The best Korean acne body washes combine multiple chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, LHAs) with soothing botanicals like centella and tea tree. They’re formulated to deep-clean without overdrying, targeting both breakouts and the irritation that comes with them.
Picture this: You’re getting ready for a beach day, and you catch a glimpse of your back in the mirror. Suddenly, that cute backless top doesn’t seem so cute anymore. Or maybe you’re at the gym, and you notice someone else confidently showing skin while you’re layered up like it’s winter—in July.
Body acne has a way of controlling choices—what you wear, how you move, even how confident you feel.
The thing is, back and chest acne aren’t just “face acne that moved south.” Your body deals with thicker skin, bigger pores, constant friction, inappropriately rinsed shampoo, and neglected reach. Regular body washes just push soap around, doing nothing to target the actual bacteria causing your breakouts.
But if you’ve already cycled through body washes that never really worked, it’s worth giving Korean acne body washes a try. They’re built differently—blending centella and mugwort to calm irritation with tea tree to fight bacteria. The focus isn’t just antibacterial cleansing; it’s soothing and repairing your skin at the same time.
The 6 Best Korean Acne Body Washes for Breakouts
1. OFFON Keep Calming and Cooling Body Wash
One of the most popular Korean body washes, trusted by thousands of customers for reducing body acne. It clears breakouts, smooths rough skin, and stays gentle on sensitive types, with a light aqua floral scent.
Key Ingredients
Mandelic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Cactus Stem Extract, Cactus Flower Extract, Seaweed Extracts, Lavender Extract, Bergamot Leaf Extract, Peppermint Extract, Freesia Extract, Chamomile Extract, Rosemary Extract, Salicylic Acid, Menthol, Tocopherol
Triple exfoliation without triple irritation. OFFON combines AHA, BHA, and PHA in a pH 5.5 formula that’s been clinically tested for everything from acne reduction to sebum control. The real game-changer here is the cooling complex of peppermint and menthol that breaks the heat-oil-bacteria cycle, causing your breakouts in the first place.
In clinical trials, users saw a 57.58% reduction in body odor (because it eliminates the bacteria causing it) and significant improvements in skin texture and oil control. The Centella complex helps those stubborn post-acne marks fade faster, while the coconut-derived surfactants clean thoroughly without that tight, stripped feeling.
PROS
- MFDS-Approved Acne Relief
- Triple acid complex unclogs pores effectively
- Powerful cica complex
- Cooling ingredients reduce heat-induced breakouts
- Free from 19 harsh ingredients
- PETA Vegan and cruelty-free
CONS
- Fragrance is hypoallergenic, but very rare sensitivities may react
- Plant extracts may cause rare allergic reactions
- Acids and menthol may tingle for ultra-sensitive skin
2. FATION Nosca9 Trouble Body Wash
A popular Korean derm-brand body wash, it targets body acne and breakouts with pharmaceutical-grade gentleness. Calms and clears sensitive, acne-prone skin, leaving a light, soothing mugwort aroma.
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Panthenol, Tea Tree Leaf Water, Bulgaris Mugwort Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Heparin, Mugwort Leaf Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Oil
Developed by Dong-A Pharmacy with 90 years of pharmaceutical expertise, this isn’t your typical beauty brand body wash. It uses biosurfactants instead of harsh cleansers and has been clinically proven to reduce acne-causing bacteria by 99.6%.
The standout here is the combination of niacinamide and tranexamic acid, which work together to fade post-acne marks while preventing new breakouts. The mugwort and centella complex calm irritation, making this ideal for sensitive skin that breaks out easily.
PROS
- MFDS-Approved Acne Relief
- 99.6% bacterial reduction in clinical testing
- Gentle biosurfactant cleansing
- Contains brightening actives for dark spots
- Gentle, mild—great for sensitive skin
CONS
- Mild formula may not deep-clean heavy oils or sunscreen
- Contains denatured alcohol, which can be drying
- Less refreshing feel compared to stronger formulas
3. MEDICUBE Red Acne Body Wash
People who exercise regularly love this body wash for controlling sweat-triggered breakouts and smoothing rough skin. Perfect for oily or combination skin, it leaves a fresh, clean soap scent.
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Glycolic Acid, Panthenol, Sea Salt, Cedar Leaf Extract, Lotus Flower Extract, Yeast Ferment Filtrate
This is the clinically certified option that doesn’t mess around. The patented Dermatic AC3 complex targets troubled skin while ultra-fine bubbles lift away dead skin cells and impurities from deep within pores. Clinical testing shows 99.7% antibacterial activity against acne-causing bacteria.
