In this post, we have selected the best Korean cleansers for oily, acne-prone skin. They are very gentle on the skin and we also have cleansers for sensitive skin types.

You should choose cleansers that are free from artificial fragrances, parabens, artificial colors, alcohol, mineral oils, or silicone.

You can also look for foaming, non-foaming, or milk cleansers depending on your skin type.

Milk or gel cleansers are better for dry/dehydrated, sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin.

We chose each cleanser based on how commonly it was used and recommended by people.

Note: we couldn’t fit all the cleansers in this list, so make sure to check the end of this post for more cleansers!

This is a gentle, slightly acidic cleanser many people have recommended for oily, acne-prone skin. You can also use this if you have sensitive skin.

It has 4-CICA ingredients that relieve irritated skin from stress and external factors.

Pros:

• It calms irritated skin along with gentle exfoliation.

• It contains Artemisia vulgaris extract (calms and reduces redness while tackling acne and breakouts), Asiatic acid (reduces inflammation) Madecassoside (helps with inflammation and dryness), and Panthenol (to enhance hydration).

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Butylene Glycol, Coco-Betaine, Betaine, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Aspartic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-67, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Malt Extract, 1,2- Hexanediol, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sage Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Madecassoside, Panthenol, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid.

The COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is the perfect cleanser for oily, acne-prone skin. It is formulated with botanical ingredients and salicylic acid that help remove dead skin, oil, blackheads, and whiteheads while providing moisture to the skin. It also helps to reduce breakouts.

Pros:

• It helps to unclog pores.

• It contains salicylic acid that helps to dissolve oils away and keeps the skin fresh.

• It is soothing and clears blackheads and whiteheads by exfoliation.

• It controls sebum production and cleanses all the dirt in the pores.

• It contains glycerine, tea tree, and salicylic acid.

• It is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and alcohol.

• It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and vegan.

Cons:

• Contains fragrance.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycol Distearate, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Salicylic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Willow Bark Water, Saccharomyces Ferment, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Evening Primrose Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA.

This is a gentle cleanser with a low pH made with glycerin and disodium cocoamphoacetate.

These ingredients make it suitable for individuals with sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin, including children and babies because of its mild and non-irritating properties. 

Pros:

• It helps to hydrate and moisturize your skin. 

• It is hypoallergenic, toxin-free, and cruelty-free.

• It is 100% free from paraben, artificial fragrances, colorants, mineral oil, and steroids.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

WATER, GLYCERIN, SODIUM COCOYL ALANINATE, LAURYL HYDROXYSULTAINE, LAURYL GLUCOSIDE, QUILLAJA SAPONARIA BARK EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, HYALURONIC ACID, ACRYLATES/- C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, BENZYL GLYCOL, HYDROLYZED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS, SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER, COCO-BETAINE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE, SODIUM MYRISTOYL GLUTAMATE, PROTEASE, E- THYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM ACET- YLATED HYALURONATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CHLORIDE.

This is a low, pH gel cleanser that should be suitable for sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin.

Pros:

• It helps to remove impurities, protect the skin barrier, and restore pH balance.

• It can help with dry skin and uneven tried skin.

• It contains 0.5% betaine salicylate (BHA) & 5,000ppm tea tree oil.

• It is pH balanced (pH 5.31±1.00) and optimizes the balance of oil and water in the skin.

Cons:

None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine Salicylate, Citric Acid, Ethyl Hexanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA.

This is a slightly acidic cleanser that helps to cleanse the skin without damaging the skin barrier. It contains plant-derived extracts obtained from plum and mung bean seeds.

Pros:

• ​It is hypoallergenic and comes in a moist gel-like formula

• It does not dry out the skin and provides a moist feeling even after cleansing.

• It contains plum water 24% and mung bean seed extract 3%.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Prunus Mume Fruit Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Coconut Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Isethionate, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Punica Granatum Extract, Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA

This is a weakly acidic, low-irritant foam cleanser that should be perfect for sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin.

Pros:

• It has panthensoside (Panthenol and Madecassoside) that helps to calm the skin.

• It controls sebum oil and moisture.

• It has a pH-balanced formula.

• It is free of 8 additives (Free of PEG surfactant, sulfate, mineral oil, tar coloring, polyacrylamide, imidazolidinyl urea, triethanolmine, syntheticperfume).

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

WATER / AQUA / EAU, SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE, GLYCERIN, COCO-BETAINE, POTASSIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, CITRIC ACID, TROMETHAMINE, DISODIUM EDTA, PANTHENOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, MADECASSOSIDE.

