13 Best Korean Makeup Removers Of 2024, Esthetician Picks
Remove stubborn makeup with these gentle yet potent formulas and leave your skin hydrated.
Anna is a licensed esthetician and the founder and owner of Beauty and Cutie® hair, skin and nails vitamins from New York. Her interest in nutrition analysis and beauty propelled her to obtain a certification in Nutrition Science from the Stanford Center for Health Education and then develop and successfully market her product to improve hair, skin, and nails.
Read full bio of Anna Misztela
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
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: 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
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The biggest craze in skin care right now is using Korean makeup and skin care products. But have you considered using one of the best Korean makeup removers to cleanse your skin healthily? Regular makeup removers contain harsh ingredients that strip your skin of its moisture, making it look dull and irritated. If you have sensitive skin, you probably end up with red, itchy skin after using your daily makeup remover.
On the other hand, Korean makeup removers are made with botanical, natural ingredients that are skin-friendly and healthy. These ingredients also improve your skin health, texture, and appearance. Furthermore, these removers are professed to clear out even the toughest, waterproof makeup. These K-makeup removers make your skin feel cleansed, light, and fresh with a natural glow. Sounds too good to be true? Give them a try! Here are the 13 incredible Korean makeup removers you should try out for yourself.
In This Article
13 Best Korean Makeup Removers In 2024 To Refresh And Cleanse Effortlessly!
1. Best For Hydration:BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
Makeup removal just got fun! This cleanser with balm-like consistency magically turns into oil once scooped out of the bucket. More importantly, this results-driven product claims to remove the most stubborn eye and face makeup quickly and effortlessly. And that’s not all; this sulfate-free makeup remover balm promotes a healthy complexion with its skin-loving formula that contains hot spring water, active botanicals, vitamin C, and vitamin E. With this Korean cleansing balm, you can enjoy double benefits- both soothing and cleansing benefits. To find out more about BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original, check out this video Moreover, thousands of feedback from reviewers indicate that people have experienced visible results with this product..
Pros
- Hydrates and cleanses intensely
- Retains and balances natural moisture
- Free from parabens, alcohol, mineral oil, sulfates, and more
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May require rinsing after usage
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,062 rave reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For pH Balance:SKINFOOD Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Tissue
These cleansing wipes are packed with ultra-nourishing rice bran! Rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, let your skin enjoy the goodness of rice bran while getting rid of all the impurities and eye makeup residues from the skin. And given these cleansing wipes are less messy, you don’t have to rinse or rub them to filter out the impurities. Also, these paraben-free makeup remover wipes claim to do the job quickly! Busy bees, grab it now to make your on-the-go makeup cleansing effortless. If you are still unsure, check out this honest unboxing review and learn about the tester’s experience with this product.
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
- Refreshes and brightens skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for normal, dry, dull, and lackluster skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
3. Best Cruelty-Free:I DEW CARE Berry Melting Makeup Remover Balm
How about some blueberry love to refresh your skin? Here’s a balm-to-oil cleanser that will pamper your skin and boost your mood with its antioxidant and fruity formula. And, to make the experience all the more divine, the balm effortlessly melts away makeup and all-day impurities to leave your skin soft, smooth, and moisturized. So, what does this oil-based cleanser contain? Other than antioxidant-rich blueberries, this cruelty-free makeup remover is enriched with jojoba oil and glacier water to hydrate and balance the moisture levels. Go through this video capturing the reviewer’s experience with this product to have a detailed understanding of it.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Eliminates oil-based impurities
- Protects skin from skin-damaging radicals
- Free from paraben, gluten, phthalates, sulfates, and more
Cons
- Some users found it slightly greasy
4. Best Weightless Formula:Julep Love Your Bare Face Hydrating Cleansing Oil
Is your makeup remover triggering rashes or redness? If yes, you must try this Korean makeup remover for sensitive skin. With an age-defying formula, it’s packed with ultra-nourishing natural oils such as grapeseed oil, rosehip seed oil, pink grapefruit peel oil, and olive oil to recharge your skin with every use. Just what your skin needs after a long and tiring day, this spa-like oil-pampering cleanser will clean thoroughly, boost cell turnover, soothe, repair, and heal all at once. Yep, get ready to fall in love with your natural glow, beautiful!
