Deep Cleansing Oil
Deep Cleansing Oil
Product Description
Product overview
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil is a lightweight, fragrance-free oil cleanser from the Korean brand rooted in 46 years of traditional Korean medicine. Formulated with six botanical oils (jojoba, sunflower, macadamia, sweet almond, avocado, olive) plus hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and allantoin, it melts away sunscreen, makeup and sebum in a watery emulsion that rinses clean without leaving skin tight or stripped.
6 Botanical Oils
Jojoba, sunflower, macadamia, sweet almond, avocado and olive oil work together to dissolve sunscreen and makeup while nourishing the skin barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORY6 Botanical Oils
Jojoba, sunflower, macadamia, sweet almond, avocado and olive oil work together to dissolve sunscreen and makeup while nourishing the skin barrier.
Hydrating While Cleansing
Sodium hyaluronate, panthenol and allantoin are built into the formula so skin doesn't feel tight or stripped after rinse-off.
Calming Botanical Extracts
Centella asiatica, tea tree leaf, green tea, purslane and coptis japonica root extracts soothe reactive, sensitive skin.
Minimalist Clean Formula
Free of added fragrance, essential oils, alcohol, parabens, colorants and 20+ other potentially irritating ingredients.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Tea tree extract is present in a highly diluted leaf-extract form — generally considered safe in rinse-off products.
Contains multiple fatty acid-rich oils (olive, avocado, sweet almond) and esters (ethylhexyl stearate, isopropyl myristate) that can feed malassezia yeast.
Isopropyl myristate and olive oil rate as potentially pore-clogging. As a rinse-off cleanser the risk is lower, but acne-prone users should double-cleanse.
As the first step of an evening double cleanse, it's fully compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and niacinamide routines that follow.
Fragrance-free, essential-oil free, alcohol-free and clinically tested for irritation. Developed by a brand rooted in treating atopic and reactive skin.
The neat oil is eye-safe, but reviewers note stinging once water is added and the formula turns milky — rinse with eyes closed.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSEthylhexyl Stearate + Isopropyl Myristate ~50-60%Proven
The two lightweight ester emollients that form the bulk of the formula. They dissolve sunscreen, silicones and oil-based makeup on contact, then rinse away cleanly thanks to the surfactant system.
- Function: Fast-spreading emollient esters that reduce heaviness vs. pure plant oils.
- Note: Isopropyl myristate has a comedogenic rating of 3–5 depending on concentration.
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate ~5-10%Proven
A self-emulsifying surfactant that transforms the oil into a milky emulsion the moment water is added, allowing all the dissolved makeup and sebum to rinse off without a greasy film.
- Function: Non-ionic emulsifier, gentle on the skin barrier.
- Studies: Well-tolerated in oil cleansers; not associated with irritation.
Plant Oil Blend (Jojoba, Sunflower, Macadamia, Sweet Almond, Avocado, Olive) ~15-25%Proven
Six cold-pressed botanical oils that nourish while cleansing. Jojoba mimics human sebum, sunflower strengthens the barrier via linoleic acid, macadamia and sweet almond soften, while avocado and olive are antioxidant-rich.
- Jojoba: A wax ester almost identical to sebum; supports barrier function.
- Sunflower: High in linoleic acid (essential for acne-prone skin).
- Macadamia: Rich in palmitoleic acid for a cushiony feel.
Centella Asiatica Extract <1%Proven
A hero Korean skincare ingredient with documented anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activity. Calms redness and supports the skin barrier during cleansing.
- Research: Asiaticoside and madecassoside stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce inflammation.
- Use case: Particularly helpful for rosacea and reactive skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate + Panthenol + Allantoin <1%Proven
The humectant trio that prevents the "tight" feeling most oil cleansers leave behind. They attract water to the skin and soothe micro-irritation from massaging.
- Sodium hyaluronate: Can hold up to 1000× its weight in water.
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5): Anti-inflammatory and barrier-repairing.
- Allantoin: Promotes cell turnover and soothes irritation at 0.5–2%.
Tea Tree + Green Tea + Coptis Japonica + Purslane <0.5%Promising
A quartet of traditional-medicine botanical extracts. Tea tree leaf extract (not essential oil) offers mild antibacterial action, green tea is antioxidant-rich, and coptis and purslane are classic Korean anti-inflammatory herbs.
- Pyunkang Yul heritage: The parent clinic specializes in atopic skin; these herbal picks reflect that expertise.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Included as an antioxidant to stabilize the oils and protect skin.
26 ingredients
Ethylhexyl Stearate, Isopropyl Myristate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Water, Diisostearyl Malate, Tocopherol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Allantoin, Panthenol, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as step 1 of an evening double cleanse. Always follow with a water-based cleanser to remove residual oil and emulsifier.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply to Dry Skin
Dispense 2–3 pumps onto clean, dry hands and dry face. Wet skin dilutes the oil and reduces makeup-removing power.
Massage 30–60 Seconds
Work in gentle circles across the face, focusing on the nose and chin where sebum and sunscreen build up.
Emulsify With Water
Add a splash of lukewarm water and keep massaging until the oil turns into a milky emulsion (about 10–15 seconds). Avoid getting it in the eyes at this stage.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until no slippery residue remains. Do not rub — let the water do the work.
