6 min read

Exfoliating with sensitive skin can feel like walking a tightrope, do too little, and you’re left with dull, flaky skin. Do too much, and you're facing redness, stinging, or worse. The good news? Korean skincare is built on gentle yet effective formulations, and exfoliation is no exception. Whether you're dealing with texture, breakouts, or simply want a smoother base for your routine, there are K-beauty options that exfoliate without upsetting your skin. Below, we’ll guide you through five standout exfoliators that work with, not against, sensitive skin.

Why Exfoliating Matters Even for Sensitive Skin

It’s tempting to skip exfoliation altogether if your skin reacts easily. But dead skin cells can build up and create a barrier that prevents serums and moisturisers from doing their job. They can also clog pores and cause flakiness or rough patches, even if you’re using hydrating products. Gentle exfoliation helps increase cell turnover, smooth out uneven texture, and boost the effectiveness of your other skincare steps. Korean exfoliators often feature milder acids, enzymes or plant-based ingredients that make the process feel more like a nourishing treatment than an aggressive scrub.

What to Look for in a Gentle Korean Exfoliator

If your skin is reactive, you’ll want to be extra mindful when choosing an exfoliator. Korean brands excel at offering low-irritation formulas that are still effective.

Look for:

• PHA or Lactic Acid instead of stronger acids like glycolic
  
• Gommage gels that use cellulose to lift dead skin without scrubbing
  
• Soothing ingredients like centella asiatica, green tea or allantoin
  
• Fragrance-free and alcohol-free options
  
• Low pH formulations to support the skin barrier
  

You’ll find many of these features in our full Korean exfoliators collection

Our Top 5 Korean Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin

1. Mixsoon Bean Essence

This multitasking essence acts as both a mild exfoliator and a hydrating treatment. Formulated with fermented beans, barley, pomegranate and pear, it softens texture and improves clarity without any tingling or tightness. Pat it in gently, and you’ll notice smoother skin over time without irritation, ideal for dull, sensitive skin that can’t tolerate acids.

2. Some By Mi PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

Unlike stronger AHAs and BHAs, PHAs are larger molecules that exfoliate gently on the skin's surface without penetrating too deeply, making them perfect for sensitive skin. This toner also includes tea tree water and niacinamide to calm and refine the skin. If you're new to acids but want something more active, this is a solid starting point.

3. Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence

Technically an essence, this kombucha-powered formula delivers gentle exfoliation thanks to black tea ferment and enzymes. It nourishes with probiotics and balances the skin barrier, perfect for reactive or dry types. It's especially loved by those whose skin needs a reset but can't handle stronger actives.

4. Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel

This gommage-style exfoliator is a physical exfoliant, but don’t worry, it’s far from abrasive. Using natural fruit enzymes and plant cellulose, it gently rolls off dead skin without scratching. You’ll see visible results instantly, but with no redness or tightness afterward. Ideal for ultra-sensitive skin that needs quick but gentle smoothing.

5. Isntree Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence

Don’t let the “8% AHA” scare you, this formula is surprisingly gentle thanks to its use of lactic acid and natural chestnut shell extract. It smooths skin texture while hydrating with hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free and alcohol-free, it’s suitable for sensitive skin types who want a boost in clarity and glow without discomfort.

How Often Should You Exfoliate Sensitive Skin?

Less is definitely more here. Start with once per week, and if your skin responds well, you can gradually increase to twice a week. The key is consistency and moderation. If you’re already using other actives like retinol or vitamin C, space things out to avoid overloading your skin. Always patch test first, and remember, your skin shouldn’t sting or feel tight after exfoliating. A bit of smoothness and radiance is great. Burning or irritation? Not so much.

Supporting Sensitive Skin Beyond Exfoliation

Once you’ve exfoliated, your skin is more receptive, but also more vulnerable. Follow up with calming, hydrating skincare to replenish moisture and support the barrier.

You might like:

• Soothing toners like Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner
• Barrier creams from our moisturisers collection
• Lightweight serums from our Korean serums range

Want help creating a routine that supports your sensitive skin while allowing for gentle exfoliation? Visit our Shop by Concern page or get in touch with us, we’d love to guide you.