How to choose your facial cleanser?

Facial cleanser is one of the pillars of a successful skincare routine. It helps remove impurities, excess sebum, perspiration, pollution particles, and makeup residue. However, with so many products available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Here's a comprehensive guide to finding the ideal facial cleanser for your skin type and specific needs.

Why is choosing a facial cleanser crucial?

A good cleanser prepares the skin for the next treatment: serum, moisturizer, or essence. A poor choice can, on the other hand, disrupt the skin's barrier, cause tightness, redness, or promote the appearance of imperfections. That's why it's essential to choose a suitable, gentle yet effective formula, especially in a Korean skincare routine.

The different types of cleaners

Facial cleansing gels

They are especially suitable for combination to oily skin. Their light texture allows for deep cleansing while controlling excess sebum. However, be careful with harsh gels containing sulfates.

Recommended example:
🧼 Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam – This foaming cleanser is formulated with soothing Houttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf ). Ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin, it cleanses without stripping.

Cream or milk cleansers

Softer and more enveloping, they are perfect for dry or sensitive skin. Their formula limits dehydration and respects the hydrolipidic film.

Recommended example:
🧴 Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm – This creamy balm gently cleanses while nourishing the skin with rice and oats. It is used as the first step in a double cleanse.

Light mousses

Often used in kbeauty , mousses are appreciated for their lightness. They are suitable for normal to combination skin, especially if they are enriched with moisturizing agents.

Recommended example:
🫧 Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser by Cosrx – Ultra gentle with a pH close to that of skin, this facial cleansing gel purifies without drying, even sensitive skin.

Makeup remover oils

The first step in double cleansing, they dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Ideal for all skin types, even oily, as long as you use a non-comedogenic oil.

Recommended example:
🧴 Ginseng Cleansing Oil by Beauty of Joseon - a gentle oil with nourishing and antioxidant benefits.

Adapting your facial cleanser to your skin type

Oily skin

Opt for a cleanser containing sebum-regulating ingredients (like tea tree, BHA, or Heartleaf) to mattify the skin while avoiding a "stripping" effect.

Dry skin

Choose soft and nourishing textures: creams, milks, oils or cleansing balms enriched with ceramides, fatty acids or rice extracts.

Combination skin

Opt for balancing formulas, often in a soft gel or light foam, which cleanse the T-zone without attacking drier cheeks.

Sensitive skin

Look for fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and pH-balanced cleansers that contain soothing ingredients like centella asiatica or chamomile.

Double cleansing: a Korean skincare essential

Double cleansing is one of the fundamental pillars of Korean skincare. It's a two-step ritual designed to deeply cleanse the skin without stripping it, while respecting its natural balance. It's a gentle yet highly effective approach, adopted by makeup enthusiasts and non-users alike.

Why two steps?

Simply because not all types of impurities are removed the same way. The first step removes lipophilic (oil-loving) residues, such as sebum, sunscreen, makeup, or pollution. The second step removes hydrophilic (water-soluble) impurities, such as sweat or dust. This process prevents clogged pores, blackheads, and blemishes, while leaving skin soft, clear, and ready for subsequent care.

Ingredients to watch out for

Choosing a facial cleanser isn't just about texture; its composition is just as important. Here are some key ingredients to consider:

• Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) : soothing, purifying, ideal for sensitive or blemish-prone skin.
• Centella Asiatica : healing and soothing, perfect for reactive skin.
• Salicylic Acid (BHA) : Purifying, gentle exfoliant, targets clogged pores.
• Propolis : antibacterial and nourishing, it provides radiance and softness.
• Ginseng : Revitalizes and improves circulation for a more radiant complexion.
• Panthenol : hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier.

Three other facial cleansers to discover

🔹 Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm by Banila Co – A Kbeauty bestseller for gentle makeup removal.

🔹 Cosr x Calming Foam Cleanser – Ultra-gentle foam formulated for sensitive skin with centella asiatica.

🔹 Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser by Beauty of Joseon – A fresh gel with natural AHA for gentle yet effective cleansing.

Our tips for an effective routine

1. Cleanse your face morning and night, even if you don't wear makeup.
2. Massage gently, without rubbing aggressively.
3. Rinse with lukewarm (never hot) water.
4. Pat dry with a clean towel.
5. Apply essence or toner immediately to avoid dehydration.

Need help choosing your facial cleanser?

It can be difficult to know exactly what your skin needs. That's why we offer a personalized skincare quiz on our website. By answering a few simple questions, you'll receive recommendations tailored to your skin type, concerns (acne, dryness, radiance, etc.), and texture preferences.

👉 Take our skincare quiz now to find out which cleansers and treatments are right for you!

To finish

Facial cleanser is much more than just a simple hygiene routine: it determines the effectiveness of your entire routine. Adapting your choice to your skin type and needs is essential for achieving visible and lasting results. The richness of Korean skincare offers numerous effective, gentle, and innovative options. Whether you have dry, sensitive, oily, or blemish-prone skin, you're sure to find the perfect cleanser. And to help guide you, don't hesitate to take our skincare quiz to build the routine that truly suits you.