Collection: Cleanser

For sensitive skin, look for low pH gel or foam cleansers that don't strip the skin barrier. Top picks include the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, which maintains the skin's natural acidity, and Cerave-style barrier-supporting formulas from brands like Aromatica and Klairs. Avoid cleansers with high fragrance or alcohol content.

Double cleansing is a two-step K-beauty method: an oil-based cleanser first to dissolve SPF, makeup, and sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove sweat and remaining impurities. It's particularly beneficial if you wear sunscreen daily (which you should in Australia) or use makeup. It's gentle enough for most skin types when the right formulas are used.

Most dermatologists and K-beauty experts recommend a cleanser with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5, close to the skin's natural pH of around 5.5. High pH cleansers (most Western foaming washes) can disrupt the skin barrier and cause dryness or irritation. Korean cleansers are typically formulated with this in mind.

Twice daily is the standard, once in the morning with a gentle water-based cleanser and once at night using the double cleanse method, especially if you've worn SPF or makeup. Over-cleansing can strip the barrier, so avoid harsh formulas and always follow with a toner or essence to rebalance.

Both work well for oily skin, but gel cleansers tend to be more gentle while still effectively removing excess sebum without over-drying. Foam cleansers give a deeper clean but can sometimes be too stripping if used twice daily. Many K-beauty fans with oily skin use a foam at night and a gentler gel in the morning.