Apple Seed Cleansing Oil
Apple Seed Cleansing Oil
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, refreshing K-beauty cleansing oil enriched with apple seed oil and apple fruit extract that effortlessly dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while leaving skin soft, hydrated, and residue-free. Ideal as the first step in your double-cleansing routine.
Apple Seed Oil & Extract
Enriched with apple seed oil and apple fruit extract to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and deliver antioxidant protection while cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYApple Seed Oil & Extract
Enriched with apple seed oil and apple fruit extract to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and deliver antioxidant protection while cleansing.
Effortless Emulsification
Transforms into a milky emulsion when water is added, rinsing completely clean without leaving oily residue or film on the skin.
Deep Pore Cleansing
Effectively dissolves heavy makeup, waterproof mascara, sunscreen, and sebum plugs from deep within pores for a thorough first cleanse.
10-Free Clean Formula
Free from animal-derived ingredients, mineral oil, PEG, polyacrylamide, synthetic colorants, silicone oil, imidazolidinyl urea, triethanolamine, sulfate surfactant, and soap.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Contains added fragrance (parfum), which some practitioners advise avoiding during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if concerned.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains coconut oil, isopropyl palmitate, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, and Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, which can feed malassezia yeast.
Passed clinical skin irritation testing. However, contains added fragrance which may irritate very reactive skin types. Patch test recommended.
As a first-step cleansing oil, it rinses off completely and does not interfere with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs applied afterward in your routine.
Does not contain ethanol or denatured alcohol. Won't dry out or compromise your skin barrier.
Contains Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, which has a comedogenic rating of 4/5. As a rinse-off product the risk is lower, but those highly sensitive to coconut oil should be aware.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSApple Seed Oil (Pyrus Malus Seed Oil)Key Ingredient
A nourishing plant oil cold-pressed from apple seeds, rich in linoleic acid and oleic acid. Provides antioxidant protection and helps condition the skin while dissolving oil-based impurities.
- Function: Emollient and skin-conditioning agent that helps soften and smooth skin during cleansing
- Composition: Rich in essential fatty acids including linoleic acid (~58%), oleic acid (~28%), and vitamin E
- Benefit: Antioxidant properties help protect skin from free radical damage during the cleansing process
Apple Fruit Extract (Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract)Key Ingredient
Derived from whole apples, this extract is rich in malic acid, sugars, vitamins, and polyphenolic antioxidants that offer mild exfoliation and skin-brightening effects.
- Malic Acid: A natural AHA found in apples that provides gentle chemical exfoliation and helps refine skin texture
- Sugars (Fructose, Glucose): Act as natural humectants, drawing moisture to the skin for a hydrated post-cleanse feel
- Polyphenols: Powerful antioxidants that help protect against environmental stressors and premature aging
Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil)Emollient
A well-known natural oil that helps dissolve makeup and impurities while providing a conditioning, moisturizing cleanse. Its lauric acid content offers some antibacterial properties.
- Cleansing: Excellent solvent for breaking down oil-based makeup, sunscreen, and sebum
- Lauric Acid: Shows promise as an antibacterial agent against P. acnes bacteria
- Moisturizing: Penetrates skin effectively and helps prevent moisture loss during cleansing
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideEmollient
A light-textured, clear, odorless emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. Creates a smooth, non-greasy feel and is exceptionally well tolerated by all skin types.
- Source: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, offering a purified and gentle emollient
- Skin Feel: Lightweight and non-greasy, helps the oil spread evenly and dissolve impurities
- Safety: Generally well tolerated even by sensitive skin; no comedogenic concerns despite coconut origin
Cetyl EthylhexanoateBase Emollient
A synthetic ester that serves as the primary base of this cleansing oil. Provides a light, silky feel and excellent spreadability while being mild on both skin and eyes.
