Cleansers

About this category

Cleansing is the step every other product depends on. Wash too harshly and skin over-produces oil and loses comfort; skip proper cleansing and the rest of your routine — toner, serum, moisturiser — has to work through a layer of sunscreen, makeup and the day's grime instead of clean skin. Korean routines typically use two cleansing steps in the evening (an oil or balm first to lift sunscreen and makeup, then a gentle water-based wash) and one gentle wash in the morning.

This category covers foaming cleansers, cleansing oils and enzyme powder washes — each suited to a different job. Oil and balm cleansers are built to dissolve sunscreen and makeup without stripping the skin underneath. Foaming and cream cleansers are the everyday, water-based second step. Enzyme powders are a gentler alternative to a daily scrub, activated with water just before use.

The right cleanser feels comfortable, not squeaky-clean — if your skin feels tight within a few minutes of washing, it's being over-stripped, which tends to push oily skin to produce more oil and dry skin to flake. Pick a texture for your skin type: gel or foam for oily and combination skin, cream or oil-based for dry and sensitive skin, and reserve enzyme powders for a few times a week rather than daily.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need a two-step cleanse every night?

If you wear sunscreen or makeup during the day, yes — an oil or balm first step dissolves them properly, and a gentle water-based wash follows to clean the skin underneath. In the morning, one gentle cleanse is usually enough.

Why does my skin feel tight after cleansing?

Tightness usually means the cleanser is stripping more oil than it should. Swap to a gentler, cream or oil-based formula, and avoid hot water, which makes stripping worse.

How often should I use an enzyme powder wash?

Two to three times a week is a common starting point — it's gentler than a physical scrub but still exfoliates. Daily use can be too much for most skin, so watch for tightness or sensitivity and dial back if needed.