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The effectiveness of high-quality Korean cleansing oils is attributed to their gentle and efficient removal of skin impurities, including blackheads, excess sebum, and makeup residue. Dr. Christine Hall, a general practitioner specializing in medical aesthetics, clarifies that these oils serve as the foundational step in a cleansing routine, particularly during the double cleanse method.
“Typically, cleansing oils are applied to dry skin where they dissolve oil-based contaminants such as makeup and sunscreen along with daily debris,” says Dr. Hall. “After massaging the oil into the skin, adding water helps emulsify the product, allowing for a thorough removal. Following this, a water-soluble cleanser may be used to clear away any remaining residue.”
Dr. Anetta Reszko, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, further emphasizes the benefits of this technique. She notes that double cleansing is especially advantageous for people with oily or acne-prone skin, as it ensures a comprehensive cleanse. Conversely, those with drier or more sensitive skin might find that a single application of cleansing oil suffices, effectively clearing dirt and makeup while preserving skin moisture.
Vogue’s Top Picks for Korean Oil Cleansers
To optimize the use of a Korean cleansing oil, it’s crucial to apply the product with dry hands and on a dry face. This prevents premature emulsification of the formula. K-beauty influencer Liu Yuhan suggests using warm towels on the nose for about ten minutes before cleansing. This technique opens up the pores, enhancing the oil’s effectiveness in removing sebaceous filaments.
Another method involves applying cleansing oil before entering a steam shower, ensuring that the face remains dry during the cleansing process. After massaging the skin to eliminate blackheads, water can be introduced to emulsify the product for a complete rinse. Here’s a roundup of some of the leading Korean cleansing oils currently available.
Featured Cleansing Oils
Haruharu Wonder
Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
Why It’s a Favorite: This vegan formulation consists of just nine ingredients and is fragrance-free, making it ideal for daily use. Its lightweight, watery consistency hydrates without leaving a greasy feel, assisting those in need of skin barrier recovery. Key ingredient black rice bran oil promotes toning and nourishment of the skin.Key Ingredients: Black rice bran oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oilBest For: Sensitive skin, brighteningSize: 5.1 ozWhy It’s a Favorite: Renowned for its ability to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and blackheads, this richer balm transforms from solid to oil upon contact with the skin, then turns milky when mixed with water. The subtle herbal fragrance derives from a blend of ten plant-based essential oils.Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut extractBest For: Dry skinSize: 4.05 oz
iUnik
Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
Why It’s a Favorite: This lightweight oil effectively wipes away sebum and dirt while soothing sensitive skin, thanks to its 10% calendula flower extract, which is rich in antioxidants, as highlighted in numerous studies demonstrating its protective benefits against free radical damage.Key Ingredients: Calendula extract, sunflower oilBest For: Dry skin, soothingSize: 6.76 ozWhy It’s a Favorite: Featuring powerful rice bran oil, this cleansing oil not only removes makeup and sebum but also utilizes LHA—a salicylic acid derivative that gently exfoliates dead skin cells.Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, sunflower seed oil, LHABest For: Slow exfoliation, brighteningSize: 6.76 ozWhy It’s a Favorite: A well-loved non-comedogenic option, this rich formula effectively cleanses with one application, making it suitable for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.Key Ingredients: Argan oil, rice bran oilBest For: Acne-prone skin, sensitive skinSize: 6.76 ozWhy It’s a Favorite: This luxurious olive oil-based formula leaves skin feeling soft and glowing. Rich in antioxidants from 100% organic olive oil, combined with vitamin E and rosemary leaf oil, it washes away easily without causing irritation.Key Ingredients: Olive oil, vitamin E, rosemary leaf oilBest For: Dry skin, acne-prone skinSize: 6.7 oz
Abib
Pore Cleansing Oil Heartleaf Oil Wash
Why It’s a Favorite: This cleansing oil combines six plant-based oils and PHA to effectively exfoliate and cleanse pores without irritation. Heartleaf extract not only comforts the skin but also aids in moisture retention while regulating sebum levels.Key Ingredients: Heartleaf extract, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, PHABest For: Sensitive skin, dry skinSize: 6.76 oz
Real Barrier
Extreme Deep Cleansing Blue Oil
Why It’s a Favorite: Rich in skincare technology, this cleansing oil enhances the skin barrier with components like omega ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, while utilizing eight types of hyaluronic acid for comprehensive hydration. Its watery texture provides a fast emulsification process that efficiently removes makeup, sunscreen, and blackheads.Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, hyaluronic acidBest For: Dry skin, sensitive skinSize: 6.76 oz
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Why It’s a Favorite: This cleansing oil harnesses the calming properties of centella asiatica to remove impurities effectively while providing a gentle, soothing effect on irritated or angry skin. With a blend of four botanical oils, it leaves the skin feeling hydrated yet free from greasiness.Key Ingredients: Sunflower oil, centella asiaticaBest For: Sensitive skin, acne-prone skinSize: 6.76 ozWhy It’s a Favorite: This lightweight oil formula allows for an easy and smooth facial massage that aids in eliminating blackheads and excess oil. Enriched with antioxidant-rich ginseng oil, it offers anti-inflammatory and brightening benefits, enhanced by a pleasant grassy aroma during application.Key Ingredients: Soybean oil, ginseng oilBest For: Mature skin, dry skinSize: 7.1 oz
Key Insights on Korean Cleansing Oils
What distinguishes Korean cleansing oils from others?
According to Dr. Jenny Liu, a board-certified dermatologist, Korean cleansing oils prioritize support for the skin barrier and create a sensory experience. These oils are made from lightweight, non-comedogenic substances that cleanse effectively without compromising skin hydration. They often include beneficial ingredients that provide additional skin-care benefits as they cleanse.
What ingredients are commonly found in Korean cleansing oils?
Many formulations feature ingredients such as rice bran oil, ginseng oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and the soothing centella asiatica. A variety of herbal oils is also used to refresh and revitalize skin.
What should consumers consider when choosing a Korean cleansing oil?
Individuals prone to acne should opt for non-comedogenic oils and steer clear of heavier occlusive agents like coconut oil or shea butter. Dr. Liu advises selecting emulsifying formulas that are rich in plant-based oils and are either fragrance-free or lightly scented.
Which skin types benefit most from using Korean cleansing oils?
How is a cleansing oil applied?
Users should apply one to two pumps onto dry skin using dry hands, massaging for 30 to 60 seconds to dissolve excess oil, makeup, sweat, and sunscreen. After that, they can splash water to emulsify the oil and then rinse thoroughly. Those with oily or acne-prone skin should follow with a water-based cleanser for optimal results.
Source
www.vogue.com