These are the best K-beauty products for under $30. So, which are the least expensive and the most effective? Let’s break down the top ones for you.
This formula is fantastic. It melts sunscreen and makeup off of Cassandra’s face. It has a little spoon that allows you to easily apply it. This is one of the most effective K beauty cleansing balms that Cassandra has ever tried. It has a little bit of fragrance. So, if you’re super sensitive, be aware. This rinses off through, and it doesn’t irritate Cassandra’s skin. It has a very springy scent. You can use this alone, but Cassandra has oily skin. So, she always follows it up with another cleanser.
CosRX Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
This is a basic, oily skin-friendly cleanser. But, it has a low pH. Low pH cleansers are more acidic. Acidic cleansers are great for allowing actives to penetrate the skin. They can also be good for clarifying skin that has a lot on it. However, this cleanser is not overly stripping even though it is less hydrating than some of the other cleansers. It comes out of the bottle as a clear gel. Then, it emulsifies into more of a soap.
Cassandra loves this for someone who’s oily, combination, or likes to layer products in their skincare routine. If you’re going to layer 4-7 products on your skin, you need a cleanser that’s going to thoroughly clarify the skin and preps it for that process.
iUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam
If you’re looking for a gentle, foaming cleanser, this is one of the best. A lot of people don’t recommend acidic cleansers because they can be stripping, but sulfates in certain cleansers are not always bad.
So, if you’re worried about over-stripping your skin, you’re sensitive, or you're skeptical about foaming cleansers, this is one of the best. This is so gentle! The base is centella asiatica or gotu kola. This cleanser is an amazing antioxidant that helps with redness and wound healing. And because of the way the pump is made, the product is not full of sulfates. The pump introduces air into the formula, and that’s what causes it to floof up.
Again, this is a very gentle but pH balanced cleanser. This has centella, tea tree, which is antibacterial and antimicrobial. There's also licorice which is really good for redness and pigmentation. Altogether, it’s a really good K-beauty cleanser that supports a healthy barrier.
PURE’AM AMINO ACID MILD CLEANSER - $19
This is one of the most gentle cleansers for acne that Cassandra has ever used. The founder wanted to create a line that helps to uplift the beauty and authenticity of young women around the world. The entire line was created with sensitive skin in mind too. They even tested it with dermatologists to see whether it irritated the skin and how deeply the actives penetrate the skin. If you have acne, this cleanser is so gentle, effective, and excellent.
It’s safe enough to use every day, and it’s also fragrance-free. It smells a little like rosemary, but the amino acids in here and the dandelion help to support the skin. Because of the antioxidants, this cleanser also decreases inflammation.