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Ensures no oily residue
- Nourishes and hydrates intensely
- Eliminates long-wear and stubborn makeup
- Cruelty-free, paraben-free, SLS-free, and more
- Natural eye makeup remover
- No animal testing conducted
Cons
- May not be ideal for waterproof mascara
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 763 reviews claiming its efficacy.
5. Best For Sensitive Skin:PYUNKANG YUL Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Koreans stick to their traditions even when it comes to removing makeup, and here’s the best example! This 46-year-old brand is packed with natural ingredients such as AHA (extracted from fruits), witch hazel extract, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid to leave the skin soft, clean, and noticeably moisturized. The formula has a low pH level to cleanse intensely but without irritating the skin. The microparticles in the foam ease and absorb all the dirt and impurities from the surface and the pores efficiently. Go on, try this vegan makeup remover to witness the difference!
Pros
- Vegan product
- Eliminates dead skin cells
- Calms and soothes irritated skin
- Rebalances the moisture levels
- Suitable for irritated and sensitive skin
Cons
- May take a long time to wash off completely
Quick Tip6. Best No-Rinse Formula:Mizon One-Step Cleansing Water
What makes this water-based cleanser a good Korean makeup remover? Many things! First, it’s packed with probiotics to strengthen the skin’s barrier and restore the skin’s moisture balance. And along with that, it ensures 3-in-1 benefits such as cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing in one go! However, the main highlight of this Korean beauty cleanser is that it is a no-rinse formula, which means there’s no need for post-application wash-off, making it an ideal travel-friendly option.
Pros
- Retains moisture
- Ensures deep-cleaning
- Removes makeup, dirt, and impurities
- Dermatologist-tested, irritation-free, and safe formula
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May not be best suited for extremely sensitive skin
7. Best For Collagen Production:TO DO LIST Cleansing Water
If you are looking for a water-based eye makeup remover, you must try this ultra-gentle cleanser. From intense cleansing to soothing, this alcohol-free makeup remover claims to leave a refreshing glow. Also, some formulas can irritate sensitive skin or eyes to a great extent, but not this cleanser as it is ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested. Besides this, it is an antioxidant-rich formula that is packed with anti-inflammatory properties and contains 10 different botanical ingredients, including lemongrass, mugwort, and calendula.
Pros
- Soothes irritated skin
- Supports collagen production
- Controls excess sebum and shrinks pores
- Suitable for all skin types
- Free of artificial fragrance, alcohol, sulfate, paraben, and phthalates
Cons
- Maybe too gentle for heavy makeup
8. Best For Even Skin Tone:Hanskin PHA/BHA/AHA Pore Cleansing Oil
Are you looking for a travel-friendly makeup remover? Here’s a cleansing oil set that is not only suitable for you but also your squad! A great option to include on those trips with your BFFs, these mini cleansing oil bottles of PHA, BHA, and AHA are suitable for sensitive, combination, oily, and dry skin. From cleansing thoroughly, exfoliating mildly, and controlling sebum, to hydrating intensely, these cleansing oils will lend a glass skin texture that will feel fresh, moisturized, and makeup-free. Also, they are great for gifting a fan of K-beauty products and for sample testing if you are unaware which oil might suit your skin.
Pros
- Compact size
- Gentle formula
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Eliminates and prevents blackheads
- Korean oil makeup remover
Cons
- Some may find the artificial fragrance intense
9. Best Non-Drying Formula:Innisfree Hydrating Cleansing Oil
Here’s a makeup remover that won’t take long to become the apple of your eyes (and lips!). With this Korean eye makeup remover, you don’t have to rub or tug as it lifts off and erases even stubborn traces of makeup effortlessly. The formula is infused with the goodness of Jeju green tea, which is rich in antioxidants and amino acids that keep the skin healthy and youthful without overdrying it.
