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10 Best Tried and True Japanese Cleansing Oils in 2023 (Beauty Expert-Reviewed)

Japanese cleansing oils, or Japanese oil cleansers, as they're sometimes referred to, can make quick work of removing heavy makeup and pore-clogging grime. However, there are a ton of cleansing oils released by a variety of brands, with many unique products. Our editors searched Japanese e-commerce sites such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping for the best cleansing oils to figure out which Japanese cleansing oils are the best.

We tested each product for the following:

  1. Cleansing Power
  2. Ingredients

Then, based on our tests, we ranked the 10 best Japanese cleansing oils in 2022. We also consulted with a beauty expert about options for folks with sensitive skin and rounded out the article with tips on using and washing off cleansing oils. See what products made our list below!
Last updated 06/15/2023
Kaori
Expert
Scientific Beautician
Kaori

Kaori is the representative director of Japan's Scientific Beauty Institute. She also runs the Beauty Science Blog, which sends out beauty science information in a way that's easy to understand. She operates with the mission of "wanting people to enjoy the process of finding skincare that works for them by offering a scientific perspective". Kaori broadcasts her expert knowledge from working with skincare and cosmetics societies and academic journals on her blog, social media, and more. She also works with PR, product development, and corporate support teams for cosmetics.

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mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

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Table of Contents

What is Japanese Cleansing Oil?

What is Japanese Cleansing Oil?

Cleansing oils are the perfect tool for removing makeup quickly without having to rub the skin. Cleansing oils can trace their lineage to Japanese makeup artist Shu Uemura, who popularized cleansing oils in the 1960s after returning to Japan from Hollywood.


As the name implies, the main ingredient in cleansing oil is, well, oils. Each cleansing oil can feel different depending on what type of oil it uses as its main ingredient. 


However, some cleansers can be too strong and can actually strip away too much moisture from your skin, resulting in dryness. Additionally, the loose texture of oil cleansers can make them difficult to use, since they can drip easily from your hands.


Keep on reading to find out how to choose the best Japanese cleansing oil for your skin type!

Tips on How to Choose a Japanese Oil Cleanser

Here are the four major points to look out for.

① 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 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

Hydrocarbon Oils are the Most Powerful Cleansers for Heavy Makeup

If you have oily skin or want your skin to feel extra refreshed after washing up, give hydrocarbon oils a try.


Hydrocarbon oils are the oiliest, so as cleansers, they tend to leave behind little to no makeup residue. If you use waterproof items on a regular basis, a hydrocarbon oil-based cleanser is your best bet.


For mid-to-heavy makeup, we generally recommend choosing a mineral oil, but if you have particularly heavy makeup, choose an oil cleanser with hydrogenated polydecene. 


However, depending on the source, some hydrocarbon oils can be difficult to rinse off with warm water, so you’ll need to finish up with a face wash. They also can deprive the skin of essential oils and moisture—so they’re not the best choice for folks with dry skin. It's best to not leave this oil cleanser on your face for too long, especially if you have dry skin.


If any of the following is at the top of the ingredients list, you’ll know you have a mineral oil cleanser on your hands.


Common Examples of Mineral Oils


  • Mineral Oil
  • Isohexadecane
  • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
  • Squalane

Ester Oils are Refreshing and Not as Oily

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!


If any of the following heads the ingredients list, you’ll know you have a ester oil cleanser on your hands.


Common Examples of Esters


  • Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
  • Isopropyl Palmitate
  • Ethylhexyl Palmitate
  • Isopropyl Myristate
  • Triethylhexanoin
  • Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Kaori
Scientific BeauticianKaori

Ester oils can be combined with other oils to take advantage of their characteristics. For example, they can be combined with plant-based oils for added emollients, as well as be combined with mineral oils to increase its cleansing abilities.

Naturally Occurring Oils and Fats are Gentle

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.


If any of the following heads the ingredients list, you’ll know you have a fat/oil-based cleanser on your hands.


