Finding the best Korean exfoliator for sensitive skin is one of the top ways to remove dead skin cells from your face.
I know, I know; sometimes skin sensitivity is so severe that you wish you didn’t have to exfoliate at all.
We’ve got to do it, though if we want brighter skin and better skin health.
Don’t worry, though, for there is a Korean product with your name on it.
Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
READ MORE: Best Korean Exfoliator for Blackheads
Table of Contents
Best Korean Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin Top Picks at a Glance
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- Dermalogy by Neogenlab Real Cica Pad (Overall Winner)
- Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel (Loaded With Fruit Enzymes)
- Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water (Best Chemical Exfoliant)
Check the table below for a side-by-side comparison of our favorites!
Table could not be displayed.5 Best Korean Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin [Review]
Exfoliators are kind of my forte! I’m not going to lie; I love exfoliating. The way the skin feels right after you’ve used a gentle exfoliator is just one of the best feelings ever!
Tell me you feel the same? Whether you’re into physical exfoliation or chemical exfoliation, Korean skincare products offer you a wide variety of options for your consideration.
And, of course, you have me to tell you which is the best of the best. Here are the top 5 exfoliators that remove dead skin layers, flaky skin, and rough skin to reveal skin that radiates and glows.
1. Dermalogy by Neogenlab Real Cica Pad (Overall Winner)
Neogen makes some of the best Korean exfoliating pads for users with all skin types, and this one, in particular, is meant for those with hypersensitive skin.
No products found.Features
These pads are soaked in Centella Asiatica (aka Gotu Kola) extract, which is quite popular among Korean skincare products.
It doesn’t cause skin irritation and is mild enough for use on highly sensitive skin types.
The formula helps reduce skin inflammation and redness and also promotes collagen production and cell turnover.
It is further infused with sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid, key players in the Korean skincare business that adds hydration to the skin.
The product is made completely with natural ingredients and free of harmful chemicals such as parabens, mineral oil, and artificial fragrance.
The pads have a low pH of 5.83, meaning they are gentle enough to be used for daily exfoliation.
You get 90 pads in the tub, all soaked up with the goodness of several feel-good ingredients.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Ready-to-use gentle exfoliant. | Can cause whiteheads. |
| Infused with Centella Asiatica extract that soothes inflamed and sensitive skin. | Pads can dry out after some time. |
| Hyaluronic acid for skin hydration. | Some say the pads are on the thin side. |
| Free of harmful ingredients such as parabens, mineral oil, and artificial fragrance. | |
| Can be used every day for gentle exfoliation. |
How it compares to other products and why?
If you have sensitive skin prone to acne, you will love this product for sure, thanks to its skin-friendly ingredients that exfoliate and don’t aggravate the skin.
Expert Tip
The best part? They’re ready for use. Just take them out with a spatula or clean hands and rub them all over your clean face. Saying goodbye to dull skin never felt better.
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2. Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel (Loaded With Fruit Enzymes)
Up next in our list of the best Korean exfoliators for sensitive skin is the Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel.
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Loaded with tannic acid found in apples, the gel rescues troubled skin and provides a brightening effect for healthy skin.
Other ingredients include papaya enzymes, gypsophila paniculata root extract, lemon, orange, and bilberry leaves extract.
Vitamins, apple acid, and sugar from apple extract help give a healthy glow to your skin.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Loaded with the goodness of natural extracts. | Consistency of the product is light. |
| Gommage peeling type gel that removes keratin, sebum, and bodily waste. | Contains parabens. |
| Can be used once in a week or two weeks for sensitive skin types. |
How it compares to other products and why?
The Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel is power-packed with fruit enzymes that gently remove dead skin cells, skin wastes, and sebum.
Expert Tips
Applying the gel is kind of fun. You take a little bit on your fingers and apply it all over your clean face.
You then rub and roll the gel smoothly over your skin for 1 to 2 minutes and let the gelly granules roll up. When the two minutes are up, you wash it off with lukewarm water and say hello to clearer skin.
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3. Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water (Best Chemical Exfoliant)
This gentle exfoliator by Wishtrend is on the list of my favorite best Korean chemical exfoliator that has done wonders on my sensitive skin.