Pros
- Non-drying formula
- Cleanses thoroughly
- Makeup dissolving formula
- Removes excess oils
- Reveals clear and healthy skin
Cons
- Might not be a great makeup remover
10. Best For Skin Elasticity:Rael Beauty Reset Button Calming Cica Cleansing Water
Just what your skin needs after a long tiring day (of makeup)— a calming therapy! This cleansing water by Rael Beautyl may look and feel like water on skin but its benefits will surprise you. Packed with extracts of cica, vitamin B5, and H30 hyaluronic acid complex, it cleanses your skin thoroughly but without stripping it of its natural moisture or oils. And that’s not all; it hydrates and calms with its ultra-nourishing formula to leave your skin refreshed and glowing with every use. If you are also looking for a product that is not tested on animals, this one’s for you. Moreover, the brand’s clinically-tested products ensure a high-quality experience.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Improves skin’s elasticity
- Retains natural moisture levels
- Non-irritating and fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Slightly expensive
11. Best Hypoallergenic:Sosohan+ Saryeoni Dual Cleansing Water Oil
Quit enduring stings and burns while removing eye makeup! This sensitive eye makeup remover by Sosohan guarantees no irritation whatsoever. Yep, removing makeup doesn’t have to be a painful task anymore. This dual cleansing water oil formulated with natural surfactant derived from coconut, palm, and corn claims to be tough on traces of makeup but gentle on the eyes and skin. Also, it delivers the benefit of both — a cleansing oil and cleansing water, making it a must-try for all skin types!
Pros
- German derma-tested
- Ensures deep cleansing
- Moisturizes and softens skin
- Protects and strengthens skin’s barrier
- Hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and silicone oil-free
Cons
- Some may find the coconut scent overpowering
12. Best Mineral Oil-Free Formula:ETUDE HOUSE Monster Micellar Cleansing Water
No more raccoon eyes with this micellar cleansing water formulated with bamboo extract, aloe vera, and green tea extracts. And, it’s multitasking, and how? Be it makeup, eye makeup, dirt, dust, or other impurities, the formula guarantees to lift it all (even from pores) to leave the skin clean and refreshed. Also, do you like smokey eyes? Because with this cleansing micellar water, eliminating heavy makeup will not be a tedious task anymore. Give it a try!
Pros
- No-wash cleanser
- Low pH level
- Cruelty-free
- Leaves skin calm and balanced
- Free mineral oil, silicone oil, sulfate, synthetic fragrances, and more
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- You may need to use a lot of product to remove waterproof makeup
13. Best For Waterproof Makeup:SKINFOOD Milk Shake Point Make-Up Remover
This milk-infused makeup remover is a great way to pamper your beautiful skin at the end of a long and hectic day! A must-try for those who wear eye or tinted makeup often, watch your skin turn softer and healthier with every use. Also, given how milk has been used traditionally to nourish and moisturize skin, this one will do the job of pampering and cleansing— all at the same time! And the best part is, it’s a great option for sensitive eyes and lips too, which means you can wave goodbye to skin irritations.
Pros
- Reduces dryness
- Ensures deep cleaning
- Improves skin’s elasticity
- Removes waterproof eye makeup effortlessly
Cons
- May be slightly greasy for oily skin
Let your skin unwind and refresh with some K-love! There you go, those were the 13 best Korean makeup removers to get rid of the toughest traces of makeup, gently. Do you still need assistance with choosing the best Korean makeup remover? We have some shopping tips for you in our buying guide below.
How To Choose The Best Korean Makeup Remover
Look out for the following features in the Korean beauty product before buying:
- Skin type
Choose a makeup remover suitable for your skin type to enjoy maximum benefits and avoid skin issues. Also, for sensitive skin or sensitive eyes, a makeup remover that guarantees no irritation or an ophthalmologist or dermatologist-tested option is ideal. Water-based makeup removers are ideal for oily and combination skin, whereas oil-based options are suitable for dry to normal skin.
