Plus, the truth about cleansing oils and oily skin.
(Hint: It might be the best thing for you.)
Let’s talk about that end-of-the-day feeling. Your skin is tired, covered in stubborn SPF, maybe some waterproof mascara, and the general grime of a long day. The K-Beauty philosophy believes that how you take off the day is the most important act of respect for your skin. It’s not a chore; it’s the first “quiet win” of your evening.
The Double Cleanse starts with an oil-based cleanser (a balm or an oil) to melt away makeup, sebum, and sunscreen—then follows with a gentle water-based cleanser.
When I started curating for KKUMIDA, I tested a dozen+ best-sellers against strict criteria: removes waterproof mascara without rubbing, zero eye-sting, clean rinse (full emulsification), and alignment to the “KKUMIDA Six.”
Big Myth: “I have oily skin, so I can’t use a cleansing oil.”
Water can’t break down oil-based gunk (sebum, oil-based makeup, SPF). Like repels like. A water-based foam alone won’t reach the hardened sebum inside pores.
Cleansing oils bond to oils on your face, dissolve them, then—here’s the magic—emulsify with water to rinse away clean. Nothing left behind to clog pores.
Well-formulated K-Beauty oils and balms include an emulsifier so they turn milky with water and rinse 100% clean.
Quick Lesson: Balm vs. Oil
Cleansing Balm
- Solid, sorbet-like texture; melts to oil on contact.
- Travel-friendly; luxurious slip.
- Same job as oils—your call based on feel.
Cleansing Oil
- Light liquid from a pump; fast to spread.
- Great for oily/combination skins that want lightness.
- Emulsifies and rinses clean when water is added.
The KKUMIDA Curation: Our Final 4 Cleansing Heroes
Category 1: The Cleansing Balms (Sorbet-to-Oil Stars)
1) For Innovative Freshness: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Why I chose it: Twist to freshly grind the perfect dose (pepper-mill style) = hygienic & fresh. Melts instantly, zero fragrance, rinses perfectly clean—brilliant for sensitive skin.
Best for: All skin types; anyone who loves innovative, hygienic packaging.
2) For a Luxurious, Nourishing Melt: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Why I chose it: Rich, buttery texture with rice bran & grain extracts. Spa-like cleanse that leaves skin soft and bright. Removes stubborn makeup with zero eye-sting.
Best for: Normal to dry; anyone who wants nourishing luxury.
Category 2: The Cleansing Oils (Lightweight Liquids)
1) For Sensitive Skin (The Gentle Hero): SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Why I chose it: Feather-light, almost watery slip. Powered by Centella to calm redness & irritation. One of the best for zero eye irritation in testing.
Best for: Oily, combination, and sensitive skin.
2) For Deep Clean & Hydration: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil (Unscented)
Why I chose it: 95% naturally-derived oils including fermented black rice—antioxidant-rich, substantial enough to remove everything yet leaves skin plump and hydrated.
Best for: All skin types, esp. combination→dry; hydration-seekers.
Julia’s Non-Negotiable Rule: How to Use Them Correctly
Dry Hands, Dry Face
Dispense balm/oil onto dry hands and massage your dry face for 30–60s. Watch makeup & SPF dissolve (like-dissolves-like).
The Milky Step (Emulsify)
Add a little lukewarm water and massage again—oil turns milky. That’s the sign it’s binding to water and lifting away the grime.
Rinse & Follow
Rinse thoroughly, then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser (gel/foam). Hello, clean, soft, balanced skin.
P.S. It’s 100% personal preference whether you choose balm or oil. We curated the best of both—all aligned to the KKUMIDA Six.
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