Korean Cleansing Oil

Choosing a Korean cleansing oil depends mainly on two criteria: your skin type and what you remove every day. Oily or combination skin tolerates a more fluid texture, while dry or sensitive skin prefers a richer balm. Waterproof make-up or water-resistant sunscreen needs a formula that emulsifies well.

By skin type

On oily or combination skin, an oil that is too rich can sometimes leave a film after rinsing: a fluid formula such as Anua Heartleaf, designed for enlarged pores, is a better choice. On dry or sensitive skin, a denser balm avoids tightness, with the centella asiatica in SKIN1004 formulas particularly soothing for reactive skin.

Fluid oil or cleansing balm

Fluid oils remove make-up quickly and are suitable for daily use, including in the shower. Balms, with a solid texture that melts on contact with the skin, offer a more enveloping feel, often preferred as an evening treatment. Some formulas, such as Banila Co Clean It Zero, are available in both textures.

For waterproof make-up and sunscreen

Waterproof make-up and mineral-filter sunscreens often resist a classic water-based cleanser, even after several passes. A cleansing oil dissolves them thanks to its affinity with fats, then emulsifies with water to rinse off without residue. A thirty-second massage on dry skin, before adding water, clearly improves the result.

Facial cleansing oil or make-up removing oil: what's the difference?

Both terms describe the same step: an oil that dissolves make-up, sunscreen and sebum, then turns into a milk on contact with water. A Korean make-up removing oil generally adds a care active (centella, heartleaf, ginseng, rice or calendula) and aims for a clean rinse, designed to be followed by a second cleanser. Comparing with a cleansing oil from a Franco-Korean brand? Our Erborian review helps you place the brand against the formulas in this selection.

Comparison of the oils and balms in the selection

• SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil: sensitive, reactive or redness-prone skin. In the evening, when you want a light texture that leaves no film.
• Anua - Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil: oily and combination skin with enlarged pores. In the evening, when sebum and sunscreen build up on the T-zone.
• Beauty of Joseon - Ginseng Cleansing Oil: normal to dry or mature skin. In the evening, when you want make-up removal that leaves skin comfortable.
• Beauty of Joseon - Radiance Cleansing Balm: normal to dry skin that loves melting textures. In the evening, for more enveloping make-up removal than with an oil.
• HaruHaru Wonder - Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil: dry or dehydrated skin. When your skin feels tight after removing make-up.
• Banila Co - Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm: most skin types, especially with long-wear make-up. In the evening, a hazelnut-sized amount on dry skin before adding water.
• Dr. Althea - Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm: skin that prefers a balm to remove everything in one step. In the evening, when you also remove eye make-up.
• iUNIK - Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil: sensitive or dry skin looking for a gentle calendula formula. In the evening, as the first step of a minimalist routine.

What our customers say

"I've tried lots of make-up removing oils but this one beats them all, not too greasy, just right [...] no smell, I'd buy it again and I recommend it to everyone", Oceane, about SKIN1004 Centella Light Cleansing Oil, customer review left on our site (translated from French).

"I love it: great make-up removal, even the eyes with a few drops, then a spritz of mineral water. Skin is soft and doesn't feel tight. I'm won over", Agnes, about Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, customer review left on our site (translated from French).

"This cleanser is really great. A hazelnut-sized amount on dry skin. Turns into an "oil" on the skin for perfect make-up removal. Also removes mascara easily.", Gabrielle, about Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm, customer review left on our site (translated from French).

"The product is very pleasant, it removes all make-up very effectively without stinging the eyes. Needless to say, it's the only product I use now.", Stéphanie, about Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, customer review left on our site (translated from French).

Not sure which one to choose? The free skin diagnosis points you to the texture suited to your skin.