- Ingredients
Know what goes on your skin, always! Though most Korean products have natural or botanical-based formulas, it does not mean they are safe for the skin. So, inspect the ingredients before buying or choose a hypoallergenic formula to be safe. Look out for harsh chemicals such as paraben, sulfates, alcohol, and more before buying.
- Moisturizing and hydrating
Only double cleansing is not enough. A makeup remover should hydrate the skin to replenish the lost oils and moisture. More importantly, the cleanser should eliminate makeup residue without stripping the natural moisture of the skin.
Benefits Of Korean Makeup Removers
Given how meticulous Koreans can be about skincare, Korean makeup removers guarantee to deliver maximum benefits with every use. Here are some of them:
- They are ultra-gentle on the skin but tough on regular and waterproof makeup.
- They penetrate the skin and pores to cleanse thoroughly.
- The infused botanical or nature-derived ingredients prevent irritation or dryness.
- They have intensely moisturizing, hydrating, and nourishing formulas.
- Most of them are chemical-free, making them ideal for sensitive eyes, lips, and skin.
Infographic: How To Use A Korean Makeup Remover
Most makeup removers are infused with harsh chemicals that dry out your skin and make it look dull. However, Korean makeup removers are designed with botanical, natural ingredients that are kind to the skin. If you want to know how to use a Korean makeup remover the right way, have a look at the infographic below.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Removing your makeup products at the end of the day is an essential part of regular skincare. But, most available makeup cleansers contain harsh chemicals that may leave makeup residue on the skin and make your skin look dull and dry. The best makeup remover products from the Korean beauty industry are enriched with organic ingredients that offer visible results, effectively removing all makeup and not irritating your sensitive skin. K-makeup removers quickly penetrate deep into the skin to remove the tough, waterproof makeup and keep your skin fresh and healthy. You can try the BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original that effortlessly melts makeup, while the SKINFOOD Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Tissue is great for sensitive skin types. Another top recommendation would be the PYUNKANG YUL Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam that gently, yet effectively cleanses the skin. These makeup removers are vegan, paraben-free, and are cruelty-free. However, some products may not suit every skin type. So, if you have sensitive skin, look for ingredients that are dermatologically tested and make sure to do a patch test before using them. Additionally, after cleansing with the makeup remover, splash some lukewarm water on the face for restored moisture and softness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it essential to use makeup remover?
Yes. No matter how much makeup you use, make sure to remove it at the end of the day with a potent makeup remover. This practice will shrink your pores, keep them unclogged, and improve your skin’s overall health.
How many times a week do I have to use Korean makeup remover?
Use a Korean makeup remover as many times as you wear makeup. If you wear makeup every day, clean your face with a makeup remover after the day is over.
How long do Korean makeup removers last?
Usually, Korean makeup removers last three years. However, it is recommended to use them in a year or two.
How to use Korean makeup remover?
You can use Korean makeup removers by applying them to your face at the end of the day. Then, dab the liquid on a cotton pad or a makeup wipe and clean your face. Make sure to cover the clogged pores specifically.
How do you take off makeup without makeup wipes?
Use a makeup remover to take off your makeup if you are not comfortable with makeup wipes. Gently dab the makeup remover on a cotton ball and apply it all over your face.
Which Korean Makeup Remover Is Good For Acne Prone Skin?
The PYUNKANG YUL Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam is suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The lightweight formula does not irritate your skin while cleansing effectively.
Which Korean makeup remover is safe during pregnancy?
Korean makeup removers with mild and gentle formulas are safe during pregnancy. Also, avoid strong-scented makeup removers while you are pregnant. Make sure to consult your doctor before committing to any particular product.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is a certified image consultant and expert in makeup artistry! She is always on the lookout for makeup tools and products that can make the process more convenient and stress-free! She conducted a thorough research of user feedback to put together this list of the best Korean makeup removers for you. These are made with skin-friendly ingredients to gently cleanse and nourish your skin while wiping away any signs of stubborn makeup.
Read full bio of Anna Misztela
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Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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