20 Best Korean Foam Cleansers

Korean skincare is known for being at the forefront of new trends and technologies. Korean skincare products are formulated for effectiveness and performance. Korean facial cleansers are no exception.

Whether you are looking for two different cleansers to use in a Korean double cleanse or a Korean cleanser for a specific skincare concern, you will have no issue finding an effective foaming Korean cleanser.

Korean beauty brands formulate their cleansers in many different formats, such as balm cleansers, cream cleansers, milk cleansers, gel cleansers, and foam cleansers, also known as cleansing foams, which we will discuss today.

Foaming cleansers are just what their name implies: cleansers that create a foam to wash away dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities from the skin. It is important to use the right cleansing foam for your skin to ensure that you don’t dry out your skin, which can occur with some foam cleansers.

The best Korean foam cleansers are formulated to be effective while gentle enough on the skin to respect your skin barrier and not strip your skin. These cleansing foams are ideal for the second step of a double cleanse in a Korean skincare routine.

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20 Best Korean Foam Cleansers

The best Korean cleansers tackle multiple skincare concerns and are formulated for different skin types.

Whether you have dry, sensitive skin or prefer a cleansing foam formulated for oily skin, there is a Korean cleanser out there that will work for you.

Here are 20 of the best Korean foam cleansers:

This facial cleanser also hydrates and softens the skin while providing a rich foam. It leaves skin soft and smooth without feeling dry or tight.

You don’t need much since it is highly concentrated. This is the ideal second step of a double cleanse. This cleanser has a fresh, clean soapy fragrance.

This cleansing foam is formulated with snail mucin filtrate and has that sticky consistency before mixing with water.

Mizon describes the texture created by the cleanser as dense mochi bubbles. Mochi refers to mochi skin, a way to describe soft, plump, and line-free skin.

The cleanser removes excess oil and dead skin cells while protecting the skin barrier and helping the skin retain moisture, which is ideal for dry skin types.

Papaya fruit extract acts as a gentle exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

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It has a creamy, dense foam that leaves the skin feeling soft and clean.

Hydrolyzed collagen binds water and acts as an emollient to improve the skin’s moisture barrier.

Baobab seed oil contains antioxidants to protect skin from environmental stressors, and fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids to moisturize and replenish the skin.

This foam cleanser also contains White Lupin, a plant that can withstand harsh environments and contains a seed-derived protein to moisturize the skin.

This Korean face wash is very concentrated, so you won’t need to use a lot of product. It does have a noticeable perfume-like scent from the added fragrance.

This cleansing foam also contains tea tree leaf oil and Houttuynia Cordata extract, which can effectively treat skin conditions such as acne and dandruff.

This foaming cleanser is recommended for all skin types and is particularly helpful for those with dry skin or sensitive skin.

Klairs formulates it to be alcohol-free, paraben-free, artificial pigment-free, and manufactured with no animal testing.

Related Post: The Best Korean Moisturizers

Panthenol, also known as pro-vitamin B-5, hydrates while madecassoside (from Centella Asiatica) repairs the skin.

Antioxidant Camellia Sinensis Leaf (green tea) extract offers anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

This hypoallergenic cleansing foam comes with a pump to create a whipped cream texture with weakly acidic bubbles.

The facial cleanser is ideal for irritated and sensitive skin, as it is formulated without ingredients such as fragrance, artificial color, animal materials, parabens, mineral oil, or silicone.

This fragrance-free cleanser is very mild and gentle and won’t leave a film on your skin. Skin is left soft, smooth, and moisturized.

6. Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser

Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser is a gentle foaming cleanser rich in aloe vera extract.

Aloe vera extract contains emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s very moisturizing and soothing on the skin.

This Korean face cleanser is a gel formula that is especially helpful for sunburned, irritated, or inflamed skin.

This cleansing foam is also suitable for sensitive skin and provides that perfect pore cleansing effect to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.

This Korean foam cleanser does not contain parabens, talc, animal product, mineral oil, or artificial dyes.

7. Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Foaming Cleanser

Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Foaming Cleanser is a hydrating cleansing foam that contains a whopping 10 different kinds of hyaluronic acid compounds and glycerin to hydrate, moisturize and plump the skin.

It also contains lauric acid, a fatty acid that has antimicrobial benefits, and has the potential to treat inflammatory acne.

This Korean fash wash cleanser is a great one-step facial cleansing foam that thoroughly removes makeup and sebum, dirt, and debris without stripping the skin, thanks to the abundance of hyaluronic acid and skin-conditioning ingredients.

Ideal for sensitive, dry skin in need of a deep cleanse, it may also appeal to those with oily and acne prone skin thanks to the lauric acid in the formula.

Please note that this cleanser contains essential oils (lavender oil and orange peel oil) that provide a light herbal scent.

The cleanser balances pH levels while it removes dirt, oil, and debris from the skin.

This Korean cleanser contains tea tree oil which is known for its antibacterial properties that help clear up breakouts and blemishes.

