If you have dry skin, you know a good cleanse can’t leave you feeling tight or stripped. A Korean cleansing balm can be your first step to clean, happy skin.
But with so many balms on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. We get it—you don’t want to waste money on a product that won’t work.
We tested seven popular Korean cleansing balms, focusing on how they treat dry skin. Some melted beautifully and nourished, while others just didn’t measure up.
Our guide breaks down our real-world testing. We’ll help you find a balm that cleanses thoroughly while leaving your skin soft and comfortable.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
BANILA CO Clean it Zero Nourishing Cleansing Balm | Melts Makeup Effortlessly | PRICES |
 |
BANILA CO Clean it Zero Original Cleansing Balm | Removes Stubborn Makeup | PRICES |
 |
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm | Nourishing Rice Bran Oil | PRICES |
 |
JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm | Minimal Ingredient List | PRICES |
 |
AOA STUDIO Green Tea & Vitamin E Cleansing Balm | Removes Waterproof Makeup | PRICES |
 |
BANILA CO Clean it Zero Pore Clarifying Cleansing Balm | Clarifying AHA & PHA | PRICES |
 |
EITHER& PAPHA One Shot Cleansing Balm | Gentle Chemical Exfoliation | PRICES |
BANILA CO Clean it Zero Nourishing Cleansing Balm
This nourishing balm melts away makeup while leaving your dry skin feeling soft and hydrated, not stripped.
It’s a Korean favorite for a reason. The formula transforms from a solid balm into a silky oil that dissolves even waterproof makeup. It’s vegan and packed with skin-loving ingredients like ginseng root.
The texture is luxurious and it emulsifies cleanly with water. I find it doesn’t leave a heavy residue, which is great for my dry skin that hates feeling greasy.
Pros:
👍 Melts makeup effortlessly
👍 Nourishing, doesn’t strip skin
👍 Vegan formula
👍 Contains ginseng and soybean peptide
👍 Emulsifies and rinses clean
Cons:
👎 The jar packaging can be less hygienic than a tube
👎 Scent might be strong for some
👎 Priced higher than some drugstore options
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, reliable choice if you have dry skin. It effectively cleanses while adding moisture, making it a true two-in-one product. It’s a staple in my routine for a reason.
BANILA CO Clean it Zero Original Cleansing Balm
This cult-favorite balm melts away even waterproof makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight or stripped.
It’s a true original in the K-beauty world. The formula transforms from a solid balm into a silky oil as you massage it in. It’s vegan and infused with acerola berry and Vitamin C.
The texture is luxurious and it emulsifies cleanly with water. I find it doesn’t tug at my skin, which is a major plus for dry and sensitive types.
Pros:
👍 Effortlessly removes stubborn makeup
👍 Leaves skin feeling soft, not dry
👍 Pleasant, mild scent
👍 Vegan formula
👍 Emulsifies and rinses cleanly
Cons:
👎 Comes in a jar (less hygienic than a pump)
👎 Can cloud vision if you get it in your eyes
👎 The price has increased over the years
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, reliable starter balm. It lives up to the hype for a reason and is a great benchmark to compare others against. If you’re new to cleansing balms, this is a safe and effective first choice.
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
This balm melts away makeup and sunscreen without leaving your dry skin feeling tight or stripped.
It’s packed with rice bran oil and hanbang ingredients to nourish your skin while it cleanses. The formula is gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin types, which is a huge plus.
It transforms from a solid balm to a silky oil that rinses cleanly with water. I found it didn’t leave a heavy residue, which is perfect if you dislike that greasy feeling.
Pros:
👍 Effectively removes long-wear makeup and sunscreen
👍 Formulated with nourishing rice bran oil
👍 Gentle for sensitive and acne-prone skin
👍 Rinses clean without a heavy film
👍 Includes traditional Korean hanbang ingredients
Cons:
👎 The 100ml jar may run out quickly with daily use
👎 The scent, while mild, may not appeal to everyone
👎 Can be tricky to scoop out if you have long nails
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic, no-fuss first cleanser that truly cares for dry skin. It gets the job done efficiently while adding a dose of hydration, making it a reliable staple in my routine.
JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
If you want a simple, effective cleanser that won’t irritate your dry skin, this 10-ingredient balm is a fantastic choice.
This Korean cleansing balm lives up to its “Clean 10” name. It uses only ten ingredients to melt away makeup and sunscreen. The formula is free from common irritants, which is perfect for sensitive, dry skin.
It has a smooth, buttery texture that transforms into a milky oil when you massage it in. It rinses off cleanly without leaving a heavy residue, so your skin feels soft, not stripped.
Pros:
👍 Minimal ingredient list is great for sensitive skin
👍 Effectively removes makeup and sunscreen
👍 Buttery texture melts easily on the skin
👍 Rinses clean without a greasy film
👍 Affordable price point
Cons:
👎 The jar packaging isn’t as hygienic as a tube
👎 Some may find the scent very mild or unnoticeable
👎 Can cloud the eyes if you’re not careful during rinsing
My Honest Opinion:
I really appreciate the simplicity of this balm. For days when my dry skin feels extra sensitive, it’s a reliable, gentle option that gets the job done without any fuss.
