Exfoliating is one of the easiest ways to transform your skin, but finding the right product can get confusing fast, especially with so many Korean exfoliators promising smoother, brighter, poreless skin.

The truth? Some absolutely deliver.

In this guide, I’ve broken down the best Korean exfoliators for every skin type, from gentle peeling gels to pore-clearing pads that work overtime.

Whether you’re dealing with dullness, breakouts, or stubborn texture, you’ll find exactly what your routine has been missing.

Top Korean Exfoliator (First 5)	Product Link
DERMALOGY by NEOGENLAB Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pads Best for All Skin Types	Buy Now
Innisfree Green Barley Gommage Peeling Mask Best for Sensitive Skin	Buy Now
Mizon Honey Black Sugar Scrub Best for Oily Skin	Buy Now
Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel Best for All Skin Types	Buy Now
THE FACE SHOP Jeju Volcanic Lava Deep Pore-Cleansing Foam Best for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin	Buy Now

 

Which is the best Korean exfoliator?

 

 

Top Korean Exfoliator 2025

 

#1 — DERMALOGY by NEOGENLAB Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pads

Best Korean Exfoliator For All Skin Types

The first one on this list of best Korean exfoliator is by Neogenlab.

Most of the time, what keeps us away from taking care of our skin is the tediousness of it. Korean skincare has made even that easier with these Gauze Peeling Pads.

Key Features:

• Formulated with fruit extracts, sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid, and glycolic acid
• Comes in Wine (tightening), Green Tea (acne), Lime (brightening)
• Dual-sided exfoliate/moisturize pads
• Pocket design for better grip
• Great scent

Pros:

• Quick and easy. Exfoliates and moisturises.

 

 

 

#2 — Innisfree Green Barley Gommage Peeling Mask

Best Korean Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin

A satisfying peeling mask that clears dead skin and smoothes texture. Suitable for all skin types.

Key Features:

• Hybrid exfoliator – physical + chemical
• Main ingredient: fermented Green Barley with 3 AHAs
• Smoother skin after first use
• Fast treatment – 5 minutes

Pros:

• Suitable for all skin types

 

 

 

#3 — Mizon Honey Black Sugar Scrub

Best Korean Exfoliator for Oily Skin

Black sugar provides antioxidants and natural exfoliation while honey brightens and hydrates.

Key Features:

• Black sugar = antioxidant rich
• Moisturizing and exfoliating
• Removes blackheads
• Honey brightens skin

Pros

• Gentle exfoliator for oily skin

 

 

 

#4 — Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel

Best Korean Exfoliator For All Skin Types

A refreshing gel with apple-derived tannins for brightening, elasticity, and gentle exfoliation.

Key Features:

• Tannin from apples brightens
• Reduces puffiness
• Improves elasticity
• Gently exfoliates
• Evens skin tone
• Deep cleans residual dirt

Pros

• Quick 3–4 minute application

 

 

 

#5 — THE FACE SHOP Jeju Volcanic Lava Deep Pore-Cleansing Foam

Best Korean Exfoliator For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

A gentle cleansing foam that doubles as a mild exfoliant. Powered by Jeju volcanic ash and soil, this foam helps lift stubborn dirt and excess oil while keeping the skin barrier calm, great for daily use if your skin leans oily or congested.

Key Features:

• Formulated with Jeju volcanic soil and volcanic ash to absorb sebum and draw out impurities
• Mild, foam-based exfoliation that cleanses pores without harsh scrubbing
• Lightweight texture suitable for daily cleansing routines
• Helps reduce the appearance of blackheads and surface congestion over time
• Soothing ingredients to minimise irritation for acne-prone skin

Pros:

• Effective at controlling oil and clearing pores without over-drying
• Gentle enough for regular use on oily/combination skin
• Good option for acne-prone skin that reacts to abrasive scrubs

Usage tip: Use as your morning or evening cleanser. Massage a small amount over damp skin, rinse thoroughly, and follow with your usual toner/serum. If your skin is sensitive, start with alternate-day use.

 

How to Choose the Best Korean Exfoliator

Choosing the right Korean exfoliator can make a massive difference in how your skin looks and feels. Not every formula works for every skin type, so it’s important to know what to look for before you hit “add to cart.”

• Know your skin type: Dry or sensitive skin benefits from gentler AHAs or peeling gels, while oily or acne-prone skin responds well to BHAs like salicylic acid.
• Check the exfoliant type: Physical exfoliators use grains or pads to sweep away dead skin, while chemical exfoliators dissolve them, pick based on how reactive your skin is.
• Look for hydrating ingredients: Korean exfoliators often include hyaluronic acid, fruit extracts, or soothing botanicals to keep the skin barrier intact.
• Avoid harsh abrasives: Large gritty particles or harsh scrubs can cause micro-tears and long-term irritation.
• Start slow: Even the gentlest exfoliator can irritate if overused. Begin 1–2 times weekly and increase only if your skin tolerates it.

 

Which Korean Exfoliator Is Best for Your Skin Type?

Not all exfoliators behave the same on different skin types. Here’s a quick, simple guide to help you narrow things down:

• Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Look for BHAs like salicylic acid or products with volcanic ash (like the Jeju Volcanic Foam). These help unclog pores and reduce excess oil production.
• Dry Skin: AHAs such as lactic acid or glycolic acid remove dead skin while boosting hydration. Avoid harsh scrubs.
• Sensitive Skin: PHAs, gentle peeling gels, or enzyme-based exfoliators work best. They exfoliate slowly without disrupting the skin barrier.
• Combination Skin: Use a balance, chemical exfoliants on congested zones and gentle physical exfoliators on dry patches.
• Dull or Uneven Skin: Products containing vitamin C, fruit enzymes, or glycolic acid can help brighten and refine texture.

 

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Over-exfoliating is one of the biggest skincare mistakes people make. Korean exfoliators are usually formulated to be gentle, but that doesn’t mean they should be used daily.

• Normal/Oily Skin: 2–3 times per week.
• Dry/Sensitive Skin: 1–2 times per week.
• Acne-Prone Skin: Use BHAs 2–3 times weekly; reduce frequency if irritation occurs.
• Daily exfoliators: Only use products labeled as daily exfoliants or low-acid toners.

 

Benefits of Korean Exfoliators

K-beauty exfoliators are well-loved because they do more than just remove dead skin. Many of them are designed to nourish, soothe, and strengthen the skin barrier with every use.

• Improve skin texture and smoothness
• Brighten dull, uneven skin tone
• Reduce blackheads and whiteheads
• Help skincare products absorb better
• Minimize acne breakouts by keeping pores clear
• Boost hydration and elasticity

 

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Try First?

If you're new to exfoliating or simply want a reliable Korean exfoliator, the DERMALOGY NEOGENLAB Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pads remains the top recommendation. They offer a perfect balance of physical and chemical exfoliation, they’re easy to use, and they're suitable for almost every skin type.

However, if you have sensitive skin, the Innisfree Green Barley Gommage is a safer starting point. For oily or acne-prone skin, Mizon’s Honey Black Sugar Scrub or The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Foam can give you deeper cleansing without being harsh.

Remember, great skin isn’t about doing the most; it’s about doing what works for you consistently. Start slow, listen to your skin, and let the right Korean exfoliator do the rest.