Korean Cleansing Oil That Will Change The Skincare Game For You
Table Of Content
- What Are Cleansing Oils And How Do They Work?
- Top 9 VIRAL Korean Cleansing Oil That’s Worth Adding To Cart
- 1. AnuaHeartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil (original)
- What I Liked About
- What I Hated About
- 2.MANYO Pure Cleansing Oil
- What I Liked About
- What I Hated About
- 3. HARUHARU wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
- What I Liked About
- What I Hated About
- 4. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
- What I Liked About
- What I Hated About
- What I Liked About
- What I Hated About
- What I Liked About
- What I Hated About
- 7. SulwhasooGentle Cleansing Oil
- What I Liked About
- What I Hated About
- 8. PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil
- What I Liked About
- What I Hated About
- 9. MixsoonDouble Cleansing Set- 2-Step Routine
- What I Liked About
- What I Hated About
- How To Use A Korean Cleansing Oil For Maximum Benefit?
- Korean Cleansing Oil: Is It Worth Buying For Indian Skin?
Korean cleansing oils are literally one of the best things that have happened in the skincare world! They’re like, the key to that whole double-cleansing thing. They make taking off makeup, sunscreen, and all that gunk super easy. Your skin feels good after, like hydrated and chill, not dry at all.
Personally, when I first got into K-beauty, cleansing oils were one of the first things I tried, and I’ve been using them ever since. Instead of that tight, squeaky feeling I used to get from washing my face, these oils felt nice and light.
I realized that cleaning my face doesn’t have to ruin my skin! It doesn’t have to come at the expense of me literally ruining my skin barrier.
Which is why I bring to you my honest review about the best Korean Cleaning oil that needs to be in your shopping list before the year ends.
What Are Cleansing Oils And How Do They Work?
Cleansing oils are facial cleansers made with oil. They’re made to be gentle but do a great job of removing makeup, sunscreen, and dirt without drying out your skin. They work like dissolves. The oil in the cleanser grabs onto the other oily stuff on your face.
This works because oil-based substances (lipophilic, scientifically speaking) naturally attract other oils and stick to them.
- Application: First, you usually rub the cleansing oil onto dry skin. This lets the oil grab the extra oil your skin makes, plus makeup, sunscreen, and the yuck from the day that’s sitting on your face.
- Emulsification: Then, you add a bit of warm water. The oil cleanser has stuff in it that makes it turn into a light, milky lotion.
- Rinsing: After that, rinse it off with water. This basically washes away the dirt and makeup. Your skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated. You won’t have that greasy feeling or the tight feeling you get from some harsh cleansers.
A lot of people use cleansing oil as the first step in a double cleanse. They follow it with a water-based cleanser to really get everything off their face and clean out their pores.
Now that you have the basic idea of what a cleansing oil is and how it works, let me get to the most exciting part of this: the best Korean Cleansing Oil.
Top 9 VIRAL Korean Cleansing Oil That’s Worth Adding To Cart
Now that you know what a Korean cleansing oil is and how it works, here are a few products that you
1. AnuaHeartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil (original)
This is one of those cleansing oils that quietly does everything right. I’ve noticed from both personal use and reviews that Anua’s Heartleaf Cleansing Oil is especially loved by people who struggle with clogged pores or recurring breakouts. Despite being oil-based, it feels surprisingly lightweight and rinses off clean — no sticky film.
What really stands out is how calming it feels. If your skin tends to freak out easily, the heartleaf does a solid job of keeping things balanced. Over time, many users notice fewer blackheads and a smoother skin texture.
What I Liked About
- It melts away makeup and sunscreen quickly, even heavier formulas, without harsh rubbing.
- My skin felt soft and hydrated after rinsing — no tightness, no dryness. I remember thinking, “so cleansing doesn’t have to strip.”
- It seems to help with blackheads/sebum if I really massage and take my time — I’ve noticed some smoother pores.
- For a double-cleanse routine (oil + foam), this felt like a legit first step.
