Best Korean Cleansing Oils for First-Step Double Cleansing

You know that moment when you try to wash off a full face of makeup with just regular cleanser and end up looking like a panda? That’s exactly why double cleansing exists. Korean beauty brands figured this out decades ago — start with an oil to dissolve everything, then follow with a water-based cleanser to actually clean your skin.

But here’s the thing: not all cleansing oils are created equal. Some leave you feeling greasy, others sting your eyes, and plenty just push makeup around instead of actually removing it. We tested 15 Korean cleansing oils over eight weeks to find the ones that actually do their job — and do it well.

How We Chose These Cleansing Oils

We focused on Korean brands (plus one J-beauty crossover that’s too good to ignore) and tested each one on different makeup combinations — waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, liquid lipstick, the works. Every oil had to meet three non-negotiables: remove makeup completely without aggressive rubbing, rinse clean without leaving residue, and not irritate eyes.

We also considered texture (some people hate balms, others love them), skin type compatibility, and value. The goal was finding the best first-step cleanser for every routine and budget.

#1 Best Overall: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

Ma:nyo might not have Banila Co’s name recognition, but their Pure Cleansing Oil quietly outperformed everything else we tested. This is what a first-step cleanser should be — effective, gentle, and completely drama-free.

The formula uses a blend of six plant oils that dissolve makeup without feeling heavy. Waterproof mascara slides off, liquid lipstick disappears, and even those stubborn cream blushes that seem permanently bonded to your cheeks come off easily. More importantly, it rinses completely clean. No film, no residue, just skin that’s ready for your second cleanser.

What really won us over is how well it works for sensitive skin. Most cleansing oils either sting your eyes or leave them feeling filmy. This one doesn’t. You can massage it directly over closed eyes without any irritation, and when you rinse, your vision stays crystal clear.

The texture hits that perfect middle ground — not as thick as a balm, not as thin as some oils that feel like you’re washing your face with cooking oil. It spreads easily and gives you enough slip to massage without tugging at your skin.

#2 Best Iconic Pick: Banila Co Clean It Zero Balm Original

This is the cleansing balm that launched a thousand K-beauty routines. Clean It Zero basically introduced most of us to the concept of oil cleansing, and there’s a reason it’s still around after all these years — it just works.

The balm-to-oil transformation is oddly satisfying. You scoop out what looks like thick white moisturizer, massage it onto dry skin, and watch it melt into a silky oil that dissolves everything in its path. It’s particularly good with stubborn eye makeup — the kind of waterproof formulas that make you look like you went ten rounds with a raccoon.

The original formula does contain fragrance, which smells nice but isn’t ideal if your skin is reactive. And you do need to work quickly once it melts — take too long and it can start to pill or feel gummy. But when you get the timing right, it removes makeup better than most dedicated makeup removers.

One thing to note: the balm format isn’t for everyone. Some people find it less hygienic than a pump bottle, and it’s definitely not travel-friendly unless you’re okay with potential airport spills.

#3 Best for Sensitive Skin: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

Technically Japanese, but DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil has earned its place in so many Korean-inspired routines that it’s worth including here. This is the gentlest option we tested — perfect if your skin freaks out at the slightest provocation.

The formula is incredibly simple: olive oil, rosemary extract, and vitamin E. That’s it. No fragrance, no essential oils, no long list of botanicals that might cause reactions. It’s boring in the best possible way.

The olive oil base makes it slightly heavier than other options, but it’s also more nourishing. If you have dry or mature skin that can handle the extra richness, this feels like giving your face a spa treatment every night. It removes makeup gently but thoroughly — you’re not scrubbing or rubbing, just letting the oil do its work.

The main downside is the slightly greasy feel, especially if you’re used to lighter formulas. And at $28, it’s pricier than most K-beauty alternatives. But if your skin is reactive or you prefer minimal ingredient lists, it’s worth the extra cost.

#4 Best for Oily Skin: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

Here’s something you don’t see often — a cleansing oil specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. Most people with oily skin avoid oil cleansing entirely, thinking it’ll make them greasier. Anua proves that’s not always true.

