Anyone pursuing that coveted glass skin glow knows the cleansing step is crucial. Korean brands like BANILA CO and medicube offer some of the best cleansing balms and oils to dissolve makeup and impurities without dulling your skin. These formulas hydrate while effectively removing even stubborn waterproof makeup, making them ideal first steps for your double cleansing routine.
Elevate your skincare by choosing from deeply nourishing cleansing oils or silky balms that invigorate your complexion and leave no greasy residue behind. Here are 9 Korean cleansing oils and balms that deliver deep hydration and refresh your skin for that luminous finish.
1. medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Cleansing Oil
What it is: An all-in-one cleansing oil that dissolves sebum, blackheads, and makeup in one easy step.
Best for: All skin types, including sensitive areas like the eye contour.
Texture: Refreshing oil-to-milk formula that emulsifies quickly and leaves no residue.
- Targets sebum and impurities deep within pores
- Contains 90.6% plant-based oils for a gentle cleanse
- Leaves skin moisturized, soft, and refreshed
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2. MANYO Pure Cleansing Oil
What it is: A natural oil cleanser with 14 plant-based oils that deeply cleanse and nourish skin.
Best for: All skin types, including sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin.
Texture: Lightweight oil that melts makeup and impurities without stripping.
- Trusted Korea’s No.1 cleansing oil with 20M+ bottles sold
- Effectively removes waterproof makeup and blackheads
- Hydrates skin as it cleanses, leaving no dryness
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3. BANILA CO Clean it Zero Original Cleansing Balm
What it is: A cult-favorite sherbet-type balm that melts into oil to remove heavy makeup effortlessly.
Best for: All skin types, including dry, oily, and combination.
Texture: Soft sherbet balm that transforms into smooth oil upon contact.
- Over 100 million units sold worldwide
- Contains antioxidant-rich Acerola berry and Vitamin C
- Certified vegan, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic
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4. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Facial Cleansing Oil
What it is: A lightweight cleansing oil enriched with rice water and jojoba oil for radiant skin.
Best for: All skin types needing gentle pore cleansing and makeup removal.
Texture: Light oil that melts waterproof makeup and impurities instantly.
- Effectively removes waterproof makeup and reduces pore appearance
- Enriched with vitamins A, B, E, and ceramide for moisturized skin
- Dermatologist tested and vegan-friendly formula
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5. HEIMISH All Clean Balm
What it is: A multi-functional vegan balm that removes heavy makeup and provides hydration.
Best for: All skin types, especially oily and dull skin.
Texture: Rich balm that transforms to oil then milky emulsion with water.
- Clinically proven to eliminate impurities and reduce blackheads
- Enriched with 10 natural essential oils for a calming scent
- Boosts skin hydration by over 100% instantly
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6. ANUA Heartleaf Pore Cleansing Oil MILD
What it is: A mild cleansing oil formulated for sensitive skin with pore cleansing properties.
Best for: Sensitive skin needing gentle but effective makeup removal.
Texture: Lightweight oil that cleanses without irritation or fragrance.
- Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formula
- Removes blackheads and makeup effectively
- Gentle enough for sensitive, easily irritated skin
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7. beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil
What it is: A fragrance-free, lightweight cleansing oil infused with mung bean extract for gentle makeup removal.
Best for: Sensitive and combination skin seeking a deep cleansing, non-irritating option.
Texture: Refreshing oil texture that cleanses without sticky residue.
- Removes waterproof makeup and pore-clogging impurities
- Moisturizes and strengthens skin barrier with mung bean polysaccharides
- Clinically tested non-comedogenic formula
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8. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Double Cleansing Duo Set
What it is: A duo set combining a hydrating cleansing oil and gentle foaming cleanser for deep pore care.
Best for: All skin types wanting multi-step cleansing with glowing results.
Texture: Lightweight oil melting into a foaming cleanser enriched with ceramide.
- Removes waterproof makeup and reduces pore visibility
- Nourishes with rice water vitamins and moisturizing ceramides
- Dermatologist tested vegan formula for gentle yet effective cleansing
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9. ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil
What it is: A fresh, lightweight cleansing oil formulated for sensitive skin that thoroughly removes makeup and impurities.
Best for: Sensitive skin prone to blackheads seeking a gentle daily cleanser.
Texture: Light oil that emulsifies easily and rinses clean without oily residue.
- Contains nature-derived oils to soothe and protect irritated skin
- Removes sebum, fine dust, and makeup for deep pore cleansing
- Approved in skin irritation tests for gentle daily use
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How to Choose the Right Option for Your Skin
- Consider your skin type: Choose gentler, fragrance-free options like ANUA for sensitive skin or deeper cleansing oils for oily skin.
- Formula preferences: Pick a balm if you prefer a texture that transforms during cleansing, or a lightweight oil for quick makeup melting.
- Key ingredients: Look for added hydrating and antioxidant components like rice water, ceramides, or vitamin C for extra skin benefits.
- Makeup level: For heavy or waterproof makeup, select powerful removers like BANILA CO or HEIMISH.
- Double cleansing routine: Many oils pair perfectly as step one before a gentle cleanser for a thorough yet gentle cleanse.
FAQ
Can I use cleansing oils if I have oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes! Many Korean cleansing oils are formulated to dissolve excess sebum and impurities without clogging pores, making them suitable for oily and acne-prone skin when used correctly.
Do cleansing balms and oils remove waterproof makeup effectively?
Absolutely. These products are designed to break down stubborn waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and impurities gently while preserving skin’s moisture.
Is it necessary to double cleanse after using a cleansing oil or balm?
Double cleansing is recommended to ensure all traces of oil-based makeup removers are rinsed off and to prevent any residue that might clog pores.
Are these products safe for sensitive skin?
Many Korean cleansing oils and balms, especially fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested ones like ANUA and medicube, are formulated for sensitive skin and minimize irritation risks.