What I Hated About
- The fragrance — some reviews mention people found it irritating or too strong.
- A few users (and some from my circle) reported breakout or clogged pores after using it.
- On heavy waterproof eye makeup or long-wear products, I sometimes needed to massage more (or double-check with water-based remover).
- It’s not always ideal for sensitive/acne-prone skin — even though it’s marketed as “non-comedogenic,” results vary widely.
2.MANYO Pure Cleansing Oil
MANYO’s Pure Cleansing Oil is a K-beauty best-seller, and here’s why. Need to wipe off heavy sunscreen or waterproof makeup? This is your go-to. It’s a bit thicker than Anua but still easy to use, and great if you have dry skin.
This Korean cleansing oil feels luxurious and really gets the job done. It’s mainly plant-based oils, like maybe jojoba or tea tree, and it wipes away makeup, sunscreen, and oil.
I’ve found, and others agree, that it leaves skin super soft. Now, if you break out easily, test it first. It’s good for you, but it might be too much if your skin’s already oily.
What I Liked About
- It quickly dissolves makeup and sunscreen — even stubborn day-long SPF and daily pollution minute-by-minute — I loved how “clean” my skin felt after using it.
- On days I felt oily or after a long, sweaty day, it gave a deeper cleanse vs lighter oils. That sense of “I really washed off everything” was satisfying.
- I noticed smoother texture on some days — less blackhead clutter and dirt trapped in pores.
- For a heavier or more oil-producing skin type, this felt like a robust cleansing step; good base for a double cleanse routine.
What I Hated About
- The texture can feel a bit heavy or thick — sometimes I felt like I used too much, and it felt rich on the skin.
- A few users report breakouts or irritation, especially if skin is sensitive — caution if you react to richer oils.
- For my lighter makeup days or minimal skincare days, this felt almost overkill; sometimes left me feeling like a heavier cleanse than needed.
- Because it’s more intensive, you really need to follow up with a water-based cleanser in a double cleanse — else the oil might feel “too much.”
3. HARUHARU wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
So the third Korean cleansing oil on the list is Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil by HARUHARU Wonder – it’s super popular! TBH, it felt different to me – lighter, more nourishing, and just right. It’s got things like black rice bran oil, jojoba, macadamia, sunflower, and olive oils mixed in.
This cleansing oil feels great if you have dry skin. It’s really moisturizing and gentle, even when your skin is acting up. A bunch of people with eczema and dry skin swear by it.
It’s mostly a makeup remover, although you might need to rub a bit extra to get off heavy eye makeup. Your skin feels soft and good afterward – never tight.
Personally, for me, it’s a great everyday cleansing oil, especially if you care about your skin barrier, staying hydrated, and a gentle cleanse. It is good if your skin is dry or you don’t love thick cleansing oils.
What I Liked About
- Texture is lightweight yet feels nourishing — after rinsing, skin felt hydrated and not stripped, which was a huge relief especially in dry or cold weather.
- It removes makeup and sunscreen effectively — even waterproof or long-wear — without excessive rubbing or harshness.
- No heavy or greasy residue; what you get is a natural, soft finish — skin feels smooth and comfortable.
- Because it’s gentle and nourishing, this oil works for a variety of skin types — from dry to normal to combination — and can double as a soothing first cleanse.
What I Hated About
- On very heavy eye makeup or thick waterproof mascara, I felt that I had to massage longer or follow up specially — not always “instant melt-off” for stubborn makeup.
- For deeply clogged pores or very oily skin, it sometimes felt “too gentle” — less of a sebum purge compared to heavier oils.
- If you skip the follow-up water-based cleanse, light oils may leave slight traces (though not greasy).
- For frequent double-cleansers, some nights I thought maybe a deeper cleanse would have been more thorough—especially after sunscreen and pollution exposure.
4. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
If I had to pick just one cleansing oil that’s good for beginners, I’d go with this one. It’s super light and doesn’t clog pores. A number of people who are prone to acne have said they’ve had fewer breakouts since using it.
