While we may enjoy the squeaky clean feel of a good antibacterial soap, stripping the face of too much moisture and natural oils does more harm than good
Because the skin on our face is more delicate compared to that of the rest of our body, it’s best to use skincare products that are specially formulated to address our facial problems.
A face wash or foam cleanser completes the Korean double cleansing method and is the final step towards a thoroughly clean, dewy face.
If you still haven’t found your sweet spot in this area yet, here are the best Korean face washes to choose from.
8 Best Korean Face Wash Products for Acne and Combination Skin Types
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Our Pick
The main purpose of cleansing foams is to get rid of the day’s dirt and gunk from the skin.
The COSRX Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is the best Korean cleanser on this list because of its power to remove makeup and pollutants effectively. It also works for all skin types, so it’s safe to use even for sensitive skin types.
You can’t miss the whiff of tea tree oil, which may be too strong for some people, but it signals the presence of herbal ingredients that benefit the skin. Using these gel cleansers will leave you with a thoroughly cleansed skin without over-stripping.
Pros
- Safe and effective for all skin types
- Maintains a healthy skin pH
- Exfoliates
- Cleans pores
Cons
- Contains plant-based ingredients that may be allergic to some
- The smell can come off quite strong
Dear Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser
Best for Dry Skin
Cleansing foams are not ideal for dry skin types because they are not as hydrating as normal cleansers, but the Dear Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser beats the odds.
We have here a product that is good both in cleansing the skin of dirt and pollutants while keeping it hydrated.
Looking at the ingredients list, you know this is a hydrating product because of its hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and olive oil components.
And because this Korean brand is eco-friendly, it’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros
- Contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramide
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Comes with a pump
Cons
- Expensive
Etude House Wonder Pore Deep Foaming Cleanser
Best in Minimizing Pores
If pores are your biggest problem, then this foam cleanser may be what you’re looking for. This Korean brand has a whole line of pore-specific skincare products, and their cleanser works like a charm.
Not only does it minimize the appearance of pores, but it also controls excess sebum throughout the day. We love that it comes in a cute tube packaging that is completely sealed as well.
While it carries a strong smell, it works well for sensitive skin. But if you suffer from oversensitivity, try another cleansing foam because this one also contains beads that exfoliate and help slough off dead skin cells.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses pores
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Has a cooling effect
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
Cons
- Has strong peppermint smell
Missha Near Skin pH Balancing Cleansing Foam
Missha is one of those Korean brands that deliver high-quality skincare products. When it comes to skincare, Korea is a country to look towards and other brands are taking notes.
This cleansing foam not only provides a deep cleanse, but it also contains mineral water, saponin complex, and glycerin that keeps the skin hydrated and refreshed.
After use, you will notice it does not leave the skin feeling too tight.
Pros
- Good for dry and sensitive skin
- Ensures healthy pH levels
- Moisturizing
Cons
- The product runs out easily
Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash
When it comes to skin care, Korea is not short of weird ingredients and cute packaging.
This Tosowoong product stands as proof of that. Instead of the usual cream or gel formulation, this foam cleanser comes in powder form.
The bead-like characteristic of the cleanser makes it a good exfoliant. However, because of this property, it is not the best Korean cleanser for those with sensitive skin. It may lead to too much friction that can potentially harm the skin.
It also contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is bad for those with acne-prone skin. So if you have any of these skin types, maybe you should look for another product.
Pros
- Affordable
- Maintains healthy pH levels
- Travel-friendly
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
Cons
- Contains potential irritants
- The grains may be too exfoliating
- Not ideal for sensitive skin
PURITO Defence Barrier pH Cleanser
If you’re looking for a brand that uses safe and honest ingredients, Purito is a good place to start.
The company understands that even in the competitive world of skincare, Korean brands should include only the best ingredients and should produce their products cruelty-free.
This foam cleanser has a gel-like consistency and maintains the ideal 5.5 pH of the skin.
It’s rich in antioxidants and contains hydrolyzed collagen to help with skin elasticity. Because of the antioxidants and citric acid contents, this cleansing foam has anti-aging benefits as well.
Pros
- Contains Centella asiatica and tea tree oil
- Rich in antioxidants
- Contains hydrolyzed collagen
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Cons
- Has a strong smell
Dr. Jart Dermaclear Micro Foam
If you’re the type of person who enjoys a creamy lather, this Dr. Jart+ cleanser is for you. It creates micro foams that clean the skin effectively. Because it immediately gives that satisfying lather, this could last you a long time.
It is recommended for those with oily skin, so we suggest those who suffer from dryness to try out other products.
This foam makes the skin feel too tight and could feel like it’s over stripping if you have dry skin.
Pros
- Contains herb complex that helps soothe skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Can make dry skin feel too tight after use
Innisfree Green Tea Morning Cleanser
The Innisfree Green Tea Morning Cleanser is perfect for those who put on a lot of products during the night.
It is packed with saponin-enriched green tea extract that hydrates the skin after cleansing.
