Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
Washing your face can feel like a chore—until you add one of the best Korean cleansers to your routine and, suddenly, it feels like a mini spa moment. "Korean cleansers have gained popularity due to their gentle formulations and use of innovative ingredients," says Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Think derm-approved ingredients like Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) and polyhydroxy acid (PHA), paired with sensorial appeal—gels that transform into airy clouds of foam or buttery balms that melt into your skin. Erica Choi, esthetician and founder of Korean beauty-inspired brand Superegg, puts it another way: Many K-beauty cleansers "reflect the Korean skin-care philosophy of prevention and maintenance rather than treatment."
Our Top Korean Cleansers
- Best Overall: Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser, $15
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel, $10
- Best for Combination Skin: Ma:nyo Pure Soybean Cleansing Milk, $21
- Best for Oily Skin: Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser, $22
- Best for Dry Skin: Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser, $21
- Best for Uneven Texture: Medicube Zero Pore SA Clear Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser, $20
- Best for Waterproof Makeup: Banila Co Clean It Zero Calming Cleansing Balm, $21
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Korean facial cleanser is the best?
- What is the Korean cleansing method?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Check out our FAQs to get all your cleansing questions answered, and keep scrolling for the full breakdown of the best Korean cleansers for every skin type. Go forth and lather up!
Best Overall: Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser
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Etude
SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser
Amazon
Soko Glam
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: You may know Etude for its long-lasting lip tints and smudge-proof mascaras, but this Korean beauty brand makes excellent skin care, including its popular SoonJung range. If you're not sure what Korean cleanser (in general!) to pick, this cloudlike SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser is suits all skin types, including sensitive skin. It features a low pH of 6.5—which is less likely to disrupt your natural barrier function—and excludes any potential irritants that might trigger irritation or breakouts. Made with soothing ingredients like madecassoside (an ingredient derived from Centella asiatica or cica) and panthenol, this cuddly foam cleanser hydrates as it removes impurities.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"Even before I tried this cleansing foam out for myself, I saw a lot of hype on social media coming from people of all different skin types. It's so satisfying to use and I love how gentle it is—it is, after all, fragrance-free—especially after I've gone to town breaking down my makeup with a cleansing balm or oil. It feels like my skin is being cuddled and pampered by the softest cloud, which is a fabulous way to wind down from a long day. My skin feels equally soft and comfortable after I've rinsed it away. No notes." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: panthenol, madecassoside, camellia sinensis leaf extract
- Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
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Haruharu Wonder
Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
Amazon
Nordstrom
Soko Glam
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Still wondering why pH matters in a cleanser? Healthy skin is naturally slightly acidic (pH 4.7–5.5), which helps maintain a strong barrier, minimize moisture loss, and discourage irritation-causing bacteria. Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel sits right in that skin-friendly range, helping sensitive complexions stay comfortable during and after cleansing.
Mild, amino-acid-based surfactants cleanse without irritation, while glycerin and beta-glucan help reinforce hydration and ease sensitivity. The formula also spotlights classic Korean ingredients—rice extract to support hydration and ginseng for antioxidant benefits, notes Christina Han, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Vancouver. Pulsatilla koreana extract, a traditional Korean herbal ingredient known for its calming and antimicrobial properties, helps soothe redness-prone, reactive skin. The low-foam, fragrance-free gel has a cushiony feel that leaves skin clean and balanced. Because the oil-free formula isn’t designed to dissolve waterproof makeup, our tester found it works best as a second-step cleanse or on bare-faced days.
Lee before using the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after using the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I have sensitive, dry skin, and this gel cleanser feels so luxe and comforting every time I use it. I was impressed by how well it broke down my complexion makeup (it almost passed the white towel test), but my bulletproof eye makeup did leave a bit of residue, so I like it best as the second step in a double cleanse. The fragrance-free formula is perfect for my sensitive skin and makes this a cleanser I easily keep in my regular rotation.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, beta-glucan, rice extract, ginseng, pulsatilla koreana extract
- Who it's for: people with sensitive or dry skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Combination Skin: Ma:nyo Pure Soybean Cleansing Milk
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Ma:nyo
Pure Soybean Cleansing Milk
Ulta Beauty
Olive Young
Yesstyle
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin using the Ma:nyo Pure Soybean Cleansing Milk
Sarah Felbin
Why it's worth it: Chances are the Best of Beauty-winning Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil has already made its way into your routine—and if you love that one but crave something even more gentle, the Pure Soybean Cleansing Milk is your new go-to. This milky, all-in-one cleanser is especially great for combo-to-dry or sensitive skin—and for anyone dealing with large, visible pores who still wants a thorough cleanse without stripping skin. The star is a 120-hour(!) fermented wild soybean extract, a classic Korean ingredient processed over several days to break it down into smaller, more skin-friendly components. That long fermentation makes the extract lighter, easier for skin to absorb, and less likely to irritate, while helping smooth texture and regulate excess sebum so pores look softer and more refined over time.
