How to Choose the Best Cleanser for Your Skin?

Foam cleansers? Gel Cleansers? Cream cleansers? Oil cleansers? Jelly cleansers? Ahhhhh! Which one do I pick?! Finding the right cleanser for your skin type can be tricky. With so many options out there in the Korean skin care world, it can get overwhelming. And, if you’re opting for the Korean double cleanse method then you take on the ordeal of picking TWO cleansers! So, to make life a little easier, we’ve made a list of some second step cleansers (that is, cleansers used after your oil cleanse) for your skin type!

1. Acne-prone skin

Oh pimples, blackheads and whiteheads - when will you leave us alone? With so many different types of acne out there, it can be a real pain in the bum, and it may feel like an endless battle. However, we are here to help you through this bumpy journey and choosing the right cleanser is the first step to keep your breakouts at bay!

Our Pick: BY WISHTREND Acid-Duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser

What is it?

A gentle cleanser with a low pH that not only decongests impurities from your pores but also, mildly exfoliates the skin with 1% Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) and 1% Gluconolactone (PHA)!

Benefits and Ingredients:

1% Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) and 1% Gluconolactone (PHA): This cleanser is formulated with these two very gentle, very amazing substitute acids of BHA and AHA. For acne prone pals, these two ingredients are a godsend! They help to fight acne, remove dead skin cells, reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant properties!

Glycerin & Beta-Glucan: Unlike many acne cleansers out there, this cleanser is also hydrating! With effective humectants, such as glycerin and beta-glucan, you can be assured that your skin would be left balanced, hydrated, and not stripped!

Other options:

COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cleansing Bar

 

2. Oily Skin

If your face is shinier than a 10 carat diamond, then welcome to the oily skin club! Many people can be discouraged by their oily complexions but, fun fact, grease don’t crease! This means that you are less prone to wrinkles! Though, fun fact aside, if you are a little too slick for your own liking then, boy, do we have the cleanser for you.

However, if a single cleanser is not enough and you are wanting an entire routine for oily skin then click here!

Our Pick: HEIMISH All Clean White Clay Foam

What is it?

A foaming clay cleanser that absorbs excess sebum without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

Benefits and Ingredients:

Kaolin Clay: A miracle ingredient for oily skin types! This controls excess oil production, removes dead skin cells and pulls out all the gunk in your pores.

Coconut oil and hyaluronic acid: These two components will keep your skin hydrated and moisturised after washing. This is particularly important for oily skin types because, when using a cleanser that is overly drying, your skin will end up overcompensating, producing more oils! And is that the aim of the game? No, no it is not!

10 different types of natural herb oils: These will assist in removing the skin’s toxins and keep the skin feeling refreshed!

Other options:

• INNISFREE Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam
• KLAIRS Pore Gentle Black Charcoal Soap

3. Combination Skin

 Are you dry in some areas? Oily in other sections? Normal in some patches? Then you’ve got combination skin! You have contradictory concerns and the right cleanser will satisfy all your needs, as well as helping to balance out your skin’s moisture content!

Though, are you looking for more than just a cleanser? Then click here for a further in depth skincare routine for your combination skin!

Our Pick: KLAIRS Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser

What is it?

A hypoallergenic fluffy foaming cleanser that is both moisturising and antibacterial!

Benefits and Ingredients:

Very hydrating: For the dryer areas of the face, this cleanser is formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe leaf extract. These elements will soothe the skin and maintain hydration even after you cleanse!

Tea Tree leaf oil: This bacteria-fighting superstar helps to combat breakouts and is great for controlling your skin’s excessive oils.

Gentle surfactants: Instead of using drying cleansing agents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, Klairs opts for an amino acid formula that ensures that the foam will not dry out the skin!

Other options:

• Neogen Green Tea Fresh Foam Cleanser
• SIORIS Day By Day Cleansing Gel
• IUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam

 

4. Sensitive Skin

Feeling like your skin has an adverse reaction to just about anything and everything? Is you skin just a constant zone of redness and irritation? Then you most likely have skin that is more on the sensitive side. When trying to find the right cleanser for sensitive skin, it can be little difficult as many cleansers can be too drying or cause quite a sting!

Our Pick: ROVECTIN Skin Essentials Conditioning Cleanser

What is it?

A micro-foaming, low pH, hydrating gel cleanser that cleanses away the day’s grim, gently removes dead skin cells, soothes the skin from irritation and, maintains the skin’s protective moisture barrier! Formulated with natural plant-based ingredients and intended for even the most sensitive skin types.  

Benefits and Ingredients:

Coconut derived surfactants: No harsh sulfates here! To give a more hydrating cleanse, this cleanser only includes the most gentle surfactants derived from coconuts - such as Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate.

Hyaluronic Acid & Glycerin: For maximum hydration, these gold standard humectants draw moisture from the atmosphere, promising to leave your skin feeling plump and hydrated after cleansing.

Centella Asiatica Extract: Calms skin from sensitivity and inflammation.

Citric Acid: A natural, mild AHA exfoliant that gently sloughs away dead skin cells and is a natural preservative.

Other options:

• COSRX Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel
• ETUDE HOUSE Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

5. Dry & Dehydrated Skin

When every cleanser feels like its sucking the living moisture out of your skin, leaving you feeling as dry as the Gobi Desert then, buying the correct cleanser could be challenging. But, rest assured, we have the cleanser for you that will leave you plump, full of hydration!

Discover more about the do’s and don’ts for your dry skin here!

Our Pick: SIORIS cleanse me softly milk cleanser

What is it?

A purely natural cleansing milk that effectively yet gently removes dirt and impurities whilst maintaining the skin’s moisture balance. A cleanser that is simply perfection for drier skin types!

Benefits and Ingredients:

61% organic green plum water: this is a powerful humectant that will more than just keep your skin hydrated, it will also rejuvenate your complexion, leaving your skin glowing!

Antioxidant rich & moisturising:  For even more hydration, Sioris has included 10% Macadamia Seed Oil and a 100% natural plant-based surfactant (Lauryl Glucoside) to deeply nourish and cleanse whilst respecting your skin’s moisture equilibrium.

Aloe Vera: To soothe the skin from inflammation and sensitivity

Freshest and most potent ingredients: Being an all natural brand, Sioris prides itself on meticulously selecting all their ingredients only during their peak seasons to ensure they’re at their most effective.

Other options:

• HUXLEY Cleansing Gel; Be Clean, Be Moist
• COSRX Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel

6. Ageing Skin

Did you know that Kim Kardashian is 38 years old? Or, that Jennifer Lopez is 49!? Aging gracefully is something many people desire and it seems like Koreans wrote the handbook on ageing beautifully! Hence, choosing a hydrating cleanser that helps to combat fine lines is essential!

Our Pick: KLAVUU Pure Pearlsation Revitalizing Facial Cleansing Foam

What is it?

Formulated with pearl extract, this luxurious cream-to-foam cleanser thoroughly cleanses the skin whilst also providing anti-ageing benefits!

Benefits and Ingredients:

Pearl Extract: This is an anti-ageing sensation that provides hydration, firms the skin, evens out skin tone, and brightens your complexion!

30 natural plant extracts, Seaweed, Algae & kelp: All of these wonderful ingredients help to boost hydration, ensuring that your skin is not stripped of its natural moisture after cleansing! This is very important for any skin type but, especially for those wanting to diminish fine lines!

Other options:

• NEOGEN Cranberry Real Fresh Foam Cleanser
• J.ONE Jelly Cleanser

What about you? Is your favourite cleanser in this list? Share with us in the comments below!