Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: 8 Gentle Korean Picks

Shop the brands in this guide: Anua Australia · COSRX Australia · Dr. Althea Australia · Round Lab Australia · Isntree Australia · All brands A to Z

If your skin feels tight, warm or itchy after washing, your cleanser may be the problem. Sensitive skin usually does best with gentle, low-pH formulas that remove sunscreen and makeup without leaving a squeaky-clean feel. Here's how to choose one, plus the gentle cleansers we reach for most.

What to look for

• Low or skin-friendly pH (around 5–6) so skin feels comfortable after rinsing.
• Mild surfactants, such as amino-acid or glucoside cleansers, rather than strong foaming agents.
• Fragrance-free or low-fragrance formulas if fragrance is a trigger for you.
• A double cleanse at night if you wear sunscreen: a gentle oil or balm first, then a mild gel or cream.

Our 8 picks

1. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (150ml)

A light gel with a low pH that's gentle enough for every day. It's a classic first Korean cleanser. Shop

2. Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser (150ml)

A cushiony gel that rinses clean without stripping. It's a good fit for sensitive skin that's also dry. Shop

3. Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser (150ml)

From Etude's minimal-ingredient SoonJung line, this whipped foam has a soft, low-lather feel. Shop

4. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser (150ml)

A mild foam with a fresh finish. It suits combination skin that's still easily irritated. Shop

5. Isntree Yam Root Vegan Milk Cleanser (220ml)

A milky, non-foaming texture for anyone who dislikes bubbles. Shop

6. Dr. Althea Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser (100ml)

An amino-acid gel cleanser from the makers of the 345 Relief Cream. Shop

7. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (250ml / 500ml)

A no-rinse option for quick make-up removal or evenings when you want to keep it simple. Shop

8. Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild (200ml)

A milder version of Anua's best-selling cleansing oil, designed as a gentle first cleanse for sunscreen and makeup. Shop

Simple routine for sensitive skin

• AM: rinse with water or a splash of a gentle gel cleanser, then moisturiser and sunscreen.
• PM: cleansing oil or micellar water, a gentle gel or milk cleanser, then moisturiser.

Patch test any new product on your jawline for a few days before using it all over.

FAQs

Should sensitive skin use a foaming cleanser? Not necessarily. Low-pH foams with mild surfactants can work well. Rich, very bubbly foams are more likely to feel tight. Pay attention to how your skin feels 10 minutes after rinsing.

Do I need to double cleanse? If you wear sunscreen or makeup, a gentle oil or balm first helps lift it before your second cleanse. On no-makeup days, one gentle cleanse is usually enough.

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Cleansers · Sensitive skin · Redness & sensitivity · Fragrance-free