Are you looking for the best Korean water based cleanser?
Did you know that there are many different types of water-based cleansers on the market?
If you’re like me, you want to find the best possible product for your skin. That’s why I’ve done extensive research and compiled a list of the best Korean water-based cleansers available.
Curious?
Here’s my list of the top Korean water-based cleansers.
This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Table of Contents
Our Favorite Water-Based Cleansers at a Glance
- Best Korean Cleanser for Oil Control: The History of Whoo – Gongjinhyang Soo Soo Yeon Hydrating Foam Cleanser
- Best Korean Cleanser for Dark Spots: Vita C Plus Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
- Best Korean Water-Based Cleanser for Travel: Purlisse Pineapple Bright Cleansing Gel
- Best Korean Water-Based Cleanser for Sensitive Skin Types: ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
- Best Korean Water-Based Cleanser for Combination Skin: Farmacy Whipped Greens Face Wash
Don’t have time to go through the whole list? Here is a quick comparison table.
Table could not be displayed.Top 10 Korean Water-Based Cleanser – Buying Guide
After scouring the internet and reading countless reviews searching for the top Korean water-based cleanser, I’ve finally compiled a list of the best ones available.
Here they are:
1. Best Korean Cleanser for Oil Control: The History of Whoo – Gongjinhyang Soo Soo Yeon Hydrating Foam Cleanser
The History of Whoo – Gongjinhyang Soo Soo Yeon Hydrating Foam Cleanser is a luxurious, oil-controlling cleanser and, therefore, the best Korean foam cleanser for oily skin.
Features & Attributes of The History of Whoo Foam Cleanser
This gentle yet effective Korean foam cleanser contains ginseng extract, and camellia japonica flower extracts to help remove impurities, control excess sebum production and leave your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
My favorite thing about this cleanser is ginseng’s light, refreshing scent that lingers on your skin after washing.
I also love that it doesn’t strip my skin of its natural oils but rather leaves it feeling clean and balanced.
Measurements
This hydrating cleanser is available in a 180ml soft tube.
Benefits & Drawbacks of the History of Whoo Foam Cleanser
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Hydrating | The scent is too strong for some people |
| Doesn’t strip the skin | Doesn’t come in a bigger size |
| Affordable | |
| Made with natural ingredients |
How It Compares to Others
The fact that this cleanser contains ginseng sets it apart from other similar products on the market. Ginseng is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare because it has anti-aging properties. (1)
Expert Tips
To get the most out of this product, ensure you massage it into your face and neck for 1 to 2 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Testimonials
Here’s what one happy customer thought:
“I was surprised by how well this cleanser worked. After using it, my skin felt clean and refreshed.”
| Check Latest Price The History of Whoo – Gongjinhyang Soo Soo Yeon Hydrating Foam Cleanser – 180ml |
If you’re wondering whether to choose Cetaphil or Cerave cleanser, make sure to check out our in-depth article on “Cetaphil vs Cerave cleanser” comparing the two popular skincare brands.
2. Best KoreanCleanser for Dark Spots: Vita C Plus Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
If you’re concerned about dark spots or uneven skin tone, try this water-based cleanser from Vita C Plus.
Features & Attributes of the Vita C Plus Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
The gentle formula contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, collagen, Vitamin E, ceramide, PHA, and Adenosine to cleanse, brighten, and smooth skin.
It leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed, without any dryness or tightness.
The foaming cleanser is also non-irritating and hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
Measurements
This Vita C cleanser comes in a 120 ml soft tube.
Benefits & Drawbacks of the Vita C Plus Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Clears dark spots | You need a lot of it to clean your face |
| Non-irritating | It comes in a small size |
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Smells nice |
How It Compares to Others
This cleanser’s unique selling point is that it contains Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, both antioxidants that help brighten the skin and fight off free radicals. (2)
Expert Tips
For the best results, use this cleanser twice a day, in the morning and night. This way, you’ll get the most out of its brightening and skin-clearing properties.
Testimonials
Here’s what one happy customer thought:
“I love this cleanser! It’s gentle on my sensitive skin, and it doesn’t dry me out.”
| I saw it on Missha Vita C Plus Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser |
3. Best Korean Water-Based Cleanser for Travel: Purlisse Pineapple Bright Cleansing Gel
No products found.The Purlisse Pineapple Bright Cleansing Gel is an excellent option for those on the go.
Features & Attributes of the Purlisse Pineapple Bright Cleansing Gel
This cleanser is gentle, refreshing, and perfect for combination and oily skin types. The packaging is also super cute and travel-friendly.
Its star ingredients are pineapple, aloe vera, lemon, and Camu Camu, which work wonders for dryness, blocked pores, inflammation, oil control, cellular damage, and irritation.
Measurements
The cleanser comes in a 30ml soft tube.
Benefits& Drawbacks of the Purlisse Pineapple Bright Cleansing Gel
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Travel-friendly | Not the best for everyday use due to its size |
| Packed with anti-oxidant ingredients | The scent is too strong for some people |
| Budget-friendly |
How It Compares to Others
This cleanser’s unique selling point is its combination of anti-inflammatory and brightening ingredients.
