Beauty of Joseon cleansing oil ingredients explained for double cleansing

Quick answer

The Beauty of Joseon cleansing oil ingredients point to a lightweight oil-based first cleanser built around soybean oil, emollient esters, rinse-off emulsifiers and smaller amounts of botanical oils and ginseng extracts. The official ingredient list for Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil begins with Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate and Isododecane. That first section shows the formula is mainly designed to dissolve sunscreen, sebum and makeup, then emulsify with water so it can rinse away. It is not a simple single-oil product; it is a structured cleansing oil with texture modifiers, plant oils, humectants and aromatic components.

For most users, the useful question is not only whether the product contains ginseng, but how the whole ingredient deck performs as a cleanser. This guide looks at the main ingredient groups, what the ginseng components can realistically add, and what sensitive or acne-prone skin should check before buying.

For more ingredient breakdowns, visit our beauty ingredients section.

The official ingredient list

Beauty of Joseon lists the following full ingredient deck for Ginseng Cleansing Oil in its official product information:

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Isododecane, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Octyldodecanol, Polybutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aqua, Tocopherol, Panax Ginseng Seed Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil, Camphor, Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylpropanediol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ethyl Hexanediol, Panax Ginseng Extract, Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin.

As with any cosmetic product, the packaging sold in your market should be treated as the final reference because ingredient lists can vary by region, batch or reformulation. In the United States, cosmetic ingredients are generally listed in descending order of predominance, while ingredients present at 1% or less may have more flexible ordering after the higher-concentration ingredients. This matters because the top of the list tells us far more about the formula structure than the final botanical extracts do.

What the ingredient order says about the formula

The first four ingredients explain the core of the cleanser: soybean oil, cetyl ethylhexanoate, sorbeth-30 tetraoleate and isododecane. Together, they suggest a cleansing oil designed to feel lighter than a traditional heavy plant oil while still providing enough slip to massage over sunscreen and makeup.

Soybean oil is listed first, so it is the main oil phase. Cetyl ethylhexanoate is a lightweight emollient ester used to improve glide and reduce a greasy feel. Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate is important because it helps the oil emulsify when water is added. Isododecane is a light, volatile-feeling ingredient commonly used to give formulas a thinner, faster-spreading texture.

The next group, including olive fruit oil, camellia seed oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, octyldodecanol, polybutene and caprylic/capric triglyceride, appears to fine-tune the sensory profile. These ingredients can add cushion, reduce drag, support makeup removal and help the formula feel smooth during massage.

In practical terms, the ingredient order suggests this is primarily a makeup, sunscreen and sebum-dissolving product rather than a treatment product. The ginseng story supports the product’s identity, but cleansing performance depends mostly on the oil phase and emulsifier system.

Ingredient function map

Ingredient or group	Likely role in the formula	What it means for users
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil	Main cleansing oil base	Helps dissolve oil-based debris, sunscreen and makeup during the first cleanse.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate	Light emollient ester	Improves slip and helps the cleanser feel less heavy than a pure plant oil.
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate	Emulsifier	Helps the oil turn milky when water is added, making it easier to rinse.
Isododecane	Lightweight solvent and texture ingredient	Contributes to a thinner, more spreadable feel.
Olive, camellia, coconut-derived, hazelnut and black seed oils	Supporting plant oil blend	Adds emollience and contributes to the cleansing feel, but individual percentages are not disclosed.
Tocopherol	Antioxidant	Helps protect oils in the formula from oxidation; it should not be read as a high-dose vitamin E treatment claim.
Panax ginseng seed oil and ginseng extracts	Botanical identity and skin-conditioning components	Supports the product’s ginseng positioning, though the ingredient order suggests these are not the bulk of the formula.
Sage oil, mugwort oil, basil oil and camphor	Aromatic botanical components	May contribute scent and sensory character; fragrance-sensitive users should pay attention to this group.
Butylene glycol, glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, methylpropanediol, ethylhexylglycerin	Humectants, solvents and formula-support ingredients	Help support stability, dispersion and skin feel in small amounts.

The cleansing system is more important than the botanical story

Many shoppers notice this product because of the ginseng branding, but the ingredient deck shows that its main job is cleansing. A functional cleansing oil needs three things: oils or oil-like emollients to dissolve oily residue, enough slip to massage without tugging, and emulsifiers that allow the product to rinse instead of leaving a heavy film.

This formula appears to address all three. Soybean oil and the supporting oils provide the dissolving base. Cetyl ethylhexanoate, isododecane, octyldodecanol and caprylic/capric triglyceride help make the texture smoother and lighter. Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate provides the key rinse-off mechanism.

That does not mean the product will remove every type of makeup equally. Beauty of Joseon’s own product information positions it as suitable for double cleansing and says it is intended for non-waterproof light base makeup rather than making a broad waterproof-makeup claim. If you regularly wear long-wear mascara, transfer-resistant lipstick or waterproof sunscreen, you may still need a dedicated remover around the eyes or lips.

What do the ginseng ingredients do here?

The product includes several ginseng-related ingredients: Panax Ginseng Seed Oil, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract and Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract. This gives the cleanser a clear brand story and links it to Beauty of Joseon’s wider ginseng-focused product range.

These ingredients still need to be read in context. Panax Ginseng Seed Oil appears after tocopherol, while the other ginseng extracts appear near the end of the list. In a rinse-off cleanser, that placement suggests the ginseng components are supporting skin-conditioning or concept ingredients rather than the primary drivers of performance.

