Hailed as the backbone of the famed double-cleansing ritual, the best Korean cleansing oils make the dreaded task of removing makeup, SPF and any impurities an absolute breeze—leaving skin hydrated, balanced, and never stripped.
Looking back at my own journey into the world of K-beauty, cleansing oils were one of my very first Korean skin care discoveries, and they’ve remained a mainstay in my routine ever since. Instead of that uncomfortable squeaky-clean feeling that I’d become so accustomed to, I was met with nourishing yet surprisingly lightweight formulas that taught me cleansing doesn’t have to come at the expense of my skin barrier.
As a bonus, I also found that Korean cleansers can be extremely therapeutic—almost like treating yourself to a mini spa ritual before bed. Nothing quite compares to that silky and cocooning feel when you’re massaging the formula and it melts away even the most stubborn product residue (yes, even waterproof mascara). And as you’re rinsing it all off, the oily formula turns into a soft milky emulsion that gently slides while leaving your complexion velvety smooth.
Ahead, the very best Korean cleansing oils that deliver on their promises—and might just turn cleansing into your favorite part of the day.
The best Korean cleansing oils, at a glance
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Best Overall: HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
Original video from Denise Primbet testing HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
- Pros: Feels lightweight on the skin, unscented, vegan, non-irritating, reasonably priced
- Cons: Nothing of note
This cleansing oil emerged as a clear winner for all skin types. “It excels at keeping your skin hydrated and nourished while cleansing, in addition to effectively removing makeup and Korean sunscreen,” says Hall. It features a clever blend of five botanical oils, including black rice bran, jojoba seed, macadamia seed, sunflower and olive oil.
Testing notes: As someone who has sensitive skin, I appreciate that this formula is unscented and free of irritants. In fact, after each cleanse, my skin felt soothed and nourished—none of that tight feel. After all, there’s a reason why it’s become a non-negotiable step in my nighttime routine: I can always rely on it to effectively remove every drop of makeup residue in seconds.
Best for Oily Skin: Man:yo Pure Cleansing Oil
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Man:yo Pure Cleansing Oil
- Pros: Incredibly nourishing, pleasant citrusy scent, effectively removes makeup
- Cons: Not fragrance-free
This cleansing oil is one of the biggest bestsellers at South Korean’s largest beauty retailer Olive Young, and rightfully so. Enriched with 14 types of plant-derived oils, such as jojoba seed oil and argan oil, this nourishing formula makes easy work of dissolving any impurities or dirt build-up, leaving you with silky-smooth skin. Plus, its non-comedogenic nature and lightweight formula makes it perfect for acne-prone or oily skin types.
Testing notes: I’ve been testing this cleansing oil for the last two years now, and it’s never let me down. It strikes that perfect balance of being purifying yet incredibly lightweight and non-pore-clogging. Even on days when I’m wearing a full face of smudge-resistant makeup and waterproof mascara, it melts everything away seamlessly.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil
- Pros: Offers the most lightweight formula, fragrance-free
- Cons: May not feel nourishing enough on extremely dehydrated skin
If your skin leans more sensitive or is prone to irritation and flare-ups, this cleansing oil from Beplain is definitely worth considering. Infused with soothing mung bean extract (a staple in traditional Korean formula), it works to calm and purify the skin while delivering a gentle cleanse. What makes this formula a true standout is its featherlight texture that doesn’t even feel like oil in the first place.