This is a cleansing foam set at a pH of 5.5 to cleanse the skin of dirt, excess oils, and other impurities deep in the pores.

Pros:

• One core ingredient is Birch Sap (2,000ppm) which strengthens the skin barrier, balances sebum levels and moisturizes the skin.

• It also contains green tea, licorice, allantoin, calendula, chamomile, and centella asiatica.

• It contains a special patent skincare technology, Aquaxyl, this cleansing foam keeps the skin moisturized and balanced.

• It also contains an Anti-dehydration shield”–Optimizes water reserves by increasing important NMFs, like hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in the skin. It also limits water loss by improving the skin barrier with increased protein and lipid synthesis.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Betaine, Potassium Cocoate, Polyquaternium-67, Xylitylglucoside, Citric Acid, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium Chloride, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Xylitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glucose, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Allantoin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Benzoate 

This is another popular cleanser that has been recommended by people with oily, acne-prone skin. It has a gel formula that creates a silky lather to remove dirt + light makeup + sunscreen.

Pros: 

• It uses matcha, hemp seed oil, and sodium PCA to provide cleansing and moisture.

• It is fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty free, paraben-free, PEG-free, phthalate-free, and talc-free.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF WATER, WATER (AQUA/EAU), GLYCERIN, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, COCO-BETAINE, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, METHYL GLUCETH-10, XANTHAN GUM, CELLULOSE GUM, BENZYL GLYCOL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF POWDER, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, CANNABIS SATIVA (HEMP) SEED OIL, CITRIC ACID, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PANTHENOL (VITAMIN B5), SODIUM PCA, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, AVENA SATIVA (OAT) KERNEL EXTRACT

This is a gentle foam cleanser that works wonders on all skin types including oily, acne-prone skin.

Pros:

• It helps to balance out oil production on the skin, hydrates while cleansing, and soothes any redness and irritation.

• It is made with oats extract and Chaga mushroom, these ingredients help relieve the skin and gently exfoliate the skin. 

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauric Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Peach Fruit Extract, Chamaecyparis Obstusa Leaf Extract, Mushroom Extract, Oat Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Polyquaternium-7, Citric Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol.

This is a low-pH foaming cleanser that uses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredients to cleanse the skin of dirt, oil, makeup, and sunscreen.

Pros:

• This cleanser is dermatologically tested and has completed a skin irritation test with zero-irritation result; in addition, all ingredients are in EWG safety grade.

• It contains white willow bark extract and natural AHA ingredients, that gently dissolve excess sebum and pore impurities instead of irritating peeling ingredients, leaving the skin feeling soft. Along with 5 hyaluronic acids that provide a deep hydrating feeling by quickly supplying moisture after cleansing.

• It also contains centella asiatica extracts, tea tree extract, and lonicera japonica flower extract, known as a representative soothing ingredient, that quickly calms irritated skin and controls excess sebum, and moisturizes sensitive skin.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Coco-glucoside, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Tea Tree Leaf Extract, Sage Leaf Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentylene Glycol, Willow Bark Extract, Polyquaternium-67, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol.

• Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser

• Skin1004 Centella Ampoule Foam (highly recommend)

• Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser

• Beplain – Greenful pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam

• B.LAB – Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser

• Dr. Oracle 21 Stay A-Thera Cleansing Foam

• PURITO Defence Barrier pH Cleanser

• Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Foam Cleanser

If you have oily, acne-prone skin and need a cleanser for acne, blackheads, and whiteheads then the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is a good option.

If you have sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin then the Round Lab – Mugwort Calming Cleanser, Rovectin Skin Essentials Conditioning Cleanser, Cosrx – Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, Etude House Soon Jung Foam cleanser, FACETORY – Cloud Puff Gentle Foam Cleanser, and Pyunkang Yul – Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser should be good options.

We also recommend going for Beauty of Josen – Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, Axis-Y Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam, and Krave Beauty – Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser.

• A:
  • Axis-Y – Quinoa One-Step Balanced Gel Cleanser
  • Acwell Bubble Free pH balancing cleanser
  • Acnes Derma Relief Moisture Foam Cleanser

• E:
  • Etude House – SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
  • Equal RXN’s High Capacity Cleansing Fluid 

• H:
  • Heimish All Clean Green Foam pH 5.5

• I:
  • Innisfree Bija Trouble Cleansing Gel

• N:
  • Neogen Green Tea Foaming Cleanser 

• S:
  • Sweet Chef – Oat Milk Latte Cleanser
  • Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milky Cleanser
  • Sur.medic Azulene Soothing pH Cleanser