When I switched to a gentler skincare routine, the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil really caught my eye, and I quickly fell in love with it. The company mentions it’s light and watery, with plant oils and calming centella asiatica designed to get rid of makeup, sunscreen, and oil, while also keeping skin calm.
This stuff works great and leaves no residue behind, which could be why so many people with oily skin like it.
I truly believe that this product is a solid choice if you want something soft, gentle, good for your skin barrier, and that can be used every day to remove sunscreen or light makeup. Especially if you have sensitive or normal skin.
What I Liked About
- The texture is really lightweight and non-greasy — it feels more like a serum than an oil, which for me made cleansing feel “clean but not heavy.”
- It does a great job removing daily sunscreen, foundation, and light makeup — and rinses off to a soft, clean, mildly hydrated finish.
- For people with sensitive or easily irritated skin (like me occasionally), this oil is gentle and doesn’t seem to strip or cause redness.
- It emulsifies well and doesn’t leave a heavy oily residue — helps maintain skin barrier rather than damage it.
What I Hated About
- On really heavy makeup or waterproof mascara, I found it sometimes needs repeated passes — it doesn’t always melt stubborn products at first swipe. As one reviewer put it: “some mascara traces remain.”
- A few users (and myself included) noted that if emulsification isn’t done properly or rinsing is rushed, skin can feel slightly film-y or not fully clean.
- The scent — while generally subtle — might be a downside for those who prefer completely fragrance-free products (though not everyone finds it irritating).
- For very heavy sebum / deeply clogged pores or heavy makeup + sunscreen days, sometimes I wished this oil was “stronger”; it feels more like a gentle daily oil.
3. COSNORI 7-Complex Micro Active Cleansing Oil
Okay, so I was actually surprised by this COSNORI cleansing oil – the 7-Complex Micro Active Cleansing Oil. I thought it was a pretty good, balanced oil cleanser. It wasn’t too heavy, but it still worked well, and it was nice and simple to use.
Lots of people are saying it’s great at taking off makeup and excess oil without irritating their skin or clogging pores.
If you don’t like heavy oil cleansers but still want a good clean, this is a good “balanced” option. Plus, it’s perfect for everyday use, especially if you have normal or combo skin and want something gentle that still works.
COSNORI doesn’t advertise much, but they put thought into this formula. It has a light, clean feel that’s works well for combo skin.
What I Liked About
- It feels gentle yet effective — many reviewers say it removes makeup and sebum cleanly and leaves skin feeling fresh rather than greasy.
- I didn’t need a lot of product for the cleanse, which is nice — a little goes a long way. Good efficiency.
- For combination or sensitive skin, this seems a safe middle-ground: cleansing power without overt heaviness, sebum control without dryness.
- After rinse, skin feels clean and balanced — no tightness, no heavy residue.
What I Hated About
- The bottle size seems to run out quickly — for frequent double cleansing, it might not be the most cost-effective.
- For very heavy makeup or thick sunscreen + waterproof products, I sometimes feel the cleanse is not “deep” enough compared to stronger oils.
- Because it’s moderate in strength, stubborn blackheads or deeply embedded sebum may not be fully cleared — if your skin is heavily congested, you might want something stronger.
- Some nights I felt like a second water-based cleanse was almost mandatory to get the freshest “just-washed skin” feel.
6. MANYO Herb Green Cleansing Oil
The Manyo Herb Green Cleansing Oil is different because it uses plant extracts (like tea tree and artemisia) to give you a deep clean and a more natural skincare experience.
If your skin is okay with essential oils, this might be a good choice. It breaks down dirt well and can calm breakouts. Just keep in mind that it might be a bit strong if you have skin that’s easily irritated.
Basically, it’s made to get rid of makeup and oil while giving your skin some herbal goodness.
If you’re into herbal cleansers and usually wear light makeup or sunscreen, this could be a cool option. But if you have sensitive skin, test it on a small area first.
