When I asked for your opinions on whether one should use cleansing oils even if you don’t use makeup, I had a few readers (Shay, Kay Es etc) ask for my thoughts on the cleansing oils I’ve used. Eeks! Do you know how long I’ve been at it and how many I’ve been through? haha…
But I do like using cleansing oils and I have found some that I like and will merrily tell you to buy (provided you don’t buy them all and leave nothing for me 😛 ) and I have also found some that do not work for me.
As for how to use cleansing oil to avoid that oily feel after cleansing, try reading my earlier tip on how to properly use cleansing oils. Proper emulsification will reduce the oily feel, but a lot also depends on the texture of the cleansing oil in question. The oily feeling never goes away for some I’ve tried, even if you emulsify like crazy.
So, from memory, here is a quick run down of the cleansing oils I’ve used. Its long, so make sure you have food and water on hand so you don’t expire 😛
Kanebo Blanchir Make Off Conditioner (full review)
One of my first introductions to cleansing oils. The texture is light and I usually need only 2-3 pumps. It emulsifies easily and it leaves my skin feeling soft and clean. It was a staple for a long time and I still have a bottle I got at a sale (I try to buy it on sale whenever I can) Its good! 🙂
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil – various textures
Who hasn’t heard of Shu Uemura’s iconic product? I believe they are the ones who made cleansing oils famous in the Western world. The texture of the oil is quite thick and you need 3-4 pumps for optimum results. Sadly Shu Uemura cleansing oils break me out. I’ve tried almost every type they have and I get bumps and pimples within 2 uses. I don’t risk it anymore.
Kanebo Freshel C Cleansing Oil
This is an inexpensive cleansing oil I like. I don’t think I ever reviewed it and I’ve tossed my previous bottle before I could take a picture. It used to be sold in Watson’s and Sasa but I don’t know if we have it anymore. I stocked up and went through a few bottles. Its got no scent and the texture is lighter than Kanebo Blanchir Make Off Conditioner. But it cleans the skin well, does not break me out and is about as good as you get for the price you pay which for me is awesome.
Kose Softymo Whitening Cleansing Oil (full review)
A long time favourite. I stock up on this in Hong Kong or you can also purchase it at Sasa.com. I discovered it when it was still available here but its no longer. I don’t get any whitening though. The whitening version has a white label. You can read my review for my thoughts on it and why I love it so much.
Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil (Picture here but no review yet)
This is the pink bottle of the Softymo cleansing oil, and its about the same except the texture feels lighter than the White one. I use 3-4 pumps and it does not leave my skin feeling oily, it cleans a treat (although waterproof mascara can take a bit of effort) and in general is a wonderful buy. Get it from Hong Kong or Sasa.com.
Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil (Picture here but no review yet)
This is the yellow bottle and the texture is the thickest of the 3. I use about 2-3 pumps of this one but despite it feeling thicker, it does not leave an oily residue, it emulsifies well and cleans the skin well. I experience no breakouts with this one and I love all 3 Kose Softymo cleansing oils I’ve tried.
Baviphat Two Times BB Cleansing Oil (full review)
Get it if you like the smell of petrol 😛 Leaves an oily residue on my skin. Blergh!
Kanebo Naive Kracie Cleansing Oil
I’m planning to review this properly soon (I’m almost done!) but just quickly, I don’t like this as much as I do the other Kanebo cleansing oils I’ve used. There is a scent and the texture feels thick. It also does not emulsify as well and takes a lot of work to clean off.
Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil (Mini Review based on sample)
I liked this one. It felt light on my skin and emulsified well. I only tried a sample though. The sample did not break me out but I can’t say the same with prolonged usage (although I don’t think it will)
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
This is DHC’s iconic product. They say its made with olive oil (If I’m not mistaken) and that one is sold every minute world wide. When I was active on makeup forums, you could not move for the raves for this product. So I went to Hong Kong, saw a store and picked up a bottle for about RM99 at the time. Used it for a week, nursed pimples and clogged pores. Cleared up skin, used it for another week and skin died again. Tossed it and chalked it up to an expensive mistake 😛 I recently tried a sample sachet I obtained randomly (might be when DHC first launched here – its available at Watson’s stores locally) and within 2 uses I broke out and had clogged pores. Clearly olive oil on my face is a no-no.
Kao Biore Cleansing Oil (full review)
I got mine in 2008 a while before it became available here. I love the scent which reminded me of green apples. It was alright but it was oily and sticky and took a long time to emulsify. It was nice that it could be used wet and I actually found that it worked better used wet but I found it too much work. It broke me out in the end with continuous use so it was tossed.
Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil (full review)
Some of you might remember this one which I told you about recently. Like the Biore one, this one too can be used wet and in fact, works much better wet than dry on my skin. It smells lovely and I enjoy using this in the morning and still am. Its not very good at removing makeup, but as I don’t use it for that purpose, I’m happy with it as a facial cleanser.
I Nuovi Cleanse Splash Away Makeup Cleansing Oil (full review)
Another inexpensive favourite that works well and is easy on the pocket. I only wish they made it a pump bottle instead of a pour bottle because it does get messy.
Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil (full review and update)
And finally, I’ve done the whole use pure EVOO directly on your skin thing. You can read my experience and how I feel about it. In a nutshell, it was fine for a few days and then broke me out. I now only use EVOO to cook and for dipping bread. Its delicious that way 😛
Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (Full Review)
After many years, I revisited cleansing oils with one from Tatcha, and it proved to be a positive experience. Non-drying for my now dry skin, and removes makeup well and is a treat for the skin! Problem? Price and availability. But read the review to see what I really think of it!
Dr. Lewinns 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil (Full Review)
This one is a right treat! Well formulated, non drying at all and I might have been terribly tempted to return to using cleansing oils after so many years! There was a problem with its packaging though so I guess nothing is quite perfect 😛
Whew! Are you still with me? hehe… As far as I can recall, those are the cleansing oils I’ve tried to date and liked and hated. Happily for me, my skin is perfectly happy with inexpensive cleansing oils, while many pricier versions break me out. Do I say “Hooray!” at this point? 😉
Its a good thing that inexpensive versions work for me because I am liberal with the use of my cleansing oil. You have to be for it to properly clean and so you don’t tug on your skin too much. In the early days, I used to be more stingy with the oils, and I found that not only did it stick more to my skin, it clogged pores a little and also did not clean very well, double cleansing aside. But when I was more liberal with it, it in fact helped to unclog pores and cleaned makeup and skin so much better and even seemed to emulsify better too.
Some tips on using cleansing oils properly based on my experience:-
- Don’t stinge on the oil. 3 pumps of oil from most brands is usually the optimum. If its more liquid you can get away with 2 or 2.5 pumps. The oil helps unclog pores if you use enough.
- Add water gradually. If you find that the oil you use leaves an oily residue, it could be the oil, or it could be that it was not properly emulsifies. Add water to the skin a little at a time and massage the skin lightly. You will find the oil turning white. Keep adding water in gradual amounts until it runs clear. If you do it properly, there will be no oily feel left on the skin.
- Cleansing oils do not clog pores if you emulsify it properly. Always start with dry hands and face and add water gradually. You cannot splash off cleansing oils without emulsifying first.
- Using warm water helps emulsify the oils better. This is why I tend to use cleansing oils in the shower. I wash my face before I shower so I can use the warm water which I find helps the oils emulsify better.
So its probably a good thing that my skin can tolerate most inexpensive oil cleanser and at the rate I run through my oils, if I were to be stuck on Shu Uemura or DHC I’d be broke 😉 I am using other brands and will continue to use other brands from time to time – I love experimenting and trying out new cleansing oils – and when I do, you can be sure I’ll let you know how they fare in upcoming reviews 🙂
Now, of all of the above, which ones have you tried and do you have comments or likes or dislikes? Do you have one I have not tried that you think I should try because its oh-so-wonderful? Share! 😀
Paris B
I’ve tried the cybercolors cleansing oil but that one was…. strange. The residue throughout countless times of mixing the water in. It now serves as a brush cleaner. >.<
My favorite is the Shisheido Perfect Liquid found in Taiwan, Hong Kong and China ^.^
I picked up something recently which I think might be Shiseido’s Perfect Liquid Oil or something. I can’t remember! 😛
that’s plenty that you have tried! the only repurchase of cleansing oils i have made are inuovi and bobbi brown. shu uemura broke me out too regardless of the flavors!
I think I might buy the Bobbi Brown one next time. I remember that I liked it 🙂 And yes I love playing with cleansing oils 😛
I am using Shu Uemura high performance (yellow reformulated w/ ginger extract) which I first started out the pink (fresh version), it left a film on the face despite it being the lightest of all! And the green tea one in colder days…
It is such a shame that you are so allergic to S.U. 🙁 I hope after they reformulate the e/s, you’d be able to at least try them again…
Otherwise, another good one is the RMK, PJ fr atouchofblusher likes it…I like it too but price per ounce, it’s much more expensive than S.U.
