10 Best Korean Exfoliators For All Skin Types
1. TonyMoly Floria Brightening Peeling Gel
Suitable For: All skin types This gel-based exfoliator contains natural extracts. When you massage it into your skin, you can see the dead skin cells ball up and come off in pieces. It contains fermented lotus flower water that brightens your skin and pearl powder that has antioxidant benefits and a skin brightening effect. It also contains Maesil or Korean plum extract that improves skin hydration levels, circulation, and elasticity. Korean Plum extract contains natural AHA that removes dead skin cells. It is the best Korean skin exfoliator. For a visual demonstration of the TonyMoly Floria Brightening Peeling Gel, have a look at this YouTube video.Pros
Can be used on other body parts (knees, elbows, and heels) Paraben-free SLS- and SLES-free No mineral oils No harmful chemicals
Cons None
2. SkinFood Black Sugar Strawberry Wash-Off Face Mask
Suitable For: All skin types SkinFood Black Sugar Strawberry Face Mask is a physical exfoliator (scrub) that contains the mineral-rich organic black sugar. This sugar scrubs exfoliate the skin gently and keep it hydrated and nourished. This scrub is also enriched with strawberry seeds and strawberry seed oil that soften your skin and make it glow. It also has a sweet fragrance that lingers on your skin. It is the best Korean body scrub. Check out this video on YouTube for more information on SkinFood Black Sugar Strawberry Wash-Off Face Mask.Pros
Paraben-free No mineral oils Petrolatum-free Organic ingredients No harmful chemicals
Cons None [ Read: Complete 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine For Morning And Night ]
3. Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel
Suitable For: All skin types This product can be used as both a cleanser and a peeling gel. It contains lemon extracts and sparkling water that brighten your skin and reduce the size of the pores. The lemon extracts in this product help remove dead skin cells and fade spots and marks. It contains hyaluronic acid along with Centella Asiatica, witch hazel, and Portulaca oleracea extracts that help calm your skin. It has a gommage-like texture that rolls into small balls when you rub it on your skin. It is the best Korean peeling gel. If you need further convincing, check this YouTuber’s review out.Pros
Natural ingredients Mild formula Paraben-free Sulfate-free SLES-free No harmful chemicals
Cons None
4. Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel
Suitable For: All skin types Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel contains natural cellulose that has an instant brightening effect on your skin. You can see your skin get smoother with just one use. It contains other anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as honey, hollyhock flower, and black willow extracts, that soothe your delicate skin. This product also contains vitamin C that helps brighten your skin. It is the best Korean peeling maskPros
Botanical extracts Paraben-free SLS-free SLES-free Phthalate-free No harmful chemicals
Cons None
5. SkinFood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
Suitable For: All skin types This wash-off scrub by SkinFood contains the mineral-rich Brazillian black sugar. The black sugar used in this product is unrefined and rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. It also contains pantothenic acid. Upon application, the sugar granules dissolve slowly to remove dead skin cells and reveal bright skin after you wash it off. It is the best Korean face scrub.Pros
Paraben-free Alcohol-free No mineral oils
Cons None [ Read: 7 Best Korean Rubber Face Masks To Try In 2019 ]
6. Skinfood Pineapple Peeling Gel
Suitable For: All skin types The SkinFood Pineapple Peeling Gel is enriched with pineapple enzymes. These enzymes are rich in vitamins A and C that help reduce inflammation and soften your skin. It also contains cellulose particles and AHA derived from apples that exfoliate your skin gently and cleanse your pores thoroughly. It is the best peeling gel Korean face wash.Pros
Contains fruit extracts SLS-free SLES-free No mineral oils
Cons
Contains parabens
7. Rokkiss Tea Tree Peeling Gel
The Rokkiss Tea Tree Peeling gel helps you gently peel off the dead skin cells and impurities from the skin. It contains tea tree, Centella, cypress leaves, cellulose, hyaluronic acid, licorice, aloe vera leaves, and eucalyptus that smoothen and hydrate your skin. This product is easy to use, either before sleep or going to work. It smoothens the skin, reduces enlarged pores, and tightens the skin. Suitable For: All Skin Types Pros
