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Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil

Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A minimal, fragrance-free cleansing oil with only 6 ingredients. Made with 85% plant-based oils rich in linoleic acid, it gently melts away makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum while leaving skin hydrated, balanced, and never stripped. By Dear, Klairs.

Vegan Cruelty-Free Fragrance-Free Only 6 Ingredients Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Ethanol-Free 85% Plant Oils Dermatologically Tested
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
150ml / 5.07 fl oz
Type
Oil Cleanser
Plant Oils
85%
Ingredients
Only 6
Brand
Dear, Klairs
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

50% Sunflower Seed Oil

Rich in linoleic acid (omega-6), vitamins A, B, and C. Calms irritation, fights free radicals, and helps even out skin tone without clogging pores.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight oil
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Instant emulsification
Finish
Fresh, non-oily

50% Sunflower Seed Oil

Rich in linoleic acid (omega-6), vitamins A, B, and C. Calms irritation, fights free radicals, and helps even out skin tone without clogging pores.

Grape Seed Oil

Lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil packed with polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help soothe acne-prone skin.

Jojoba Seed Oil

A wax ester that closely mimics human sebum, helping regulate oil production. Non-comedogenic and deeply moisturizing without leaving a greasy residue.

Black Currant Seed Oil

Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and anthocyanin antioxidants. Restores moisture balance and strengthens the skin barrier.

Effortless Emulsification

Turns milky white on contact with water and rinses clean without leaving a film or greasy residue. No washcloth needed.

Double Cleanse Step 1

Designed as the first step in a double cleanse routine. Dissolves oil-soluble impurities like SPF, makeup, and sebum so your second cleanser works better.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All 6 ingredients are plant-derived oils and an emulsifier considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) — Use with Caution

Contains PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate (an ester-type emulsifier) and plant oils with oleic/linoleic fatty acids that may feed Malassezia yeast. As a rinse-off product with brief skin contact, risk is lower, but those with active fungal acne should patch test first.

Low Comedogenic Rating (1/5)

Sunflower seed oil has a comedogenic index of 0. Grape seed and jojoba oils rate 1-2. As a wash-off cleanser, pore-clogging risk is minimal.

Sensitive Skin Tested

Passed Primary Skin Irritation Test, Primary Skin Irritation Test for Sensitive Skin, and Eye Irritation Test. Fragrance-free, paraben-free, ethanol-free, and silicone-free.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free

Certified vegan formula with no animal-derived ingredients. Dear, Klairs is a cruelty-free brand that does not test on animals.

Compatible with Active Ingredients

Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA in the same routine. Use this as Step 1, followed by your water-based cleanser and actives.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Sunflower Seed Oil ~50%Proven

The base of this formula. Sunflower seed oil is exceptionally rich in linoleic acid (50-74%), an essential fatty acid that supports the skin barrier and is especially beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin types that tend to be linoleic-acid deficient.

  • Comedogenic Index: 0 out of 5 — suitable for all skin types
  • Fatty Acid Profile: 50-74% linoleic acid, 14-35% oleic acid
  • Antioxidants: Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E for photoprotection
High linoleic acid content makes it especially balancing for oily and combination skin types.

Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideProven

A fractionated coconut oil derivative that acts as a lightweight emollient. Clear, odorless, and non-greasy, it helps the formula spread evenly across the skin and enhances the dissolving power of the cleansing oil.

  • Source: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin
  • Skin Feel: Light-textured, non-greasy, well-tolerated by all skin types
  • Function: Emollient and solvent that improves product spreadability

PEG-20 Glyceryl TriisostearateProven

The key emulsifier that allows this oil to turn milky and rinse cleanly with water. Creates a microemulsion that lifts makeup and sebum without the need for a washcloth or excessive rinsing.

  • Function: Emulsifier and mild surfactant for water-rinsable oil cleansers
  • Benefit: Creates crystal-clear microemulsions gentle to the skin
  • Rinse: Leaves no oily residue after washing
This ester-type emulsifier may not be fungal acne (malassezia) safe. However, as a rinse-off product, exposure time is minimal.

Grape Seed OilProven

A polyphenol-rich plant oil from grape seeds. Lightweight and non-greasy with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect skin from environmental damage.

  • Fatty Acid Profile: 55-77% linoleic acid, 12-27% oleic acid
  • Antioxidants: Vitamin E, vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids
  • Research: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory — may help with acne and skin tone

Jojoba Seed OilProven

Technically a liquid wax ester rather than a true oil, jojoba is the plant oil most similar to human sebum. It helps regulate oil production and forms a protective, non-greasy barrier on the skin.

  • Key Fatty Acid: 73.4% eicosenoic acid
  • Unique Property: Structurally identical to human sebum (both are wax esters)
  • Benefit: May help "trick" skin into producing less sebum, balancing oily skin
Non-comedogenic. Used medicinally by indigenous cultures for centuries as a moisturizer and wound healer.

