Korean cleansers are globally loved for their gentle, skin-barrier-friendly formulas, making them an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. When chosen correctly, these cleansers can effectively remove impurities without causing redness, dryness, or irritation. In this guide, we’ll go through 10 of the best Korean cleansers for sensitive skin, all known for their low-pH formulas, soothing ingredients, and minimal irritation.
1. Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
The Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser is a cult favorite among those with easily irritated skin. Its airy whipped foam gently cleanses while minimizing friction, helping protect the skin’s moisture barrier and prevent tightness after washing. This fragrance-free formula avoids harsh surfactants and instead uses calming ingredients like panthenol and madecassoside to reduce redness and support barrier repair. With a mildly acidic pH close to the skin’s natural level, it’s especially suitable for sensitive skin that reacts to traditional foaming cleansers.
2. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a lightweight gel cleanser ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Its low-pH formula works alongside tea tree oil and a gentle BHA derivative to help keep pores clear without disrupting the skin barrier. Despite offering mild exfoliation, this cleanser remains gentle enough for daily use when your skin tolerates acids. Many users appreciate how it removes overnight oil and light sunscreen while leaving the skin soft, clean, and comfortable.
3. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam is a popular choice for combination and sensitive skin thanks to its soothing Centella asiatica extract. The rich foam effectively removes excess sebum and sunscreen without leaving the skin feeling dry or stripped. Centella helps calm irritation and redness, making this cleanser especially helpful for sensitive skin that also experiences breakouts. Its balanced pH and minimal-irritant formula make it a reliable everyday option.
4. Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is a low-pH gel cleanser designed to refresh and hydrate sensitive skin. It features green plum water and mung bean extract, which gently exfoliate while maintaining moisture balance. This cleanser fits easily into both morning routines and double-cleansing routines at night. It rinses clean without leaving residue and is formulated to support the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive skin prone to flare-ups.
5. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser is a trusted daily cleanser for sensitive and dehydrated skin. It contains deep sea water from Ulleungdo, along with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin, and ceramide NP to cleanse while reinforcing hydration. With a pH range of about 5.0–6.0, this cleanser supports a healthy acid mantle. Users often report that it cleans thoroughly yet leaves the skin feeling soft, cushioned, and comfortable rather than tight.
6. Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser
Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser is formulated specifically for dry, sensitive, and barrier-damaged skin. The pre-foamed bubbles glide effortlessly over the face, reducing friction and minimizing irritation during cleansing. Enriched with green tea extract and vitamin E, the formula helps soothe and hydrate while supporting barrier recovery. It’s an excellent option for those dealing with flakiness, itching, or eczema-prone facial skin.
7. Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser
Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser features real green tea leaves suspended in the bottle, delivering antioxidant and calming benefits with every wash. The soft foam texture gently removes impurities without requiring harsh rubbing. Green tea helps reduce redness and protect the skin from environmental stress, making this cleanser well-suited for sensitive and combination skin types that need soothing care.
8. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel focuses on hydration and barrier support with a skin-friendly pH of around 5.5. Black rice extract provides antioxidant nourishment while cleansing gently. This cleanser is cruelty-free, reef-safe, and suitable for sensitive and fungal-acne-prone skin. Its soft gel texture leaves skin smooth, hydrated, and comfortable after cleansing.
9. Beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam
Beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam uses mung bean extract, known for its soothing and clarifying properties, to cleanse delicate skin without disruption. Its balanced pH helps maintain a healthy skin barrier. The formula also includes hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, making it a great choice for sensitive skin that needs moisture as well as gentle cleansing.
10. Banila Co Clean It Zero Calming Cleansing Balm
Banila Co Clean It Zero Calming Cleansing Balm is an ideal first cleanser for sensitive skin, especially in a double-cleansing routine. It melts away makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil using calming ingredients such as Centella asiatica. Once emulsified, the balm rinses clean without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. It’s perfect for sensitive skin that finds traditional makeup removers too harsh or drying.
How to Choose the Best Korean Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
When selecting a Korean cleanser for sensitive skin, focus on three key factors: pH level, ingredient list, and your skincare routine. Look for low-pH formulas (around 5-6.5), fragrance-free or low-fragrance products, and soothing ingredients like Centella asiatica, panthenol, heartleaf, green tea, or mugwort.
If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, pairing a gentle oil or balm cleanser with a mild gel or foam cleanser can provide a thorough yet non-irritating cleanse. Always patch test new products, introduce them gradually, and watch for signs of discomfort such as burning, tightness, or redness to ensure the cleanser truly suits your sensitive skin.