Betaine salicylate combines the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) salicylic acid with the moisturizer betaine to gently exfoliate the skin and dissolve dead skin cells and sebum.

The face wash controls oil while reducing the look of pores. It’s non-irritating and doesn’t strip the skin. It’s formulated at a pH of 5.3-6.3.

The cleanser contains salicylic acid, a BHA that penetrates the pores and clears away pore-clogging dirt and sebum.

Citric acid, an AHA derived from citrus fruits, provides a light exfoliation and removes dead skin cells. Gluconolactone, a PHA, is another gentle exfoliant that moisturizes the skin.

Centella asiatica extract and dipotassium glycyrrhizate are anti-inflammatories that soothe the skin. Tea tree leaf water has antibacterial properties to help with acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.

The cleanser has a somewhat whipped texture reminiscent of thick shaving cream. It has a minty scent due to the peppermint oil in the formula.

This cleanser contains 10,000 ppm (1%) snail mucin to soothe and moisturize your skin.

Snail mucin is a popular ingredient in skincare products because it comes with multiple skin benefits:

• Hydrating: Snail mucin is a humectant, meaning it draws and retains moisture in the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated.
• Boosts Collagen: Snail mucin contains ingredients that boost collagen and elastin production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Reparative Benefits: Snail mucin supports skin cell regeneration and repair, which can be beneficial for scarring, acne, and a compromised skin barrier.
• Antimicrobial Benefits: Clinical research suggests that snail mucin possesses antimicrobial properties, which can help keep acne-causing bacteria at bay.
• Soothes Sensitive, Irritated Skin: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory benefits, snail mucin can help calm irritated skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or redness.
• Nutrient-Rich: Snail mucin is filled with beneficial nutrients for your skin like hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, proteoglycans, and zinc.

Glycerin and the amino acid arginine, a natural moisturizing factor, work together to maintain a healthy moisture balance.

The gel-based texture makes it easy to lather up and remove dirt from deep within your pores.

Please note there is added fragrance in this snail mucin face wash.

The 2% concentration of salicylic acid is oil-soluble and travels in your pores to unclog them while reducing inflammation and removing excess oil.

This salicylic acid cleanser also contains nourishing plant-based extracts and hydrating and soothing ingredients to calm redness and irritation.

Perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, this foaming salicylic acid cleanser eliminates impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture with the following ingredients:

• Glycerin: Glycerin is a gentle humectant that binds moisture to and softens and soothes your skin, making it an ideal ingredient for sensitive skin.
• Betaine: Betaine is a natural amino acid derivative that helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance.
• Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water: Cucumber fruit water contains skin-protective antioxidants and vitamins.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: The sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate draws moisture to your skin and helps keep it plump and smooth.
• Centella Asiatica Extract: Also known as Cica or Gotu Kola, Centella asiatica extract is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps soothe your skin and reduce the look of redness.
• Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract: An antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors. Acerola fruit extract is rich in vitamin C and also contains vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin.

• Lemon: Formulated with Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that offers brightening benefits and helps to even out skin tone.
• Aloe: Formulated with 96% aloe extract to soothe and moisturize dry and sensitive skin.
• Red Grapefruit: Filled with antioxidants to support skin elasticity for a bouncy younger-looking complexion.
• Blueberry: Rich in vitamins and minerals, this hydrating cleanser protects skin from external stressors for a smooth healthy complexion.

Each variety of this Tonymoly cleanser provides a rich lather yet a gentle cleanse.

This cleanser is ideal for those with acne-prone, oily, and very oily skin, as this cleanser will target excessive sebum production, dirt, bacteria, blackheads, and impurities that clog pores.

It’s also ideal for visible and enlarged pores as this formula helps tighten pores and minimize their appearance. The five benefits of this cleansing foam include:

• Provides a deep cleanse
• Absorbs sebum
• Removes impurities
• Purifies pores by removing skin bacteria
• Refines pores

This cleansing foam is enriched with mint for a bright, uplifting scent in addition to a cooling effect. It offers the following 10 benefits:

• Deep cleans
• Controls sebum
• Improves skin tone
• Tightens pores
• Moisturizes
• Balances skin’s pH level
• Smooths skin for glass-like texture
• Retains skin elasticity
• Removes dead skin cells
• Offers a cooling effect

This Korean micro-foam cleanser draws out impurities from clogged pores and is gentle on the skin to reduce irritation.

The face cleanser is formulated with hot springs water, vitamin E, and vitamin C for a bright and healthy complexion.

Its texture is that of a whipped gel-cream. You need very little product to get a lightweight foam. This foam cleanser does not contain parabens sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, or alcohol.

TIP: This cleansing foam pairs well with Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm.

Use Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm as the first step of a double cleanse, and follow with Banila Co Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser as the second step of a double cleanse.