Common Examples of Naturally Occurring Oils and Fats


  • Olive Oil
  • Sunflower Seed Oil
  • Meadowfoam Oil
  • Macadamia Nut Oil
  • Corn Germ Oil
  • Rice Bran Oil
  • Avocado Oil
Kaori
Scientific BeauticianKaori

Compared to hydrocarbon oils and esters, natural fats and oils can use fewer surfactants, which means there are many products that are more gentle on the skin.

② Know Which Ingredients Are Safe for Your Skin and Which Are Not

Know Which Ingredients Are Safe for Your Skin and Which Are Not
One of the main culprits behind sensitive skin is a weakened barrier. A weakened barrier means you’re more susceptible to triggers, which in turn means you should be trying to avoid anything harsh or potentially irritating.


Don’t be lulled by that “additive-free” label, however. If a product is free of just one certain additive (artificial dyes or fragrances, for example), it can claim to be additive-free; it doesn’t matter if contains hundreds of other potentially triggering ingredients.


That’s why it’s important that you check specifically for what a product is free of. Cleansers free of the following ingredients are generally deemed to be mild enough for sensitive skin.


    Common Examples of Ingredients too Harsh for Sensitive Skin
  • Alcohol (Ethanol)
  • Synthetic Perfumes/Fragrances
  • Synthetic Dyes
  • Preservatives (Benzoic Acid, Parabens)


Note that not all parabens are irritating. However, items that contain a large amount of parabens or parabens that are highly antibacterial can sometimes act as triggers when applied to sensitive skin.

③ Figure Out Which Products Require Double-Cleansing

Figure Out Which Products Require Double-Cleansing
We mentioned this briefly in our conversation about esters, but many oil cleansers need to be followed with a face wash. This is the double-cleansing that heads most Japanese skincare routines (①cleanser ②face wash ③toner ④serum ⑤lotion ⑥cream).


But nowadays, you can find plenty of cleansers that can be used on their own. There’s a few benefits to these: they save you time, money and you only have to wash your face once, which means less rubbing and less moisture loss. That makes these all-mighty cleansers especially suited for folks with sensitive and dry skin.


However, if your face feels greasy even after you rinse off or you wear thick makeup, it’s better to double-cleanse. Any extra gunk left on your face is only going to feed pimples, so we recommend monitoring the state of your skin and deciding whether or not you need an extra wash on a case-by-case basis.

④ Understand That Not All Products Can Be Used in the Shower

Understand That Not All Products Can Be Used in the Shower
Generally speaking, oil cleansers lose their efficacy when mixed with water. If you’d prefer to remove all your makeup while in the shower, then look for a product that says it can be applied wet.


The only thing is, when you apply oil cleanser with wet hands, it becomes more difficult to mix it into an emulsion. Oil cleansers work best after they’ve been emulsified (more on this at the end of the article), so we recommend applying your cleansers dry on heavy makeup days.

⑤ Make Sure It Can Be Used on Eyelash Extensions

Make Sure It Can Be Used on Eyelash Extensions
Finally, make sure that your cleanser specifically states that it’s safe for eyelash extensions, if you have them. After all, your extensions are simply glued to your natural lashes, and a lot of mineral oil-based cleansers can weaken that bond.


However, there are plenty of options, mineral oil-based or not, that are extension-friendly. Just be careful, as some formulas will have disclaimers like “only compatible with general glues (such as cyanoacrylate adhesives).” So when you get a chance, ask your technician about what glue she or he uses on your lashes.

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10 Best Japanese Cleansing Oils

We tested the cleansing oils out on various types of makeup. We then applied the products and made note of how well they removed them. An expert was then asked to look over the ingredients with us and judge how gentle they were. Based on their performance on our tests, we ranked the top 10 Japanese oil cleaners available online. (※Japanese prices for some of the products are given; they’ve merely been converted into USD for easy viewing.)
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

