This post will be reviewing the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.
I don’t really review oil cleansers or balms because I don’t wear full coverage makeup, and it would be unfair to my readers to not do justice to the review. But I recently got the Rare Beauty Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, which has medium coverage, and I have had to use an oil cleanser to take it off. So I figured I might review this product, mainly since I’ve used it in the past.
Despite the brand’s problematic public image, this cult beauty cleansing oil has been a bestseller for years. So much that it is still searched for about 100,000 times a month. That’s huge for an Asian brand. Only very few Asian products have reached that level of popularity.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve used this cleansing oil a few times in the past. But I recently started travelling more frequently, taking my Tinted Moisturizer with me. I could not carry the entire 120ml bottle as I travel via hand luggage only. So, I got the 10ml travel size I’ve found super convenient. With this, I can do a thorough deep cleanse and massage when I’m away. When I’m home, I typically use Micellar Water as a first cleanse to take off my sunscreen before my second cleanse.
I’ve used this cleansing oil extensively in the last few months, and I’m ready to share my thoughts.

First Impressions of the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
According to DHC;
DHC’s bestselling, cult-classic Deep Cleansing Oil is truly one of a kind. The original Japanese first step oil cleanser melts away make-up and dissolves impurities, leaving your skin clean, soft and radiant.
The 100% organic olive oil-based formulation works on the scientific premise that “like attracts like.” Applied with dry hands on your dry face, this rich, naturally golden-hued olive oil-based cleanser binds with dirt and effortlessly breaks down sunscreen, sebum and stubborn make-up, like waterproof mascara and eyeliner, without clogging your pores. The water-soluble formula rinses away with zero oily residue. Its silky feel and delicate, natural rosemary aroma make washing your face feel like a luxurious spa experience.
This botanical formulation features antioxidant-rich organic olive oil and vitamin E to hydrate, soften and protect against free radical damage, and rosemary leaf oil to invigorate and refresh. Also works great as a make-up brush cleaner.
Ideal for all skin types.
Ingredient List & Fragrance
Surprisingly, this cleansing oil has a super short ingredient list made up of just eight ingredients. I definitely wasn’t expecting this formula as I haven’t been able to study the ingredient list until now. Its core ingredients include:
- Olive Oil
- Vitamin E
- Rosemary Leaf Oil as a fragrance.
I’ve noticed that many people, especially those with oily acne-prone skin, are not fans of this cleansing oil simply because of the Olive Oil. I have dry skin, so I find it nourishing. Studies have shown that Oleic Acid, the primary component of Olive Oil, can trigger acne.
So, you might stay away, except it magically works for your skin and hasn’t broken you out. As someone with dry acne-prone skin, once I pair this cleansing oil with a product with a low percentage of Niacinamide like the Cerave Foaming Cleanser, my skin is fine.
The Rosemary Leaf Oil is bearly noticeable as the Olive Oil fragrance has successfully masked and overpowered the scent, so don’t worry about it.

Packaging, Texture & Consistency
As you can see from the transparent pump bottle, it is a thick oil expected from an Olive Oil-based product. You don’t need too much to go over your face. Often, one to two pumps is enough for your entire face.
It is honestly brilliant for them to have considered a pump bottle for all the sizes, including the 200ml, 120ml and 70ml. The only exception is the 10ml which I travel with. Even at that, the applicator of the 10ml also prevents messy usage. So kudos to DHC. If If you’re not sure you want to commit to this cleansing oil, I suggest you try out the 10ml size first.

Price & Availability
Over the years, DHC has matched up to the popularity of its bestseller by ensuring that the product is easily accessible and readily available. So you’ll find an authentic product on Amazon as DHC has partnered with them to package and ship the products. You’ll also find it online and offline in your local Asian shop.
Review of the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
In my experience, this is a heavy-duty cleansing oil, so I only use it when I wear makeup or just feel like giving my skin a nice massage. I’ve realized it is too much to remove sunscreen, except I’ve reapplied it several times during the day. So, whatever kind of full coverage waterproof makeup you wear, this cleansing oil will remove everything.

Performance
What can I say? There’s a reason why it is a bestseller. It takes every single thing off your face. As always, I apply two pumps on dry hands and massage them all over my face for about two minutes or until I’m satisfied that I’ve taken everything off. Then I rinse off before finishing up with my second cleanse. It naturally emulsifies and is easy to remove when it comes in contact with water. Some people prefer to use a washcloth to take it off. Personally, I don’t. I either rinse it out or go over it with my second cleanse. Either way, my skin is clean. So far, it hasn’t clogged my skin or caused me to break off because I ensure I rinse out thoroughly.
Finally
If you’re still on the fence about trying the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, this is your sign to start, especially if you have Normal to Dry skin. If you’re struggling to find an oil cleanser and have tried many of the ones already on the market, it is worth checking out.
Alouette used to carry a make-up removing oil that was amazing. I have oily skin & I did not want to put it on my face. But it washed off easily & left my skin feeling wonderful. It never made me have break outs. But it was sold in small bottles & was very pricy.
I now use DHC & for the money, it is just as good. I get samples from them & have started using a few of their other products.