Natural ingredients Sulfate-free Paraben-free Alcohol-free Hypoallergenic
Cons
May be drying
8. O.R.G Skincare Mineral Peel Body
The O.R.G Skincare Mineral Peel Body cleanses dirt, and dead or damaged skin cells, making the skin smoother for shaving or tanning. It is formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera, grape, rosewood, cucumber, retinol, and rose flower oil. This non-abrasive gel-based exfoliator rejuvenates your skin and prevents ingrown hair and uneven skin tones. This ancient Korean formulation does not dry or make your skin irritated. Suitable For: All Skin Types Pros
Alcohol-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free Natural exfoliating ingredients Cruelty-free Brightens the skin
Cons None [ Read: 10 Best Korean Skin Care Brands You Should Try Out Right Now! ]
9. Neogen Dermalogy Gauze Peeling Wine
Suitable For: All skin types These manual exfoliation pads are soaked in a formula containing Resveratrol, a naturally fermented ingredient derived from red wine. Resveratrol contains AHA that helps in exfoliating dead skin cells from your skin. It helps improve and refine your skin texture. it is the best Korean skincare exfoliation.Pros
100% cotton mesh pads Paraben-free SLS- and SLES-free No harmful chemicals
Cons None
10. Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel
Suitable For: All skin types Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel is an extremely mild peeling gel that is suitable for even sensitive skin. This peeling gel is a cocktail of fruit extracts and herbal ingredients that not only dissolve the dirt on your skin but also remove the dead skin cells, leaving you with smoother and softer skin. It contains papaya and Gypsophila paniculata root extracts that remove excess sebum from the hair follicles. It also contains orange, bilberry, and lemon extracts that improve the elasticity of your skin.Pros
Mild formula Pleasant fragrance SLS-free SLES-free
Cons
Contains parabens
Even though your skin exfoliates itself naturally by shedding the dead cells, this ability of your skin slows down as you age. That is when exfoliation becomes a necessity. Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, explains, “Korean skincare is nothing about excessive rubbing or scratching. It mostly contains chemical peeling gels or pads rather and not physical exfoliators.” Although most Korean exfoliators are mild, you should not use an exfoliator more than twice a week. When choosing an exfoliator, it is best to consider your skin type and skin concerns. For instance, if you have extremely sensitive and acne-prone skin, stay away from physical exfoliators or scrubs that may further aggravate the condition. Go for a milder product. Moreover, over-exfoliating can damage your skin. If you are using a physical exfoliator, make sure you do not rub too hard. Also, check for any ingredient you are allergic to before picking a product. Do you prefer physical exfoliators or chemical ones? Have you tried any K-beauty exfoliators? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this post, is a certified skin care coach and loves to try out new and innovative products. So, she researched various products thoroughly and read many user reviews on trusted online forums to curate this list of the best Korean exfoliators for her readers. The shortlisted Korean exfoliators effectively increase cell turnover and manage dry skin and pores.
The key ingredients What it does How often to use
The infographic also explains the benefits of using a Korean exfoliator for your skin. What do Koreans exfoliate with? Koreans generally use chemical exfoliators like peeling gels and pads to exfoliate their skin. Is Korean exfoliator good for you? Yes, Korean exfoliators are made of premium ingredients that are not harsh on skin. Does a Korean body exfoliator hurt? Yes, initially it does feel uncomfortable and hurts a bit but eventually it settles down and feels like a vigourous exercise. Is it OK to exfoliate your face everyday? No, daily exfoliation will strip off the natural oils from your face and cause dulness. Ideally, you should exfoliate once or twice a week. When should I use a physical vs a chemical exfoliator? Chemical exfoliators exfoliate and brighten the skin but it takes time for them to show effect. Physical exfoliators simply exfoliate the skin and is more of a quick fix when you are short on time.
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