FANCL

Mild Cleansing Oil

FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil 1枚目

Melt Thick Makeup Off Your Face With This Well-Balanced Oil Cleanser

2

MUJI

Mild Oil Cleansing

 MUJI  Mild Oil Cleansing 1枚目

A Refreshing Oil Cleanser That Makes Quick Work of Heavy Makeup

3

Dr.Ci:Labo

Natural Cleansing Oil

Dr.Ci:Labo Natural Cleansing Oil 1枚目

A Non-Irritating, Non-Sticky Cleansing Oil

4

muo

Cleansing Oil

muo Cleansing Oil 1枚目

An Oil Cleanser With Relaxing Essential Oils and a Moist Feel

5

Kracie Home Products

Naive Botanical Olive Cleansing Oil

Kracie Home Products Naive Botanical Olive Cleansing Oil 1枚目

Feel Moisturized With This Very Effective Cleanser

6

shu uemura

Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

shu uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil 1枚目

An Oil Cleanser With the Best Ingredients

7

Attenir Skin

Clear Cleanse Oil

Attenir Skin Clear Cleanse Oil 1枚目

Formulated for a Very Deep Cleanse

8

Rohto Pharmaceutical

Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing

Rohto Pharmaceutical Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing 1枚目

An Effective, Refreshing Oil Cleanser

9

THREE

Balancing Cleansing Oil

THREE Balancing Cleansing Oil 1枚目

Well-Balanced Performance and Ingredients

10

Kao

Est Cleansing Essence Oil

Kao Est Cleansing Essence Oil 1枚目

A Strong Oil Cleanser With a Gentle Scent

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No.1

FANCLMild Cleansing Oil

Mild Cleansing Oil Image 1
Mild Cleansing Oil Image 2
Mild Cleansing Oil Image 3
Mild Cleansing Oil Image 4
Reference price
$25.00

Melt Thick Makeup Off Your Face With This Well-Balanced Oil Cleanser

FANCL’s Mild Cleansing Oil’s biggest selling point is that it can not only remove makeup but also accumulated grime in the pores. This cleansing oil is formulated and tested to help maintain moist skin and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles caused by dryness.

When using it, our testers found that this oil cleanser balances cleansing and moisturizing ability well. Since it washes off easily, it also didn’t leave the skin feeling sticky afterward, and instead left our tester’s skin feeling moist, making it suitable for those with dry skin as well.

This product got full marks in the cleansing test. After applying to the skin, a gentle massage was all it took to melt off even the heaviest of makeup. Moreover, it also earned high scores in the ingredients test.


This oil cleanser is great for doing what it's supposed to; remove makeup and grime quickly and easily.

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No.2

MUJI Mild Oil Cleansing

A Refreshing Oil Cleanser That Makes Quick Work of Heavy Makeup

MUJI's Mild Oil Cleansing had impressive cleansing power, to say the least. Even waterproof mascara was no match for this cleanser. It also helps that it can be used on wet skin!

Our testers found that this product's fragrance was hardly noticeable, making it easy to use even if you’re not fond of scented products. The texture of the oil itself was slightly thick, minimizing the friction felt on the skin. We felt that this product is best for those with combination or oily skin.

In the cleansing test, this cleansing oil earned high marks, quickly blending with makeup and washing it off without leaving any residue. It was also rated highly for its ingredients.


This cleansing oil is best for those who want a refreshing product that can quickly and neatly remove heavy makeup.

No.3

Dr.Ci:LaboNatural Cleansing Oil

A Non-Irritating, Non-Sticky Cleansing Oil

Dr.Ci:Labo’s Natural Cleansing Oil is formulated with special care to be gentle on the skin, featuring many moisturizing ingredients and plant-based oils.


With minimal fragrance and a texture that doesn’t leave the skin feeling sticky, this oil cleanser leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshedIt earned high scores in our cleansing test, dissolving makeup in a matter of seconds after applying it. 


The cleanser also earned high scores for the fact that it had non-irritating ingredients, and is free of fragrance, dyes, mineral oils, parabens, and alcohols, to the benefit of sensitive-skinned folks. If you’re someone that has always avoided oil cleansers on the assumption that they’d be harsh, give Dr.Ci:Labo a chance to prove you wrong.
No.4

muoCleansing Oil

An Oil Cleanser With Relaxing Essential Oils and a Moist Feel

Kracie’s Muo Cleansing oil is formulated to be gentle on the skin, featuring natural essential oils that also add a gentle fragrance.