Follow With a Second Cleanser
Complete the double cleanse with a gentle low-pH foam or gel cleanser to remove any remaining film and rebalance the skin.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You wear daily sunscreen and want to remove it properly
- You have sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin
- You dislike fragrance and essential oils in cleansers
- You want a watery, lightweight oil rather than a heavy balm
- You're looking for K-beauty value (290 ml for budget price)
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a "clean" cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You are very acne-prone with easily clogged pores
- You wear heavy waterproof eye makeup daily (a balm works better)
- You prefer a thick, cushioning balm texture
- You don't double cleanse (film can remain without a second wash)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight watery texture, but follow with a proper water-based cleanser to avoid residue on oily T-zones.
Hyaluronic acid, panthenol and six nourishing oils prevent the post-cleanse tightness dry skin hates.
Balances removal of oil-zone sebum with hydration on drier cheeks — the formula's sweet spot.
Fragrance-free, EO-free, cica and panthenol-infused — developed by a brand specializing in atopic dermatitis.
Tea tree extract and sunflower oil help, but isopropyl myristate and olive oil may clog very clog-prone skin.
Multiple fatty acid-rich oils and esters can feed malassezia yeast — not recommended.
Results timeline
AFTER 8+ WEEKSClean, Non-Tight Skin
Sunscreen, makeup and daily grime dissolve easily. Skin feels soft rather than squeaky or dry immediately after rinsing.
92% noticedSmoother Texture, Less Congestion
Regular thorough removal of SPF and sebum can reduce clogged pores, especially on the nose and chin.
78% noticedCalmer, More Balanced Complexion
Centella, panthenol and allantoin together with consistent proper cleansing help reduce redness and post-cleanse reactivity.
71% noticedStronger Barrier, Fewer Flare-ups
With the barrier no longer stripped nightly by harsh cleansers, sensitive and atopic users report fewer reactivity episodes.
65% noticedRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely fragrance-free and essential-oil free
- Lightweight, watery texture that doesn't feel heavy
- Excellent at dissolving sunscreen and regular makeup
- Does not strip the skin barrier; no post-cleanse tightness
- Generous 290 ml bottle — lasts 3+ months with daily use
- Great value for K-beauty quality
- EWG-verified ingredient list; vegan and cruelty-free
- Developed by a brand with atopic-skin expertise
Criticized
- Not fungal-acne safe (multiple oils and esters)
- Struggles with waterproof eye makeup
- Leaves a slight oily film — requires a second cleanse
- Emulsified formula can sting the eyes
- Pump mechanism is inconsistent (some defective units)
- Very runny — hard to control amount dispensed
- Contains isopropyl myristate (comedogenic 3–5)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Very similar lightweight, fragrance-friendly K-beauty oil with hanbang botanicals. Even gentler on eyes and slightly better at waterproof makeup, but has ginseng-leaning scent.
Very light watery oil with rice bran and moringa. Cheaper per ml and easier to find, but contains fragrance and fewer botanical soothers.
Papaya-extract-based cleansing oil popular for blackhead removal. Slightly more active and exfoliating, but texture is heavier and scent noticeable.
Cult olive-oil based cleanser. Better at waterproof makeup but heavier and more likely to trigger fungal acne. Pyunkang Yul feels lighter on skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed to prevent oxidation.
290 ml plastic pump bottle
Not in original size — 290 ml exceeds the 100 ml cabin limit. Decant into a smaller travel pump.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens — the ingredients most commonly flagged during pregnancy. It does include a highly diluted tea tree leaf extract (not essential oil), which is generally considered safe in rinse-off products. If you are particularly cautious, consult your OB/GYN, but the formula has no known pregnancy-risk actives.
No. The formula contains multiple ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, including olive oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, ethylhexyl stearate and isopropyl myristate. If you suffer from fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), look for a cleanser with squalane or MCT-based oils instead.
Yes, fully compatible. As a rinse-off first cleanse, it doesn't interact with any leave-on actives. Use it in the evening as step 1, rinse, follow with your water-based cleanser, then apply your retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA serum as usual.
It performs best on dry, sensitive, combination and normal skin — especially those with compromised or reactive barriers. Oily and regular acne-prone users can use it as a first-cleanse if they double cleanse afterwards. Fungal-acne sufferers and very clog-prone users should choose another formula.
Immediate effects (clean, non-tight skin) are noticed from the first use. Textural improvements and reduced congestion typically appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent nightly double cleansing. A calmer, stronger barrier usually develops after 4–8 weeks of regular use.
It's the first step of your evening routine, applied to dry skin before any water-based cleanser. After rinsing, proceed with your foam or gel cleanser, then toner, essence, serum, moisturizer. It is not needed in the morning routine.
It has a moderate comedogenic rating (~3/5) because it contains isopropyl myristate and olive oil — both rated 3–5 on the comedogenic scale. However, because it's a rinse-off cleanser (not a leave-on), the risk of clogging is considerably lower than the raw ingredient ratings suggest. A thorough second cleanse further reduces any risk.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Given the 290 ml size and typical usage of 2–3 pumps per night, most users finish the bottle in 3–6 months, well within the PAO window. Keep the pump clean and the bottle stored away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent the oils from oxidizing.
Verdict: Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil is one of the best-value K-beauty oil cleansers on the market — a lightweight, fragrance-free, barrier-friendly formula that easily dissolves sunscreen and everyday makeup while keeping sensitive skin calm. It's not perfect: it struggles with waterproof eye makeup, isn't fungal-acne safe, and the pump quality is inconsistent. But for dry, sensitive, combination or reactive skin types who want a generous 290 ml bottle of a clean, effective first cleanser, it's a hard product to beat at this price point.
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 skin’s 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 «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.
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 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isopropyl Myristate
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance, Binding Agent, Binding
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Diisostearyl Malate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant
|
|