I don’t know about you, but washing my face is the highlight of my day, and I’ve come to realise nothing beats the magic of the best Korean cleansers. They deliver a proper cleanse without compromising my skin barrier, unlike other formulas I’ve tested (and trust me, as a longtime beauty journalist, I’ve reviewed hundreds of skincare products in my lifetime).

Be it a nourishing cleansing balm, a gentle cleansing oil, or a purifying foaming cleanser, quality K-beauty formulas never miss the mark. They’re designed to be gentle yet effective, often focusing on skin-balancing while thoroughly cleansing without stripping the skin, says Charlotte Cho, a licensed aesthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You skincare brand and Soko Glam online beauty retailer. Unlike Western cleansers, which often rely on harsh surfactants or astringent ingredients, Korean ones maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and natural pH balance, says Cho. Think: Centella asiatica, ginseng, rice extract, vitamin C, niacinamide, and ceramides – a.k.a. the ingredients that you’ll often find in other barrier-strengthening Korean skincare products.

To help you find your pick, I asked K-beauty experts and dermatologists to share their favourite products, and tested them firsthand on my dry and sensitive skin, as well as tapped fellow beauty editors with different skin concerns to share what they love. One product stood out above the rest: the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser. This gentle option works well on all skin types, balancing oil while also leaving skin soft and prepped for the next steps in your routine. Looking for other options? Enter: your definitive guide to the most hype-worthy Korean cleansers.

After something else? Shop Korean serums, Korean eye creams, Korean moisturisers and Korean face masks.

The best Korean cleansers, at a glance

1. Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

• Pros: Doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture; suitable for all skin types; refreshing feel; barrier-friendly formula
• Cons: Nothing of note

Our best overall pick goes to this gentle daily cleanser, which we’d recommend for any skin type: dry, combination, oily, and sensitive. It features a slightly acidic formulation to avoid compromising your skin’s moisture barrier and stripping it of its natural oils while effectively removing dirt and impurities. It’s also infused with soothing, antioxidant-rich plant extracts including green plum, mung bean, and green tea.

“I have combination skin and it’s sensitive, so I usually swap out cleansers depending on what phase my skin is in,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “In the past, I’ve used more hydrating formulas when my face feels dry, sebum-targeting ones when it gets greasy, and extra-gentle ones when I’m having redness and irritation. This is one of the rare cleansers that can handle all three scenarios with ease. The clear gel feels so refreshing and turns into a mild lather that doesn’t strip my skin or cause irritation. It helps balance my sebum levels and thoroughly cleanse but still leaves my complexion feeling hydrated, soft, and prepped for my Korean toners and serums.”

2. Best Cleansing Balm: Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm

• Pros: Great for thorough makeup removal; feels nourishing on the skin; brightens the skin over prolonged use
• Cons: May not be best for those with sensitive eyes as it has an apparent scent

Suitable for all skin types (including oily skin), this cleansing balm is full of antioxidants and skin-loving ingredients, including seaberry oil, vitamin E, and persimmon extract. Apart from its cleansing abilities, it also has a handful of long-term benefits. From brightening and evening out your skin tone to protecting your skin against free radicals and ensuring lasting hydration, it’s safe to say that your skin barrier will be well taken care of. It starts off as a rich balm, then transforms into a luxurious face oil with an uplifting citrusy scent. Did we mention that it’s also cruelty-free and doesn’t feature any parabens and sulfates?

“I’m a sucker for a quality cleansing balm for my double-cleanse routine, and this formula from Then I Met You is my ultimate go-to. In fact, I’ve already emptied at least six of these,” says Glamour contributor Denise Primbet. “I love how effortlessly it removes my makeup (even waterproof mascara and fake lash glue) without causing any flare-ups or irritation.”

3. Best Cleansing Oil: HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil

• Pros: Unscented; feels gentle on the skin; impressive when it comes to makeup and sunscreen removal
• Cons: May not be the best fit for oily skin

Featuring a simple yet effective blend of naturally derived jojoba-seed, olive, and rice-bran oils, the HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil is an Amazon bestseller for a reason. It delivers thorough cleansing and lasting moisture without compromising your delicate skin barrier. Simply apply a few pumps onto dry skin and gently rub your face in circular motions for at least 30 seconds. Once done, make sure to emulsify it with water, massage it once more, and rinse away. You can also use a handy washcloth for an added exfoliating effect.