Centella Cleansing Oil
Centella Cleansing Oil
Product Description
Erborian Centella Cleansing Oil is an ultra-fine, lightweight first-cleanse oil powered by Korean Centella Asiatica. It melts away makeup (including waterproof), SPF, excess sebum and impurities, then transforms into a soft milky lotion on contact with water โ rinsing clean without stripping or greasy residue. Soothed by bisabolol and nourishing botanical oils, it's the gentle Step 1 of a Korean double cleanse.
โจ Texture & Feel
Korean Centella Asiatica
The brand's "super-ingredient" (tiger grass) helps soothe and comfort skin while you cleanse.
Removes Even Waterproof Makeup
Dissolves makeup, SPF and excess sebum effortlessly, including around the delicate eye area.
Self-Emulsifying
Turns into a milky lotion with water and rinses away cleanly โ no heavy, greasy film left behind.
Barrier-Friendly
Botanical oils and bisabolol cleanse without stripping, helping maintain the skin's natural hydration.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Generally considered safe โ no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. Confirm with your doctor if unsure.
Not malassezia-safe โ sunflower, almond and soybean oils plus PEG/fatty esters can feed it. Being a rinse-off lowers, but doesn't remove, the risk.
Dermatologically tested and brand-rated non-comedogenic. Low pore-clogging risk (rating ~2/5), especially as a rinse-off.
Formula includes parfum (under 1%). Patch test if you are fragrance-sensitive, eczema-prone or very reactive.
Ophthalmologically tested and safe for removing eye makeup, but a minority of users report mild stinging โ rinse thoroughly.
Fully compatible with retinol, vitamin C and AHA/BHA โ it's washed off before those steps, so there's no conflict.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ป Sunflower Seed Oil ~25โ40% (base) Proven
The first and most abundant ingredient. A non-fragrant emollient oil rich in linoleic acid that dissolves makeup and sebum while supporting the skin barrier.
- Research: Topical sunflower seed oil has been shown to support skin-barrier repair and reduce moisture loss in clinical studies.
- Role here: Primary cleansing oil โ lifts oil-based grime without harsh surfactants.
๐ฐ Sweet Almond Oil ~5โ10% Proven
A nourishing, softening emollient rich in oleic acid and vitamin E that leaves skin feeling comfortable rather than tight after cleansing.
- Source: Cosmetic literature lists sweet almond oil as a softening emollient suited to dry and sensitive skin.
- Note: Mildly comedogenic (~2) in leave-on products; far lower risk in a rinse-off cleanser.
๐ฟ Centella Asiatica Extract ~1โ3% (est.) Proven
The hero "tiger grass" / cica extract. Famous in Korean skincare for its calming, antioxidant and barrier-supporting compounds โ asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids.
- Research: Centella's centellosides are documented to reduce inflammation, support barrier restoration and aid collagen production.
- Role here: Soothes the skin during the cleansing step so it feels calm, not stripped.
๐ผ Bisabolol ~0.5โ1% (est.) Proven
A chamomile-derived soothing active (branded "Bisabolife"). Known to reduce the look of redness and irritation and to help limit bacterial proliferation on skin.
- Source: Bisabolol is widely cited as an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory cosmetic ingredient.
๐ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) <1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the oils in the formula from oxidation and helps soothe and condition the skin.
- Role here: Antioxidant that improves formula stability/shelf life and adds a mild skin-conditioning benefit.
12 ingredients
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Olus Oil/Vegetable Oil, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Parfum/Fragrance.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use PM as the very first step of a double cleanse โ on dry skin, before your water-based cleanser (such as the Erborian Centella Cleansing Gel). Generally not needed in the morning unless removing heavy SPF.
๐ How to Use
Apply to dry skin
Dispense 2โ3 pumps onto dry hands and a dry face โ no water yet.
Massage
Work gently in circular movements over the face and eye area to dissolve makeup, SPF and sebum.
Emulsify
Add a little lukewarm water and keep massaging until the oil turns into a milky lotion.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until skin feels clean and comfortable.
Double cleanse
Follow with a water-based cleanser (e.g. Centella Cleansing Gel) for a complete cleanse.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You wear makeup, SPF or waterproof products daily
- You have normal, dry, combination or sensitive skin
- You want a gentle first cleanse that won't strip skin
- You follow (or want to start) K-beauty double cleansing
- You're drawn to centella's soothing, calming benefits
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You manage fungal acne (malassezia) and need a safe formula
- You want a completely fragrance-free cleanser
- You prefer a solid balm or a single-step cleanse
- You dislike oil-based cleansing textures
- You have a known almond / tree-nut allergy
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Melts away sebum and SPF without heaviness. Always follow with a second cleanse so no oil residue lingers.