Green tea extract is well-known for its ability to rejuvenate the skin and fight signs of aging. It’s been used to treat the skin for common problems such as dark spots and acne.
This cleansing foam is gentle on all skin types, and even though it lacks a good lathering effect, you can definitely feel it doing its job.
Pros
- Contains green tea extracts for added skin rejuvenation
- The tube is translucent so you can see the amount of product left
- Washed off easily
Cons
- Does not produce much lather
- Contains alcohol
What is a Face Wash and Why are Korean Brands the Best Choice?
A face wash is a foaming substance that helps remove deep-seated dirt and grime from the face. This is why it’s also called a cleansing foam or a foam cleanser.
It’s an essential part of any skincare routine because it cleans out the impurities and foreign substances that may cause problems such as acne and dullness.
When you use the best Korean cleansing foam, you’ll notice that the foaming action and gentle formula will help maintain skin hydration.
Korean skincare emphasizes PROPER HYDRATION, knowing it is one of the key factors in maintaining a healthy complexion.
The best Korean face washes are POWERFUL enough to remove pollutants and dirt that sit on the skin, but are GENTLE enough to not over-strip the skin of its natural oils.
The Korean beauty standard praises clear skin, so Korean beauty brands design their beauty products to achieve this.
The Need to Cleanse
Throughout the day, our skin suffers from pollution, sun damage, and other environmental aggressors that cause harm to the skin.
While some skin types fare well compared to others, we all need to rid our face of the day’s damaging effects by cleansing. This helps prevent bacteria and keep skin tone even.
Whether it’s dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin types, cleansing every night is a must. If you skip this important step, you end up harming your skin by clogging your pores.
Those with acne-prone skin types will aggravate their acne problems, while those with dry skin types will worsen their dry patches. Finding the right product for cleansing is difficult, but it’s an essential task you must undergo.
Face Wash vs. Oil Cleanser vs. Cleansing Balm
People often confuse these terms because these products help cleanse the skin. And because face washes are also called foam cleansers or gel cleansers, the confusion is understandable.
The difference, however, is apparent when you compare the products side-by-side. A foam cleanser is one that (unsurprisingly) creates a foam that needs to be completely washed off.
An oil cleanser does not need to be washed off. It can be wiped off instead. A cleansing balm is a cleansing oil in solid form.
A cleanser has the consistency of face lotion and is more moisturizing to the skin.
It is admittedly more gentle than cleansing foams and helps remove pollutants better. A balm, on the other hand, helps remove oil-based impurities from the skin.
All of these products help clean the skin. So which one do you use?
First, a cleansing balm should be used before a cleanser or a foaming cleanser. It’s the first step to the double cleansing method.
As for the other two, the answer lies in the skin type you have.
For dry and sensitive skin types, a cleanser works better because it is more hydrating. A cleansing foam is better if you belong to either the acne-prone skin, combination skin, or oily skin types. This is because this product helps provide a matte effect as it removes oil and dirt more effectively.
Why Soap Is Not Enough
Bath soap is commonly used for cleansing, but experts often recommend to avoid using it on the face.
This is easily understood when we look at the pH level of the skin and the ordinary bath soap. Soaps are, by nature, alkaline. They have an average pH of 10.5 whereas the skin has a normal pH of 5.5.
When you constantly disrupt the natural pH of the skin, it can cause problems. Most face washes, especially Korean ones, are designed to maintain healthy skin pH.
Korean face washes are gentler than soaps and do not leave the face stretchy and overclean. Soaps are, after all, for cleaning your hands.
If you’re looking for a foaming cleanser, go for a Korean brand because Korean skincare is all about having healthy and fair skin!
How to Properly Cleanse Your Face
Different skin types require different product formulations. The first thing to do is to find the best product that suits your skin.
Once you’ve found it, It’s time for a facewash!
- Wash your hands first. This ensures removing all the dirt and grime from your hands before working on your face. Pin your hair back to avoid distractions during the process.
- Next, you can start with the Korean double cleansing routine. Apply enough amount of the product to your hands. Apply the foaming cleanser in small circles over the face and neck.
- After a few minutes, rinse the product off the skin using lukewarm water. Remember not to use hot water or an overly cold one for this process.
- Finally, dry the skin using a soft towel. Do not tug on the skin too hard and avoid over-cleansing. Cleanse no more than 3 times per day.
Conclusion
When looking for the best Korean face wash, there are many factors you need to consider such as your skin type and the additional benefits of the product.
That’s why we love the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser because of how effective it is in getting rid of dirt and pollutants while still maintaining the recommended pH level.
The Dear Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser, which is number 2 on this list, is for those who have a dry skin type. This product does not overdo the cleansing and leaves enough moisture inside to keep the skin supple.
We recommend you use a cleansing oil before applying these to your face. It’ll make sure that all the oil and gunk are removed from your skin before your whole Korean skincare routine.
CHANGELOG:
August 23, 2021 – Updated product descriptions, improved article formatting, reviewed and updated overall content
July 15, 2021 – Reviewed and updated article links
