Best Korean Cleansing Oil in Australia: Anua vs Beauty of Joseon vs Torriden vs COSRX

Sunscreen, sweat, sebum and a long day in the Australian climate: the first cleanse of the evening has a lot to dissolve. Here is how four of the most-searched Korean cleansing oils compare, and which one suits which skin.

The Beauty Desk · Cleansers · 8 minute read

If you are searching for the best cleansing oil in Australia, the honest answer is that it depends on your skin and on what you wear on it. This guide compares the Anua cleansing oil, the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, the Torriden cleansing oil and the COSRX cleansing oil, plus a few other Korean cleansing oils and balms we stock, using only what their product pages say. We sell every product mentioned here, so weigh our views accordingly.

What is a Korean cleansing oil, and why use one?

A Korean cleansing oil is the first step of a double cleanse. Oil dissolves oil-based things: sunscreen, makeup, sebum. You massage it onto dry skin, add a little water so it turns milky (emulsifies), then rinse. A second, water-based cleanser follows to wash away what is left. Most Australians wear sunscreen every day, so an oil cleanser for sunscreen is less a luxury than a practical tool: a face wash alone can struggle with a layer of SPF50+ worn since morning.

Cleansing oils compared: size, price and skin type

Skin type notes below are taken from each product page. Where a page does not name a skin type, the table says so rather than guessing.

Anua cleansing oil: which version?

We stock two Anua cleansing oils, and the names are easy to confuse. The standard Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is described as a lightweight, gentle makeup remover with plant oils, with a silky texture that removes waterproof makeup. The Mild version is described as a non-comedogenic formula for sensitive skin, with heartleaf, rosemary leaf oil and sunflower seed oil, and the page notes it leaves no oily residue. If you are unsure, the Mild is the one the page positions for sensitive skin. You can also buy the oil together with a foam in the Anua Double Cleansing Duo Set ($54.00).

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil: the gentle everyday pick

The Beauty of Joseon ginseng cleansing oil uses soybean oil and ginseng seed oil. The page describes it as lightweight, non-stripping and nourishing, and it comes in a generous 210 ml for $31.95. If you like the brand's sunscreen, our Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun guide covers it, and the full range is in the Beauty of Joseon collection. The Beauty of Joseon Deep Double Cleansing Duo ($59.95) pairs the oil with a hydrating foam.

Torriden cleansing oil: hydration-focused

The Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Oil is a vegan oil with 5D Hyaluronic Acid. The page says it melts waterproof makeup and has a lightweight, non-greasy finish, aimed at sensitive and acne-prone skin. At $29.99 for 200 ml it sits in the middle of the price range. If acne is a concern, see your GP or dermatologist; a cleanser is not a treatment.

COSRX cleansing oil: the watery one

COSRX Pure Fit Cica Clear Cleansing Oil is described as a lightweight, watery oil that emulsifies quickly into a milky texture and rinses cleanly. It is made with seven centella ingredients and seven vegetable-derived oils. It is the priciest oil here at $38.00 for 200 ml, so it suits people who dislike a heavy, slippery feel.

Other Korean cleansing oils worth a look

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil ($25.99) is the lowest-priced 200 ml oil in this comparison and is described as suitable for all skin types, especially oily skin. Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil ($29.99) is described as non-comedogenic with LHA, niacinamide and 11 botanical oils. numbuzin No.1 Easy Peasy ($28.00) uses corn and macadamia oils and is described as gentle on the eyes.

Which cleansing oil should you pick?

• Sensitive skin: Anua Mild or Torriden DIVE IN, as both pages position them for sensitive skin. Patch test first.
• Oily or combination skin: SKIN1004 Light, or Torriden for its non-greasy finish.
• Dry or dehydrated skin: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng for its nourishing, non-stripping description, or Torriden for its hyaluronic acid.
• Heavy daily sunscreen and waterproof makeup: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm, described as melting away makeup, sunscreen and impurities.
• Dislike greasy textures: COSRX Pure Fit Cica Clear.
• Best value for size: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng at 210 ml and $31.95, or SKIN1004 at $25.99 for 200 ml.

Oil or balm: what is the difference?

A cleansing oil is pourable, usually in a pump bottle, and is quick to spread across a whole face. A cleansing balm starts solid and melts into oil as you massage it. Balms tend to feel richer and suit people who want a slower, more cushioned cleanse, while oils are easier to use in a hurry and are often more generous in size. Both are first-step cleansers, and both should be followed by a water-based cleanser.

Common cleansing oil mistakes

• Using it on wet skin. Oil works best on a dry face, so start before you splash water.
• Rinsing too quickly. Emulsify with water first, then rinse for longer than you think you need to.
• Skipping the second cleanse. The oil lifts sunscreen and makeup; the foam or gel finishes the job.
• Dragging at the eyes. Press and melt waterproof mascara rather than scrubbing.
• Changing everything at once. Introduce one new product at a time so you know what suits your skin.

If you are building the rest of your evening routine, our Korean honey ritual guide is a gentle next read.

How to double cleanse after sunscreen and makeup

1. Start with dry hands and a dry face. Take the recommended amount of oil or balm (check the pack).
2. Massage for about a minute, paying attention to the hairline, sides of the nose and jaw, where sunscreen settles.
3. Add a little water and keep massaging until the oil turns milky.
4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
5. Follow with a water-based cleanser. Browse the cleanser and makeup remover collection for foams and gels.
6. Pat dry, then continue with toner (see our best toner guide) and moisturiser.

Australian sunscreen guidance is SPF50+, reapplied every two hours. Choosing a sunscreen is a separate decision, and our sunscreen collection is a good place to start. A cleansing oil does not replace sun protection.

Around Australia

• Sydney, NSW: humid summers with high UV; a light oil rinses cleanly.
• Melbourne, VIC: changeable weather and cold, dry winters; a nourishing oil can feel comfortable.
• Brisbane and Gold Coast, QLD: hot and humid with strong UV; you may reapply sunscreen often, so cleansing thoroughly at night matters.
• Perth, WA: dry heat and strong sun.
• Adelaide, SA: hot, dry summers and cooler winters.
• Canberra, ACT: dry air and cold winters; follow with a moisturiser.
• Hobart, TAS: cool and often dry in winter, with surprisingly strong summer UV.
• Darwin, NT: tropical humidity and heavy sweat; a lightweight oil suits.

For women and men

These oils are not gendered, and the routine is the same for everyone. If you wear sunscreen daily, you have something to cleanse off even without makeup. For men with beards: use a small amount of oil on the skin beneath the beard, work it through with your fingertips, emulsify with water and rinse well, because sunscreen, sweat and product can sit in facial hair. Follow with a gentle foam or gel on the skin underneath.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best cleansing oil in Australia?
The one that suits your skin and rinses clean for you. Use the table above to narrow it down.

Do I need to double cleanse in Australia?
If you wear sunscreen or makeup daily, many people find it a sensible evening step.

Can an oil cleanser remove sunscreen?
Oil dissolves oil-based products. The Beauty of Joseon balm page describes removing sunscreen, makeup and sebum.

Is the Anua cleansing oil suitable for sensitive skin?
The Mild version's page describes it for sensitive skin. Patch test first.

Can I use cleansing oil in pregnancy?
Check the ingredients with your doctor first.

We ship across Australia and to New Zealand; delivery options, prices and times are confirmed at checkout.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Results vary. Product information is from product pages and may change. Last checked: 5 November 2026.