Lightweight sunflower seed and jojoba seed oils dissolve makeup and excess sebum while mimicking skin’s natural lipids. Ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, cica, and fig help lock in comfort, so skin stays soft and hydrated—not just during cleansing, but for many hours after.
Felbin before using the Ma:nyo Pure Soybean Cleansing Milk
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after using the Ma:nyo Pure Soybean Cleansing Milk
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“This might be the gentlest cleanser I've ever used. My skin is super-sensitive—some cleansers are too harsh and leave my face feeling dry and tight (not fun). But Ma:nyo's new cleansing milk barely foams up at all and feels more like a moisturizer than a face wash. It's so gentle, I was surprised by how well it removed oil and makeup. Dry skin people, you'll be obsessed with this one.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: soybean extract, ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, cica, fig, sunflower seed and jojoba seed oils
- Who it's for: everyone, especially those with combination or dry skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser
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Hanyul
Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser
Sephora
Olive Young
Why it's worth it: K-beauty is famous for its fun, tactile formulas, but Hanyul’s Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser might be our favorite sensorial moment yet. It starts with a stretchy, rice-cake-like texture that clings to skin like a mask, gripping onto impurities before transforming into a soft, cushiony foam once you add water (yes, it’s as satisfying as it sounds). The formula centers on the brand’s Artemisia-Cica complex—a calming blend of mugwort and Centella asiatica that helps soothe redness and stressed skin. Artemisia powder gently smooths texture, while 10 types of hyaluronic acid and 40% glycerin cleanse without stripping and leave skin comfortably hydrated. There’s also a small amount of salicylic acid for light exfoliation; it sits low on the ingredient list, but extra-sensitive skin types may want to patch-test just in case.
Han using the Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser
Sarah Han
Han after using the Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“I haven't been this excited about a water-based cleanser in years, I tell you! The Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser has this extra-satisfying gooey, mochi-like texture that lets you really slather it on evenly, like you would with a mask. Due to its two-in-one nature, I usually leave it on for about two minutes because I find that it goes above and beyond my usual cleansers and truly helps clear out my clogged pores without causing dryness (combo-skin life). It emulsifies into a lightweight foam that feels oh-so-sensorial, and I don't mind that I need to be a little more thorough when rinsing it off—again, it acts like a mask! I use this every other night to keep my pores (a big skin-care woe of mine) in check.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: cica, mugwort, artemisia powder, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, salicylic
- Who it's for: everyone, especially those with clogged pores
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Dry Skin: Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser
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Aestura
Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser
Amazon
Sephora
Olive Young
Allure contributor Sarah Y. Wu using the Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser
Sarah Y. Wu
Why it's worth it: Aestura is a household name in South Korea, where it's become the number-one derma cosmetic brand. The brand's Atobarrier line is especially popular for dry, sensitive skin, and this frothy foam Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser is an excellent example of why. Infused with moisturizing, soothing ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E, and green tea extract, it thoroughly cleanses dry and reactive skin without triggering irritation. It's not designed to remove makeup, so you'll have to take care of that with a cleansing oil, balm, or makeup remover first, but it's a great pick for clearing your skin of buildup and pollutants in the gentlest, most hydrating way possible.
Tester feedback from contributor Sarah Y. Wu
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"I have mild rosacea and a lot of dry patches on my midface, and I immediately swap to Aestura's cleanser when they flare up. I test a lot of beauty products so whenever I get a flare-up, I strip my routine back to the basics: no serums, ampoules, or peels—just a very basic moisturizer, sunscreen when I go outside, and this cleanser. The first time I used it, I loved how creamy and fluffy the bubbles felt. From a practical standpoint, it's easy to coat my entire face evenly because of the bubbly texture, but it also just feels really nice. More importantly, this cleanser always leaves my skin incredibly smooth, soft, and soothed. I hate the prickly, stinging feeling some cleansers give me when my skin is dry and sensitive but this always leaves my face feeling better after a quick rinse." —Sarah Y. Wu, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, tocopherol (vitamin E), green tea extract
- Who it's for: all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Uneven Texture: Medicube Zero Pore SA Clear Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser
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Medicube
Zero Pore SA Clear Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: While you can’t actually get rid of your pores (they’re kind of essential!), K-beauty has a way of making them look like they barely exist with the help of Medicube’s Zero Pore SA Clear Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser. This foaming cleanser is packed with a mix of acids: salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid) and willow bark extract help clear excess oil from inside pores, mandelic acid (alpha hydroxy acid) smooths surface texture, and gluconolactone (polyhydroxy acid) offers gentle exfoliation with less irritation, so it’s still great for daily use.