This oil was particularly thick and was able to blend with makeup well while minimizing friction on the skin. Additionally, after washing it off, our testers felt incredibly moisturized, as if the product applied a thin film on their skin, making this product suitable for those with concerns regarding dryness.


While this cleansing oil only got a moderate score in our ingredients test, it made up for it in our cleansing test, where it got a perfect score, due to its ability to remove even the heaviest of makeup in a matter of seconds.


This cleansing oil is best for those who want to remove heavy makeup quickly while enjoying the mild scent of essential oils.

No.5

Kracie Home ProductsNaive Botanical Olive Cleansing Oil

Feel Moisturized With This Very Effective Cleanser

Kracie’s Naive Botanical Olive Cleansing Oil has a watery, light texture, leading to some testers claiming that they felt like they were rubbing their skin too much when blending it with makeup. However, after rinsing it off, this cleansing oil left their skin feeling super hydrated—almost as if it were being protected by a thin membrane of oil.

While it didn't feel too similar to other oil cleansers, it did remove heavy makeup with no issues, and it also doesn't require double-cleansing, making it easy to use if you're short on time. Finally, the ingredients were also rated highly.
No.6

shu uemuraUltime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

An Oil Cleanser With the Best Ingredients

shu uemura's Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil can be used as a morning face wash, is full of skin-healthy botanical oils, and is incredibly hydrating.

This oil cleanser has a very loose, watery, non-sticky texture. It was a more mild cleanser, and we’d recommend it only if you use gentle makeup–soft mineral-based powder foundations, for example, and non-waterproof products. 

While it earned fairly high marks in the cleansing test, where it really shone was in the ingredients, earning a full score. It uses natural fats and oils which can help soften the skin, and are also less irritating.

No.7

Attenir SkinClear Cleanse Oil

Formulated for a Very Deep Cleanse

Attenir’s Skin Clear Cleanse Oil is a cleansing oil with a citrus-like fragrance.


Our testers were fond of this cleansing oil's refreshing fragrance as well as the fact. that it spreads well and minimized friction. However, some of our testers commented their skin felt dry after rinsing off, so those who are prone to dryness should quickly moisturize afterward.


While it was capable of removing heavy makeup with ease, earning it high marks in the cleansing test, it was held back by its ingredients.

No.8

Rohto PharmaceuticalHada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing

An Effective, Refreshing Oil Cleanser

Rohto Pharmaceutical's Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing is capable of removing even waterproof mascara.


The oil itself was a watery and loose texture, which meant that it didn't provide as much lubrication. We recommend always using the recommended amount and avoiding rubbing your skin too much when using this product.


In our cleansing test, this oil cleanser earned high praise for its strong cleansing ability, melting into makeup swiftly. However, since it isn't formulated with a high amount of beautifying ingredients, it earned an average score in the ingredients test.
No.9

Well-Balanced Performance and Ingredients

THREE's Balancing Cleansing Oil uses 100% plant-based ingredients

The texture was silky smooth, capable of removing makeup with minimal friction. Moreover, after rinsing off, our testers noted their skin felt hydrated. While this oil cleanser can be used on all skin types, some may not be fond of the scent of essential oils.


In the cleansing test, it earned a passable score; while it was able to remove most of the makeup, it did leave a bit of residue.

No.10

KaoEst Cleansing Essence Oil

A Strong Oil Cleanser With a Gentle Scent

Kao's Est Cleansing Essence oil can be used with wet hands and has a light texture.


While it was slightly on the abrasive side of things when trying to blend with makeup, it has a faint and gentle floral scent.


This oil cleanser earned high marks in the cleansing test, quickly melting and removing even heavy makeup. On the other hand, in the ingredients test, this product only earned an average score since it lacks skin-conditioning ingredients found in other products.

How We Tested Our Products

We determined that the best cleansers need to be strong enough to rid your skin of all makeup, whether you wear light powder or thick, waterproof items. However, they can’t be so strong that they’re dehydrating. Finally, they should also be made up of ingredients commonly recognized as safe (even for sensitive skin) for peace of mind.


This is how we tested for those factors.

