Editorial research review
A 150 mL rinse-off gel cleanser. The brand lists coco-betaine and amino acid-derived cleansing ingredients near the top, with glycerin, squalane, ectoin and several hyaluronic acid forms elsewhere in the declaration.
Cleansers
Typically used at routine step 2.
Cleansing sets up everything that follows. The Korean approach usually splits it in two: an oil-based first cleanse for sunscreen and sebum, then a gentle water-based second cleanse. Done well it is unremarkable — skin should feel comfortable, not tight, and not slippery. Over-cleansing is a far more common problem than under-cleansing, and it shows up as tightness, flaking and reactivity to products that were previously fine.
Products
Editorial research review
haruharu wonder
Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel Unscented
A 100 mL rinse-off cleansing gel with glycerin and Coco-Betaine. This is the Black Rice Moisture 5.5 gel. Haruharu wonder has a separate Black Rice Triple AHA cleanser.
Editorial research review
haruharu wonder
Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel Unscented
A 100 mL rinse-off gel with glycerin and Coco-Betaine. The maker declares citric, tartaric and mandelic acids at 500 ppm each. The finished formula's effect also depends on the short rinse-off use.
Editorial research review
Beauty of Joseon
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
A pH-friendly water-based gel cleanser with plum water and mung bean extract. It is a sensible everyday second cleanser for users who want cleansing without a heavy or oily residue.
Editorial research review
A mildly acidic foaming gel cleanser containing betaine salicylate and tea tree oil. It suits users who prefer a fresh cleanse, but very dry or reactive skin may need a simpler, non-exfoliating cleanser.
Editorial research review
A 180 mL rinse-off gel cleanser with decyl glucoside and two glutamate-based cleansing ingredients. The maker’s list also includes quinoa seed extract, glycerin and several botanical extracts.
How the cleansers we hold compare
Texture, size and “best for” come from our product research. Notable ingredients are matched by exact name in each verified ingredient list: presence only, which says nothing about concentration or effect. “No Parfum listed” means the list declares no added fragrance; plant extracts and waters can still carry a scent.
| Product | Texture | Size | Notable listed ingredients | Fragrance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser | Not recorded | 150ml | Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, Squalane | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
| haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel Unscented | Rinse-off cleansing gel. | 100ml | None of the tracked ingredients | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
| haruharu wonder Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel Unscented | Rinse-off cleansing gel. | 100ml | None of the tracked ingredients | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
| Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser | Soft, translucent gel with light lather. | 100ml | None of the tracked ingredients | No Parfum listed | Gentle daily cleansing without a heavy finish |
| COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser | Clear gel that produces a light foam. | 150ml | None of the tracked ingredients | No Parfum listed | Daily cleansing and oily or combination skin |
| AXIS-Y Quinoa One Step Balanced Gel Cleanser | Not recorded | 180ml | Centella / madecassoside | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
How we research cleansers
We currently track 6 published products here. Every entry is compiled from manufacturer ingredient disclosures, published cosmetic science literature and UK retailer listings. We do not run clinical trials, and we do not publish a product until its formulation details have been checked against a source we can cite.
- Formulation: INCI lists, key actives, fragrance and alcohol status where the brand discloses them.
- Evidence: what the published research suggests for the key ingredients, and what it does not establish.
- UK availability: retailer listings and prices, with the date each was last checked. Where a price is not recent enough to quote, we say “check latest price” instead of guessing.
Results from cosmetic products are formulation-dependent and vary between people. Read our review methodology, browse the ingredient explainers or compare options in the comparison tool.
Choosing cleansers
- Match the first cleanse to what you actually wear; bare skin does not need a heavy balm.
- Prioritise low-pH, low-fragrance formulas if your barrier is compromised.
- Lukewarm water only — hot water strips lipids faster than any surfactant in the bottle.
For a full step-by-step order for your skin type, see the routine guides. To narrow by skin type and concern, use the product finder, or browse every step on the product types index. Scoring is explained in our review methodology.