What really sets it apart are cica exosomes (listed as Centella leaf vesicles), tiny, lipid-based “delivery bubbles” that help Centella’s calming, barrier-supporting benefits sink in more effectively, which is especially helpful in a triple acid-based cleanser. For an added boost, micro-blue capsules dissolve as you cleanse, providing light, skin-friendly physical exfoliation.
Lee using the Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after using the Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from Lee
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“I always kick off my skin-care routine with the Medicube Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam—it’s gentle enough for my sensitive skin yet still gives me that fresh, just-polished feel. The formula itself is quite thick, so I have to squeeze it a bit hard to get it out of the tube, but once it lathers, the micro-blue exosome capsules provide gentle physical exfoliation. Medicube also relies on chemical acids, utilizing AHAs like mandelic acid and BHAs like salicylic acid to prevent breakouts by keeping pores clear, along with cica to soothe irritation and green tea extract for an antioxidant boost. This cleansing foam never fail to leave my skin feeling clean, comfortable, and ready for the rest of my routine.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: micro-blue exosome capsules, salicylic acid, Centella asiatica, green tea extract, cica exosome
- Who it's for: people with clogged pores or uneven texture
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Cleansing Powder: Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder
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Tirtir
Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder
Amazon
Olive Young
Yesstyle
Wu using the Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder
Sarah Y. Wu
Why it's worth it: Enzymes exfoliate your skin by dissolving dead skin cells—but only on the surface level, so there's less potential for irritation. Tirtir's travel-friendly Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder, infused with enzymes, probiotics, and mild PHA, is a dry powder that activates when you wet it. Formulated as a true cleanser (not a face scrub), it foams into a milky cleanser with just a few drops of water. Rice extract and probiotics help keep your skin moisturized, and while it's designed to clear buildup and refine pores, it does so with especially gentle ingredients that work for a wide range of skin types.
Tester feedback from Wu
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"I have combination skin that's very dry and sensitive in my midface, but prone to excess oil and blackheads in my T-zone," says Wu. "I usually take a very targeted approach to exfoliants and make sure they only touch my T-zone to avoid irritating the rest of my face. But this cleanser is so gentle, I've found that it also works great as an allover face wash and exfoliant in one. Most powder cleansers I've used in the past turn into a sort of gritty paste texture when I wet them. Not this one! It transforms into a creamy, super smooth foam as soon as I add water. It doesn't feel like a face scrub; instead, the powdered enzymes lightly exfoliate and clear my pores so that my face feels baby-soft when I rinse it off." —Sarah Y. Wu, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rice extract, enzymes, probiotics, PHA, mung bean powder
- Who it's for: normal, oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Waterproof Makeup: Banila Co Clean It Zero Calming Cleansing Balm
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Banila Co.
Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Amazon
Soko Glam
Han using the Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: If there’s one cleansing balm that’s basically a rite of passage in K-beauty, it’s Banila Co’s Clean It Zero. Dermatologists, K-beauty experts like Charlotte Cho, and Allure editors all swear by it—and Dr. Chang is especially partial to the Calming version in the purple tub. “I use this for my evening cleanse when I want to remove all the dirt, makeup, and oil that accumulated throughout the day,” she says, noting that she loves the balm’s soft, milky texture and how it leaves skin feeling smoother and more hydrated. The silky solid scoops out easily and melts into an oil on contact, breaking down even stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner without tugging. Just as importantly, it doesn’t sting eyes or irritate skin—something Dr. Chang calls essential when removing heavy eye makeup. “Just a little scoop goes a long way!” says Cho.
