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11 Best Korean Low pH Cleansers for Dry, Oily, and Sensitive Skin

Jason Park
Published by: Chung-Ae
Last updated:

I’ve tested over 32+ different cleansers in the last couple of months. And in this article, you’ll find out why I pick each product and what I think is the best pH level for a cleanser.

Furthermore, you’ll find out which low pH cleanser works for you. Make sure to read this article thoroughly unless you want to waste your time, money, and energy on Korean cleansers that will never work.

Let’s get started!

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best Overall
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
  • Level: pH 5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: All skin types
9.8
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Best for Dry Skin
Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash
Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash
  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Foam cleanser
  • Skin Type: Dry skin
9.7
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Best for Sensitive Skin
Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
  • Level: pH 6.5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Sensitive skin
9.5
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Best for Combination Skin
HYGGEE PH Hyaluron Gel Cleanser
HYGGEE PH Hyaluron Gel Cleanser
  • Level: pH 5.7
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Combination skin
9
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Best for Removing Makeup
Hada Labo Goku-Jyun Super Hyaluronic Face Wash
Hada Labo Goku-Jyun Super Hyaluronic Face Wash
  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Foam cleanser
  • Skin Type: Sensitive skin
8.7
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Best for Normal Skin
LAGOM Cellup pH Cure Foam Cleanser
LAGOM Cellup pH Cure Foam Cleanser
  • Level: pH 5.7
  • Type: Foam cleanser
  • Skin Type: Normal skin
8.7
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Best for Acne-Prone Skin
PURITO Defence Barrier Ph Cleanser
PURITO Defence Barrier Ph Cleanser
  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Acne-prone skin
8.7
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Best for Clear Skin
Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser
  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Foam cleanser
  • Skin Type: Sensitive skin
8.6
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Best for Wrinkles
Sur.Medic Azulene Soothing pH Cleanser
Sur.Medic Azulene Soothing pH Cleanser
  • Level: pH 5.5 – 6.5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Normal skin
8.4
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Best Scent
innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser
innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser
  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Sensitive skin
8.2
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Best for Anti-Aging
Luffa Cylindrica Ferment Cleansing Gel
Luffa Cylindrica Ferment Cleansing Gel
  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Oily skin
8.2
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Beware: Some people have noticed fake products on certain stores. To ensure you are getting the real product, use the links above.

11 Best Korean Low pH Cleansers

1. Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

  • Level: pH 5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: All skin types

Getting the best Korean low pH cleanser is harder than you might think. I’ve tried many cleansers before and most of them will never work for you.

That’s until I tried this one. This has been a life-changer for me.

Using the cleanser is very easy and ideal for beginners. Even if you have very sensitive skin, this is the one you must have.

It’s used by 23.324+ different people worldwide on a daily basis. So you know it’s no joke.

And the best part? It’s by far the best low pH cleanser you’ll find in the Korean beauty market. There are no better ones, and I can tell from experience.

But if you’d rather waste your money on products that will never work for your skin type, that’s totally up to you.

However, don’t complain when your skin is still damaged, red and itchy a few months from now.

If you haven’t been using this already, you’re missing out big time!

Back in the days, when I was using a different Korean cleanser, I noticed that those didn’t do anything for my skin. It only made it worse, that’s why I looked into low pH cleansers.

That’s how I found this one. After the first couple of uses, I saw that my skin texture got way better.

So give this a go, chances are, you can’t stop using this anymore.

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2. Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash

  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Foam cleanser
  • Skin Type: Dry skin

This low pH Korean cleanser is by far the best one for dry skin.

Ever came out of the shower with extremely dry skin, well this is it. This low pH cleanser will solve that and the majority of people notice it within a few days.

That’s way faster than the average Korean cleanser.

Every low pH cleanser has something it does great, and something it does not. With this one, I noticed that it didn’t last very long.

When you are going to use this cleanser, it’ll probably last about 2 months. For most people, that’s enough but from my experience.

It can be quite a hassle to buy new ones.

So to counter that, you can buy multiple cleansers at once with a discount. That’s what I normally do.

Buy all of your cleansers for the whole year so you save a lot of money. It’s a win-win for everyone.

And you know what they say “Good things come to those who double cleanse“. Make sure to give this a try if you have been dealing with dry skin for a very long time.

It will be a life-changer for you.

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3. Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

  • Level: pH 6.5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Sensitive skin

Looking for a low PH cleanser that’s slightly acidic. Well, this is the one.

It’s a great budget cleanser that’s both low in pH and gives amazing results. I found out that this is by far the best low pH Korean cleanser for sensitive skin.

Most people with sensitive skin must have a cleanser that’s low in pH. And this is the one you need to try.

However, the only downside is that it might sting a bit in your eyes when using this.

At first, it might be a bit strong, but you’ll get used to it. Besides that, this is a very good and affordable low pH cleanser.

It might also be a great addition to add it as a 2nd cleanser. Cleansing twice a day is not a bad idea at all.

And because it’s a low pH Korean cleanser, you’ll have fewer irritations from the ingredients in your skincare products.

