Best Cleansers that will not Strip your Skin

Written by Clémence Rubiella | Published on 12 January 2024 | Skincare

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Dear readers,

Did you miss me? I dare say my break lasted longer than I had anticipated however, here I am back! Having tested more K-Beauty products and ready to rank them.

Skincare is a very personal thing and generalising a routine is not an easy task nor is it straightforward. As the skin and desire of each one of us is different, that difference is reflected in our skincare, if we even have one. But one thing is for sure, and let's all agree on that one, that CLEANSING is typically a step we all do. May it be taking a shower, or washing our hands, we cleanse daily, and so should we do the same when it comes to our faces.

Now, cleansing our face may take many forms as the number of cleansers on the Korean market is humongous, and it may be difficult to know where to start. Typically, I know if I cannot decide between product A or product B, I usually go for the cheapest. Well, fear not, most K-Beauty cleansers are very affordable. Now it will depend on your preference; gel, oil, wipes etc, and here is my ranking for some of the best cleansers I came across in the past years.

Cleansers recommendations:

1. Best Foam: Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser ($12)

2. Best Gel: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel ($13)

3. Best Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensible H2O ($10)

4. Best Oil: The FaceShop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil ($11)

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1. Best Foam cleanser: Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

Rating: 5 / 5

Highlights:

• Convenient

• Non-scented and non-irritating

• Gentle cleanser

• 98.9% naturally derived ingredients

• Hydrating

• Madecassoside to help skin troubles

What we don’t like:

• Nothing

Amazon | $16

StyleKorean | $18

YesStyle | $18

This one is for anyone that doesn't know where to start with cleansing or just doesn't have the time to make the gel foam because it comes out of the bottle already foamed out! The EtudeHouse Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip cleanser is a little beauty that is hypoallergenic, so very much gentle and vegan formulated. The pH is kept low to help calm down, rejuvenate (anti-aging effect) and take care of your sensitive skin. It will not dry out your skin and is so convenient to use.

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2. Best Gel cleanser: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel  

Rating: 5 / 5

Highlights:

• Smooth texture

• Foams easily

• Packaging doesn't get messy

• Non-scented

• Moisturizing and soothing properties

• Low pH

What we don’t like:

• Nothing

Amazon.ae | $10

YesStyle | $12

I know that me not selecting the oh-so over-rated COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser may come as a shock, but let's face it, yes the COSRX is a oldie but a goodie but there is better. For instance, I came across the Haruharu cleanser not long ago and it completely put to rest my previous favorite gel cleanser (Be Plain pH balanced cleansing foam) which I have been using for years. Unlike the Be Plain gel, the Haruharu is a lot more softer and smoother to break down into foam, less heavy on the skin too when you rinse it. Ideal for sensitive skin, it is formulated with coconut-derived surfactants that ensures the thorough removal of dirt, dead skin cells and impurities, while additional ingredient of fermented black rice extract keeps skin plumped-up and hydrated. Love love love.

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3. Best Micellar Water cleanser: Bioderma Sensibio H2O

Rating: 5 / 5

Highlights:

• Non-scented

• Non-rinse

• Ideal for any skin type

• Preserves skin natural balance

What we don’t like:

• Absolutely nothing

Amazon | $30

Okay so this product is not a Korean one however it is more than popular in Korea. So many Koreans use it (just like in the whole wide world) and I use the Bioderma Sensible H2O as well. I have been using it for years to be honest and never found a single product that could level up to it. There are a few options that are okay but really nothing beats the good old Bioderma micellar water. Fragrance free, oil free, alcohol free and paraben free, there are little chances that this product will disappoint you and also the fact that it is not necessary to rinse the product off is just a divine invention! Time saving for my lazy folks out there (me included).

However, if you really want to try a new Korean product, I recommend the COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water which comes as a close second to the Bioderma micellar water.

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4. Best Oil cleanser: TheFaceShop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil

Rating: 6 / 5

Highlights:

• Gentle

• Not heavy at all

• Non-scented

• Glides on the skin

• Removes all makeup (including waterproof mascara)

• Non-irriating

What we don’t like:

• Nothing!

Amazon | $15

YesStyle | $9

I rarely write in the describing section of a product about its price because most of the Korean skincare and makeup are typically affordable, so saying that a product is not expensive (although it depends on each person finances), in my opinion, is not something I should keep repeating over and over again. However, I do have to admit that this product is very cheap for an oil-based cleanser. Besides that, the FaceShop Light cleansing oil is the most perfect oil for removing any makeup or impurities you have on your face. It removes even the strongest of the waterproof mascaras and it doesn't irritate your eyes. It doesn't have any scent whatsoever and it doesn't strip your skin from its natural barrier. I have been using this product for more than 5 years now and to this day, I haven't managed to find it a successor.

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