The K-beauty first-cleanse ritual that Korean women have used for generations

Why the cleansing step is the most overlooked anti-aging opportunity

In a K-beauty routine that includes multiple active serums and targeted treatments, the cleansing step is typically treated as passive — just removal. But the one to two minutes of massage involved in oil cleansing represents a daily facial circulation-stimulating ritual with the potential to deliver additional actives to the skin surface. Ginseng extract in a cleansing oil stays in contact with the skin during the emulsification massage, delivering a brief dose of ginsenoside antioxidants and circulation-stimulating compounds before the product rinses away.

What ginseng brings to cleansing that standard cleansing oils don't

Standard cleansing oils use plant oils (jojoba, sunflower, camellia) that dissolve surface lipids and rinse cleanly. Ginseng-infused cleansing oils add the ginsenoside complex — red ginseng saponins with antioxidant, circulation-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties — that act on the skin during contact. The antioxidant delivery during the cleansing massage means the skin surface has some antioxidant protection in the minutes between cleansing and serum application, during which it is otherwise unprotected from air oxidation.

The correct massage technique for oil cleansing to maximise results

Apply the cleansing oil to dry skin (no water) and massage in gentle circular motions for 30 to 60 seconds. Focus on areas with heavy SPF or makeup coverage — the forehead, nose, chin and cheekbones. Add water with fingertips (without rinsing) and continue massaging for 15 to 20 seconds until the oil turns milky and emulsifies. Rinse thoroughly. The dry-start technique is essential: adding water before massaging prevents proper emulsification of SPF residue and reduces cleansing efficacy, leaving more residue for the second-cleanse step to address.

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil 210ml — available on BuyBeautyKorea →