No products found.Expert Tips
To avoid running out on this cleanser too fast, consider using it every other day or when traveling. You can substitute it with the Vita C Plus Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser, also packed with vitamin C.
Testimonials
Here’s what one happy customer thought:
“I have never been able to find anything that can cleanse my face as well as this product.”
No products found.
4. Best Korean Water-Based Cleanser for Sensitive Skin Types: ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
If you have sensitive skin, you know how difficult it can be to find a cleanser that doesn’t leave your face feeling dry and irritated. That’s where the ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser comes in!
Features & Attributes of the ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
This cleanser is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. The pH level of this cleanser is also balanced, which helps to protect your skin barrier.
This cleanser is also free from artificial fragrances, colors, parabens, and sulfates.
No products found.Measurements
This Korean Cleanser comes in 150 and 250 ml pump bottles.
Benefits & Drawbacks of the ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | Some people don’t like it because it doesn’t have a scent |
| Non-comedogenic | It’s budget-friendly |
| Comes in bigger sizes than most cleansers |
How It Compares to Others
The fact that this cleanser is fragrance-free sets it apart from most other cleansers on the market. This also makes it a good choice for sensitive skin types.
Expert Tips
Do a patch test before using this product if you have sensitive skin to ensure it doesn’t cause any irritation.
Testimonials
Here’s what one customer thought:
| Check Latest Price Etude House – Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser |
5. Best Korean Water-Based Cleanser for Combination Skin: Farmacy Whipped Greens Face Wash
No products found.This Farmacy face wash is one of the best K-Beauty products for combination skin because it contains a blend of gentle ingredients.
Features & Attributes of the Farmacy Whipped Greens Face Wash
This product is an oil-free foaming cleanser with moringa and papaya extract to help remove makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
It also contains green clay that helps detoxify and remove surface buildup. I also love that it leaves your skin feeling hydrated and looking supple.
Measurements
This Farmacy cleanser comes in a 150ml soft tube.
Benefits & Drawbacks of the Farmacy Whipped Greens Face Wash
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. | It’s quite pricey |
| A little goes a long way. | Doesn’t come in a bigger size |
| It smells amazing |
How It Compares to Others
This cleanser has exfoliating properties. This is a big plus for me as I love products that help slough off dead skin cells while providing other benefits.
Expert Tips
Due to its exfoliating properties, you should only use this product a few times a week. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend doing a patch test before using it all over your face.
Testimonials
Here’s what one customer thought:
No products found.
Get it With:
No products found.
6. Best Korean Water-Based Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin: Belif Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist
No products found.Dry skin types, rejoice! This water-based cleanser from Belif is creamy and provides just the right amount of hydration.
Features & Attributes of the Belif Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist
The Belif Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist is a vitamin C-packed creamy foam cleanser that removes all traces of makeup and impurities while hydrating your skin.
Its star ingredients include wormwood to prevent breakouts, sweet flag to cleanse and soften your skin, and soapberry to detoxify.
All these ingredients are gentle and non-stripping, making them the perfect choice for normal to dry skin.
Measurements
This Belif cleanser comes in a 160ml soft tube.
Benefits & Drawbacks of the Belif Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Gentle | Not suitable for sensitive skin |
| Non-stripping | Some users found the consistency to be too thick |
| Packed with vitamin C |
How It Compares to Others
This product has hydrating properties perfect for normal to dry skin.
Expert Tips
While this product is formulated with dry skin in mind, it’s best to use it only a few times a week or once a day to avoid over-drying.
Testimonials
Here’s what one customer thought:
No products found.
7. Best Korean Water-Based Cleansing Gel: HAYEJIN Blessing of Sprout Calming Cleansing Gel
If you prefer gels over cream or lotion cleansers, this one from HAYEJIN is a fantastic option. Formulated with 100% vegan ingredients, it’s gentle and calming on the skin.
Features & Attributes of the HAYEJIN Blessing of Sprout Calming Cleansing Gel
This gel cleanser’s star ingredients are moringa seed extracts, Lotus seed germ extract, and trehalose, which work to cleanse and hydrate the skin deeply.
It’s also formulated with witch hazel, which soothes and calms the skin.
Measurements
The cleanser comes in a 170ml soft tube.
Benefits of the HAYEJIN Blessing of Sprout Calming Cleansing Gel
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Gentle | Some people don’t like the smell |
| Non-stripping | It’s not the best option for sensitive skin |
| Hydrating | |
| Formulated with 100% vegan ingredients | |
| Calming on the skin |
How It Compares to Others
This cleanser is vegan, gentle, and hydrating. It’s also affordable, which is always a bonus.
Expert Tips
It’s best to use your cleanser only once daily, preferably at night.
“I do advocate that for people who are quite sensitive. Even a gentle cleanser twice a day might be a bit much. If you had to choose which time of day to use just water, it would make sense to be the morning,” says Korean Dermatologist Christine Choi (3)
Testimonials
Here’s what one happy customer thought about this cleanser:
“I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the best cleanser I’ve ever used.”
8. Best Korean Water-Based Cleanser for Irritated Skin: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is exactly what you need if you have irritated skin.
