Introduction: The First Cleanser That Sets the Tone
Double cleansing is the foundation of every Korean skincare routine, and your first cleanser -- an oil-based product that dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and sebum -- sets the tone for everything that follows. Get it right, and your skin is clean, balanced, and prepped. Get it wrong, and you are starting your routine at a disadvantage.
Three K-beauty first cleansers dominate the conversation in 2026: the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, and the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm. Each has gone viral for good reason, but they differ significantly in format (oil vs. balm), key ingredients, and the skin concerns they address best.
Let us break down every detail so you can choose the first cleanser that will transform your cleansing game.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Anua Cleansing Oil | BOJ Ginseng Oil | Banila Co Clean It Zero |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Liquid oil | Liquid oil | Sherbet/balm |
| Size | 200ml | 210ml | 100ml |
| Hero Ingredient | Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) | Ginseng + Soybean Oil | Vitamin E + Acerola |
| Best For | Oily, acne-prone, blackhead-prone | Dry, mature, dull skin | All skin types, makeup lovers |
| Emulsification | Excellent, milky rinse | Good, clean rinse | Excellent, transforms to milky water |
| Blackhead Help | Excellent (pore-focused) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Fragrance | Light herbal scent | Subtle ginseng scent | Mild floral scent |
| Travel-Friendly | Moderate (liquid) | Moderate (liquid) | Excellent (solid balm) |
Detailed Breakdown
Ingredients Analysis
The Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is specifically formulated for pore care. Its star ingredient, heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata), is celebrated in Korean skincare for its anti-inflammatory and pore-tightening properties. The oil base uses a blend of sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil that dissolves sebum and sebaceous filaments effectively without stripping. BHA derivatives in the formula provide gentle exfoliation within the cleansing step itself. This makes it the most targeted option for blackhead and pore concerns.
The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil takes a nourishing, anti-aging approach to cleansing. Ginseng root extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, while soybean oil serves as the primary cleansing agent -- a gentle, nutrient-rich oil that respects the skin barrier. The formula also includes rice bran oil and vitamin E for additional nourishment. This is a cleanser that does not just remove impurities; it actively treats and conditions the skin during the cleansing step.
The Banila Co Clean It Zero uses a unique sherbet-to-oil-to-milk transformation. The solid balm is formulated with a proprietary blend that includes Acerola (vitamin C), papaya extract, and vitamin E acetate. The Zero Balance technology claims to effectively remove up to 99% of makeup residue. The balm format means it is free of water, which allows for a higher concentration of oil-soluble cleansing agents and active ingredients.
Texture and Application
The Anua Cleansing Oil is a fluid, lightweight liquid oil. Pump it onto dry hands, massage onto a dry face, and watch it dissolve sunscreen and makeup on contact. When water is added, it emulsifies into a satisfying milky white liquid that rinses completely clean. The entire process takes about 60 seconds. Many users report seeing visible grits (dissolved sebaceous filaments) emerge from pores during the massage step.
The BOJ Ginseng Cleansing Oil is slightly thicker and more luxurious in texture than the Anua. The massage experience feels almost spa-like, with the ginseng oil providing a rich, velvety glide. It emulsifies well and rinses clean, though it may take an extra splash or two of water compared to the Anua. The post-rinse skin feel is notably soft and nourished rather than stripped.
The Banila Co Clean It Zero offers a completely different experience. You scoop the sherbet-like balm with the included spatula, warm it between fingertips, and it transforms into a silky oil. As you massage it onto the face, it dissolves even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. Adding water transforms it again into a milky water that rinses away cleanly. The multi-texture transformation is satisfying and thorough, though it requires slightly more effort than pumping a liquid oil.
