10 Best Korean Cleansers For Acne (2024)
These mild cleansers treat acne & other skin issues, offering you a soft, glowing look.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Philippine Medical Association, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and International Society of Dermatology.
Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
StyleCraze believes in credibility and giving our readers access to authentic and evidence-based content. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. If you discover any discrepancy in our content, you may contact us.
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Cleansing may be crucial, especially for acne-prone skin, and finding the best Korean cleanser for acne can be tricky in a market replete with K-beauty products. An effective acne cleanser works wonders to remove the grime, dirt, and sweat that clog the pores. It gives your skin space to breathe freely while bringing down acne. A basic cleansing-toning-moisturizing skincare regimen improves your skin texture and leaves you with a soft, glowing look. K-beauty cleansers are widely used for acne-prone skin. These acne-fighting cleansers are enriched with expert-recommended ingredients that cleanse the face gently without drying out the skin.
Check out our list of effective Korean cleansers for acne-prone skin, and take your pick! It’s time to bid farewell to your skin woes and fall in love with Korean beauty products.
In This Article
10 Best Korean Cleansers For Acne (2024), As Per A Dermatologist
1.Best Multi-Benifitial:Care: Nel Egg White Pore Cleaning Cleansing Foam
The Care: Nel Egg White Pore Cleaning Cleansing Foam is a deep cleansing face wash, but it also offers multiple benefits for achieving firm and radiant skin. The micro-bubbles gently control the excess sebum production without drying out the skin. It is fortified with egg yolk extract that tightens your skin, making it look firm and radiant. This brightening cleanser for acne scars is infused with egg whites that contain amino acids which cleanse the skin without stripping away its oils, garnering multiple positive reviews online. The sebum-regulating cleanser also has the goodness of the skin-smoothening BSASM formula, a blend of specialized botanical ingredients that calm your irritated skin for a clear complexion. “Pumpkin extract in the formula serves as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and helps improve fatigue. It can help with the redness and the flaking of dry skin,” says Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society.
Key Ingredients: Egg white and Vitamin C
Pros
- Exfoliates the skin
- Reduces blackheads
- Brightens the complexion
- Mild fragrance
Cons
- May cause breakouts
Quick Tip2.Best Deep Cleansing:Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
This gel-based illuminating cleanser from Cosrx with a mildly acidic pH balance protects your skin from harsh environmental damage. It is fortified with the extracts of Styrax japonicus, tea tree oil, and plant-derived BHA that cleanse your pores and keep them hydrated. This oil-controlling cleanser has a gentle formula that is highly effective in getting rid of excess sebum production without causing irritation or redness, with visible results in the form of a clear complexion as noticed by many reviewers. Jean Kuah, a personal blogger, calls this product a better choice for nighttime use. She writes, “My favorite part of this cleanser is that even after washing there is no dryness. It does not feel squeaky clean and tight. It felt like I just used water to rinse my face instead. My skin got calmer ever since I switched to this cleanser (i).”
Key Ingredients: Tea tree leaf oil and Evening primrose flower extract
Pros
- Deep cleansing formula
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Runny consistency
- Medicinal fragrance
Caution
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,466 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
3.Best Ph Balance:ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
The Whip Cleanser from ETUDE House is a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It effectively cleanses and removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without leaving your skin feeling dry or stripped. This ph-balanced cleanser is infused with panthenol to help soothe and hydrate your skin while boosting its natural protective barrier. It is free from synthetic fragrances and additives and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It is even tested for sensitive skin and eye irritation. A personal blogger on YouTube has suggested the proper way to incorporate it into one’s skin care routine. She says, “I simply apply the product in my hands, and then I go ahead and start massaging it into my skin. Cleanse for two to three minutes if you want to see this product work. I apply it on my T-zone and jaw more (ii).” The light and airy foam texture of this hydrating cleanser for acne-prone skin provides a gentle cleansing experience to improve skin clarity, garnering many positive reviews online.
