Cleanser for sensitive skin

Cleanse without causing irritation

For sensitive skin, it is crucial to use mild, fragrance-free cleansers that effectively remove dirt, makeup, and sunscreen without disrupting the skin's balance. The goal is to strengthen the skin barrier, not wash it away. Therefore, choose cleansing products with soothing and moisturizing ingredients like panthenol, ceramides, and centella asiatica, and avoid harsh surfactants, alcohol, and essential oils. With us, you will find several Korean cleansers adapted for sensitive skin, developed to be effective yet gentle.

What does it mean to have sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is a condition where the skin reacts more strongly than normal to external factors such as products, weather, or temperature changes. Common signs include redness, tightness, tingling, or burning, often after cleansing or contact with new products.

The main cause is a weakened skin barrier, which is the protective layer of lipids and skin cells that keeps moisture in and protects against external influences. When the barrier is damaged, moisture leaks out, and the skin becomes susceptible to irritation and inflammation.

Sensitive skin is more common in our Nordic climate where cold, dry air and heated indoor environments make the skin extra vulnerable. Therefore, Korean skincare is often a good option, as many Korean cleansers are pH-balanced, alcohol-free, and developed to soothe the skin barrier rather than dry it out.

Why does the skin react during cleansing?

The skin's reaction after cleansing is rarely because the product is "bad," but rather how it affects the skin's pH and oil balance. Many traditional cleansers are formulated with strong sulfates (like SLS/SLES) that dissolve the skin's natural oils too effectively. This leads to the barrier thinning and moisture evaporating.

Another common cause is too hot water or over-cleansing. Heat increases blood circulation and can cause redness, while too frequent washing dries out the skin. Additionally, overly active products, such as cleansers with acids or fragrances, can unnecessarily irritate the skin.

A good cleanser for sensitive skin should therefore balance effectiveness and gentleness: it should remove what the skin doesn't need, but at the same time leave behind the natural lipids that protect.

How to cleanse sensitive skin the right way?

A proper cleansing routine is the foundation of all skincare. Here's how to cleanse the skin gently and effectively.

1. Choose the right type of cleanser

If you have sensitive skin, choose a soft, pH-balanced cleanser without strong fragrances. For those who use sunscreen or makeup, an oil or balm-based cleanser followed by a mild water-based cleanser can be ideal (so-called double cleansing).

2. Use lukewarm water

Hot water can exacerbate redness and irritation. Lukewarm water is sufficient to dissolve dirt without affecting the skin's natural balance.

3. Massage gently

Use your fingertips in soft circles for 30–60 seconds. Avoid hard scrubbing, brushes, and other tools.

4. Rinse thoroughly but gently

Rinse off all product without rubbing. The skin should feel clean but not tight afterward.

5. Pat dry and moisturize immediately

Gently dry with a soft towel and then apply a moisturizing toner or essence. Within a minute, you should use serum and cream to lock in moisture.

Two cleansings per day are enough for most people. If the skin feels dry in the morning, you can skip the cleansing. and just rinse with water before moisturizing.

The best types of cleansing for sensitive skin

Korean skincare offers several types of cleansing suitable for sensitive skin, developed with skin-friendly ingredients and mild cleansing agents.

Oil-based cleansing

Oil-based cleansers, such as cleansing balms or cleansing oils, are designed to dissolve sunscreen, sebum, and makeup without drying out the skin. They often contain natural esters, rice oil, or squalane that cleanse deeply while also nourishing.

Water-based cleansing

A gentle, water-based cleanser is used after the oil to remove residues and impurities. Look for ingredients like panthenol, centella asiatica (Cica), green tea, glycerin, and ceramides. These soothe the skin while preserving moisture.

Milk and cream cleansing

For those with very reactive skin or extreme dryness, a milk cleanser can be a good option. They cleanse without creating much foam and leave the skin soft and hydrated.

Key ingredients for sensitive skin

To truly strengthen and soothe sensitive skin, you should look for these ingredients in cleansing products:

• Glycerin and betaine – moisture-binding agents that prevent dehydration.
• Panthenol (vitamin B5) – soothes irritation and strengthens the skin's recovery ability.
• Centella Asiatica (Cica) – a classic in Korean skincare that reduces redness and inflammation.
• Ceramides and squalane – restore skin lipids and strengthen the protective barrier.
• Green tea and Madecassoside – natural antioxidants that soothe stressed skin.

Ingredients to avoid: alcohol denat., strong acids, menthol, citrus oils, and artificial perfume. These are common sources of irritation that can worsen sensitivity over time.

Recommended products for sensitive skin

Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

A mild, pH-balanced foam cleanser with centella asiatica that soothes and strengthens the skin barrier. Perfect for sensitive and easily irritated skin that needs effective cleansing without drying out.

Ginseng Cleansing Oil (Beauty of Joseon)

A silky oil cleanser designed to dissolve sunscreen, makeup, and sebum without causing irritation. The ginseng extract provides an extra soothing and nourishing step in the double cleansing.

Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

A light and fast-emulsifying cleansing oil with centella asiatica. Suitable for sensitive skin that wants to use oil cleansing but wants to avoid heavy or greasy formulas. Dissolves impurities without clogging pores.

Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

An extra mild gel-to-foam cleanser with panthenol and madecassoside. The low pH level makes it ideal for sensitive, reactive, or weakened skin barriers.

1025 Dokdo Bubble Foam

A gentle yet effective cleanser enriched with mineral-rich deep sea water. Cleanses the pores without disturbing the skin's balance and is perfect for sensitive skin that wants to avoid strong surfactants.

Common mistakes when cleansing sensitive skin

1. Washing the face too often – more than twice a day dries out the skin.
2. Using too hot water – increases redness and irritation.
3. Choosing strong products – products that promise “deep cleansing” often contain strong surfactants.
4. Skipping moisturization – the skin quickly loses moisture after contact with water.
5. Using too many active ingredients at once – it overloads the skin's tolerance.

How to strengthen the skin barrier after cleansing

After cleansing, the skin is most receptive to nurturing ingredients. For sensitive skin, it is important to focus on repairing and moisturizing steps. Use a toner or essence with panthenol, hyaluronic acid, or centella asiatica, followed by a serum with ceramides or niacinamide in low concentration.

Finish with a barrier-strengthening cream that locks in moisture and protects the skin during the day. With us, you will find several products that combine these ingredients, perfect for caring for sensitive skin in a Korean way.

FAQ – Common questions about cleansing for sensitive skin

What cleanser is best for sensitive skin?

A mild, fragrance-free, and pH-balanced cleanser with ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and ceramides. Korean brands like Beauty of Joseon and COSRX are good examples.

Can I use double cleansing if I have sensitive skin?

Yes – if both steps are mild. An oil cleanser followed by a gentle water-based cleanser works well, especially if you use sunscreen or makeup daily.

How often should I cleanse my skin?

Twice a day is enough. In the morning, you can sometimes just rinse with water and then moisturize.

What ingredients should I avoid?

Avoid products with strong sulfates, alcohol denat., menthol, citrus oils, and synthetic fragrance – these are common irritants.