Features & Attributes of the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
The COSRX cleanser has a low pH of just under five, which you need if you want to soothe your skin.
It’s also packed with Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, which leaves skin hydrated and repairs irritated skin.
Measurements
The cleanser comes in a 150ml pump bottle.
Benefits & Drawbacks of the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Great for soothing skin | Some users say they need to use too much at a go. |
| Affordable | Some users didn’t like the smell. |
| Light and absorbent |
How It Compares to Others
This cleanser’s standout feature is that it contains snail mucin. This ingredient is very effective in repairing skin damage and promoting skin regeneration.
Expert Tips
To get the most out of this cleanser, use it in the morning and evening after an oil-based cleanser.
Testimonials
Here’s what one customer thought:
| Check Latest Price COSRX – Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser – 150ml |
9. Best Budget Korean Facial Cleanser: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
No products found.This Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is a popular choice for those on a budget.
Features & Attributes of the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
This micellar cleansing water is perfect for removing waterproof makeup. It’s also oil-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free.
Measurements
The cleanser comes in a 400ml bottle.
Benefits & Drawbacks of the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-free | It’s not as deep cleansing as some of the cleansers on this list. |
| Multipurpose | Separates quickly and needs frequent shaking |
| Alcohol-free |
How It Compares to Others
This micellar water is multipurpose. You can use it to remove makeup, cleanse your face, and even as a toner.
Expert Tips
Since micellar water isn’t a deep cleansing product, it’s best to use it as your second step in double cleansing after an oil-based cleanser for the best results.
Testimonials
Here’s what one customer thought:
No products found.
10. Best Korean Water-Based Cleanser for All Skin Types: Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Foaming Cleanser
No products found.This gentle, water-based cleanser is made with green tea extract and removes all traces of makeup while hydrating skin.
Features & Attributes of the Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Foaming Cleanser
This Neogen cleanser contains a blend of natural ingredients that cleanse and exfoliate, control sebum, and moisturize your skin.
Measurements
The facial cleanser comes in a 160ml pump bottle.
No products found.Benefits & Drawbacks of the Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Foaming Cleanser
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Suitable for all skin types | Some users didn’t like the smell |
| Non-stripping | The bottle leaks a lot |
| Has exfoliating properties |
How It Compares to Others
This cleanser contains real green tea leaves. This gives it an exfoliating and antioxidant effect that many other water-based cleaners don’t have.
Expert Tips
To get the most out of this product, use it twice a day, especially if you have oily skin to control excessive sebum production.
Testimonials
Here’s what one customer thought:
No products found.
Things To Look At When Choosing the Best Korean Water-Based Cleanser
There are a few key factors you should consider before purchasing a water-based cleanser. They include:
#1 Ingredients in The Product
You want to ensure that the ingredients list is short and sweet and contains primarily natural ingredients.
Steer clear of harsh chemicals, sulfates, and other nasty ingredients that can strip your skin of its natural oils.
#2 pH Level
The pH level of a cleanser is essential because it determines how effective it will be at cleansing your skin.
It’s best to choose a cleanser with a low pH (4) level that’s close to your natural skin pH, which is around five.
#3 Fragrance
If you’re sensitive to fragrances, opt for a fragrance-free cleanser. Otherwise, choose one with a subtle, pleasant scent that won’t overwhelm your senses.
#4 Texture
Do you prefer a creamy, foamy, or gel-like consistency?
Think about what product will work best with your skin type and cleansing method.
For example, if you have dry skin, you might want to avoid a gel cleanser (5), which can be harsh and dry. Instead, stick to creams and lotions as they’re more gentle for this skin type.
FAQs
Are Water-Based Cleansers Good?
Are Water-Based Cleansers Better Than Oil-Based?
Should You Double Cleanse With a Water and Oil Cleanser?
Is Water-Based Cleanser Good for Combination Skin?
Final Thoughts
If you were searching for the best Korean water-based cleanser, I hope this article helped you out!
Remember, the best cleanser for your skin is the one that works best for your skin type.
So, take some time to experiment and find what works best for you. And as always, if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below! I love hearing from you!
References
- 1. How to Choose a Face Wash & Cleanser for Your Skin Type | CeraVe. www.cerave.com. Accessed June 8, 2022. https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/how-to-choose-face-wash-cleanser-for-skin-type
- 2.Can you cleanse your face with just water? Korean derm answers often googled skincare queries. Her World Singapore. Published June 25, 2018. Accessed June 8, 2022. https://www.herworld.com/beauty/skin/cleanse-face-water-korean-derm-googled-skincare-queries-expired-rotate-skincare-mask-everyday/
- 3.Trabucchi E, Pallotta S, Morini M, et al. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid prevents oxygen free radical damage to granulation tissue during wound healing. International Journal of Tissue Reactions. 2002;24(2):65-71. Accessed June 8, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12182235/#:~:text=Low%20molecular%20weight%20hyaluronic%20acid%20is%20effective%20as
- 4.Yang Y, Ren C, Zhang Y, Wu X. Ginseng: An Nonnegligible Natural Remedy for Healthy Aging. Aging and Disease. 2017;8(6):708. doi:10.14336/ad.2017.0707