AOA STUDIO Green Tea & Vitamin E Cleansing Balm
This cleansing balm is a gentle giant that melts away even waterproof makeup without stripping your skin.
It’s packed with green tea and Vitamin E, which are fantastic for soothing and brightening dry, sensitive skin. The formula transforms from a solid balm into a silky oil that dissolves makeup effortlessly.
It has a light, pleasant scent and rinses cleanly with water. I found it didn’t leave a heavy residue, which is great for avoiding that tight, dry feeling.
Pros:
👍 Effectively removes waterproof makeup
👍 Soothing ingredients for dry skin
👍 Rinses clean without heavy residue
👍 Pleasant, light texture and scent
👍 Affordable K-beauty option
Cons:
👎 The jar packaging can be less hygienic than a tube
👎 May require a double cleanse for very heavy makeup
👎 Scent might be noticeable for ultra-sensitive users
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic budget-friendly pick that truly cares for dry skin. It gets the job done without any drama or irritation, making it a reliable staple in my routine.
BANILA CO Clean it Zero Pore Clarifying Cleansing Balm
This cleansing balm is a targeted solution for those who want to clarify pores without stripping their dry skin.
It’s specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin types. The balm contains AHA, PHA, and tea tree oil to help exfoliate and soothe.
The texture transforms from a solid balm to a silky oil on your skin. It rinses off cleanly with water, leaving no heavy residue behind.
Pros:
👍 Contains clarifying AHA & PHA
👍 Includes soothing tea tree oil
👍 Vegan formula
👍 Rinses clean without residue
👍 Good for acne-prone skin
Cons:
👎 Targeted for oily skin, may be less hydrating
👎 Exfoliating acids might be strong for some
👎 Scent may not appeal to everyone
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic pick if your dry skin is also prone to congestion and breakouts. It offers a deep clean while the exfoliants work to keep pores clear.
EITHER& PAPHA One Shot Cleansing Balm
This Korean cleansing balm is a true multitasker that melts away makeup while gently exfoliating dry skin.
It’s a 2-in-1 formula that transforms from a solid balm to a cleansing oil and finally rinses clean as a milky wash. The key ingredients are papaya enzyme and PHA, which help smooth and brighten your complexion without harsh scrubbing.
The texture is luxurious and it emulsifies beautifully with water. I found it didn’t leave any greasy residue, which is a common worry with balm cleansers.
Pros:
👍 Excellent makeup and sunscreen removal
👍 Gentle chemical exfoliation with PHA and enzymes
👍 Hydrating formula doesn’t strip the skin
👍 Rinses clean without a filmy feeling
👍 Convenient 2-in-1 step saves time
Cons:
👎 The jar packaging isn’t as hygienic as a tube
👎 Scent might be strong for some users
👎 Price point is higher than some basic options
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic choice if you want cleansing and light exfoliation in one step. It’s particularly good for dry skin that needs a thorough but non-drying clean. I’d recommend it for anyone looking to simplify their routine.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Skin Type & Formula
For dry skin, look for nourishing ingredients like ginseng, soybean, or vitamin E. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, formulas with tea tree oil or clarifying AHA/PHA are better. Sensitive skin benefits from simple, minimal-ingredient lists.
Texture & Melting Point
A good balm should melt quickly upon contact with skin, transforming from a solid to a silky oil. This ensures it spreads easily to dissolve makeup without excessive tugging or pulling, which can irritate delicate skin.
Rinse-off & Finish
Check if the balm emulsifies (turns milky) with water for an easy rinse. Some leave a hydrating film, which is great for dry skin, while others rinse completely clean, which may be preferred by oily skin types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cleansing balms work on waterproof makeup?
Yes, the oil-based formulas in Korean cleansing balms are excellent at breaking down and dissolving long-wear, waterproof mascara, and sunscreen without harsh rubbing.
Can I use a cleansing balm if I have acne?
Absolutely. Look for non-comedogenic, pore-clarifying options like the Banila Co Pore Clarifying balm with tea tree oil, which cleanses without clogging pores or causing breakouts.
Do I need to double cleanse after using a balm?
It’s highly recommended. The balm is the first cleanse to remove makeup and impurities. Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to wash away any residue for perfectly clean skin.
Are cleansing balms better than cleansing oils?
It’s personal preference. Balms are solid, less messy, and great for travel. Oils are liquid from the start. Both are equally effective at melting makeup.
How long does one jar of cleansing balm last?
With daily use, a standard 100ml jar typically lasts 2-3 months. You only need a small, pea-to-almond-sized amount for your entire face and neck.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For those with dry skin, the BANILA CO Clean it Zero Nourishing Cleansing Balm is our top pick for its rich, skin-feeding formula that melts away makeup without stripping moisture. If you prefer a simple, effective ingredient list, the JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm is a fantastic minimalist choice. For a luxurious, multi-tasking experience, the EITHER& PAPHA One Shot Cleansing Balm offers gentle exfoliation and deep cleansing in one step.
No matter your skin’s needs, a Korean cleansing balm is a transformative first step for a clean, radiant complexion.