Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 75 Reddit threads · Updated October 8, 2026
Ginseng oil cleanser that melts makeup fast; can be hit-or-miss for acne-prone skin. The catch: strong ginseng scent turns people off. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativePulls off makeup and sunscreen well · $15.04 · 198.1 ml
Best Cheaper AlternativeFragrance-free, soap-free, no actives · $9.97 · 236.6 ml vs $16.00 for the original
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 198.1 ml
The why
One minus
Fragrance is a real problem for sensitive skin
Good forDry Skin
“It does a good job in cleaning my pores without stripping and it takes away all the dry crusty bits that the old pustules leave behind.”
— Reddit, r/Rosacea
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Melts waterproof makeup fast
- Price
- $16.00 · 210 ml · $0.08/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Size: 236.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.04/ml (original $0.08/ml)
The why
A basic water-based cleanser built from glycerin and mild surfactants, with no fragrance or actives. It suits people on tret, with rosacea, eczema, or super reactive skin who want something boring. Dry or barrier-wrecked faces may find it too stripping.
One minus
Can leave dry skin tight and stripped
Good forSensitive Skin, Combination Skin, Oily Skin
“Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is very gentle, does a great job of removing my makeup, is affordable, and has never caused problems for me, and my skin is very prone to clogged pores and cystic acne, so that's saying something.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
#3
Best for Acne
- Size: 230.7 ml
- Price per ml: $0.05/ml (original $0.08/ml)
The why
A thin first-cleanse oil that emulsifies fast and usually rinses away clean. It suits makeup and sunscreen days, especially if you want something light rather than balm-thick. Some acne-prone or reactive users get closed comedones, dryness, or eye irritation.
One minus
Can trigger closed comedones or breakouts
Good forDry Skin
“the one I've found that most effectively removes my sunscreen”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
#4
Best for Texture / Pores
- Size: 200 ml
- Price per ml: $0.06/ml (original $0.08/ml)
The why
A very thin first-cleanse oil that shines on makeup, sunscreen, and sebaceous filaments. It suits people who like lightweight slip and don’t mind scents; breakout-prone or rosacea-prone skin keeps reporting irritation, clogged pores, and residue.
One minus
Essential oils and scent irritate some skin
Both recommended for Texture / Pores; discussed alongside Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil in 9 threads.
“I might recommend 4 the most because it is definitely a lighter texture and maybe better for your skin type?”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
Other alternatives worth a look
Wipes off SPF and makeup clean · 129 mentions
Combination SkinOily Skin
Melts waterproof makeup and sunscreen · 72 mentions
Combination SkinFragrance-Free
Light, non-greasy first cleanse · 62 mentions
Combination SkinOily Skin
Breaks down makeup and gunk fast · 19 mentions
Removes waterproof makeup fast · 42 mentions
Combination SkinOily Skin
Browse more
By concern
Reddit's best oil cleansers by concern or skin type
Looking for a different product?