Black Currant Seed OilPromising

A nutrient-dense oil rich in both omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (gamma-linolenic acid) fatty acids. Provides antioxidant protection and helps restore the skin's moisture barrier.

  • Key Nutrients: High in omega-3, omega-6, vitamin E, and anthocyanins
  • Antioxidant: Anthocyanins fight free radicals and environmental damage
  • Skin Benefit: Softens skin, restores moisture, and supports barrier function

6 ingredients

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil

FREE FROM: Fragrance/Parfum, Parabens, Silicones, Ethanol/Alcohol, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colorants, Steroids, Essential Oils, PEGs with low molecular weight, Formaldehyde Releasers, Phthalates
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser (This Product)
2
Water Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as Step 1 of your double cleanse routine (PM). Apply to dry skin before your water-based cleanser. Can also be used in the AM if you prefer oil cleansing in the morning.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Apply to Dry Skin

Dispense 2-3 pumps onto dry palms. Make sure your face and hands are completely dry — water will prevent the oil from dissolving makeup effectively.

2

Massage Gently

Gently massage the oil over your face in rolling, circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Focus on areas with makeup, sunscreen buildup, or clogged pores (nose, chin, forehead).

3

Emulsify with Water

Wet your hands and continue massaging. The oil will turn milky white as it emulsifies, lifting away dissolved impurities for easy rinsing.

4

Rinse with Warm Water

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. The formula washes off clean without leaving an oily film. Follow with your favorite water-based cleanser to complete your double cleanse.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
  • You want a lightweight first cleanser that rinses clean
  • You prefer fragrance-free, minimal ingredient formulas
  • You wear daily sunscreen and light-to-medium makeup
  • You live in a hot, humid climate and find rich oils bothersome
  • You want a vegan, cruelty-free cleansing oil
  • You have sensitive or reactive skin

Consider alternatives if:

  • You regularly wear heavy or waterproof makeup (may need extra effort)
  • You have very dry skin and prefer a richer, more cushiony oil cleanser
  • You have active fungal acne (contains potential FA-feeding ingredients)
  • You prefer a cleansing balm texture over an oil
  • You want a single-step cleanser without double cleansing
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Specifically formulated for oily skin. High linoleic acid content helps regulate sebum. Lightweight texture rinses clean without residue or added shine.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across oily T-zone and drier cheeks. Won't over-strip dry areas or add oil to shiny zones. Ideal everyday cleanser.

Dry Skin
Good

Cleanses without stripping moisture, but the lightweight formula may not feel rich enough for very dry skin. Consider the Deep version for more nourishment.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Fragrance-free, only 6 ingredients, and passed sensitive skin irritation testing. One of the gentlest oil cleansers available for reactive skin.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic (rating 1/5). High linoleic acid composition is beneficial for acne-prone skin. Helps dissolve sebum plugs and reduce blackheads over time.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2-3
Day 1

Immediate Clean Feel

Makeup and sunscreen dissolve effortlessly. Skin feels soft, clean, and hydrated — not tight or stripped. No oily film left behind after rinsing.

95% noticed immediately
Week 1-2

Improved Skin Texture

Pores appear cleaner as daily oil cleansing dissolves sebum plugs. Skin feels smoother to the touch, especially across the nose, chin, and forehead.

80% noticed within 2 weeks
Week 3-4

Reduced Blackheads & Balanced Oil

Consistent use leads to visibly fewer blackheads and more balanced oil production. Skin looks clearer without the midday shine many oily-skin users experience.

70% noticed within 1 month
Month 2-3

Overall Skin Health Improvement

Continued nourishment from linoleic acid and plant antioxidants contributes to a healthier, more resilient skin barrier. Fewer breakouts and a more even-toned complexion.

65% noticed by month 3
09

Ratings by platform

5K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.6
Rating
3,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Struggles to remove heavy waterproof mascara completely
YesStyle
4.7
Rating
850+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can feel too lightweight for dry skin types in winter
iHerb
4.7
Rating
600+
Reviews
Main complaint: 150ml bottle runs out quickly with 3-pump daily use (about 5 weeks)
Stylevana
4.6
Rating
400+
Reviews
Main complaint: Slightly higher price point compared to some drugstore oil cleansers
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Ultra-minimal 6-ingredient formula — one of the simplest on the market
  • Fragrance-free and passed sensitive skin irritation tests
  • Emulsifies quickly and rinses completely clean without residue
  • Noticeably reduces blackheads with consistent daily use
  • Lightweight feel perfect for oily and combo skin in humid climates
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious packaging
  • Does not cause breakouts even on acne-prone skin
  • Pump dispenses smoothly without squirting or wasting product

Criticized

  • Does not fully remove waterproof mascara or very heavy makeup
  • 150ml bottle can run out in 5-6 weeks with generous daily use
  • Too lightweight for dry skin types who prefer richer oil cleansers
  • Contains PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate which may not suit fungal acne
  • Slightly higher price per ml than budget K-beauty oil cleansers
  • Must be used on dry skin — will not work on wet face
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
$9.99
Budget Pick

A popular J-beauty oil cleanser with a similarly lightweight feel and quick emulsification. Contains mineral oil as a base instead of sunflower oil, making it more effective on waterproof makeup but less "clean beauty" focused. Larger 230ml size at a fraction of the price.

