Gokujyun Oil Cleansing
Gokujyun Oil Cleansing
Product Description
Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing is a lightweight Japanese cleansing oil that turns the first step of double cleansing into a hydrating treatment. An olive- and jojoba-oil base melts away makeup, sunscreen and even waterproof mascara, while two forms of hyaluronic acid leave a thin moisturizing film so skin feels soft and comfortable instead of tight after rinsing.
โจ Texture & Feel
Dual Hyaluronic Acid
Super HA holds moisture and a rinse-resistant cationic HA clings to skin, leaving a hydrating film after washing.
Olive & Jojoba Oils
Pure olive fruit oil dissolves makeup and SPF, while jojoba seed oil conditions and soothes the skin.
Rinses Clean
Turns milky white on contact with water and washes off completely with no greasy residue.
Gentle & Mild
Fragrance-, alcohol- and mineral-oil-free formula that doesn't sting eyes or leave skin tight.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. The oils and hyaluronic acid are widely considered safe during pregnancy.
Contains fatty-acid esters, olive oil and jojoba oil that can feed malassezia. As a rinse-off step the risk is lower, but it isn't FA-safe.
No added fragrance or colorants, making it a good choice for fragrance-sensitive and reactive skin.
The olive-oil base suits dry and normal skin best. Oily or breakout-prone users should always follow with a second foaming cleanse.
As the first cleanse it's removed before serums, so it's compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHA and BHA used later in your routine.
Reviewers report it removes eye makeup and waterproof mascara without stinging sensitive eyes.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งด Ethylhexyl Palmitate Base Proven
A fatty-acid ester (octyl palmitate) that forms the lightweight backbone of the oil. It dissolves makeup and SPF, glides smoothly over skin and is a common, well-tolerated replacement for mineral oil.
- Function: Emollient and solvent that helps lift and disperse makeup and sebum.
- Feel: Gives the formula a rich yet non-heavy slip during massage.
๐ซ Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil High Proven
Pure olive oil is the makeup-dissolving workhorse of the formula. Rich in oleic and linoleic acids plus antioxidant vitamin E, it softens skin while breaking down even waterproof products.
- Source: Olive oil contains squalene and vitamin E, both valued emollients and antioxidants.
- Benefit: Helps cleanse without stripping, leaving a comfortable moisturized feel.
๐ง Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate (Super HA) Active Proven
Hada Labo's signature "Super Hyaluronic Acid." This acetylated form is reported to hold roughly twice the moisture of standard hyaluronic acid, helping the cleanse leave skin hydrated rather than dry.
- Source: A fermentation-derived hyaluronic acid that moisturizes and soothes skin.
- Benefit: Counteracts the tight, stripped feeling typical of cleansing.
๐งฒ Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate Active Promising
A cationic ("skin-adsorbed") hyaluronic acid that carries a positive charge, so it bonds electrostatically to skin and resists being rinsed away โ leaving a thin hydrating film behind after washing.
- Mechanism: Ionic binding helps it stay on skin and hair even after rinsing.
- Origin: Borrowed from Rohto's pharmaceutical hyaluronic-acid research.
๐ฟ Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Support Promising
Jojoba "oil" is actually a liquid wax ester structurally close to human sebum, so it conditions skin without feeling greasy. It adds vitamin E and soothing, skin-softening fatty acids.
- Source: Seed oil of the jojoba shrub, generally considered low-comedogenic.
- Benefit: Contains vitamin E and may help support balanced sebum and wound healing.
13 ingredients
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Triethylhexanoin, Sorbeth-30 Tetraisostearate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Water, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ceresin, Dextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, BHT.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
This is your first cleanse (PM). Always follow with a foaming water-based cleanser to complete the double cleanse before toner and serums.
๐ How to Use
Start Dry
Make sure both your hands and face are completely dry โ wet skin makes the oil emulsify too early.
Massage In
Dispense 2โ3 pumps and massage over the whole face in circular motions to dissolve makeup, SPF and grime.
Emulsify
Wet your hands and continue massaging โ the oil turns milky white as it emulsifies with water.
Rinse & Double Cleanse
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then follow with a foaming facial wash to finish the cleanse.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have dry, normal, combination or sensitive skin
- You wear sunscreen or makeup and want a gentle first cleanse
- You dislike fragrance and want a no-frills, mild formula
- You want a cleanse that leaves skin hydrated, not tight
- You're after a high-value, large 200 ml bottle
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia) breakouts
- You have very oily, congestion-prone skin
- You skip the second cleanse and want a one-step cleanser
- You need a travel-size under 100 ml for carry-on
- You remove very heavy, long-wear tube mascara or lip tint daily
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
The oils plus dual hyaluronic acid add comfort and moisture, so skin never feels stripped.