- Function: Acts as the primary solvent and emollient that gives the oil its lightweight, silky texture
- Skin Feel: Light and non-greasy with excellent spreadability, making the cleansing massage smooth and comfortable
- Safety: Very mild to both skin and eyes, well tolerated across all skin types
16 ingredients
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Triethylhexanoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Fragrance / Parfum, Water / Aqua / Eau, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step of your PM double-cleanse routine. Follow with a water-based foam cleanser for a thorough, balanced cleanse. In the AM, can be used as a gentle standalone cleanser for light makeup or sunscreen removal.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense onto Dry Hands
Pump 2–3 pumps of cleansing oil into dry hands. Ensure both your hands and face are completely dry for optimal makeup dissolution.
Massage onto Dry Face
Gently spread the oil over your entire face using circular motions. Focus on areas with heavy makeup, sunscreen, or excess sebum. Massage for 30–60 seconds.
Emulsify with Water
Wet your fingertips with a small amount of lukewarm water and continue massaging. The oil will turn into a milky white emulsion, lifting away dissolved impurities.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Follow up with a foam or gel cleanser as the second step of your double-cleanse routine for a thorough cleanse.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You wear daily makeup or sunscreen and need a reliable first cleanser
- You prefer a lightweight oil that emulsifies and rinses clean
- You want an affordable K-beauty cleansing oil for double cleansing
- You enjoy a pleasant, refreshing apple scent during your routine
- You have normal, oily, or combination skin looking for pore-deep cleansing
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) — this formula contains multiple FA triggers
- You are very sensitive or allergic to coconut oil derivatives
- You need a completely fragrance-free product for extremely reactive skin
- You prefer a balm or solid format cleanser over a liquid oil
- You need a product that removes very heavy waterproof theatrical makeup
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight texture won't add greasiness. Emulsifies and rinses clean, dissolving excess sebum without stripping the skin barrier.
Coconut oil and apple seed oil provide a conditioning cleanse. Some users report slight tightness after rinsing — follow with a hydrating toner.
Balances well across different face zones. Cleans the oily T-zone without over-drying cheeks. Highly rated by combination skin users.
Passed skin irritation testing, but contains added fragrance. Patch test recommended. Some sensitive users report no issues, while others find the scent irritating.
Contains coconut oil (comedogenic 4/5) and isopropyl palmitate. Being a rinse-off product lowers risk, but monitor closely. Not suitable for fungal acne.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Clean Feel
Makeup, sunscreen, and surface impurities dissolve completely on first use. Skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed without a tight or stripped sensation.
95% noticed immediatelyImproved Skin Texture
With daily use as part of a double-cleanse routine, skin begins to feel smoother and softer. Pores may appear less congested as daily buildup is consistently removed.
80% noticed improvementClearer, Brighter Complexion
Consistent oil cleansing helps reduce blackheads and sebum plugs over time. The mild exfoliating effect of apple fruit extract supports a brighter, more even-toned complexion.
65% noticed visible clarityLong-Term Skin Health
Maintained double-cleansing routine supports a balanced skin barrier, fewer breakouts from residual makeup/sunscreen, and an overall healthier baseline skin condition.
70% report lasting benefitsRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Very affordable for a quality cleansing oil (~$13–16 for 150ml)
- Lightweight texture that emulsifies easily and rinses clean with no residue
- Effectively removes daily makeup, sunscreen, and sebum
- Pleasant, refreshing apple scent that elevates the cleansing experience
- Pump dispenser is hygienic and easy to use
- Does not leave skin feeling stripped or overly dry
- 10-free clean formula without mineral oil, silicones, or sulfates
- A single bottle lasts 2–3 months with daily use
Criticized
- Contains added fragrance that some users find too strong or artificial
- Not fungal acne safe due to coconut oil and other FA triggers
- Coconut oil may cause breakouts for those sensitive to it
- May struggle with very heavy waterproof or theatrical makeup
- Some dry-skin users report tightness after rinsing
- Can sting eyes if not used carefully around the eye area
- Reformulated version differs from the original beloved formula
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESJapan's #1 bestselling cleansing oil. Uses mineral oil base instead of plant-derived esters. Emulsifies faster and rinses even quicker. Larger 230ml bottle at a lower price. Less nourishing feel but more efficient at makeup removal.
