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Washing your facecan feel like a choreuntil you add one of the best Korean cleansers to your routine.
Collage: Laneen Wells; Source images: Allure editors
Suddenly, it feels like a mini spa moment.
Think derm-approved ingredients likeCentella asiatica(a.k.a.
These picks are not just a treat for your face but also for your gifting game.
Sarah Han washing her face with the Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser.
Sarah Han washing her face with the Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser.
Sarah Han holding the Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser after cleansing her face.
No complaints, no notes."
Sarah Han washing her face with the Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser.
Choi says this is her top pick for a refreshing cleanse.
“It’s perfect for a second cleanse.
I also love seeing the actual green tea leaves on the bottom of the bottle!”
Dr. Chang keeps it on hand to use both “morning and nighttime after removing makeup.”
“It leaves my skin feeling softer.”
It does have a tea tree oil scent so those with sensitivities may want to avoid this product."
Sarah Y. Wu washing her face with Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser.
Wu after washing her face with Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser.
The first time I used it, I loved how creamy and fluffy the bubbles felt.
Sarah Y. Wu washing her face with Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser.
More importantly, this cleanser always leaves my skin incredibly smooth, soft, and soothed.
It’s made with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and guava fruit extract to leave your skin soft and moisturized.
Sarah Y. Wu washing off makeup on her hand with the Glow Guava Facial Treatment Cleanser.
Sarah Y. Wu with the Glow Guava Facial Treatment Cleanser.
But it’s stayed in my routine because it’s a great cleanser.
The jelly texture feels so nice going on and then melts into more of a light cleansing oil.
Sarah Y. Wu washing her face with Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser.
It’s also infused withCentella asiaticato soothe and calm sensitive, reactive skin.
While it’s fragrance-free, it does have a noticeable citrus and berry scent from the included fruit extracts.
However, Cho says the formula is so gentle, she even uses it on her toddler.
Sarah Y. Wu washing off makeup on her hand with the Glow Guava Facial Treatment Cleanser.
It’s paired with a blend of non-comedogenic olive andjojoba oilsthat leave your skin feeling smooth and looking clear.
(Note: Hanskin also makes this cleansing oil inAHAandPHAversions.
“I use two to three and massage it onto my face, including around my eyes.
Sarah Y. Wu washing off makeup on her hand with the Glow Guava Facial Treatment Cleanser.
It has a lightweight, thin consistency that makes it easy to apply.
Wu washing her face with the Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder.
Wu holding the Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder.
It transforms into a creamy, super smooth foam as soon as I add water.
The soft, silky balm scoops out easily and melts into oil when it meets skin.
“It also does a great job at removing even the most stubborn of eyeliners and mascaras.
Wu washing her face with the Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder.
It also does not irritate my eyes or skin.”
“This is the O.G.
Korean cleansing balm that started it all for me and my skin-care journey,” she says.
“I prefer acleansing balmover acleansing oilbecause it doesn’t drip down my arms while cleansing my face.
Just a little scoop goes a long way, and it removes my makeup and impurities effortlessly!”
“It effectively removes all my waterproof makeup and sunscreen,” she says.
Wu washing her face with the Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder.
“It’s gentle and light on my skin.
My skin feels perfectly balanced afterward!”
“The consistency is nice: not too watery, and also not too greasy.
I can see why this is such an iconic K-beauty cleanser.”
K-beauty made itand Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm is a TikTok favorite.
Wu washing makeup off of her hand with the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm.
Wu holding the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm.
It never gets clogged or blocked either; it’s just genius packaging.
To use, pour it over a cotton round and swipe over your skin.
Wu washing makeup off of her hand with the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm.
you might either rinse it off with a splash of water or leave it on like a toner.
Wu washing her face with a cotton pad drenched in Reduire by Unleashia Refreshing Time Cleansing Water.
Wu holding a bottle of Reduire by Unleashia Refreshing Time Cleansing Water after washing her face.
Wu washing makeup off of her hand with the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm.
But this formula is so gentle, I can swipe it on as many times as I want.
It leaves my skin feeling super refreshed and smooth and I just leave it on like a toner afterward.
It also works well as the second step in a double cleanse.”
Wu washing her face with a cotton pad drenched in Réduire by Unleashia Refreshing Time Cleansing Water.
The better question here is: Which Korean facial cleanser is best for your skin throw in?
“This allows you to customize your skin-care routine based on your skin needs.”
If you havedry skin, she recommends hydrating andbarrier-boosting ingredientsincluding hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and shea butter.
Wu washing her face with a cotton pad drenched in Réduire by Unleashia Refreshing Time Cleansing Water.
“Korean cleansers tend to be gentle,” says Dr. Chang.
Still, if you have sensitive skin, conduct apatch testfirst.
What is the Korean cleansing method?
The first cleanse melts away your oil-based impurities, like sebum and makeup.
The second takes care of the remaining sweat and dirt.
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