Deep Cleansing Oil
Deep Cleansing Oil
Product Description
Product overview
The cult-classic Japanese oil cleanser that gently melts away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities using 100% organic olive oil. This water-soluble formula rinses clean without residue, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and radiant.
100% Organic Olive Oil Base
Spanish organic olive oil refined in Japan provides deep cleansing while maintaining skin's moisture barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORY100% Organic Olive Oil Base
Spanish organic olive oil refined in Japan provides deep cleansing while maintaining skin's moisture barrier.
Water-Soluble Formula
Emulsifies upon contact with water and rinses completely clean with zero oily residue.
Dissolves Stubborn Makeup
Effortlessly breaks down waterproof mascara, eyeliner, sunscreen, and long-wear foundation.
Antioxidant Protection
Vitamin E and olive polyphenols help protect skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains olive oil high in oleic acid, which can feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if you have fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.
Despite being oil-based, this formula is designed not to clog pores when rinsed properly. Suitable for most skin types.
Contains rosemary leaf oil with natural camphor (~15%). Patch test if you have very sensitive or reactive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSOrganic Olive Oil (Olea Europaea Fruit Oil) PrimaryProven
The star ingredient sourced from Spanish organic farms and refined in Japan. Rich in oleic acid (55-83%), linoleic acid, and squalene with powerful antioxidant polyphenols.
- Emollient: Mimics skin's natural oils for deep cleansing without stripping
- Antioxidant: Contains vitamin E, carotenoids, and polyphenols
- Moisturizing: Helps maintain skin's moisture barrier
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride SecondaryProven
A lightweight emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. Provides silky texture and helps dissolve makeup without feeling heavy.
- Non-comedogenic: Despite coconut origin, no research supports pore-clogging
- Texture enhancer: Creates smooth, spreadable consistency
- Skin softener: Helps prevent moisture loss
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate FunctionalFunctional
A self-emulsifying surfactant that allows the oil to mix with water for easy rinsing. This is what makes the formula water-soluble.
- Emulsifier: Enables oil-to-water transformation when rinsing
- Rinse aid: Ensures complete removal without residue
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ActiveProven
Pure vitamin E providing antioxidant protection and skin conditioning benefits.
- Antioxidant: Protects against UV-induced free radical damage
- Conditioning: Helps retain moisture for youthful appearance
- Synergy: Works well with vitamin C in subsequent skincare steps
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil TraceNatural
Essential oil from rosemary leaves providing a natural, spa-like scent and additional antioxidant benefits.
- Aromatherapy: Light, refreshing herbal scent
- Antioxidant: Natural antimicrobial properties
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate TraceSoothing
A derivative of licorice root known for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps calm and soothe skin
- Conditioning: Supports healthy skin appearance
8 ingredients
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in your PM double cleanse routine. Apply to DRY skin with DRY hands for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense onto Dry Hands
Pump 2-3 pumps of oil into completely dry palms. Both hands and face must be dry for optimal makeup dissolution.
Massage onto Dry Face
Gently massage the oil over your entire face using circular motions for 60 seconds. Focus on areas with heavy makeup, sunscreen, or congestion.
Emulsify with Water
Wet your hands and continue massaging. The oil will turn milky white as it emulsifies and lifts impurities.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all residue is removed. Follow with a water-based cleanser for a complete double cleanse.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You wear makeup, sunscreen, or heavy skincare daily
- You want a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin
- You prefer a minimalist ingredient list
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have dry, normal, or combination skin
- You want a spa-like cleansing experience
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne or malassezia-prone skin
- You're allergic to olives or rosemary
- You prefer balm textures over liquid oils
- You don't wear makeup or sunscreen
- You're on a strict budget (cheaper alternatives exist)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil attracts oil—helps dissolve excess sebum and unclog pores. Rinses clean without adding oiliness.
Olive oil-based formula cleanses without stripping. Leaves skin soft and hydrated, not tight.
Balances well across different face zones. Removes oil from T-zone while hydrating dry areas.
Minimal ingredients and fragrance-free formula. Patch test first due to rosemary oil content.
Non-comedogenic formula, but not suitable for fungal acne. Good for regular acne when properly rinsed.
Results timeline
1-2 MONTHSComplete Makeup Removal
Waterproof mascara, sunscreen, and heavy foundation dissolve effortlessly. Skin feels clean but not stripped.