Olive oil-based Japanese cleansing oil with added hyaluronic acid for hydration. Fragrance-free and gentler on sensitive skin. Slightly thicker texture but also rinses clean. Better for those who want a moisturizing cleanse.
Minimalist Japanese cleansing oil with olive squalane and jojoba. Fragrance-free and fungal acne-friendly option. Simpler formula without the apple-derived botanical actives. Great alternative for sensitive or FA-prone skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the pump cap closed when not in use to prevent contamination.
Transparent green plastic bottle with pump dispenser and travel-safe pump lock clip to prevent accidental dispensing.
Yes — 150ml is over the 100ml carry-on limit but qualifies for checked luggage. The pump lock makes it spill-proof for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis product does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the primary ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. However, it does contain added fragrance (parfum), which some healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy as a precaution. The fragrance composition is not fully disclosed. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use, especially if you have a history of skin sensitivity.
No, this product is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients known to feed malassezia yeast, including Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, and Coco-Caprylate/Caprate. If you are prone to fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), consider alternatives like the MUJI Cleansing Oil or a mineral oil-based cleanser that is FA-safe.
Yes. As a first-step cleansing oil, this product is completely rinsed off before you apply any actives. It does not interfere with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, or any other treatment products. Simply use it to remove makeup and sunscreen, follow with your second cleanser, then apply your actives as normal. The apple fruit extract in the oil provides only very mild exfoliation that is washed away during rinsing.
This cleansing oil works best for normal, oily, and combination skin types. Its lightweight texture emulsifies easily and rinses clean without leaving grease or residue, making it especially comfortable for those who produce excess sebum. Dry skin users can also benefit from its conditioning ingredients (coconut oil, apple seed oil) but may want to follow with a hydrating toner. Sensitive skin types should patch test first due to the added fragrance.
You will notice an immediate clean, soft feel from your very first use. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent daily use as part of a double-cleansing routine, most users report smoother skin texture and less visible pore congestion. After 3–4 weeks, you may notice a clearer, brighter complexion as accumulated sebum and residue are consistently removed. Full benefits of a maintained cleansing routine become apparent after 2+ months of daily use.
This cleansing oil is the very first step of your PM skincare routine — used on dry skin before any other products. It is meant to be followed by a water-based cleanser (foam, gel, or cream cleanser) as part of the Korean double-cleansing method. After double cleansing, proceed with toner, essence/serum, moisturizer, and (in the AM) sunscreen. Some users also use it in the morning as a gentle standalone cleanser, though most prefer it for PM use.
The overall comedogenic rating for this product is approximately 2/5 (low-moderate). However, it does contain Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, which individually rates 4/5, and Isopropyl Palmitate, which can also contribute to clogged pores. Because this is a rinse-off product that is not left on the skin, the effective comedogenic risk is significantly reduced. Most users, including those with oily skin, report no pore-clogging issues. However, if you are highly sensitive to coconut-derived ingredients, proceed with caution.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. With daily use of 2–3 pumps, a 150ml bottle typically lasts about 2–3 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the pump cap secured when not in use. If the oil changes color, develops an unusual smell, or separates, discontinue use even if within the PAO period.
Verdict: The Innisfree Apple Seed Cleansing Oil is a reliable, affordable K-beauty staple that excels at what a first-step cleansing oil should do — dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime without stripping the skin. Its lightweight texture, easy emulsification, and pleasant apple scent make the daily double-cleanse routine genuinely enjoyable. At roughly $0.09/ml, it offers excellent value compared to competitors like DHC ($0.14/ml) and Banila Co ($0.19/ml). The main drawbacks are its added fragrance and multiple fungal acne triggers, making it unsuitable for FA-prone or very fragrance-sensitive users. For everyone else, this is a solid, no-fuss workhorse cleanser that does the job well without breaking the bank.
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 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isopropyl Palmitate
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance, Antistatic Agent, Binding Agent, Binding, Masking
|
|
|
| 1 |
Triethylhexanoin
Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Emollient, Masking, Refatting, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate
Emulsifying
|
|