Han before using the Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Sarah Han
Han after using the Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“I don't care how many cleansing balms I try throughout my lifetime—Banila's is the OG (I don't even know how many years it's been!) that I will come back to time and time again. The sorbet-like formula is so fun and satisfying and has the best slip that melts makeup on contact. It doesn't irritate my eyes either, even if I'm a little too heavy-handed (sorry!). Despite being fragrance-free, it has a slightly fresh-floral smell that makes makeup removal less like a chore, and more like a mini facial-in-a-spa moment. One note: Korean lip tints are no joke, which is why you still see some pigment from one of my most stubborn formulas—I'll usually go in with a cotton pad and micellar water afterwards to remove the rest, but the balm does a lot of heavy lifting.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, madecassoside, olive oil, jojoba oil
- Who it's for: all skin types and anyone who wears makeup, especially waterproof makeup
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best No-Mess Packaging: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
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Dr. Althea
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Amazon
Yesstyle
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffman applying the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: A cleansing balm that works like a pencil sharpener? K-beauty made it. Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm is a TikTok favorite and newly crowned 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, no big deal. Unlike most cleansing balms, which come with plastic spatulas, this one has a built-in dispenser that churns out ribbons of balm like thin sheets of pasta. The balm itself is formulated to remove both sunscreen and waterproof makeup without leaving any oily residue on your skin. It's infused with soothing centella and madecassoside to accommodate sensitive and acne-prone skin types and cleanses with a blend of camellia sinensis seed and grape seed oils.
Hoffman before using the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffman after using the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffman
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“My main metrics for cleansing balms are how easily they remove makeup (specifically eye makeup) and how soft my skin feels afterwards. Dr. Althea's Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm checks both of those boxes. The formula emulsifies so well and melts mascara, eyeliner, and the rest off like a total dream. My skin feels baby smooth and perfectly soft every time I use it. Plus, the grinder dispensing method means no searching for an applicator spoon and no dipping my hands into a pot of product (something I've always found semi-gross). Genius.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, madecassoside, camellia senensis seed oil, grape seed oil
- Who it's for: all skin types and anyone who wears makeup
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Korean facial cleanser is the best?
The better question here is: Which Korean facial cleanser is best for your skin type? "Korean cleansers come with a variety of active ingredients that can help with multiple skin types," says Dr. Chang. “This allows you to customize your skin-care routine based on your skin needs.” If you like perusing ingredient lists, Dr. Chang has a few additional tips to match your skin type to a suitable cleanser."
Oily skin
For oily skin, it's important to look for ingredients that help control excess sebum production, reduce clogged pores, and reduce inflammation without stripping the skin of its natural moisture," she says. "Key ingredients to look for include beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid), tea tree oil (which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties), green tea, and niacinamide."
Dry skin
If you have dry skin, she recommends hydrating and barrier-boosting ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter. Those with sensitive skin should search out "gentle, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free cleansers" with ingredients like Centella asiatica (cica), green tea extract, allantoin, colloidal oatmeal, licorice root extract, and niacinamide.
If your skin type doesn't sound like a perfect match for a cleanser but you're still curious to try, there's room for experimentation. "Korean cleansers tend to be gentle," says Dr. Chang. "Even if they include chemical exfoliants, the percentages tend to be low and are typically combined with other skin-calming and -repairing ingredients." Choi agrees. "Korean cleansers are known for being hydrating and gentle, making them suitable for most skin types without being stripping," she says. "Many Korean cleansers are formulated to be pH-balanced, typically around 5.5, matching the skin's natural pH level. This helps maintain the skin's acid mantle, which is crucial for protecting against bacteria and environmental stressors." Still, if you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch test first.
What is the Korean cleansing method?
The Korean cleansing method, also known as double cleansing, is "a foundational step in the Korean skin-care routine that has gained worldwide popularity," says Dr. Chang. "Double cleansing refers to a two-step face cleansing technique, which involves using an oil-based cleanser and a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities from the skin." The first cleanse melts away your oil-based impurities, like sebum and makeup. The second takes care of the remaining sweat and dirt.
"In Korea, everyone is obsessed with how to properly cleanse their skin because it's the first step to the final goal: dewy, soft skin," explains Cho. "It's not just a K-beauty staple; many dermatologists recommend the double cleanse as a way to first lift dirt and grime and then properly wash it all away." Our list above contains both oil- and water-based cleansers so you can build your own double-cleansing duo.
Meet the experts
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Charlotte Cho, a licensed esthetician and cofounder of Soko Glam based in New York City
- Erica Choi, a licensed esthetician and founder of Superegg based in Seoul and New York City
- Christina Han, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Xyon based in Vancouver
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Korean cleansers, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists, estheticians, and brand founders. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