What I Liked About
- It goes on smoothly and washes off easily, according to lots of reviews.
- If you like herbal stuff – something more holistic than just plain oil cleansers – this gives you a different feel.
- It’s a pretty good makeup remover for everyday stuff like sunscreen and dirt. It works great on days you don’t wear a lot of makeup.
- Some people say their skin feels refreshed and balanced after using it, not oily or dry.
What I Hated About
- The herbal smell can be strong. Some people like it, but others find it too much or irritating.
- Because it has herbal oils and other active stuff, this oil might cause sensitivity or reactions if you have skin that reacts easily.
- When I wear heavy makeup, I need to work harder to get it all off, or use another cleanser afterward.
- If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the herbal oils can sometimes feel a bit heavy or like they might clog your pores, depending on your skin at the time.
7. SulwhasooGentle Cleansing Oil
Okay, so I tried out Sulwhasoo Cleansing Oil, the fancy one everyone’s been raving about, and I get the hype now. It’s like, a supercharged cleanser because it uses old-school Korean herbs and oils (think apricot and tangerine) to get your face clean. Beauty people are calling it a spa day in a bottle, which is about right.
It’s a top pick if you’re into a boujee cleansing vibe, have dry or sensitive skin, or just want something gentle that still does the job. Perfect for a night when you want to give your skin some extra TLC.
I think it is one of the better high-end skincare products out there. My skin felt amazing and super moisturized afterwards, though it does cost a pretty penny.
What I Liked About
- The feel is amazing; silky and rich, and it turns into a milky wash. My skin felt soft, hydrated, and nourished, not tight or dry, after using it.
- It removes makeup and sunscreen without any fuss — even if you have sensitive skin and there’s no strong smell or anything irritating.
- The blend of herbal oils turns washing your face into a treat. As someone who writes about skincare, it’s nice when the small details are pleasant.
- If your skin is dry or mature or just needs a boost, this oil feels like it’s feeding and reviving it, not just cleaning it.
What I Hated About
- It’s pricier than most cleansers, which can add up if you’re double cleansing or using it all the time.
- It cleans well, but if I was wearing a lot of waterproof makeup or heavy sunscreen, I felt like I needed a separate eye makeup remover.
- If your skin’s oily or breaks out easily, this might be too much for you — it can feel a bit heavy sometimes.
- If you are only wearing light makeup, it might be too much of a cleanser.
8. PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil
If you’ve got super sensitive skin, I’d say give this a shot first. It’s super simple, with no fragrance or anything extra.
The PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil is one of the most basic, clean beauty items out there. It uses olive oil and some other gentle plant oils to get rid of makeup and dirt while keeping your skin healthy.
According to the ingredient experts, the olive oil inside (which has antioxidants and vitamin E) helps keep your skin moisturized from the inside out.
I think it’s a pretty good clean-beauty cleansing oil, mainly if you’re into gentle, natural skincare that doesn’t strip your skin. It’s best for normal or slightly dry skin, and for days when you’re not wearing a ton of makeup.
What I Liked About
- It feels really gentle and natural on my skin. I like that it doesn’t have strong smells or oils that can irritate, making it great if your skin is sensitive.
- Easily gets rid of makeup, sunscreen, and dirt without leaving a heavy, oily feeling. Your skin feels clean, but not too dry.
- If you’re only wearing a little makeup and sunscreen (like many of us do daily), it’s a good everyday cleanser.
- Using olive oil and gentle plant oils means you’re also feeding your skin at the same time, not just washing stuff off.
What I Hated About
- If I’m wearing lots of makeup or waterproof sunscreen, sometimes it doesn’t feel like it cleans everything off completely.
- If you skip the water-based cleanser in your double cleanse, you might feel a tiny bit of residue. It’s not a big deal for most, but if you’ve got really oily skin, it might not be the best.
- Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different. If your skin is super oily or you get acne easily, it might be a bit too rich for you.