This does not make them irrelevant. Botanical ingredients can contribute to skin feel, product identity and consumer preference. But a cleansing oil is in brief contact with the skin and is designed to be washed off. For visible treatment benefits such as brightening, firming or long-term barrier support, leave-on products usually play a larger role than a rinse-off oil cleanser.

Is it fragrance-free?

This is one of the most important details in the ingredient deck. Beauty of Joseon’s help information states that Ginseng Cleansing Oil is free from artificial fragrance but includes Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil, a natural essential oil. The formula also lists Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil and Camphor, which are aromatic ingredients many consumers will experience as scent-related even when the label does not use the word “fragrance.”

For users who simply want to avoid synthetic perfume, that distinction may be acceptable. For users with fragrance sensitivity, eczema-prone skin, rosacea-prone skin or a history of reacting to essential oils, the distinction may matter less. A natural aromatic oil can still be a potential trigger for some people.

The practical takeaway: do not judge this cleanser only by whether it contains “parfum” or “fragrance.” Read the individual aromatic ingredients. If your skin is highly reactive, patch testing is sensible, and a plain fragrance-free cleansing balm or oil may be a safer starting point. See also: BUYING GUIDES.

Who may like this cleansing oil?

This formula is most likely to appeal to people who want a first cleanse that spreads easily, breaks down daily sunscreen and rinses more cleanly than a basic plant oil. The combination of soybean oil, lightweight emollients and an emulsifier system makes it suitable for a double-cleansing routine where a water-based cleanser follows.

It may be a good fit if you:

• Wear sunscreen or light base makeup daily.
• Prefer an oil cleanser that emulsifies with water.
• Like a soft, cushiony massage step before using a gel or foam cleanser.
• Want a K-beauty cleansing oil with a botanical ginseng identity.
• Do not usually react to aromatic plant oils.

Beauty of Joseon describes the product as suitable for all skin types, including oily and blemish-prone skin. That is a brand claim, not a guarantee for every user. Oily skin can use cleansing oils successfully, but the result depends on the specific formula, how thoroughly it is emulsified and rinsed, and whether the second cleanser is appropriate.

Who should be more cautious?

The main caution is not the presence of oil itself. Cleansing oils can work well for oily skin when they emulsify properly. The bigger concerns are personal sensitivity, incomplete rinsing and the aromatic oil group.

Consider patch testing or choosing a simpler product if you:

• Know you react to basil oil, sage oil, mugwort-related botanicals, camphor or essential oils in general.
• Have very reactive skin and prefer formulas with no aromatic plant oils.
• Use heavy waterproof makeup and need a product specifically marketed for that job.
• Dislike any post-cleanse residue and do not want to follow with a second cleanser.
• Have a soy allergy and prefer to avoid soybean-derived cosmetic ingredients, even though topical tolerance varies by person.

If breakouts occur after starting the product, review the full routine before blaming one ingredient. Changes in sunscreen, makeup, moisturizer, cleansing time or rinsing technique can all affect how skin behaves. Still, if a new oil cleanser consistently leaves congestion or irritation, discontinuing it is reasonable.

How to use it for the best rinse-off result

Beauty of Joseon’s directions say to apply one to two pumps to dry skin, massage gently, then add water to emulsify before rinsing with lukewarm water and following with a water-based cleanser. That order matters because adding water too early can reduce the time the oil phase has to dissolve sunscreen and makeup.

A practical routine looks like this:

1. Start with dry hands and a dry face.
2. Use one to two pumps and spread without aggressive rubbing.
3. Massage around sunscreen-heavy areas such as the hairline, nose and jawline.
4. Add a little water and continue massaging until the oil turns milky.
5. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
6. Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser if you are double cleansing at night.

If your skin feels greasy afterward, the issue may be under-emulsifying rather than the formula itself. Spend a few extra seconds adding water and massaging the milky phase before rinsing.

Frequently asked questions

Does Beauty of Joseon cleansing oil contain ginseng?

Yes. The ingredient list includes Panax Ginseng Seed Oil plus several ginseng extracts, including berry, root, general extract and leaf/stem extract. These ingredients support the product’s ginseng positioning, but the top of the list shows that the cleansing base is mainly soybean oil, emollients and emulsifiers.

Is Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil fragrance-free?

The brand describes it as free from artificial fragrance, but the formula contains aromatic plant ingredients such as basil oil, sage oil, mugwort oil and camphor. For fragrance-sensitive users, it should not be treated the same as a bland, no-aroma cleanser.

Can oily or acne-prone skin use it?

Possibly. The product is marketed by the brand for all skin types, including oily and blemish-prone skin. The key is to emulsify thoroughly and follow with a suitable water-based cleanser. If you are highly congestion-prone, introduce it slowly and monitor your skin.

Does it remove waterproof makeup?

Beauty of Joseon’s own FAQ emphasizes non-waterproof light base makeup. For waterproof mascara, long-wear eyeliner or transfer-resistant lip products, a dedicated remover may be more reliable.

What is the main ingredient?

The first ingredient is Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, which means soybean oil is the leading component in the listed formula. It functions as the main oil base that helps dissolve oil-based impurities during cleansing.

Bottom line

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil is best understood as a modern emulsifying cleansing oil with a botanical ginseng theme. Its performance is likely driven by soybean oil, lightweight emollients and sorbeth-30 tetraoleate, while the ginseng ingredients and aromatic oils shape the product identity and sensory experience.

If you want a first cleanse for sunscreen, daily makeup and double cleansing, the ingredient structure makes sense. If you need a fully fragrance-free option or a heavy-duty waterproof makeup remover, the ingredient list suggests comparing alternatives carefully before buying.