Pros
- pH balance
- Hypoallergenic
- Hydrating
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not suitable for dry skin
| Care: Nel Egg White Pore Cleaning Cleansing Foam Best Multi-Benifitial | Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser Best Deep Cleansing | ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser Best Ph Balance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | Acne Prone,Dry,Sensitive |
| Dimensions | 2.7 x 2.7 x 6 inches | 1.97 x 2.76 x 6.69 inches | - |
| Weight | 6.3 Ounces | 6.35 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 164 | 2,466 | - |
| Price | $12.9 | $11 | $21 |
4.Best For Skin Hydration:Ca Va Bien Face Powder Cleansing Powder
Ca Va Bien’s cleansing powder is a complete solution for removing makeup, dirt, and grime from the skin. This gentle cleansing powder, when mixed with water, turns into a foaming cleanser. It is fortified with the goodness of vitamin C, minerals, glucose, and fructose to help in essential moisture loss prevention and keep the skin hydrated. These ingredients hydrate the skin and help maintain the pH balance, receiving positive customer reviews online.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Glucose, and Fructose
Pros
- Refreshes the skin
- Gentle formula
- Does not dry out the skin
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
5.Best For Skin Impurities:Lookatme Bubble Purifying Foaming Cleanser – Aloe Vera
This mild pore-clearing cleanser is a popular cleanser from Lookatme. It is infused with aloe extract that soothes skin irritation, hydrates the skin, helps fight acne, washes away skin impurities, and unblocks the pores with visible results. Extracts of lavender, peppermint, and tea tree protect your healthy skin barrier without stripping away its natural oils. This soothing cleanser is fortified with plant-based ingredients that promote healthy skin and does not contain any synthetic additives, impressing multiple reviewers with its performance.
Key Ingredients: Lavender, Peppermint, and Tea tree
Pros
- Gentle cleanser
- Formaldehyde-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Sulfate-free
- Triclosan-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- None
6.Best For Dead Skin Cells:SOME BY MI Miracle Acne Clear Foam
Introducing SOME BY MI Miracle Acne Clear Foam, a gentle yet effective cleanser specially formulated for acne-prone skin. This dermatologist-tested facial cleanser is enriched with a natural-derived surfactant and the optimum combination of AHA, BHA, and PHA to effectively cleanse your skin and prevent acne, garnering multiple positive reviews. AHA improves skin texture and increases skin firmness, while BHA kills acne-causing bacteria. PHA is a mild exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells without irritation. In addition, it also contains cica to soothe the dehydrated skin and improve the skin barrier. For best results, use this pH-balanced cleanser in the morning and night to help keep your skin clear, healthy, and free from acne.
Pros
- pH balanced
- Mildly exfoliating
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
- Can be slightly drying
7. Best For Uv Rays:Accoje Vital In Jeju Purifying & Peeling Cleansing Foam
This Accoje cleansing foam is a complete solution for oily and acne-prone skin. The dermatologist-recommended cleanser is clinically-proven and formulated with plant-based ingredients like red beet and cactus fruit collected from Jeju Island that promote healthy skin texture. These ingredients are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that manage acne and rejuvenate your dehydrated skin. Green tea and aloe in this clinically-tested purifying cleanser protect your skin from the harmful UV rays and keep it hydrated, with visible results noticed by many reviewers.
Key Ingredients: Red beet and Cactus fruit
Pros
- No harmful chemicals
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- CDSCO-certified
- Paraben-free
- Benzophenone-free
- Imidazolidinyl urea-free
- No tar pigments
Cons
- Expensive
8.Best In Premature Aging:VT Cica Mild Foam Cleanser
VT Cica is a deep cleaning foam that balances your skin tone and prevents premature aging. This natural foam contains cicaliao and cicahyalon, which play a crucial role in moisturizing your skin and preventing essential moisture loss. The patented Greenol Herbal Mix contains six ingredients – lavender, freesia, chamomile, bergamot, peppermint, and rosemary – that moisturize and soothe your skin. The natural formula helps in removing impurities and keeps the skin healthy. This moisturizing cleanser can be used daily and suits all types of skin.
Key Ingredients: Cicaliao, Cicahyalon, Lavender, Freesia, Chamomile, Bergamot, Peppermint, and Rosemary
Pros
- Rich lather
- Absorbs sebum
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- None
9.Best For Damaged Skin:Saranghae Nourishing And Moisturizing Oil+ Foam Cleanser
This Saranghae foaming cleanser helps remove makeup and skin impurities from the surface for a clean and refreshed feeling. The unique 2-in-1 formula helps in removing oil-based and waterproof products with proven efficacy. It is fortified with white truffle and green tea extracts that help repair damaged skin to provide an even skin tone. The goodness of olive oil combined with coconut and sunflower oils clears dirt and keeps your skin healthy for a supple look, with visible results noted by multiple customers.
Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, Olive fruit oil, Coconut oil, Sunflower oil, and White truffle extract
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
- Removes toxins
Cons
- Expensive
10.Best For Fine Lines:Oseque Silky Bright Enzyme Powder Facial Wash
Oseque Silky Bright Enzyme Powder Facial Wash is an extra-gentle, deep-cleansing formula that gives you a smooth and nourished look. The amino acid complex in this exfoliating cleanser for acne reduces skin damage and improves skin resilience and elasticity. The goodness of papaya and pineapple brings down redness and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. Red clay helps in gentle exfoliation of your skin and helps in removing impurities. This product has garnered multiple positive reviews online too!
Key Ingredients: Papaya, Pineapple, Amino acids complex, Ginseng, and Green tea
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Strengthens the healthy skin barrier
- Reduces inflammation
- Protects the skin
Cons
- Not sulfate-free
Most beauty enthusiasts are obsessed with Korean skincare products, and for a good reason! If you have acne-prone skin and want to give Korean cleansers a try, these are the things you should keep in mind before making a purchase.
Things You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Korean Cleanser
Ingredients
Go for water-based cleansers that are free of harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and phthalate. Since you have acne-prone skin, your first priority should be to avoid ingredients that can further damage your skin. Opt for clinically-verified ingredients including benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and tea tree oil that offer great benefits to acne-prone skin and are effective in acne treatment. In addition, look for anti-inflammatory cleansers to avoid irritating your skin.
Skin Type
Acne is commonly found in oily skin, however, this is not always true. You can have dry or sensitive skin and have breakouts. That is why it is important to choose an oil-free cleanser that would suit your skin type, otherwise it can make your acne issue worse.
Usage
Most people with acne avoid using exfoliators because they can irritate the skin. But it shouldn’t be a concern if you opt for the right product. Go for a cleanser that offers gentle exfoliation removing blackheads and dead skin. It is important to keep the pores clean as the accumulation of dirt can cause fresh breakouts.
Fragrance
It is a good idea to go for fragrance-free products even if you have no skin issues – but if you have acne-prone skin, you don’t need the added chemicals in your life! Focus on products that have a naturally pleasant smell or no fragrance at all.
Price
Korean products are mostly priced reasonably, but a few of them could be a bit expensive. Don’t focus on the price though as expensive does not always mean that the quality is better. Check the ingredients list, choose a product you think will suit your skin, and get it.
Infographic: Tips To Buy The Best Korean Cleanser For Acne-Prone Skin
Choosing a face cleanser is not easy for those with acne-prone skin. However, washing the face is more than just picking a face cleanser. From the type of formulation to the ingredients, many factors come into play.
Check out the infographic below for some tips that can help you easily purchase the best Korean cleanser for acne-prone skin. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Korean beauty products are gaining immense popularity these days. To remove dirt and clogged pores and eliminate acne from the skin’s surface, you need the best cleanser for acne. Adding the best Korean cleaners to your skin care routine will help improve your skin’s texture and keep it soft and hydrated. And you know where the magic lies? Double cleanse! The Care: Nel Egg White Pore Cleaning Cleansing Foam can help soothe irritated skin, while the SOME BY MI Miracle Acne Clear Foam helps improve the skin barrier. But if you are looking for something for daily use, try the VT Cica Mild Foam Cleanser. These Korean cleansers are cruelty-free, paraben-free, and vegan. Some of them are made of organic ingredients and do not dry out the skin. However, you might want to avoid products that have an overwhelming fragrance. Go for products that have been tested and received multiple positive reviews online. But, remember to do a patch test before application!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Korean cleanser get rid of acne?
Yes. Korean cleansers are gentle on your skin, free of glycerin, and get rid of excess oil production and dirt without drying it. They contain soothing ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
How do Korean cleansers treat hormonal acne?
The salicylic acid, green tea, and tea tree in Korean cleansers help treat hormonal acne by removing the dirt, sebum, and impurities clogging the pores,
Should I wash my face with hot or cold water for acne?
Always wash your face with cold water for acne.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and makeup enthusiast. She has conducted thorough research of online reviews and also gone through the ingredients in detail to pick the best Korean cleansers for acne-prone skin. These K-beauty cleansers can cleanse your face gently without drying out your skin. They improve skin texture and impart a glowing look.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) Your Girl Boss Beauty Blog
https://yourgirlboss.blogspot.com/2017/12/cosrx-low-ph-good-morning-gel-cleaner.html
(ii) Kkskin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18RhZK72Vkw
Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.