Test ①: Cleansing Power

Test ①: Cleansing Power

Firstly, we tested the most important part when considering an oil cleanser; how well it removes makeup.


We applied makeup to artificial skin, then used the cleansing oils to check how much makeup it could remove. We blended the cleansing oil with makeup for 20 seconds, wiped it off with a damp cotton pad, and evaluated the results on a five-point scale.



We chose the following stubborn items to make it easy to compare how well the oil cleansers remove makeup:
  • Liquid Foundation
  • Concealer
  • Waterproof eyeliner
  • Waterproof mascara

Test ②: Ingredients

Test ②: Ingredients

Next, we asked our expert, scientific beautician Kaori, to check the ingredients that are essential to choosing a cleansing oil. 

Specifically, we had her look for the following points:

  • If the ingredients can offer a strong cleansing power without irritating the skin too much
  • If the products feature oils that have high beautifying properties

Note that unlike cosmetics, manufacturers aren't required to label all the ingredients for quasi-drugs, which categorically fall between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in Japan, and it's mostly up to the manufacturer whether they decide to label some ingredients or not. Therefore, we had Kaori evaluate only the ingredients that were listed on the label.


In this test, we found that products that balance ingredients that both offer decent cleansing abilities and skin conditioning properties were rated higher. 


We also found that hydrocarbon oil-based products tended to rank higher in terms of cleansing ability. Ester oils, natural fats and oils, as well as silicone-based products that are made in combination with several other ingredients were also given high scores.


However, products that use natural fats and oils were rated higher for their skin conditioning properties.


Finally, products that primarily focus on makeup removal had fewer oils that help condition the skin, and they were outranked by other products.

How to Best Use Oil Cleansers

Here are just a few tips and tricks.

Start Cleansing From Your Eyes and Lips

Start Cleansing From Your Eyes and Lips

If you feel like your cleanser’s not getting to all your makeup, try switching up how you apply it. Start off by blending product into areas where your makeup is the thickest—namely around your eyes and mouth. When you try to cleanse your entire face at once, you end up mixing all that gunk together, which may result in more residue.


And the more time you spend trying to clean up that residue, the more you’re rubbing at and potentially damaging your skin. We recommend moving on to your foundation only after you’ve at least somewhat cleaned up around your eyes and lips.

Rinse Off Only After the Cleanser’s Become a Milky Emulsion

Rinse Off Only After the Cleanser’s Become a Milky Emulsion
First, apply cleanser dry as usual, gently massaging it into your makeup. Once you’ve determined that your makeup has separated from your skin, collect a bit of warm water in the palm of your hand. 

The water should then mix with the oil on your hand, forming a whitish liquid. That’s the emulsion. Massage the emulsion into your face, then rinse off.


As you know, oil repels water. When you try to rinse off as is, you’re often stuck with some residue. However, if you let the cleanser emulsify first, you’ll be left with hardly a trace. While it's an extra step, it definitely makes a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have regarding oil cleansers. If you've ever wondered about these, you're not alone!

Can I use oil cleansers even when I have acne?

While there's nothing preventing you from using oil cleansers when you have acne, make sure that when you use an oil cleanser while you have acne or are experiencing other inflammations, be careful you don't rub those areas


Moreover, if you're experiencing a breakout, wearing makeup can take a toll on your skin. If you insist on wearing makeup, make sure that you don't put on heavy makeup to minimize the burden on your skin.

Products for the Rest of Your Skincare Routine

As we mentioned earlier, there’s typically six steps to a Japanese skincare routine. You use cleanser to rid your face of makeup. You then get rid of any residue and extra sebum with a face wash, prime with a toner, treat with a serum, moisturize with a lotion, and cap off with a cream. Learn more about some of the other products below.

Top 5 Japanese Cleansing Oils

No. 1: FANCL | Mild Cleansing Oil

No. 2: MUJI | Mild Oil Cleansing

No. 3: Dr.Ci:Labo | Natural Cleansing Oil

No. 4: muo | Cleansing Oil

No. 5: Kracie Home Products | Naive Botanical Olive Cleansing Oil

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The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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