5 Best Japanese Drugstore Cleansing Oils

Here are 5 of the best cleansing oils that you can find at any Japanese drugstore.

Cleansing oil is often used by Japanese woman as the first step in their double cleansing routine at the end of the day, to remove all makeup before washing their face with a foaming cleanser (read more about Japanese skincare routine and double cleansing in my post here).

Double cleansing and using a cleansing oil are perhaps the biggest changes I have made to my skincare regime since I moved to Tokyo. Now I am a complete convert, and I cringe at the many (many!) years I thought my quick cleanse was doing a good job…..

I love the feeling of massaging cleansing oil onto my face at the end of the day, and they make light work of even the most long wearing makeup and mascara. So here are 5 of my favourites that you should try!

 

DHC Cleansing Oil ¥2,675 (200ml)

The rich olive oil base make this percent for dry skin.

With dry skin, many cleansing oils can be a little too deep cleansing, striping away the precious natural oil from the skin and causing flakes and tightness. However, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil uses olive oil (many cleansing oils use mineral oil as their base),  which make the consistency quite thick. I love the luxurious feeling of massaging this cleansing oil into my dry and sensitive skin at the end of the day. It does an amazing job of removing all of my makeup, and leaves my skin clean, hydrated and well nourished.

 

Perfect Watery Oil ¥1,080

Perfect for removing waterproof mascara and long wearing makeup.

If you wear waterproof mascara then you definitely know that all cleansing oils and makeup removing products are not created equal. Perfect Watery Oil quickly and easily dissolves long wearing makeup and waterproof mascara, and rinses clean with no oily residue- ideal for oily or combination skin types.

 

Hipitch Deep Cleansing Oil ¥900

Perfect for using in the shower or bath!

Not only does this cleansing oil make light work of removing your makeup at the end of the day, it’s also designed for use in the shower or bath. Traditionally cleansing oils have to be applied to a dry face using dry hands, which makes it difficult if you like washing your face in the shower or bath, but this clever Hipitch formulation can be used with wet hands. Oh and you will love the refreshing orange and eucalyptus scent as well.

 

Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil ¥980

Perfect for sensitive skin.

This perfectly balanced cleansing oil is extremely hardworking, dissolving even the most stubborn makeup, but uniquely it is extremely gentle on the skin, making it ideal for those prone to redness and irritation. Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil completely rinses off the skin leaving it pristinely clear of makeup and no residual oil. The price is also great for the quality of the product.

 

Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil ¥535

Perfect for those on a budget.

If your beauty budget is tight and you still want to try a reliable cleansing oil then Kose’s Softymo Speedy Cleansing oil is a great place to start. This fragrance free formula does a decent job of removing makeup, leaves no oily residue and leaves the skin feeling soft and clean. Softymo cleansing oil has a mineral oil base, so this is something to keep in mind if you are prone to mineral oil related break outs. If not, then this is a great budget cleansing oil.

 

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Where to buy these cleansing oils in Tokyo?

All of these cleansing oils are readily available at Japanese drugstores (like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Tomod’s)

And beauty specialty stores like Ainz & Tulpe and Plaza.