Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil Review: Deep Clean, Zero Residue
The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil has quickly become one of the most recommended first-step cleansers in K-Beauty. As the opening move in the Korean double-cleansing method, a good cleansing oil needs to dissolve sunscreen, makeup, and sebum without leaving a greasy film. This product does exactly that — and adds skincare benefits while cleaning.
Product Overview
- Full name: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
- Size: 210ml
- Key ingredients: Soybean oil, ginseng seed oil, ginseng root extract
- Texture: Lightweight, fluid oil that emulsifies to milky white
- Price range: $14-20 retail
How It Works
Like all cleansing oils, this product works on the principle that oil dissolves oil. Applied to dry skin, the oil bonds with sebum, sunscreen, and makeup. When you add water and massage, the oil emulsifies — turns milky — and rinses clean. The Beauty of Joseon formula emulsifies faster and cleaner than many competitors.
First Impressions
The pump bottle is practical and hygienic — no dipping fingers into a jar. The oil dispenses as a light, golden liquid with a subtle herbal ginseng scent. Two to three pumps is enough for the full face. The texture is thinner than traditional cleansing oils, which makes it less intimidating for people who dislike heavy oil textures.
Performance Testing
Sunscreen Removal
Tested against waterproof SPF 50+ sunscreen: complete removal in 60 seconds of gentle massaging. No residual white cast or stickiness after rinsing.
Makeup Removal
Dissolves foundation, concealer, and eye makeup (including waterproof mascara) effectively. May need an extra 30 seconds for heavy waterproof eye makeup.
Sebum and Pore Cleaning
After massaging for 1-2 minutes, you can feel sebum plugs loosening. Some users report visible "grits" (dissolved blackheads) coming out during the oil massage — a satisfying sign that pores are being deep-cleaned.
Key Ingredients
Soybean Oil (Base)
A non-comedogenic oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E. Effectively dissolves impurities without clogging pores.
Ginseng Seed Oil
Provides antioxidant and anti-aging benefits during the cleansing step. Ginseng stimulates microcirculation, giving skin a healthy appearance even after cleansing.
Ginseng Root Extract
Anti-inflammatory and revitalizing. Turns a basic cleansing step into a mini skincare treatment.
Who It Works Best For
- All skin types: Lightweight enough for oily skin, nourishing enough for dry
- Sunscreen users: Essential for proper SPF removal (and everyone should wear SPF)
- Makeup wearers: Dissolves everything without tugging
- Double-cleansing beginners: The thin texture is approachable for first-timers
- Sensitive skin: No fragrance (beyond natural ginseng), no essential oils, no harsh surfactants
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Emulsifies quickly and rinses completely clean
- 210ml size lasts 2-3 months (excellent value)
- Pump packaging is hygienic and convenient
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Doubles as a pore-cleaning treatment
Cons:
- Ginseng scent may not appeal to everyone
- Pump can occasionally dispense too much
- Not a standalone cleanser — still need a second cleanser after
How to Use
- Dry hands, dry face: Apply 2-3 pumps to dry skin
- Massage gently: Work in circular motions for 60-90 seconds
- Add water: Wet hands and continue massaging — oil turns milky
- Rinse: Wash off completely with lukewarm water
- Second cleanse: Follow with a water-based cleanser
Why Source Through knok?
knok connects you directly with Korean beauty brand owners — no middlemen, wholesale pricing, and fast brand responses. Beauty of Joseon products consistently rank among top K-Beauty sellers — source the full line at wholesale prices.
Conclusion
The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil is one of the best value cleansing oils in K-Beauty. It removes everything, rinses clean, and treats your skin to ginseng benefits in the process. The 210ml size and accessible price make it a no-brainer for both personal use and retail inventory. If you sell Korean skincare, this product should be in your top 10.
Written by
knok Team
Expert contributor at knok, sharing insights about K-Beauty trends, wholesale opportunities, and the latest in Korean skincare innovations.