff that clogs pores and causes breakouts. Plus, many have calming ingredients that keep irritation down. Just pick one that’s made for acne-prone skin so it’s not too heavy or greasy. It’s a gentle way to keep your skin clean and clear.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real—oil cleansers can feel a little intimidating at first. But once you find your match, there’s no going back. Korean beauty totally cracked the code here. Their cleansers don’t just remove makeup; they make your skin feel calm, clean, and kind of... happy?
If we had to point you to one that really does it all, Beauty of Joseon’s Radiance Cleansing Balm is that girl. It’s been a quiet favorite for skincare lovers everywhere—gentle enough for sensitive skin, tough enough for waterproof mascara. And yes, it’s been raved about in awards, beauty editor picks, and Reddit threads you didn’t know you needed.
Want to try it? You can grab it directly from us at Cheon Beauty—fast shipping and no weird markups.
