Cleansing Oil

What is Japanese Cleansing Oil?

The ideal makeup removal solution without rubbing the skin is cleansing oils. The origin of washing oils can be traced to Japanese makeup artist Shu Uemura, who made them popular in the 1960s after visiting Hollywood. As the name suggests, oils are the primary component of cleansing oil. Depending on the type of oil it contains as its major component, each washing oil may have a distinct texture. However, certain cleansers might be overly potent and actually drain your skin of too much moisture, causing dryness. Additionally, oil cleansers may be challenging to use due to their loose nature, which makes it easy for them to drop off your fingertips.

How do you use Japanese cleansing oils?

Japanese cleansing oil should be applied to dry skin after using 1-2 pumps of the product and rubbing it in with your hands. As soon as your hands come into contact with your face, gently rub the washing oil in circular motions all over your face. Give the places where you have more makeup or waterproof makeup—like waterproof mascara and/or eyeliner—a little more attention. To give the oil enough time to dissolve your makeup, oil, sweat, etc., massage it onto your face for at least 30 seconds and up to a minute. If you are using a double cleansing process, rinse your face gently once you have finished massaging. If not, proceed to using your first skincare item, such as an essence, toner, oil, or serum (depending on how many steps you have in your skincare routine).

Tips on How to Choose a Japanese Oil Cleanser

• Choose the Main Oil Ingredient Based on How it Feels After Washing and How Heavy Your Makeup Is

As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of different types of cleansing oils. How each product feels is different depending on the type of oil it uses as its main ingredient, so we recommend choosing an oil type based on your skin type and feel. Oil cleansers in Japan are usually made up of hydrocarbon oils, ester oil, naturally occurring oils and fats (usually plant-derived), or a combination of the three. The main properties of a cleanser are determined by the first oil on the list—that is, whatever type of oil is present in the largest quantity.

• Hydrocarbon Oils are the Most Powerful Cleansers for Heavy Makeup

Try Japanese cleanser for oily skin including hydrocarbon oils if you want your skin to feel especially refreshed after washing up. Since hydrocarbon oils are the oiliest, they tend to remove little to no makeup residue when used as cleansers. Your best bet is a hydrocarbon oil-based cleanser if you frequently use waterproof goods. In general, we advise picking a mineral oil for medium to heavy makeup, but if your makeup is especially heavy, use an oil cleanser with hydrogenated polydecene. You'll need to conclude with a face wash because, depending on the source, some hydrocarbon oils can be challenging to remove with warm water. They're not the ideal option for people with dry skin because they can also strip the skin of moisture and essential oils. If you have dry skin in particular, it is recommended to avoid leaving this oil cleanser on your face for too long. You'll know you have a mineral oil cleanser on your hands if any of the following ingredients appear at the top of the list of ingredients.

• Ester Oils are Refreshing and Not as Oily

Esters aren’t quite as strong as mineral oils, but they are still effective cleansers. Their low viscosity gives them a refreshing feel. There are quite a few ester-based products with varying degrees of cleansing ability and texture, and many don’t require double-cleansing—that is, you don’t need to follow up with a face wash—which can save you time. Another benefit of ester oils is that it’s less likely to oxidize, meaning that it’s also less likely to contribute to acne. Esters can also strip your face of its natural oils, though not to the extent that mineral cleansers do. We still recommend finishing up immediately with a good moisturizer. However, ester oils can be used by a wide range of people, regardless of skin type, so feel free to experiment with different types. 

• Naturally Occurring Oils and Fats are Gentle

Naturally occurring oils and fats are derived from plants and animals—think olive oil or horse oil. These fats are similar in structure to human sebum, so they blend well into the skin. The products do tend to be more expensive (tens of dollars), but fat/oil-based cleansers are the gentlest around. Even if you fail to rinse off every last bit of a fat/oil-based cleanser, the residue will simply act like sebum and help moisturize skin. They’re the safest choice for those with dry or sensitive skin.

• Know Which Ingredients Are Safe for Your Skin and Which Are Not

Weakened skin barriers are one of the main causes of sensitive skin. Because you are more vulnerable to triggers due to a reduced barrier, you should strive to avoid anything harsh or potentially upsetting. But don't let the "additive-free" label fool you. It doesn't matter if a product has hundreds of other potentially irritating components if it is free of just one specific additive, such as artificial colours or scents.

• Here are some examples of cleansing oil in Japan

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

Biore Make-up Remover Perfect Oil

FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil

Shiseido Tiss Deep-Off Face Cleansing Oil

Muji Mild Oil Cleansing

Sekkisei Treatment Cleansing Oil

Shu Uemura Ultime 8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

Where to Get Japanese Cleansing Products?