The old one from Kose Seikisho one was good, I haven’t tried the new one…
And Nude! It’s a mixed bag for people, I’ve only used a sample so I’ll let you know when I get my full bottle 🙂
Yes! Its a right pity about Shu Uemura breaking me out and the eyeshadows and all. I do like their blushes though… LOL Ooh thanks for reminding me RMK. I have heard lots of good news about that too and a friend tells me that NUDE cleansing oil is good though pricey.
So far the only cleansing oil I love is Inouvi. I’ve tried the highly raves Shu Uemura cleansing oil but it just broke me out badly. After then, I switched to using Cleansing Lotion instead. I love double cleansing purposes.
Double cleansing makes the skin feel sooo nice and clean! 😀 Which cleansing lotion are you using?
i am currently using the Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil (white version) and i absolutely LOVE IT. i can never imagine how much worse my face would be like if i didn’t use a cleansing oil. i don’t use heavy makeup all the time but my makeup is technically water proof so the regular cleanse never quite did the trick for me. absolutely love this product 🙂
Yay! *high 5* Its excellent isn’t it? I don’t use heavy makeup too but I’m told that we should use cleansing oils if we wear sunscreen because it will help clean your skin properly of all the products you’ve put on it in the day. I like how my skin feels after double cleansing so there’s no real need for me to justify its use hehe… 😉
I’m loving Biore’s! I use it alone in the morning – do you think it is good? I mean skipping the cleanser? At night I must do double cleansing because of the makeup.
I want to try Neutrogena Cleansing Oil, but after the bad experience with Neutrogena Cleansing Lotion… I think I better stick to Biore. 🙂 And I saw some new, affordable brands (Taiwan? Japan?) in Watson but too scared to try out. Boo!!! =.=
Hey if it works for you, Sandra, go with it! 🙂 I sometimes use the Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Oil in the morning and my skin feels lovely and soft thereafter. I didn’t know Neutrogena has a cleansing oil too? Eeps tempted to try hehe… Thanks for the heads up! I see loads of new ones in Watson’s too but I don’t try most unless I know and trust their mother company
The Kanebo Freshel C Cleansing Oil is still available at Sasa but some smaller outlets don’t seem to have much stock of the Freshel line. Retails at RM40 for 180ml but sometimes during sales u can get it at RM38.
Currently I am using the Biore cleansing oil and IMO for such a cheap price it’s pretty good but it really stings the eyes. ZA Deep Cleaning Oil ain’t too bad either but even though it’s really light it’s leaves a thin oily film even after emulsifying with water.
Thanks for the info Uruz. I can’t use Biore and I haven’t tried ZA – for some reason I used to think it pricey LOL!
hohohohoho I am so gonna get those Kose Softymo Cleansing Oils when I get to Hong Kong 😀
Yes! Look in Sasa – it can be darned hard to find!
My current 2 most used cleansing oils are the MAC Cleanse Off Oil and NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil. Both have a pleasant smell, isn’t too thick, doesn’t leave that oily film behind and most important of all, it doesn’t break me out.
I am also currently trying out Laura Mercier’s Flawless Skin Purifying Cleansing Oil and it is quite good. But for the price, this is a once off purchase for me as I get the MAC one a bit cheaper and it still does the same job. 🙂
I haven’t tried those you have, but I’m keen to give the MAC one a go. I have heard quite a lot of good things about it 😀
I use Muji cleansing oils. There’s one for normal skin (red label) and sensitive skin (blue label). The blue label one is thicker so there’s better control, but they work the same and give me cloudy eyes if I rub them in too much in an effort to take my mascara off 🙂 but they work pretty well, and no breakouts!
Ahhh I’ve heard lots of people using Muji too! We don’t have a Muji here so I can’t try but I should bear it in mind for when I visit Singapore next 😉 And in point of fact, most cleansing oils give me cloudy eyes >.< I just have to make sure I rinse out properly and don't get it into my eyes 🙂
I’m trying gel oil removers now. It’s oil but comes out in the form of gel and emulsifies as well. I’m trying the cool cleansing gel by Kose but there’s also a new one by Shu Uemura that has just been released.
Have you tried Dove foaming oil cleanser? It was selling like hot cakes in japan, I liked the concept.
Nope I haven’t tried the Dove one – I think I remember seeing it when I was overseas but I haven’t seen it here – do you know if its available here already? I also tried this Mandom cleansing gel which is rather like what you say – a gel that emulsifies. Its surprisingly not bad! 🙂
hmmm i actually haven’t seen it at pharmacies, it’s about time it got here! I think they have is in SG. Come to think of it highly suitable for lazy ppl like me. The aesop oil sounds lovely.
The Aesop one is nice! 🙂 But only if you have the patience in the morning 😉
Currently love Kose Sofymo all 3 types …cheap and excellent! Now trying DHC, Biore and Fancl which I just got them recently..