“Beauty Green Tea,” or Jeju Green Tea Extract, is rich in 16 amino acids and brings hydration to thirsty skin. Jeju Green Tea Root Extract acts as a surfactant, creating gentle cleansing microbubbles.

Innifree’s Triple Amino Acid Complex moisturizes and supports a healthy skin barrier.

This rich foam cleanser creates a dense foam to deep clean and removes impurities from your pores, leaving skin dewy, soft, and moisturized.

It leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean, and never dry or stripped.

What’s unique about this cleanser is that real green tea leaves are included at the bottom of the bottle.

The ingredient list for this foam cleanser is LONG, most of which are naturally-derived extracts.

It contains some all-star skincare actives in addition to green tea, including niacinamide, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid), pro-vitamin B-5, aloe vera, and other plant extracts rich in antioxidants.

This hypoallergenic cleanser comes with a pump lid to dispense the foam.

This cleansing foam washes away dirt, makeup, impurities, and other waste without irritation, making it perfect for those with sensitive or irritated skin. If you do have sensitive skin, please note that it does have a light fragrance.

It is formulated with ceramides and French sea water to replenish skin and strengthen its moisture barrier.

AHC’s Triple Hyaluronic Complex hydrates and plumps the skin.

The lightweight foam removes dirt, oil, and other skin impurities yet is gentle on the skin. Please note that this cleanser has a somewhat strong but pleasant fragrance.

Baobab extract and deep seawater increase moisture, while botanical callus extract helps to control blemishes.

This Korean cleansing foam removes sebum and surface waste with its rich, finely textured foam. Perfect for combination skin types and oily skin types, it helps to reduce the look of dark spots and acne scars without being too drying. Plus, you only need a small amount to get a rich lather.

It’s a 3-in-1 cleanser with cleansing, exfoliating, and massaging benefits.

My favorite part is the rich, creamy foam. It gently removes impurities without stripping skin, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

What is a Double Cleanse?

A double cleanse is a two-step cleanse.

It uses an oil-based cleanser as the first cleanse to remove stubborn makeup, dirt, oil, and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any residual oil or other impurities that the oil-based cleansing balm or cleansing oil may have missed.

A double cleanse can especially benefit oily and acne-prone skin that frequently experiences clogged pores.

Be sure to take extra care in product selection if your skin is sensitive or dry by looking for a cleansing foam formulated for dry or sensitive skin.

Cleansing dry skin twice may be too much for some complexions, so be sure to adjust your skincare routine based on your skin.

Related Post: The Best Korean Cleansing Balms and Oils

How Do I Choose the Right Korean Foam Cleanser for My Skin Type?

Choosing the right Korean foam cleanser involves understanding your skin type and its specific needs.

Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, there’s a suitable cleanser formulated with beneficial ingredients for your skin.

Normal Skin

If your skin isn’t particularly oily, dry, or sensitive, you have the advantage of choosing from a broader range of foam cleansers. Look for a balanced cleanser that doesn’t have excessive hydrating or drying ingredients.

Look for cleansers that contain:

• Green tea
• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you’ll need a cleanser that can effectively remove excess sebum (oil) without being overly drying. Ingredients that have antimicrobial properties can also be beneficial for acne-prone and oily skin.

Look for cleansers that contain:

• Salicylic acid (BHA)
• Tea tree oil
• Centella Asiatica
• Witch hazel

Dry or Mature Skin

If you have dry or mature skin, hydration is key. Your foam cleanser should be gentle and contain moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin supple and prevent the stripping of natural oils.

Look for cleansers that contain:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycerin
• Shea butter
• Snail mucin
• Ginseng

Sensitive Skin

If your skin tends to react easily to products, you’ll want to opt for a hypoallergenic cleanser free from potential irritants. Fragrance-free options are also an ideal choice.

Look for cleansers that contain:

• Aloe vera
• Chamomile
• Madecassoside (from Centella Asiatica)
• Allantoin

Combination Skin

Combination skin can be a bit tricky since it deals with both oily and dry areas. A balanced cleanser that can tackle oil without being harsh on dry zones is ideal.

Look for cleansers that contain:

• Green tea
• Hyaluronic acid
• Willow bark extract
• Niacinamide

Skin with Specific Concerns (i.e., Hyperpigmentation, Redness)

If you have skin concerns like dark spots or redness, consider a foam cleanser that has ingredients addressing those issues.

Look for cleansers that contain:

• Licorice root extract
• Niacinamide
• Vitamin C

For redness, look for cleansers that contain::

• Centella Asiatica
• Chamomile
• Panthenol

FAQs

The Bottom Line: Best Korean Foam Cleansers

The best Korean foam cleanser for you is the formula that works best for your skin type and skin concerns.

Whether you choose a Korean foam cleanser as your only cleanser or use it as the second step of a double cleanse, the best Korean face wash will remove makeup, dirt, oil, sunscreen, and even stubborn eye makeup without drying or stripping your skin.

Even better, most of these cleansing foams are available at very affordable drugstore prices.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to your good skin health!

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