Fragrance-free and non-stinging; reviewers with reactive skin and sensitive eyes do well with it.
Removes makeup and SPF cleanly; pair with a foaming second cleanse to balance the oilier zones.
Rinses without greasy residue, but the olive-oil base means a thorough second cleanse is a must.
Not fungal-acne safe and oil-based; usable as a rinse-off step but patch test if you break out easily.
๐ Results Timeline
Clean, Comfortable Skin
Melts away makeup, sunscreen and waterproof mascara, then rinses milky-clean with no tight or stripped feeling.
90% noticed clean removalNo More Post-Cleanse Tightness
Users report skin feels softer and more cushioned after cleansing compared with foaming-only routines.
78% noticed softer skinCalmer, Better-Hydrated Barrier
The gentle, fragrance-free cleanse helps reduce dryness and irritation from over-stripping the skin.
70% noticed less drynessReliable, Economical Staple
A little goes a long way; the 200 ml bottle commonly lasts several months as a nightly first cleanse.
85% would repurchaseโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Removes makeup, SPF and waterproof mascara effectively
- Leaves skin hydrated, never tight or stripped
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive eyes
- Emulsifies and rinses off cleanly with no residue
- Excellent value โ large 200 ml bottle that lasts
โ Criticized
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Olive-oil base may not suit very oily skin
- Struggles with the heaviest tube mascara and lip tints
- Plain plastic pump packaging
- Harder to find in Western brick-and-mortar stores
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Another fast, effective Japanese cleansing oil at a lower price. Uses mineral oil and lacks the dual hyaluronic acid, so it's less hydrating but rinses clean and removes makeup well.
A drugstore J-beauty staple that powers through heavy makeup. More cleansing-focused with less emphasis on after-cleanse hydration than Hada Labo.
A K-beauty alternative with ginseng and soybean oil. Comparable gentle, hydrating cleanse but a richer feel and a botanical scent profile.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing (Featured)
~$17.90DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
~$24.00Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
~$11.00Shu Uemura Ultime8 Cleansing Oil
~$56.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Plastic pump bottle with a travel stopper; refill packs available.
200 ml is over the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit; use refill packs or decant for travel.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters โ the ingredients most often flagged during pregnancy. The formula is built on olive oil, jojoba oil, esters and hyaluronic acid, which are generally considered safe. As always, check with your doctor about your individual situation.
No. It contains fatty-acid esters (such as ethylhexyl palmitate and PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate) plus olive and jojoba oils, which can feed malassezia yeast. Because it's a rinse-off step that washes away, the practical risk is lower than for a leave-on product, but it cannot be considered fungal-acne safe.
Yes. As the very first cleansing step it's massaged in and rinsed off before any actives go on, so it doesn't interact with retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA that you apply later. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly and follow with your second cleanse.
It's best for dry, normal, combination and sensitive skin thanks to its hydrating, fragrance-free formula. Oily and acne-prone skin can use it as a first cleanse but should always follow with a foaming wash, since the olive-oil base is richer.
The cleansing benefit is immediate โ makeup and SPF come off from the first use without a tight feeling. Over one to four weeks of nightly use, many people notice their skin stays softer and less dry than with foaming-only cleansing.
It's your first step in an evening double cleanse: apply to a dry face to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, emulsify with water, rinse, then follow with a foaming water-based cleanser before toner, serum and moisturizer.
We rate it around 2 out of 5. It's an oil-based cleanser that rinses off rather than staying on the skin, so when properly washed away (and followed by a second cleanse) it's unlikely to clog pores for most people. Very oily or congestion-prone users should monitor how their skin responds.
Plan to use it within about 12 months of opening. Stored in a cool, dry place with the cap closed, the formula stays stable; a 200 ml bottle typically lasts several months at one to two pumps per night.
Verdict: Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing is a quietly excellent, pharmacy-grade J-beauty cleansing oil that does one thing very well: it removes makeup and sunscreen gently while leaving skin hydrated thanks to its dual hyaluronic acid. It's a standout value for dry, normal and sensitive skin. The main caveats are that it isn't fungal-acne safe and its olive-oil base makes a thorough second cleanse essential for oily and acne-prone skin. For most people seeking a gentle, no-frills first cleanse, 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
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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 Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|
|
| 1 |
Triethylhexanoin
Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Emollient, Masking, Refatting, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sorbeth-30 Tetraisostearate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|