Best Korean Cleansing Oils
The first step of double cleansing needs a good oil cleanser. These five melt away sunscreen, makeup, and sebum effortlessly, emulsify cleanly, and leave skin balanced.
Why Oil Cleansing Matters
Oil cleansing is the first step of double cleansing and arguably the most important. Modern sunscreens, particularly the water-resistant Korean formulas that we all should be wearing, are designed to stay on your skin. A water-based cleanser alone cannot fully remove them, leaving a film of SPF, sebum, and pollution on your face that clogs pores and prevents your evening skincare from penetrating properly.
An oil-based cleanser works on the principle that like dissolves like. The oil binds to the oil-based substances on your skin — sebum, SPF, makeup — and when you add water, the emulsifiers in the formula cause it to turn milky and rinse away cleanly, taking everything with it.
Oil vs Balm: What Is the Difference?
The difference is texture, not function. Cleansing oils are liquid and dispensed from a pump. Cleansing balms are solid at room temperature and melt on contact with your skin. Both work the same way. Balms tend to be slightly more nourishing and better for dry skin. Oils tend to be more convenient and easier to use quickly.
Personal preference matters here. Some people love the ritual of scooping out a balm and massaging it until it melts. Others prefer the convenience of pumping an oil directly onto their face. Neither is objectively better.
The Five Best Options
**Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Oil** — The updated formula from Anua, adding quercetin alongside the Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf) extract. The botanical name matters: "heartleaf" is the marketing term for Houttuynia cordata, an herbaceous plant with documented antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The combination with quercetin adds antioxidant action to the cleansing step. The 200ml bottle lasts months and it emulsifies completely clean.
**Anua Pore Cleansing Oil** (original formula) — The original version remains available. The heartleaf extract provides calming benefits during the cleansing step, and the emulsification is excellent. A slight step below the Quercetinol formula but still among the best options in the category.
**Heimish All Clean Balm** — The cult favourite. Its sherbet-like texture transforms on skin into a silky oil that dissolves everything including waterproof mascara. The white flower complex smells gorgeous and provides a moment of aromatherapy in your routine.
**Beauty of Joseon Cleansing Balm** — The best value balm. Radish seed oil is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that dissolves impurities without overloading the skin. The fermented grain extract adds brightening benefits.
**Purito Light Cleansing Oil** — The gentlest option. Jojoba and sweet almond oils are close to skin's natural sebum composition, making this ideal for sensitive skin. At 200ml with a pump dispenser, it is convenient and long-lasting.
**Innisfree Soybean Cleansing Oil** — The workhorse. Soybean oil is an excellent emollient that dissolves stubborn SPF and makeup effectively. No frills, just reliable performance at a good price.
How to Oil Cleanse Properly
Apply to dry hands and a dry face. Do not add water yet — water stops the oil from binding to impurities. Massage in circular motions for at least 60 seconds, paying attention to areas with heavier sunscreen or makeup application. Add a splash of lukewarm water and continue massaging until the product turns milky (emulsifies). Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then follow with your water-based cleanser.