95% noticed immediatelySofter, More Hydrated Skin
Skin texture improves as the gentle formula preserves natural moisture. Dry patches diminish.
85% noticed improvementClearer, More Radiant Complexion
Consistent double cleansing leads to fewer clogged pores and a more even, glowing skin tone.
78% noticed clearer skinImproved Overall Skin Health
Better absorption of subsequent skincare products. Skin barrier feels stronger and more resilient.
70% noticed long-term benefitsRatings by platform
19K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Removes ALL makeup including waterproof formulas
- Rinses completely clean with no residue
- Doesn't strip or dry out skin
- Short, clean ingredient list (only 8 ingredients)
- Lasts a long time—a little goes a long way
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Pump bottle is hygienic and easy to use
- Works great as makeup brush cleaner too
Criticized
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
- Price has increased over the years
- Must use on completely dry skin for effectiveness
- Rosemary scent may bother some users
- Cheaper alternatives available with similar results
- Counterfeit products sold on some platforms
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESJapan's #1 selling cleansing oil. Contains mineral oil instead of olive oil, but equally effective at removing makeup. Better value per ml.
Contains olive oil and hyaluronic acid for extra hydration. Similar cleansing power at a lower price point.
Rice water-based formula with brightening benefits. May leave slight residue compared to DHC. K-Beauty alternative.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening. Use within this timeframe for optimal freshness and effectiveness.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing in humid bathroom—can cause product to go rancid faster.
Pump bottle with lock mechanism. Transparent bottle allows you to see product level. Lock prevents accidental dispensing.
70ml size is under 100ml TSA limit. Lock the pump before packing. Available in 30ml travel size.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. The formula uses organic olive oil, vitamin E, and rosemary leaf oil—all considered safe for expecting and nursing mothers. However, always consult your healthcare provider before introducing new skincare products during pregnancy.
No, this product is NOT safe for fungal acne. The primary ingredient, olive oil, is high in oleic acid (55-83%), which can feed Malassezia yeast and worsen pityrosporum folliculitis. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives made with MCT oil or squalane, such as Malezia Cleansing Balm or pure mineral oil.
Yes! Since this is a rinse-off cleanser used as the first step, it won't interact with your actives. Use it to remove makeup and sunscreen, follow with a water-based cleanser, then apply your retinol, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants. The oil doesn't leave a residue that would interfere with active ingredient penetration.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil works well for most skin types, but it's especially excellent for dry, normal, and combination skin due to its nourishing olive oil base. Oily skin types can also benefit as "oil attracts oil" helps dissolve sebum. However, it's not ideal for those with fungal acne-prone skin. Very sensitive skin should patch test first due to the rosemary leaf oil content.
You'll notice immediate results in makeup removal—even stubborn waterproof mascara dissolves easily. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, skin typically feels softer and more hydrated. After 2-4 weeks of double cleansing, many users report clearer skin with fewer clogged pores. Long-term benefits like improved skin texture and better product absorption typically appear after 1-2 months.
Use it as the FIRST step in your PM skincare routine. Apply to completely dry skin with dry hands, massage for 60 seconds, add water to emulsify, then rinse. Follow with a water-based cleanser (double cleanse method), then continue with toner, serums, moisturizer, etc. Most people only use oil cleansers at night to remove the day's makeup and sunscreen.
Despite being oil-based, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has a low comedogenic rating of 2/5 when used correctly. The key is to emulsify and rinse thoroughly—the water-soluble formula washes away completely. If rinsed properly, it actually helps unclog pores by dissolving sebum plugs. However, if you don't double cleanse or rinse inadequately, any oil cleanser can contribute to clogged pores.
DHC recommends using the product within 6 months after opening (6M PAO). The 200ml bottle typically lasts 2-4 months with daily use (2-3 pumps per application). Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity and direct sunlight to maximize shelf life. If the oil develops an off smell or changes color significantly, discontinue use.
Verdict: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil remains the gold standard for J-Beauty oil cleansers after decades on the market. Its minimal 8-ingredient formula centered around organic olive oil effectively removes even the most stubborn makeup while keeping skin hydrated. The cult-favorite status is well-deserved for dry to combination skin types. However, it's not suitable for fungal acne sufferers, and budget-conscious shoppers can find similar results with Kose Softymo at a fraction of the price. For those who want a simple, effective, pregnancy-safe oil cleanser with a proven track record, this remains an excellent choice.
Browse related
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 4 |
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|
|
| 1 |
Tocopherol
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|







