Finding the right facial cleanser is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Whether you need deep hydration, acne care, pore clearing, firming, or nourishment, there's a cleanser formulated for your specific concern.
Let's help you find the best match for your skin, and introduce you to the K-beauty secret of double cleansing for an even deeper clean.
If You Have Dehydrated or Sensitive Skin → 1025 Dokdo Cleanser
Best for: All skin types, especially sensitive and dehydrated skin
This gentle, low-pH cleanser hydrates and soothes with Ulleungdo deep sea water while maintaining moisture balance with hyaluronic acid and ceramide NP. It creates a soft, creamy foam that cleanses without stripping, making it perfect for daily use and leaving your skin refreshed and balanced.
The 1025 Dokdo Cleanser has been spotted in Chaewon's vlog and is loved by many K-pop idols for its hydrating formula.
Double cleansing pair: Start with the 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil for a thorough cleanse without irritation.
If You Have Dry or Sensitive Skin → Birch Moisturizing Cleanser
Best for: Dry, sensitive, and irritated skin
This gentle, nourishing cleanser deeply hydrates with Inje birch tree sap, soothes irritation with artemisia annua extract, and locks in moisture with hyaluronic acid. It ensures your skin stays soft and moisturized while removing impurities without stripping.
Double cleansing pair: Use the 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil first to melt away makeup and sunscreen, then follow with this Birch Moisturizing Cleanser for a hydrating finish.
If You Have Oily or Acne-Prone Skin → Pine Calming Cica Cleanser
Best for: Sensitive, acne-prone, and oily skin
This lightweight yet effective cleanser reduces breakouts with salicylic acid, calms redness with centella asiatica (cica), and controls excess oil with pine leaf extract. It helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts without over-drying the skin.
Double cleansing pair: Start with the 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil to remove excess oil and sunscreen, then cleanse with the Pine Calming Cica Cleanser for an acne-friendly finish.
If You Have Clogged Pores or Stubborn Congestion → Pine Cica Deep Pore Clay Mask Cleanser
Best for: Oily, congested, and pore-prone skin that needs deeper clearing
This dual-action cleanser works as both a daily cleanser and a wash-off mask treatment. Five types of clay (bentonite, kaolin, illite, montmorillonite, and hectorite) draw out deep pore congestion, while charcoal capsules burst during massage to absorb excess sebum. Salicylic acid keeps pores clear, and Pine Cica Activer (pine leaf extract, centella asiatica, madecassoside, asiaticoside) calms the skin throughout so you get a deep clean without irritation.
Use it as a daily foam cleanser by lathering with water, or apply a generous layer to dry skin, leave for one to two minutes, then massage into a lather and rinse for a more intensive mask treatment.
Double cleansing pair: Use the Pine Cica Deep Pore Cleansing Oil as your first step for a full Pine Cica double cleanse — both products share Pine Cica Activer, so the soothing is continuous from start to finish. The Pine Cica Deep Pore Clay Mask Cleanser handles the deep clearing as your second step.
If You Have Redness or Inflammation → Mugwort Calming Cleanser
Best for: Sensitive and irritated skin
This cleanser soothes inflammation with artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) extract, strengthens the skin barrier with madecassoside, and reduces redness with asiatic acid. It's perfect for those struggling with redness, irritation, or sensitivity, offering a calming yet effective cleanse.
Double cleansing pair: Use the 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil first to gently dissolve dirt and impurities before following up with the Mugwort Calming Cleanser.
If You Have Dry or Mature Skin → Soybean Nourishing Cleanser
Best for: Dry, normal, and mature skin
This rich, nourishing cleanser deeply nourishes with soybean extract, strengthens the skin barrier with ceramide NP, and protects against dryness with hydrogenated coconut acid. It supports skin elasticity and hydration, making it ideal for those concerned with dryness or aging.
Double cleansing pair: Start with the Soybean Nourishing Cleansing Oil for an antioxidant-rich cleanse, then follow with the Soybean Nourishing Cleanser.
If You Want Firming and Anti-Aging from Your Cleanser → Camellia Deep Collagen Jelly Mask Cleanser
Best for: Dry, mature, or aging skin that wants firming benefits built into the cleansing step
This jelly-textured cleanser is infused with Camellia Collagenol and multi-collagen (hydrolyzed collagen and soluble collagen) to deliver mask-like firming care while you cleanse. Konjac scrub particles and camellia petals gently smooth skin texture, while ceramide NP supports the barrier and camellia japonica flower extract provides antioxidant nourishment.
Use it as a daily foam cleanser by lathering with water, or apply a generous layer to dry skin, leave for one to two minutes, then massage into a lather and rinse for a more intensive mask treatment.
Double cleansing pair: Use the 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil as your first step, then follow with the Camellia Deep Collagen Jelly Mask Cleanser as your second step for a cleanse that also firms and smooths.
Complete your routine with double cleansing
Double cleansing is a K-beauty essential for maintaining clear, healthy skin. Using an oil-based cleanser first removes makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, while a water-based cleanser provides a deeper clean and delivers targeted benefits to the skin.
Which cleansing oil should you use?
For all skin types and deep hydration: 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil
For pore-prone or sensitive skin: Pine Cica Deep Pore Cleansing Oil
For dull or rough skin that needs exfoliation: Birch Juice Moisturizing Peeling Cleansing Oil
For dry or mature skin and extra nourishment: Soybean Nourishing Cleansing Oil
Not sure which oil pairs best with your cleanser? Our cleansing duo guide walks through the best combinations by skin type.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a cleanser
How do I know if my cleanser is too harsh?
If your skin feels tight, dry, or squeaky after washing, your cleanser is stripping your moisture barrier. A good cleanser should leave your skin feeling clean but comfortable, never tight. Look for low-pH formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, birch sap, or ceramides.
What is a mask cleanser and how is it different from a regular cleanser?
A mask cleanser works two ways: as a daily foam cleanser when lathered with water, or as a leave-on treatment when applied to dry skin for one to two minutes before rinsing. The Pine Cica Deep Pore Clay Mask Cleanser and the Camellia Deep Collagen Jelly Mask Cleanser both offer this dual-use flexibility, giving you a deeper treatment without adding another product to your routine.
Do I need to double cleanse every night?
If you've worn sunscreen or makeup during the day, double cleansing is the most effective way to remove everything. The oil cleanser dissolves the lipid-based layer (makeup, SPF, sebum), and the water-based cleanser handles the rest. On days you haven't worn SPF or makeup, a single cleanser is enough.
Can I use the same cleanser morning and night?
Yes, most of these cleansers work for both AM and PM use. In the morning, a single cleanser is usually all you need. At night, pair your cleanser with a cleansing oil first for a complete double cleanse.
Which cleanser is best for combination skin?
The 1025 Dokdo Cleanser is the most versatile option and works well for combination skin because it maintains pH balance without over-stripping oily areas or drying out the areas that need moisture. If your T-zone runs particularly congested, the Pine Cica Deep Pore Clay Mask Cleanser used as a mask treatment once or twice a week can help clear that buildup without disrupting the rest of your face.
Your cleanser should work with your skin type, not against it. Ready to find your match? Explore all cleansers.