72% Match
Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil
$12.00
Budget Pick

Another Korean oil cleanser with a light texture. Contains rice bran and rice germ oils for brightening, plus jojoba. Has a mild fragrance and a longer ingredient list (not as minimal), but offers good value for the 150ml size.

68% Match
Gokujyun Oil Cleansing
$14.00
Budget Pick

J-beauty option with olive oil base and added hyaluronic acid for hydration. Thin, runny texture similar to the Klairs Fresh. Contains more ingredients and is not fragrance-free. Good for those who want extra hydration from their first cleanse.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Deep Cleansing Oil
Key Ingredients Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Rosemary
Size 200ml
Ingredient Count 7
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Best For Combo, oily, heavy makeup
Vegan No
Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
Key Ingredients Centella, Vitamin C, Green Tea
Size 100ml
Ingredient Count 20+ (complex)
Fragrance Contains fragrance
Best For Sensitive, dry, redness-prone
Vegan Yes
Pore Cleansing Oil With BHA
Key Ingredients Olive Oil, BHA (Salicylic Acid), Aloe
Size 300ml
Ingredient Count 15+ (complex)
Fragrance Contains fragrance
Best For Oily, acne-prone, blackheads
Vegan Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the pump cap closed when not in use to prevent oxidation of plant oils.

Packaging

Slim, dark transparent plastic pump bottle (150ml). Pump dispenses smoothly without squirting. Transparent body lets you monitor remaining product level.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 150ml is over the 100ml carry-on limit, but a 30ml travel-size mini is available separately. Pump locks for spill-free transport.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. This cleansing oil contains only 6 plant-based ingredients and an emulsifier. There are no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is one of the safest cleansing oil options for expectant and nursing mothers.

Use with caution. The formula contains PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate (an ester emulsifier) and plant oils with fatty acids that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast. However, as a rinse-off product that stays on skin for under a minute, the risk is lower than with leave-on products. If you have active fungal acne, patch test first or opt for a fungal-acne-safe alternative like a micellar water.

Yes, absolutely. This is a rinse-off first cleanser that does not contain any active ingredients. It is fully compatible with all actives including retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA. Use it as Step 1 to remove sunscreen and makeup, follow with your water-based cleanser, then apply your actives as usual.

This cleansing oil is especially well-suited for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. The lightweight formula with high linoleic acid content helps balance sebum production. It also works well for acne-prone skin due to its non-comedogenic ingredients. Dry skin types can use it but may prefer the richer Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil instead.

You will notice cleaner, softer skin from the very first use. Within 1-2 weeks of daily use, most users report improved skin texture and visibly cleaner pores. By week 3-4, many notice a reduction in blackheads and more balanced oil production. Long-term use (2-3 months) contributes to overall healthier, more resilient skin.

It is the very first step of your PM skincare routine — the oil cleansing step in a double cleanse. Apply to dry skin, massage, emulsify with water, rinse, then follow with a water-based cleanser (like the Klairs Gentle Black Facial Cleanser). Continue with toner, serum, moisturizer, etc. Some people also use it in the AM, though most reserve oil cleansing for evenings.

No, this product has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. Sunflower seed oil has a comedogenic index of 0. Grape seed and jojoba oils are rated 1-2. Furthermore, as a rinse-off cleanser that stays on your skin for under a minute, the chance of pore clogging is extremely low. Many acne-prone users specifically praise this product for not causing breakouts.

The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. In terms of actual usage, the 150ml bottle typically lasts 5-8 weeks depending on how many pumps you use per session (most people use 2-3 pumps). Some reviewers noted a slight oil smell developing around the 3-month mark, so try to use it within its PAO. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil is one of the best minimal-ingredient oil cleansers for oily, combination, and sensitive skin. With only 6 fragrance-free, vegan ingredients and 85% plant-based oils, it delivers a lightweight, fresh cleansing experience that dissolves makeup and sunscreen without leaving residue. While it may not tackle heavy waterproof makeup and the 150ml bottle runs out fairly quickly, its gentle yet effective formula, easy emulsification, and skin-balancing linoleic acid content make it a standout first cleanser for daily double cleansing. An excellent choice for anyone who values simplicity, transparency, and clean K-beauty.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
16% 16% 66%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 6 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
0 Unknown
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
1 A
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
3 Unknown
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
0 Unknown
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS