10 Best Korean Face Wash For Acne 2023

Acne is one of women’s worst nightmares. So thank goodness we’ve got an arsenal of K-beauty products, including the best Korean face wash for acne for tackling this problem. These face wash have mild, non-comedogenic ingredients that are safe on irritated skin and prevent all forms of acne including cystic, hormonal, and fungal acne.

One fine day I woke up to find acne the size of a tennis ball on my face. Needless to say, I was bummed out as I had a wedding to attend that week.

So, after much research, I figured out that cleansing and exfoliating were the key to keeping acne at bay. 

And so began my quest to find the best Korean skincare products for acne-prone skin. 

Related: Best Korean Acne Treatment

Related: Best Korean Toner for Acne

Related: Best Korean Serum For Acne

Pimples and acne are usually a result of dirt and bacteria getting accumulated in your pores.

So the first line of defense against this skin problem would be to use the top Korean face wash for acne. 

We also suggest using the double cleansing method to prevent acne.

Face Wash For Acne	Best For	Chief Ingredients
Yadah Anti-Trouble Bubble Cleanser	Sensitive Skin	Green Tea Extract, Cactus Extract, Rosemary Extract
Dear Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser	Acne Scars	Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide 3, And Olive Oil
Missha Near Skin pH Balancing Cleansing Foam	Dry, Acne Prone Skin	Green Tea Extracts
Etude House Wonder Pore Deep Foaming Cleanser	Clogged Pores	Peppermint and Vinegar
Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser	Low pH Cleanser	Tea-tree Oil, BHA
Neogen Real Fresh Foam Green Tea Cleanser	Combination, Acne Prone Skin	Green Tea Extracts
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam	Oily Skin	Jeju Volcanic Clusters, Lactic Acid
Laneige Multi Deep-Clean Cleanser	Inflamed Skin	Blueberry Extract
Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash	Exfoliating Cleanser	Papain and Corn Starch
Dr.Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Foam	pH Balancing	Bergamot Fruit Oil, Grapefruit Oil

These cleansers should be gentle on your skin while clarifying your skin pores and targeting acne at its root.

Depending on your skin type, budget, and other factors, you can choose from the list of best Korean face wash for acne I’ve rounded up below. 

How I tested the top Korean face wash for acne?

I have combination type acne-prone skin so I tried out these cleansers on my own skin before rating them on a scale of 1-5. I chose the following parameters to rate them on.

• Acne Control – I first checked for ingredients like witch hazel, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, AHA, Azelaic acid, etc. all of which help fight acne. I checked how well the face wash controls acne and how quickly.
• Cleansing Ability – Acne is caused due to dirt and bacteria being trapped in pores. So I checked if the cleanser will remove impurities from deep within skin as it prevents acne formation in the first place.
• Gentleness on Skin – Often acne-fighting ingredients can get too harsh on skin and strip moisture too while removing impurities so I checked if the face wash products are gentle enough.

Top Korean Face Wash For Acne 2022

Yadah Anti-Trouble Bubble Cleanser

Best Korean Face Wash For Acne Prone Sensitive Skin

I’ve found that acne and sensitive skin make the worst couple. Anything that can help acne, like witch hazel and astringents, can trigger inflammation in those with sensitive skin.

So I decided to give the Yadah Anti-Trouble Bubble Cleanser a try as it promised to be gentle. And honestly? I’m impressed. It has to be one of the best Korean face wash for acne if you want something mild.

What I liked most about this product is that it has a pH level of 5.5 that mimics our skin’s natural pH levels.

There’s also salicylic acid or BHA, which acts as a gentle exfoliator and removes dead cells and excess oil from your face.

Green tea, rosemary, and tea tree oil help in controlling acne outbursts too.

When I first started using this product I could see it not only working on my acne breakouts but also on my blackheads and clogged pores. So I was totally impressed!

I loved how despite the great cleansing ability, this face wash is one of the mildest on the list. It doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, or any other kind of harsh chemical. 

So if you’ve got sensitive skin you can use it without a worry!

Also, the bubble foam formula doesn’t need a lot of water to lather up.

I have combination skin so the aloe-vera based formula was sufficiently hydrating for me. But if you’ve got dry skin, I suggest checking out Dear Klairs instead as it’s more rich and nourishing.

Pros:

• The gentle bubble formula makes it perfect for sensitive skin as it’s not abrasive
• Salicylic acid formula helps control fungal acne
• Green tea extracts help soothe redness and inflammation caused by acne
• Contains aloe vera that is light yet hydrating so it’s suitable for both oily and combination skin

Cons:

• Can be too harsh on dry skin types

My Ratings:

• Acne Control – 4.5/5
• Cleansing Ability – 4.5/5
• Gentleness on Skin – 4/5

Dear Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser

Best Korean Face Wash For Acne Scars

Acne in itself can be devastating to your self-esteem. But unfortunately, it can leave behind crater-like scars that damage your confidence even more. So I liked how this Dear Klairs cleanser not only reduces acne but also the pits acne leaves behind. 

In my opinion it’s one of the best Korean face wash for acne mostly thanks to it’s mild, hypoallergenic formula.

If you have dry skin and all the other cleansers have left your face feeling parched, this is the one you’ve been waiting for!

There’s tea tree oil and houttuynia cordata extract in it that’s supposed to reduce any redness or outbreak. And indeed I could see a noticeable difference in the redness around my acne breakouts almost immediately after use. So kudos!

I also loved that this foaming cleanser is unscented and free from alcohol, sulfates, or artificial colors. This makes it suitable for use on sensitive skin as well. It’s got a vegan, cruelty-free formulation that a lot of people will find attractive. 

The con? Well it can be too rich. So if you’ve got oily skin, all that rich shea butter and olive oil might actually be more of a nuisance than a boon.

Also, these ingredients are not too good if you’re suffering from Malessazia which can get worse due to comedogenic ingredients.

Pros:

• Doesn’t contain alcohol, sulfates, artificial colors or fragrances making it perfect for sensitive skin
• Contains moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, olive oil, shea butter, and ceramide 3
• Contains tea tree oil that stops inflammation and lauric acid that exfoliates skin gently
• Vegan and cruelty-free formula

Cons:

• Not for people with Malassezia as it contains some comedogenic ingredients
• Not for oily skin types as it contains rich oil and butter-based ingredients

My Ratings:

• Acne Control – 4/5
• Cleansing Ability – 4/5
• Gentleness on Skin – 5/5

Missha Near Skin pH Balancing Cleansing Foam

Best Korean Face Wash For Dry Acne Prone Skin

As I’ve said earlier with the Dear Klairs cleanser, a lot of nourishing ingredients in cleansers like oils, milk, etc., can actually increase greasiness on the face and lead to acne.

So it can be a challenge to find the best Korean face wash for acne if you have dry skin yet do not want anything too rich. I often face this issue as I have combination skin and need something hydrating but not too heavy.

So I’m glad to have found the Missha Near Skin pH Balancing Cleansing Foam.

It strikes the perfect balance between clarifying and moisturizing. It’s extremely lightweight and has a gel base instead of an oil or cream one.

So this keeps your skin pores happily unclogged. On the other hand, there are amino acids that help keep your skin nourished and soft. 

I found the formula very gentle on my skin. It’s not the best when it comes to acne as the ingredients here aren’t as powerful as in Dear Klairs or Yahdah Bubble cleanser but it’s still a great pick if you have mild acne on combination skin.

The fragrance is pretty mild and pleasing. But it’s there. So if your skin is sensitive to scents, you might want to keep away. Otherwise, this face wash is one of the top cleaners at its price. 

Pros:

• Contains milk protein that protect and repair inflamed skin
• Contains lauric acid that gently exfoliates skin
• Green tea extracts help hydrate skin and calm down irritation

Cons:

• Contains added fragrances that might not suit certain skin types
• Formula can be too harsh on dry skin types

My Ratings:

• Acne Control – 4/5
• Cleansing Ability – 5/5
• Gentleness on Skin – 4/5

Etude House Wonder Pore Deep Foaming Cleanser

Best Korean Cleanser For Clogged Pores

Like I’ve said before, clogged pores are (literally) the root of an acne outbreak. This is especially true if you have large pores. All the excess oil, dirt, microbes, and gunk can get trapped in these orifices, leading to inflammation, and finally, a huge pimple! 

So a face wash like the Etude House Wonder Pore Deep Foaming Cleanser is a blessing for people who struggle with acne. 

Its active ingredient is kaolin white clay that absorbs all gunk from deep within your skin pores. Result? Smooth, gorgeous skin! The mint bubble formula helps remove excess sebum and minimizes your pores too. And you will love the refreshing feel it leaves behind. 

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Best Low Ph Cleanser For Acne

A lot of harsh cleansers come with a slightly more basic pH (greater than 7). This wreaks havoc on your skin’s environment and dries it out. And even triggers acne in certain areas. So a low pH face wash like the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is your best bet. 

The cleanser even contains water as the base, so those with oily skin can use it without a second thought. Then there’s BHA and tea tree oil that help calm irritation, reduce acne, and unclog your skin pores. 

This gel to foam face wash has a cult following in Korea, mostly owing to its vegan, herb-based formula and affordable price. While this cleanser is a good pick overall, the hydroy acids can leave dry skin even dryer, so either follow up with essence and moisturizer or choose a slightly more nourishing face wash. 

Neogen Real Fresh Foam Green Tea Cleanser

Best Korean Face Wash For Combination Acne Prone Skin

With a blend of green tea, moringa, and plankton extracts, this cleanser is one of the best Korean face wash for acne. It’s completely natural and gentle on the skin. 

I’ve got combination skin that gets dry in certain areas and oily in others. So this one works wonders for me. The foaming formulation is better than cleansing milks and balms as it doesn’t leave your face greasy. 

But at the same time, the cleanser contains olive oil extracts that nourish the skin. It’s also free of any chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, so it might not be the best for severe acne cases or clogged pores. However, the vegan, alcohol, mineral oil, and sulfate-free formula more than makes up for any shortcomings. 

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam

Best Korean Face Wash For Acne and Oily Skin

Oily skin is one of the biggest culprits behind acne. So we like the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam for removing greasiness and dirt from deep within your pores. 

The cleanser comes packed with natural, herbal ingredients like Jeju volcanic ash clusters that absorb excess sebum produced on your face. If you use it in the morning, you will not find a lick of oil till the late evening. 

So steer clear of this product if you have dry or combination skin. It’s a great product for both cystic and hormonal acne. 

Laneige Multi Deep-clean Cleanser

Best Korean Men’s Face Wash

Men get acne too. But unfortunately, not a lot of them prefer using scented, popular K-beauty products. So this face wash should be a good pick for them.

The cleanser contains blueberry extracts and papain enzymes that remove all traces of impurities from your skin. It’s very effective on acne and also helps control excess oil formation. As there’s no fragrance in this face wash, you can use it on sensitive skin too. 

Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash

Best Exfoliating Cleanser

Korean beauty products often surprise you with their key ingredient and formulas. Like the Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash for example. Unlike most cleansers which are in the form of oil cleanser, cleansing water, gel, or foam, this one has a solid, bead-like texture.

And this is what makes the Tosowoong enzyme powder wash so effective. It also functions as a exfoliant and brightens up dull skin by removing dead skin cells and excess sebum.

As it’s a physical exfoliant, we do not suggest using this enzyme powder wash on irritated skin.

Dr.Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Foam

Best pH-Balancing Cleanser

This Dr. Jart Face Wash is great with people with both sensitive skin types and skin with acne. The key ingredient here is Hydrogen Bio Water, which along with the herb complex keep skin hydrated while cleansing it thoroughly from deep within.

We liked how the cleanser gave out a rich lather despite being free of harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate. The cleanser is also free of artificial fragrance and comedogenic ingredients making it a good pick for both inflamed skin and open skin pores.

The foaming cleanser soothes irritated skin, controls cystic acne, and leaves skin smooth and healthy-looking. It also contains dead sea salt extracts that bring out the hidden skin tone by removing dead skin cells.

What is the best Korean face wash for acne-prone skin?

After looking high and low, I’ve decided that the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is the best Korean face wash for acne-prone skin. It has a mild formulation but still contains exfoliants like BHA that help cleanse your skin pores. The cleanser is free of sulfates, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals. And it’s also got an attractive price tag. So, all in all, it’s one of the best Korean skincare products for hormonal acne. 

Here is an overview of the top face wash for acne prone skin!

Korean Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin	Yadah Anti-Trouble Bubble Cleanser	Dear Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser	Missha Near Skin pH Balancing Cleansing Foam	Etude House Wonder Pore Deep Foaming Cleanser	Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser	Neogen Real Fresh Foam Green Tea Cleanser	Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam	Laneige Multi Deep-Clean Cleanser	Dr.Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Foam	Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash
Images
Price	Affordable	Expensive	Affordable	Very Affordable	Affordable	Very Affordable	Affordable	Very Expensive	Expensive	Expensive
Ingredients Quality	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Acne Control	5	5	3.5	4	4.5	4	4	4.5	5	4
Cleansing Ability	5/5	3.5/5	4/5	5/5	4/5	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Suitable for Sensitive Skin	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Perfume Free?	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No

FAQs About The Top Korean Face Wash For Acne

What is the best Korean skincare for acne?

Best	Skincare Product
Cleanser	Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Toner	COSRX AHA BHA Clarifying Toner with glycolic acid and salicylic acid
Acne Spot Treatment	Pyunkang Yul Acne Spot Cream
Moisturizer	Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
Holy Grail Product	COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
Cleansing Balms	Banila Co. Clean It Zero Purifying Cleanser

Final Thoughts on the Top Korean Cleansers for Acne

Acne, pimples, and blemishes can make your self-confidence take a hit. So it’s a blessing that there are just so many Korean skincare products that cater to acne-prone skin.

You can choose one that your skin and your pocket love from our list of Korean face wash for acne above.

These products, created with natural ingredients and top-notch skincare technologies, can give your clear, glass-like skin in just weeks of use. Do let us know in the comments below how your skin feels after trying these products!  

Also Read:

• Best Korean essence for acne