The star ingredient is heartleaf extract at 77% concentration. Heartleaf (houttuynia cordata) has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that make it popular in K-beauty for troubled skin. Combined with the oil base, it removes makeup while actually helping with pore concerns.

The formula feels lighter than traditional cleansing oils and rinses surprisingly clean. There’s no greasy residue or heavy feeling — just thoroughly clean skin that doesn’t feel stripped. It’s particularly good if you wear heavy makeup but still deal with breakouts.

The pump packaging is practical and hygienic, though not great for travel. And availability can be spotty — it’s easier to find online than in physical stores. But at $16, it’s excellent value for a specialized formula.

#5 Best Luxurious Option: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil

This feels more like a facial treatment than a makeup remover. Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Cleansing Oil combines traditional Korean ingredients — ginseng and soybean oil — in a formula that’s as nourishing as it is effective.

The texture is noticeably richer than other oils on this list. It’s almost creamy, with a slight golden tint that makes the whole experience feel more luxurious. The ginseng gives it a subtle, sophisticated scent that’s nothing like the aggressive fragrance in some cleansing products.

This works beautifully for dry or mature skin that needs extra nourishment. It removes makeup thoroughly while leaving skin feeling softer and more hydrated. Some people even skip their facial oil afterward because this provides enough moisture.

The downside? That rich texture can feel heavy if you have oily skin or live in a humid climate. And like many Beauty of Joseon products, availability can be inconsistent depending on where you shop.

#6 Best Multitasker: Kerala Botanics Ayurvedic Vitamin C Face Oil

Technically not a traditional first-step cleanser, but Kerala Botanics’ Ayurvedic Vitamin C Face Oil deserves mention for people who want to simplify their routines. This oil can work as a pre-cleansing treatment that also delivers vitamin C and bakuchiol benefits.

The formula uses an advanced form of vitamin C that’s more stable in oil than traditional L-ascorbic acid, plus bakuchiol as a retinol alternative. For minimalist skincare routines, you could use this as a treatment oil, massage it into skin to dissolve light makeup, then follow with a gentle cleanser.

It’s definitely not for heavy makeup days — this is more suited to light coverage or days when you want to combine cleansing with treatment. The Ayurvedic formulation includes traditional ingredients that make it feel more like a facial treatment than a basic cleanser.

At $49, it’s significantly more expensive than dedicated cleansing oils. But if you’re someone who values multitasking products and prefers natural formulations, it’s an interesting option.

Quick Comparison Table

Product	Price	Best For	Texture	Eye-Safe
Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil	$22	All skin types	Medium oil	Yes
Banila Co Clean It Zero	$20	Stubborn makeup	Balm-to-oil	Yes
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil	$28	Sensitive skin	Rich oil	Yes
Anua Heartleaf Oil	$16	Oily/acne-prone	Light oil	Yes
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng	$18	Dry/mature skin	Creamy oil	Yes
Kerala Botanics Vitamin C	$49	Multitasking	Treatment oil	Yes

How to Use Cleansing Oils Properly

The technique matters more than the product sometimes. Start with completely dry hands and face — water will prevent the oil from dissolving makeup properly. Pump or scoop your cleanser, then massage it gently across your entire face for 30-60 seconds.

Pay extra attention to eye makeup, but don’t scrub. Let the oil do the work. When everything feels dissolved, add a small amount of lukewarm water to emulsify the oil — it should turn milky white. Rinse thoroughly, then follow with your regular cleanser.

For more details on the complete process, check out our complete double cleansing guide.

The Bottom Line

Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil wins for most people — it’s reliable, gentle, and effective without any drama. If you want the classic K-beauty experience, go with Banila Co Clean It Zero. Sensitive skin should stick with DHC, while oily skin will love the Anua Heartleaf formula.

Remember, the best cleansing oil is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Double cleansing only works if you make it a habit, so choose something that fits your lifestyle and feels good to use. Your skin will thank you for the extra step.