The first step of the Korean double cleanse is an oil-based cleanser. Oil dissolves oil. That means sunscreen (which is often oil-based), makeup, sebum, and pore-clogging impurities all break down on contact with a good cleansing oil or balm.
This isn’t optional if you wear sunscreen daily (and you should). Water-based cleansers alone can’t fully remove modern sunscreen formulas. Incomplete removal leaves a film that clogs pores, dulls the skin, and reduces the effectiveness of everything you apply afterward.
We tested 10 Korean cleansing oils and balms, evaluating makeup removal, emulsification (how well they rinse clean), residue, and how skin felt afterward.
Oil vs Balm: What’s the Difference?
Cleansing oils are liquid. You pump them onto dry skin, massage, add water to emulsify, and rinse. They’re quick, convenient, and easy to use.
Cleansing balms are solid or semi-solid. You scoop out a small amount, warm it between your hands, and it melts into an oil on contact with skin. Same cleansing mechanism, different texture. Some people find balms more satisfying to use and easier to control.
Both work equally well. It’s purely a texture preference.
The 10 Best Korean Cleansing Oils and Balms
Best Overall
1. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Type. Oil. Key ingredients. Ginseng extract, soybean oil, jojoba oil. Emulsification. Excellent. Turns milky white and rinses completely clean.
The gold standard. This dissolves everything, including waterproof mascara and heavy sunscreen, while the ginseng extract provides anti-aging benefits. The 210ml bottle is generous and lasts months. No fragrance, no residue, no complaints.
Best Balm
2. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
Type. Balm. Key ingredients. Acerola extract, vitamin C, vitamin E. Emulsification. Excellent. Sherbet texture melts to oil, emulsifies to milk.
The bestselling cleansing balm in K-beauty history. The sherbet-like texture melts instantly on contact with skin. It dissolves makeup and sunscreen effortlessly and rinses clean without any oily residue.
For acne-prone skin. The Purifying edition (green tub) uses tea tree and centella instead.
Best for Sensitive Skin
3. PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil
Type. Oil. Key ingredients. Olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil. Emulsification. Very good.
Minimal ingredient list, no fragrance, no essential oils. Designed for the most reactive skin types. It does exactly what a cleansing oil should do, nothing more, nothing less. For the full sensitive skin double cleansing technique, this is our top recommendation.
Best for Pore Care
4. Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Type. Oil. Key ingredients. Heartleaf extract, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil. Emulsification. Excellent.
The heartleaf extract provides anti-inflammatory benefits while the oil dissolves pore-clogging debris. Our oily-skinned tester found this particularly effective at reducing the appearance of blackheads over time. A good choice for acne-prone or congestion-prone skin.
Best Luxury
5. Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil
Type. Oil. Key ingredients. Camellia oil, apricot kernel oil, herbal complex. Emulsification. Excellent.
The premium option. Sulwhasoo’s herbal formulation feels luxurious and provides a spa-like cleansing experience. The price is higher, but the product is genuinely excellent if you want to level up the cleansing step. It rinses beautifully clean.
Best Budget
6. COSRX Pure Fit Cica Clear Cleansing Oil
Type. Oil. Key ingredients. Centella asiatica, squalane. Emulsification. Good.
COSRX’s centella-based cleansing oil at a budget price. The cica provides calming benefits during the cleansing step, which is especially nice for skin that’s irritated or recovering from actives.
More Excellent Options
7. I’m from Fig Cleansing Balm
A luxurious fig-based balm with a rich, buttery texture. The fig extract provides antioxidant benefits. Emulsifies and rinses clean.
8. Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Oil
Hyaluronic acid-infused cleansing oil. Cleanses without stripping, leaving skin hydrated rather than tight. Good for dry or dehydrated skin.
9. Isntree Mugwort Calming Deep Cleansing Oil
Mugwort (artemisia) for calming plus deep cleansing power. Excellent for sensitive or redness-prone skin. The mugwort provides soothing benefits during the massage step.
10. Round Lab Soybean Panthenol Cleansing Oil
Soybean oil for cleansing power plus panthenol for barrier support. A well-rounded option at a fair price.
How to Use a Cleansing Oil
- Apply to DRY skin. This is the most important step. Water prevents the oil from properly binding to makeup and sunscreen.
- Massage for 60 seconds. Gently massage in circular motions across your entire face. Don’t rush this step; it takes time for the oil to dissolve everything.
- Emulsify with water. Wet your hands and continue massaging. The oil will turn milky white as it emulsifies.
- Rinse thoroughly. Splash with lukewarm water until all the milky residue is gone.
- Follow with water-based cleanser. This is the double cleanse. The oil removes oil-based impurities; the second cleanser removes water-based debris.
The Double Cleanse Matters
If you wear sunscreen daily (and you should be wearing SPF every single day), you need an oil cleanser. Water-based cleansers cannot fully remove modern sunscreen formulas, especially the water-resistant ones recommended for outdoor activities.
Incomplete sunscreen removal is one of the most underrated causes of dull skin, clogged pores, and breakouts. Adding an oil cleansing step in the evening often produces visible skin improvements within a week.
For a deeper dive into the double cleansing method, see Double Cleansing: Why and How on Rooted Glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Korean cleansing oil?
Banila Co Clean It Zero and Heimish All Clean Balm are the most-loved across every skin type tested. Banila’s balm-to-oil texture is slightly gentler and leaves less residue, while Heimish rinses cleaner and runs cheaper. For oily skin specifically, Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is the standout.
Do cleansing oils clog pores?
Properly formulated cleansing oils emulsify completely with water and rinse clean — no residue to clog pores. Problems arise when people skip the water-based second cleanse or rinse with cold water, which can leave a film. Always double-cleanse: oil first, water-based cleanser second.
Can I use a cleansing oil on acne-prone skin?
Yes, and many dermatologists recommend it. Cleansing oils dissolve sunscreen, sebum, and makeup more thoroughly than foaming cleansers, which actually helps prevent breakouts. Choose non-comedogenic formulations (avoid coconut oil-heavy options) and always follow with a gentle water-based cleanser.
How often should I use a cleansing oil?
Once daily, in the evening. Morning skin doesn’t need oil cleansing because there’s nothing oil-soluble to remove (no sunscreen, no makeup). A gentle water-based cleanser — or even plain water — is all you need for AM.
What’s the difference between cleansing oil and cleansing balm?
Cleansing oils are liquid at room temperature and feel slippery on application. Cleansing balms are semi-solid and melt into an oil-like texture on skin. Balms tend to travel better (no leaks) and feel slightly more luxurious; oils tend to work faster and rinse more easily. Both perform the same function.
Do I need a cleansing oil if I don’t wear makeup?
If you wear sunscreen daily (you should), then yes. Modern sunscreens — especially Korean chemical formulas — cling to skin in ways that water-based cleansers alone can’t fully remove. Oil cleansing is what makes a consistent sunscreen habit sustainable for your skin.
Will cleansing oil remove waterproof sunscreen and mascara?
Yes — this is what they’re specifically designed for. Apply to dry skin, massage for 60 to 90 seconds (letting the oil dissolve what’s on your face), then add water and emulsify into a milky texture before rinsing. Waterproof products need the extra massage time; rushing is the main reason people feel cleansing oil “doesn’t work.”