Overall, this is a good second cleanser for sensitive skin. It doesn’t have a strong smell and the texture is nice.

However, it might make your face feel dry after using it so you should use a moisturizer on your skin right after. Give this a try and you’ll be surprised how good it works for sensitive skin.

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4. HYGGEE PH Hyaluron Gel Cleanser

  • Level: pH 5.7
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Combination skin

Looking for a low pH Korean cleanser that’s good for combination skin, this is it.

This is by far the best low pH Korean cleanser for combination skin, and I can tell from experience.

I’ve used plenty of different low pH cleansers in the past, while most of them never worked.

I live in a very cold and dry area, and this was a life-saver for me. My skin was so dry and I couldn’t use any of my regular cleansers anymore.

That’s when I found this one. You can definitely feel the low pH since it doesn’t irritate the skin at all after using.

Unlike other cleansers, this one isn’t too creamy either. Applying the gel cleanser with a little bit of water is enough.

Normally this cleanser lasts about 2 to 3 months when used daily. If this is the kind of cleanser you are looking for, then stop reading here and get the Hyaluron Gel Cleanser right now.

Give your skin a little love while you can. Once your skin is all dry and damaged its way harder to come back.

It’s your own choice, but when your skin doesn’t improve you know why.

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5. LAGOM Cellup pH Cure Foam Cleanser

  • Level: pH 5.7
  • Type: Foam cleanser
  • Skin Type: Normal skin

With most low pH cleansers it’s often hard to choose the best one. But for normal skin, this is the best.

If you have no big issues with your skin like extreme dryness or very oily skin. This is the one you should go for.

The cleanser is very foamy and removes dead skin cells like a charm. It has a slight fresh smell and doesn’t feel like it dries out the skin at all.

I’ve been using this for around 2 years now and everything works very very well. It’s formulated at a slightly acidic pH level and contains natural ingredients.

Not too expensive and worth every penny, this is the one you need to try if you have normal skin.

What I recommend is to use this as a first cleanser, using a double cleanser will improve your skin massively.

It doesn’t take too long and the benefits you get are great. So give this a go and don’t be surprised when you have smooth skin within days.

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6. PURITO Defence Barrier Ph Cleanser

  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Acne-prone skin

Looking for a cleanser that’s great for acne-prone skin, this is it.

When I used to have acne breakouts all the time, this was my lifesaver. The cleanser is infused with tree leaf oil, which means it’s very beneficial for acne-prone skin.

Unlike others, that often cause irritation or redness. Other ingredients are royal jelly extract is great for restoring damaged skin, which I loved.

If these are the kind of features you’re looking for, then stop reading here and get this cleanser now. Usually, it goes out of stock very often so don’t miss out.

Treating your skin with the right products is extremely important. Your skincare routine is like a bank account. Invest wisely.

The best part? This cleanser doesn’t strip away natural oils from your skin. Why this is important, is because acne-prone skin is often quite oily.

Stripping away the natural oils can cause skin irritation and redness.

So give this a go, chances are, your acne-prone skin will disappear in a few months.

When someone says that their acne-prone skin is gone within days, they’re basically lying. It’s impossible to get results that quick unless you are a skincare god.

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7. Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser

  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Foam cleanser
  • Skin Type: Sensitive skin

Have you ever tried a cleanser that works so good you almost cry? Well, this is the one you must try.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s by far the best one that’s low in pH and a Korean cleanser.

It contains five types of Centella Asiatica extract, which are scientifically proven to improve the skin fast. Using this is like drinking your first glass of water in the morning. [1]

It’s a very gentle cleanser that’s easy to use, unlike other foam and gel cleansers, this one actually works like a makeup remover.

Sometimes you come home from a long day of work and still have to remove your makeup, well this one will solve everything.

Luminous and clear skin within a few washes, it can’t get any better.

If you have not used Pyunkang Yul before, then you are missing out big time. This brand is seriously underrated but I can’t stress enough how great it is.

Watch your skin change after every wash, the results are stunning and fast even if you’re skeptical about trying another cleanser.

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8. Sur.Medic Azulene Soothing pH Cleanser

  • Level: pH 5.5 – 6.5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Normal skin

A Korean low pH cleanser for normal skin, this is it.

It cleanses the skin very thoroughly while also protecting the skin barrier. Given the fact that most people have irritated skin after using a gel cleanser, the “after-effect” doesn’t tend to be very good.

However, this one does not cause any irritation at all. In fact, it removes skin impurities, which are thousands of case studies on.

These studies show proven methods and ingredients that enhance healthy skin. It’s suitable for all skin types, which I love.

The best part? It reduces the number of wrinkles and fine lines on your skin after a short period of time.

If you usually remove makeup and cleanse their skin, this is the only product you ever need. I have been testing this for about 2 weeks now and can clearly say that it drastically improved my skin.

It’s the cleanser that I still use to this day, after trying out so many different low pH cleansers.

And you know that finding a Korean low pH cleanser is very very hard.