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Features
Mandelic acid, one of the top active ingredients in this product, is a form of alpha-hydroxy acid that provides gentle exfoliation without being too harsh on the skin.
Other ingredients include panthenol, beta-glucan, and Centella Asiatica extract that soothes and hydrates the skin after gently exfoliating.
This product is free of harmful ingredients such as ethanol, parabens, silicone, and steroids.
It is also cruelty-free and 100% vegan friendly.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Doubles as a gentle exfoliator and toner. | Can cause breakouts. |
| Loaded with 5% mandelic acid, a gentle dead skin remover. | Can cause allergic reactions on some skin types. |
| Free of parabens, silicone, artificial colors, and fragrance. |
How it compares to other products and why?
Chemical exfoliation gently removes dead skin cells, promotes cell turnover, and lightens dark spots, all without causing allergic reactions on skin types such as yours.
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4. SKINFOOD Rice Mask Wash Off (Best Budget Buy)
SKINFOOD is renowned for making some of the best masks for hypersensitive skin, and this one is no exception.
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This wash-off mask is made with 20% Cheorwon Odae rice bran water that brightens the skin tone and clarifies dead skin.
It effectively removes skin impurities and bumpy skin and radically improves skin condition.
The 5% Cheorwon Odae rice powder works to provide gentle exfoliation that is safe for use on most skin types, even oily and acne-prone skin.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| 5% Cheorwon Odae rice powder for gentle exfoliation. | Brightening effect is temporary. |
| Infused with 20% Cheorwon Odae rice bran water for clarifying skin. | Fragrance can seem too strong. |
| Can be used once or twice a week by users with hypersensitive skin. |
How it compares to other products and why?
The Cheorwon Odae rice powder mildly exfoliates while brightening and softening complexion.
Expert Tip
The mask is meant to be applied onto a clean face and left for about 5 to 10 minutes. After the allotted time is over, users wash it off with lukewarm water, and voila! Hello, beautiful skin.
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5. Stabilized Rice Bran Enzyme Powder Wash (Best Cleanser/Scrub)
No products found.Features
The Stabilized Rice Bran Enzyme Powder wash doubles as both a cleanser and a gentle exfoliator.
The advanced formula has over 50 different kinds of nutrients and enzymes derived from rice bran.
It is also infused with Grape Seed and pollen extract.
Rice water helps in reducing the appearance of pores.
The hypoallergenic formula ensures that it is safe for use on hypersensitive skin.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Doubles as a cleanser and physical scrub. | May not work for oily skin. |
| Over 50 different nutrients and enzymes derived from rice bran. | Can dry out sensitive skin. |
| Hypoallergenic formula free of parabens, glycerin, artificial colors, and pH regulators. |
How it compares to other products and why?
The product helps soothe inflamed skin with the cooling effects of rice. The rice powder gently removes dead skin cells and debris to reveal healthy-looking skin.
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Check out this helpful video:
FAQs
Should you exfoliate if you have sensitive skin?Â
How often should I exfoliate sensitive skin?
Is hyaluronic acid safe for sensitive skin?Â
What is the best exfoliator for sensitive skin?Â
Final Thoughts
It can be easy for one to forego exfoliation if one has susceptible skin. I know, I’ve been there.
You don’t want to aggravate your skin condition and apply something that may further increase redness and irritation.
However, it is easy to find an exfoliator that works well with your skin type and skin concern with the right Korean skincare products.
As with all things, do not overdo it, though. Also, make sure to stop exfoliating if you feel like your skin is getting thinner or more sensitive.
Our Recommendation
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References
- Dr. Axe. 2020. “The Fiber That Supports Heart, Gut and Immune Health.†Dr. Axe. April 18, 2020. https://draxe.com/nutrition/beta-glucan/.
- Frothingham, Scott. 2019. “Benefits of Papaya for Your Skin and Hair.†Healthline. Healthline Media. November 24, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/papaya-benefits-for-skin.
- “GOTU KOLA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews.†2017. Webmd.com. 2017. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-753/gotu-kola.
- Morse, Royce G. 2019. “Does Washing Your Face with Rice Water Help Your Skin?†Healthline. Healthline Media. January 18, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/rice-water-for-skin.
For you, what is the best Korean exfoliator for sensitive skin? Please share your pick with us below!