The pH-balanced formula (~5.5) includes a botanical blend of lavender, thyme, pine, and mint extracts that soothe skin while the acids do their work. It’s hypoallergenic and backed by nine additional clinical studies.
PROS
- MFDS-Approved Acne Relief
- 99.7% antibacterial activity
- Ultra-fine bubbles for deep pore cleansing
- pH-balanced and hypoallergenic
- Botanical complex soothes irritation
CONS
- May be slightly irritating for ultra-sensitive skin
- Multiple acids can cause irritation on broken skin
- Fragrance may trigger rare sensitivities
4. Parnell Cicamanu pH Balanced Body Wash
A great alternative acne body wash for dry, sensitive skin. It targets breakouts while soothing and hydrating with fermented ingredients, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Leaves a subtle earthy scent.
Key Ingredients
Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Manuka Leaf Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Rosemary Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xylitol, Propolis Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Allantoin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Turmeric Root Extract, Ivy Gourd Extract, Eggplant Fruit Extract, Basil Leaf Extract, Honeysuckle Extract, Holy Basil, Patchouli Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Solbitol, Panthenol, Honey Extract
The gentle giant. PARNELL’s Cicamanu complex combines the deep-cleaning power you need for body acne with the soothing care sensitive skin craves. The pH ~5 acidic formula respects your skin barrier while salicylic acid and LHA work on clogged pores and rough texture.
This acne body wash provides deep yet gentle cleansing with fermented ingredients. Lactobacillus ferment and honey extracts support skin renewal while multiple forms of hyaluronic acid and ceramides keep things hydrated. The manuka and centella combination provides antimicrobial action without the harshness, making this ideal for daily use on reactive skin.
Perfect for those who need acne treatment but can’t handle aggressive formulas. This bridges the gap between effective and gentle.
PROS
- MFDS-Approved Acne Relief
- Dermatologically Tested
- pH-balanced formula
- Cicamanu complex provides targeted soothing for acne-prone areas
- Multi-acid exfoliation (salicylic acid + LHA) without overdrying
- Purifying botanicals help control acne and sebum
- Combines antimicrobial botanicals with hydrating actives
CONS
- Essential oils could trigger reactions in some users
- Some people do not like the earthy green scent
5. ENCA Low pH Skin Cleanser
Best For:
- Very oily, congested skin
- Keratosis pilaris (chicken skin)
- Breakout-prone skin
Scent: Tea tree scent
Only available in Korea. Use a Korean proxy service to get best rates.
Key Ingredients
Salicylic Acid (1.8%), Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tea Tree Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Tea Tree Leaf Extract, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), Ceramide NP, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Charcoal Powder
This is the heavy hitter. With 1.8% high-strength salicylic acid plus LHA, AHA, PHA, charcoal, and tea tree, ENCA dives deep into pores to target root causes of acne while controlling excess oil. Despite its strength, the mildly acidic formula keeps skin balanced and not stripped.
Five types of Cica calm irritation while three forms of hyaluronic acid and ceramides lock in moisture. It’s like having a targeted skin therapy system in your shower.
PROS
- MFDS-Approved Acne Relief
- High-strength 1.8% salicylic acid
- Deep pore cleansing with charcoal and tea tree
- Hydrating and barrier-protecting
- No artificial fragrance
- Dermatologically tested
CONS
- Too strong for dry or ultra-sensitive skin
- High BHA concentration may cause initial irritation
- Tea tree oil can trigger sensitivities in some users
6. EASYDEW Clear BHA Body Cleanser
Best For:
- Oily, acne-prone, or rough-textured skin
- Body acne with hyperpigmentation concerns
Scent: Lemon Verbena
Only available in Korea. Use a Korean proxy service to get best rates.
Key Ingredients
Epidermal growth factor (EGF), Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Gluconolactone, Niacinamide, Mugwort Leaf Extract, Menthol, Panthenol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Daewoong Pharmacy brings serious skincare science to body cleansing. This treatment-style cleanser combines exfoliation, brightening, and soothing in one step. The high-purity DW-EGF supports skin repair, while the acid complex provides targeted exfoliation without irritation.
Clinical testing showed 101% improvement in brightness on troubled areas, and the 99.9% antibacterial activity means it’s working on both existing breakouts and prevention. The cooling, refreshing after-feel makes this a pleasure to use.
PROS
- MFDS-Approved Acne Relief
- Contains skin-repairing EGF
- Well-rounded blend of exfoliants
- Delivers skin-brightening and strong antibacterial benefits
- Cooling and refreshing
CONS
- May be too strong for dry or sensitive skin
- Fragrance could irritate sensitive users
- No dermatological testing mentioned
