Japanese cleansing oils have been around for decades and are still one of the easiest ways to remove sunscreen, makeup and excess sebum at the end of the day.
The idea is simple: oil breaks down oil-based products, so you can remove everything without scrubbing your face. Here are the Japanese cleansing oils I’d look at in 2026.
Why Use a Cleansing Oil?
Cleansing oils are particularly good at breaking down waterproof makeup, sunscreen and sebum that a normal water-based cleanser can struggle with.
Massage the oil onto dry skin, add a little water to emulsify it, then rinse.
A good cleansing oil should turn milky with water and rinse away without leaving your face feeling greasy.
The Best Japanese Cleansing Oils
1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil – Best All-Rounder
DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil is probably the most famous Japanese cleansing oil for a reason.
The formula is based around olive oil and is designed to dissolve makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum without requiring you to scrub your face.
It has a slightly richer feel than some of the newer lightweight cleansing oils, which makes it particularly satisfying when you’re wearing a full face of makeup or a heavy layer of SPF.
Best for: All skin types, makeup and sunscreen removal
Texture: Rich but easy to rinse
To buy, search for DHC Deep Cleansing Oil on BuyMeJapan. Seoul to Skin readers get an extra 10% off with code SEOULTOSKIN at checkout.
2. Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil – Best Budget Option
Kose Softymo is one of those Japanese beauty products that manages to be extremely affordable without feeling cheap.
The Speedy Cleansing Oil is lightweight, quick to use and particularly good if you don’t want the whole cleansing process to become an event.
It removes makeup and sunscreen effectively and emulsifies quickly with water.
The 230ml bottle is also a generous size, making it particularly good value.
Best for: Everyday cleansing and anyone on a budget
Texture: Lightweight
3. FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil – Best for Sensitive Skin
FANCL’s Mild Cleansing Oil is designed to remove makeup and impurities while keeping the cleansing step gentle, making it a particularly good option if your skin tends to react to fragranced or overly complicated products.
The texture is silky rather than heavy and it works well for both makeup and sunscreen.
Best for: Sensitive and dry skin
Texture: Silky, lightweight oil
4. Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil – Best for Dry Skin
Hada Labo is basically the patron saint of uncomplicated Japanese hydration, so it’s no surprise that its cleansing oil takes the same approach.
The Gokujyun Cleansing Oil is designed to remove makeup while keeping the skin feeling comfortable afterwards.
If your main complaint about cleansing is that your face feels tight immediately afterwards, this is worth trying.
Best for: Dry and dehydrated skin
Texture: Soft, nourishing oil
5. Biore The Cleanse Makeup Remover Oil – Best for Heavy Makeup
Biore’s The Cleanse is a good option if makeup removal is your main priority.
It’s designed to break down stubborn makeup and sunscreen without requiring lots of rubbing, which is particularly useful around the eyes.
It’s also easy to rinse, making it a practical choice if you don’t enjoy the heavier feeling some cleansing oils leave behind.
Best for: Heavy makeup and waterproof products
Texture: Lightweight oil
6. & Honey Cleansing Oil – Best for a More Luxurious Feel
& Honey is better known for its haircare, but its cleansing oil is worth a look if you like skincare that feels a little more indulgent.
The texture is more cushiony than the very lightweight Kose formulas, and the packaging is considerably prettier than most drugstore cleansing oils.
It makes the first step of a nighttime routine feel a little less functional and a little more enjoyable.
Best for: Normal to dry skin and anyone who likes a richer texture
Texture: Rich and silky
To buy, search for & Honey Cleansing Oil on BuyMeJapan. Seoul to Skin readers get an extra 10% off with code SEOULTOSKIN at checkout.
Japanese Cleansing Oils Compared
| Cleansing oil | Best for | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| DHC Deep Cleansing Oil | Best all-rounder | Rich |
| Kose Softymo Speedy | Budget / everyday use | Lightweight |
| FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil | Sensitive skin | Silky |
| Hada Labo Gokujyun | Dry skin | Nourishing |
| Biore The Cleanse | Heavy makeup | Lightweight |
| & Honey Cleansing Oil | More luxurious feel | Rich and silky |
How to Use a Cleansing Oil
Start with dry hands and a dry face.
Massage the oil gently over your face, paying a little more attention to makeup, sunscreen and areas around the nose and eyes.
Add a little water and massage again until the oil turns milky, then rinse thoroughly.
You can follow with a water-based cleanser if you like to double cleanse.
Do You Need to Double Cleanse?
Not necessarily.
An oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser can be useful if you’re wearing heavy makeup or several layers of sunscreen, but you don’t need to keep washing your face until it squeaks.
The aim is clean skin, not stripped skin.
Which Japanese Cleansing Oil Should You Buy?
If you’re new to cleansing oils, I’d start with Kose Softymo. It’s inexpensive, easy to use and a good introduction to Japanese cleansing oils.
For dry skin, Hada Labo is a good choice. For sensitive skin, I’d look at FANCL, while DHC or Biore make more sense for heavy makeup.
And if you want something that feels a little more luxurious, & Honey is a lovely option.
Final Thoughts
Japanese cleansing oils are a good example of where you really don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good product.
Kose Softymo is difficult to beat for value, DHC remains a classic, and FANCL and Hada Labo are worth looking at if your skin needs something gentler.
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