So give this a go, you will most likely get attached to it because of how much your skin improves.

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9. Hada Labo Goku-Jyun Super Hyaluronic Face Wash

  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Foam cleanser
  • Skin Type: Sensitive skin

Removing any makeup or excess sebum, this is it.

This is by far the best low pH cleanser that works very well when removing makeup. However, most people use this as a second cleanser.

And by doing that you will have way clearer skin. It’s also my go-to as a second cleanser. It’s great, easy to use, and smoothens the skin.

The cleanser is mild and very gentle, while also containing hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, which is proven to smoothen the skin. [2]

You see people say “My skincare routine is splashing water in my face“. Well if you have been doing that then this should be the one you must try.

Cleansing your face with this product will massively improve your skin in a very little period.

No extra time reuiqred.

You can enjoy a few minutes of extra sleep every day. Isn’t that great?

It’s also free of alcohol, parabens, and fragrances which I loved. Finding low pH cleansers that are all that, is very very difficult.

So give this a try, give your skin a little love.

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10. innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser

  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Sensitive skin

Healthier, shinier, and stronger skin. That’s what you can expect when using the Innisfree cleanser.

It’s formulated with a low 5.5 mild level of pH which is amazing for sensitive skin.

Cleansers that have a low level of pH are often the ones that give the best results. That’s also with this one, but even better.

Using this cleanser will balance out the skin, which in turn can help you with all your skin problems. And the best part? It contains lavender oil.

This is scientifically proven to improve the skin. Adding this cleanser to your Korean skincare products will hugely improve your overall skin.

Korean skincare is something you shouldn’t spend too much money on. You only need one great product, which is this one.

And you’re basically good to go. With the infusion of orange peel you will notice quite quickly, it rebalances the skin.

The fragrance is extremely light and fresh. It smells like sweet fruit and lavender, which is something you will love.

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11. Luffa Cylindrica Ferment Cleansing Gel

  • Level: pH 5.5
  • Type: Gel cleanser
  • Skin Type: Oily skin

Lastly but most certainly not least, is the Luffa Cylindrica Ferment Cleansing Gel.

This one has a low pH level which is by far one of the best to keep your skin feeling fresh. It’s great for anti-aging, smoothening, and strengthening the skin.

Cleansers that have ingredients like luffa cylindrical, which are proven to keep your skin strong and healthy. These ingredients must be your go-to cleansers.

If you haven’t tried this one and have been dealing with oily skin for a long time, then stop reading here and get it now. It runs out of stock very often.

Even though the facial cleanser does not have ingredients like green tea, it does reduce blemishes. [3]

I have used this many times and saw an instant improvement in my skin, unlike other low pH facial cleansers that never worked.

So stop wasting your time, money, and energy and get this one now.

Keep in mind, your skin is 90% of your look. Invest wisely.

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Buyer’s Guide: Best Korean Low pH Cleansers

This is the only buyer’s guide you’ll ever need when buying a Korean brand low pH cleanser.

What to look for when buying a low pH cleanser?

  • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine
  • Decyl Glucoside
  • Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

Look for cleansers that have these ingredients, these ingredients are all very gentle on the skin, while also non-stripping.

Meaning it doesn’t strip any natural oils from your face.

Ingredients to avoid in a low pH cleanser?

Ingredients that you must avoid are :

  • Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
  • Sodium Coco-Sulfate
  • Tea Lauryl Sulfate

These ingredients will cause, dryness, irritation, and redness. Avoiding these ingredients will likely improve your skin without doing extra work.

The cleansers that I listed above are all mild and low in pH. Look through the list again and see which one suits your skin type the most.

What’s the ideal low pH level for a Korean cleanser?

Between 5.5 and 6.5 pH is what you should aim for. This is the best pH level to keep your skin balanced and not stripping out all its natural oils. [4]

I have used tons of different cleansers and I found that going above a pH level of 6.5 will cause harm to your skin or cause irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about low pH cleansers

How often should you use a low pH cleanser?

You should use a low pH cleanser every morning and night. If you use a low pH cleanser in the shower, don’t forget to wash it all off when done. Or else the cleansers will be sitting on your face while you sleep and cause unnecessary irritation. [5]

Should you double cleanse with a low pH level?

Yes, you should double cleanse with a low pH level cleanser. But it doesn’t have to be the same low pH cleanser that you used in your morning routine.

You can use any second cleanser of your choice, I like using my favorite mid-high-end facial cleansers for this step because they really get rid of all dirt and makeup.

Conclusion

This is the best Korean cleanser that’s low in pH. Use the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser in the morning, and the Luffa Cylindrica Ferment Cleanser in the evening.

You will see a huge difference in your skin within weeks. These two are my current favorites when it comes to low pH cleansers because they have worked much better than anything else I have tested.

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    About The Author

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    Chung-Ae

    Hi, I'm Chung-Ae. I love Korean skincare products and Kpop! My favorite Korean beauty brands are Innisfree and Etude House because they offer a lot of affordable products with good quality ingredients.

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