I also say a BIG NO to Shu Uemura!!!
Oops! LOL Looks like there are quite a few of us who can’t handle Shu Uemura’s oils!
oooo my favourite is the Ettusais cleansing oil~! its not thick and not oily. Its like an in between oil-water-gel. Just slather on and leave it for 1-2minutes and remove with cold or warm water~! if my foundation is not too thick, one removal is all i need =)
But i think it will be a bit too drying for dry skin. It was made for those with acne skin.
the first i used was shu uemura. it was a sample and i don’t really like the feel of it. so i opt for the normal make up remover cleanser. but after reading your reviews on cleansing oils, it really makes me wanna try out cleansing oils 🙂
but still, i haven’t buy any cos i’m still waiting for my 2 bottles to finish. then i’ll be buying cleansing oil and see if i like it, using your method 😀
oh other thing, i’ve seen the DHC the other day when at Watson and my mind was “did paris made a review on this?” hehe see how you influence me?
OMG LOL!! I hope the influence is a good thing 😉 But to answer your question, no, I have not reviewed DHC as I tried the oil a long time ago before I started blogging and never really revisited it 🙂 Not everyone will like how cleansing oils feel although once you start it will be hard to stop 😛 I do like the feel of the Bobbi Brown one and I know they sometimes have samples on hand. Do see if they’ll be able to give you a sample to try. It feels lighter than Shu Uemura.
i haven’t tried any cleansing oil at all! because of your review, i might get one now! i wanna try it! 🙂
Haha… do give it a go and if possible, get a sample to see if you’d like it or not.
I love Shu Uemura one, have gone thru 4 big bottles of it so far. Love it ! <3
Think I might try some new ones after reading your post.. hehe..
Shu Uemura is quite hit or miss I think. Those who love it swear by it but those who don’t, just can’t use it. The pink one (sakura?) was probably the one that took the longest to break me out and I rather liked that one 😉
I have tried DHC, Neutrogena, and Laneige cleansing oil, and I love DHC most, sorry to hear it didnt work for u.
I only use cleansing oil at night if i have my makeup on or if I wanna do my DIY facial. I always follow it with Laneige multi cleanser to make sure no more make up trace. It really make my skin feel clean and nice, it doesnt feel drying at all.
Yeah I was very disappointed when DHC didn’t work for me too! I tend to use oil cleansers at night as well, except for the Aesop one which works beautifully in the day and like you and many others, I’m a firm advocate of double cleansing! 🙂
Thanks for this post!
I use Shu Uemura cleansing oils, they’re my must have product to clean off all the make up, waterproof mascara, and sunblock in one go. I’m currently using the whitening one, the purple coloured one.
I bought 2 bottles of the Kose Softymo Whitening cleansing oils in HK, due to your post on them (I actually hunted for them in the dispensaries, hee hee!) I liked the citrus smell, but I personally preferred my Shu Uemura cleansing oils. Quite sad that they break you out 🙁
Might try out the Kanebo one if I see it!
Oh dear I’m sorry the Kose Softymo one didn’t work out for you 🙁 The texture and feel is quite different from Shu Uemura’s that’s for sure and perhaps its more tailored for just general cleansing. The Kanebo Blanchir one is very light in texture too with a lovely scent!
Oh they worked for me, just that I found it a little harder to wash off the waterproof mascara. Texture was quite nice too, but I preferred SU. I have to admit they’re a way cheaper alternative to SU, and I still have half a bottle left which I use to wash off sunblock on my neck and arms if I go out in the sun!
ohh good call on washing off sunblock from the body! I learnt that the hard way when I slathered on thick physical sunscreen on my arms and it could not wash off with regular body wash.
I love cleansing oils! They seem to make my face cleaner as compared to cleansing lotions, which instead give me the oily/greasy feel after use 😛
I have the same experience as you regarding Shu Uemura’s cleansing oils. One or two uses is all it takes, and I’ll break out. Right now I’m using Dermalogica Pre Cleanse, and have been for many years, and it never fails me in removing even the heaviest makeup (For events). Wouldn’t change unless they change the formula and the new formula doesn’t work on me.
Ohh I’m trying out Dermalogica Pre Clease as we speak! 😀 Or rather I’d been using it for nearly 2 weeks now and yes I like that too. Totally slipped my mind when prepping this post LOL!
Had samples of Shu Uemura (bust), MAC (works okay so far, belum habis lagi), SK II (like it towards the end, but the price of the full size bottle is too rich for my blood :P).
LOL! SKII would be interesting but its also too rich for my blood hehe