Results and Performance
Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil:
- Outstanding makeup and sunscreen removal in one minute
- Visibly reduces blackheads and sebaceous filaments with regular use
- Soothes inflamed, acne-prone skin during the cleansing step
- Pores appear minimized and cleaner over time
- Zero greasy residue -- skin feels balanced and clean
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil:
- Thorough makeup removal with a nourishing, pampering feel
- Skin feels soft, plump, and conditioned after rinsing
- Anti-aging and antioxidant benefits from ginseng during cleansing
- Maintains skin barrier integrity -- never strips or dries
- Subtle brightening effect noticed with continued use
Banila Co Clean It Zero:
- Unmatched waterproof and heavy makeup removal
- Satisfying sherbet-to-oil-to-milk texture transformation
- Effective yet gentle -- suitable for even reactive skin
- Compact, travel-friendly format that will not leak
- The original cleansing balm that started a global trend
Price and Value
The Anua (200ml) and Beauty of Joseon (210ml) oils offer similar generous sizes, while the Banila Co (100ml) is notably smaller. However, balms are concentrated -- you use less per application (a small scoop vs. 2-3 pumps of oil), so the 100ml lasts longer than you might expect. On a per-use basis, the two oils are comparable in value, while the Banila Co sits at a slight premium when accounting for its smaller size. All three represent good value compared to Western cleanser equivalents.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil if you:
- Have oily, acne-prone, or blackhead-prone skin
- Want a cleanser specifically designed for pore care
- Prefer a lightweight liquid oil that rinses effortlessly
- Want to see those satisfying grits emerge from your pores
- Need a cleanser with anti-inflammatory heartleaf benefits
Choose the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil if you:
- Have dry, mature, or dull skin
- Want your cleansing step to also nourish and condition
- Love the luxurious, spa-like massage experience
- Are interested in anti-aging benefits during cleansing
- Prefer a gentle, barrier-respecting formula that never strips
Choose the Banila Co Clean It Zero if you:
- Wear heavy or waterproof makeup regularly
- Want the most thorough makeup-dissolving power
- Prefer a solid balm format (travel-friendly, no spills)
- Enjoy the sensory experience of a texture-transforming product
- Have any skin type and want a universally effective first cleanser
Pros and Cons
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
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Cons
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Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Pros
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Cons
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Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
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Cons
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The Verdict
Choosing between these three viral K-beauty first cleansers comes down to your skin type and priorities. The Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil is the winner for oily and acne-prone skin, delivering targeted pore care and blackhead reduction that no other cleanser in this lineup can match. The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil is the top choice for dry and mature skin, turning the cleansing step into a nourishing, anti-aging treatment. The Banila Co Clean It Zero remains the gold standard for heavy makeup removal in a travel-friendly format that works for everyone.
No matter which you choose, all three embody the K-beauty philosophy that cleansing should be gentle, thorough, and beneficial to your skin. Your double cleansing routine starts here.
Shop all three at Mirai Skin: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, and Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm. Explore our full Korean Cleansers collection for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a second cleanser after using these products?
Yes, in most cases. Oil cleansers and balms are designed as the first step of a double cleanse. They dissolve oil-based impurities (makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum), but a water-based second cleanser is recommended to remove any remaining residue and water-soluble impurities. If you are only wearing light sunscreen and no makeup, some users find the oil cleanser alone is sufficient.
Is a cleansing oil or cleansing balm better for blackheads?
For blackhead and sebaceous filament removal specifically, the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is the best option due to its pore-targeting heartleaf extract and BHA derivatives. To maximize blackhead removal with any oil cleanser, massage the product gently onto dry skin for 60-90 seconds before emulsifying. The gentle friction combined with oil dissolving sebum can release trapped debris from pores.
Can cleansing oils break me out?
Quality cleansing oils that emulsify and rinse properly should not break you out. Breakouts from oil cleansing usually occur when the product does not emulsify completely (leaving residue) or when the oil contains comedogenic ingredients. All three products in this comparison emulsify well. If you are worried, the Anua oil is the safest bet for acne-prone skin due to its non-comedogenic plant oil blend.
How long should I massage the oil cleanser on my face?
For makeup and sunscreen removal, 30-60 seconds is sufficient. For pore-clearing and blackhead benefits, extend the massage to 60-90 seconds (especially with the Anua oil). Avoid massaging for more than 2 minutes, as extended friction can irritate the skin. Always massage with dry hands on a dry face for best results before adding water to emulsify.