Non-stripping botanical oils keep skin comfortable and hydrated โ no tight, squeaky feeling.
Cleanses the oily zones while keeping drier areas balanced and calm.
Centella and bisabolol soothe, but it does contain fragrance โ patch test if very reactive.
Non-comedogenic and rinses clean, but it's not fungal-acne safe โ skip if malassezia is your concern.
๐ Results Timeline
Clean, comfortable skin
Makeup, SPF and impurities lift away easily; skin feels soft and calm rather than tight or stripped.
92% noticedSmoother texture (mind a brief adjustment)
Many report smoother skin and fewer clogged-looking bumps. A small number experience a short adjustment period with minor breakouts.
61% noticedCalmer, balanced complexion
With consistent double cleansing, skin tends to look calmer and more even, with a comfortable, hydrated baseline.
54% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Melts makeup, SPF and waterproof formulas effortlessly
- Lightweight โ never heavy or greasy on skin
- Emulsifies and rinses off completely clean
- Gentle and non-stripping; keeps skin hydrated
- Centella and bisabolol calm redness and irritation
- Generous 180 ml size and a milky, satisfying transformation
โ Criticized
- Contains fragrance โ not ideal for everyone
- Can sting or irritate the eyes for some users
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Needs a second cleanser for a thorough cleanse
- A few users report a short initial breakout
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also centella-led with light plant oils and a milky finish โ the closest concept match. Larger 200 ml size, but contains added citrus/floral fragrance (limonene, linalool).
Uses soothing heartleaf (houttuynia) instead of centella, with a pore/sebum focus. Cult-favorite K-beauty oil cleanser at a lower price.
A rice-based budget classic that removes makeup well. Less focused on soothing actives like centella or bisabolol.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Erborian Centella Cleansing Oil (Featured)
$30.00SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
$22.50DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
$30.00Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
$23.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to protect the botanical oils.
Plastic bottle with a pump dispenser (180 ml) for clean, controlled dosing.
180 ml exceeds the 100 ml carry-on limit; look for the 30 ml mini for travel.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters โ just botanical oils, centella, bisabolol and vitamin E. It does include a small amount of fragrance, so if you're particularly sensitive during pregnancy you may prefer a fragrance-free option. As always, check with your doctor about your specific routine.
No. It contains sunflower, sweet almond and soybean oils plus PEG/fatty-acid esters, all of which can feed malassezia yeast. Because it's a rinse-off cleanser the contact time is short, so some people with fungal acne tolerate it โ but it is not technically malassezia-safe. If fungal acne is a key concern, a fully fungal-acne-safe cleanser is the safer choice.
Yes, with no conflict. As a first-step cleanser it's massaged on and rinsed off before any treatment steps, so it doesn't interact with retinol, vitamin C or AHA/BHA. Cleanse first, then apply your actives onto clean skin as usual.
It's suitable for all skin types and shines for dry, combination, normal and sensitive skin thanks to its non-stripping, soothing formula. Oily and acne-prone skin can use it too as a gentle first cleanse โ just always follow with a water-based second cleanser. The main exceptions are those managing fungal acne or wanting a fragrance-free product.
The cleansing benefit is immediate โ makeup, SPF and impurities come off from the first use and skin feels soft, not tight. Smoother texture and a calmer, more balanced complexion typically build over 2โ4 weeks of consistent double cleansing. A small number of users notice a brief adjustment period in the first couple of weeks.
It's the very first step of your evening routine. Apply it to dry skin to break down makeup and SPF, emulsify with water, then rinse. Follow with a water-based cleanser (Step 2 of the double cleanse), then continue with toner, treatments, serum, moisturizer and โ in the morning โ sunscreen.
It's labelled non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested, with an estimated low comedogenic rating around 2/5. Because it's designed to be rinsed off, the pore-clogging risk is low for most people. If you're very breakout-prone, make sure you fully emulsify and rinse, and always follow with a second cleanse.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is around 12 months โ check the small open-jar symbol on the packaging. Because it's an oil-based formula, store it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and heat to keep the botanical oils from oxidizing.
Verdict: The Erborian Centella Cleansing Oil is an excellent, gentle first-step cleanser that lives up to its K-beauty-meets-French-pharmacy reputation. It melts away makeup, SPF and sebum effortlessly, emulsifies into a clean-rinsing milk, and leaves skin soothed and hydrated rather than stripped โ with centella and bisabolol calming the look of redness. Best for dry, combination, normal and sensitive skin, it loses points only for its added fragrance, occasional eye stinging, and the fact that it isn't fungal-acne safe. If you want a fuss-free, comforting oil cleanse and don't have malassezia concerns, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
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 ยซpromisesยป 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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|