- Since it’s a mild oil, it probably won’t clear out deep blackheads or sebum. So, if you’re trying to get rid of clogged pores or blackheads, it might not be the right pick.
9. MixsoonDouble Cleansing Set- 2-Step Routine
Finally, the mixsoon Double Cleansing Set—it has Bean Cleansing Oil and Centella Foam—is pretty interesting since it gives you a full 2-step cleanse in one package. The oil is light and gentle since it’s bean-oil based. Apart from that, the foam is good if you want a deeper clean. Personally, I would say it’s simple, well-balanced, and easy to add to your routine.
Basically, it’s a great cleansing oil if you’re into clean beauty, especially if you want a gentle, natural cleanse every day that supports your skin instead of stripping it.
It’s best for normal to slightly dry skin or days when you don’t wear makeup. If you’re just starting with skincare and want something super easy, this set is great.
What I Liked About
- Full routine in one set, and that made it a lot easier for me.
- The oil feels lightweight and mild — a nice entry into oil cleansing without heavy oils or strong fragrances, good for sensitive skin
- It balances cleansing and hydration — leaves skin clean but not dry or stripped, and the foam gives a deeper finish if you wore sunscreen / makeup.
- For everyday use (light makeup, SPF, pollution), this felt gentle and refreshing — doing its job without overdoing.
What I Hated About
- Oil alone isn’t very strong, which might make you use more product.
- The foam cleanser might not be as moisturizing — so on dry skin days, you might still need extra hydration.
- Not travel-friendly (it leaked while I was on my way to Kochi this year).
- The strong scent of centella might be a little too much for some people.
How To Use A Korean Cleansing Oil For Maximum Benefit?
To dodge problems like skin crud or getting irritated and to actually get something out of cleansing oil, you really need to use it right. Here’s how, in five steps from the excerpts on this industry (also, I have used this method, and it has worked wonders!):
Step 1: Always start with your hands and face dry. Oil and water don’t play well together, so wet skin means the oil won’t work that great. So, dry off before you start.
Step 2: Use one or two pumps. A little goes a long way. The amount you need changes. It depends on the oil and the amount of makeup you’re trying to take off. Cake face? Go for a bit more.
Step 3: Rub it in lightly for about a minute. Use circles going up, targeting oily places – your forehead, nose, and chin. Chilling during this step is good. It helps your blood flow better.
Step 4: Mix a bit of water into the oil. Keep rubbing. The oil should turn milky. This means it’s doing its work of melting away dirt.
Step 5: Rinse like crazy. Use warm water until your skin doesn’t feel oily. Pat your face dry with a clean towel (don’t rub), and apply your regular water-based face wash right away.
Quick tip: Do this every morning and night if you put on sunblock daily. Even sunscreen that claims it won’t clog pores has stuff in it that needs an oil-based cleanser to fully come off.
Korean Cleansing Oil: Is It Worth Buying For Indian Skin?
Absolutely — as long as you choose the right one!
These cleansers are great for dealing with common skin problems like pollution and too much oil, which a lot of people have. They also give you the moisture you need without making your skin feel heavy or oily.
I found that lighter oils (like SKIN1004, Purito, Mixsoon) are wonderful for daily cleansing, minimal makeup, and sensitive skin, whereas richer oils (Anua, Manyo, Sulwhasoo) work better if you wear makeup / sunscreen / heavier products / live in pollution or have oily skin needing deeper cleanse.
Since Indian cities often have a lot of pollution, it’s super important to use high-SPF sunscreen every day. Oil cleansers work well with oil-based stuff, heavy makeup, and pollutants that water-based cleansers can’t get rid of completely. That means fewer clogged pores and less dullness.
Most Korean cleansing oils are made to be light and not greasy, so they’re perfect for India’s hot and humid weather. Plus, they’re awesome for oily and combination skin, which are common skin types there.
Basically, light, fragrance-free stuff is a good pick for India’s humid climate, especially for taking off sunscreen. And if that sounds like you, a Korean cleansing oil could be just what your skin needs!
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