Mild Cleansing Oil
Mild Cleansing Oil
Product Description
Product overview
FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil is the iconic Japanese no-rub makeup remover that has sold over 100 million bottles worldwide. This preservative-free, additive-free cleansing oil features a unique "Smooth Cushion Oil" technology that effortlessly dissolves stubborn makeup, waterproof mascara, and pore-clogging impurities — all without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. Powered by Aged Hop Extract and Meadowfoam Seed Oil, it visibly minimizes pores and refines skin texture with continued use.
No-Rub Makeup Removal
Dissolves stubborn makeup including waterproof mascara without harsh rubbing or tugging on delicate skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYNo-Rub Makeup Removal
Dissolves stubborn makeup including waterproof mascara without harsh rubbing or tugging on delicate skin.
Preservative-Free Formula
Free from preservatives, artificial fragrances, dyes, petroleum surfactants, and UV absorbers.
Aged Hop Extract
Signature ingredient that softens pore-clogging dirt and helps minimize the appearance of pores over time.
Smooth Cushion Technology
Unique cushiony texture glides effortlessly across skin, dissolving impurities while preserving the moisture barrier.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Gentle and safe to use throughout pregnancy and nursing.
Contains esters, fatty acids, and Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil that may feed Malassezia yeast.
Esters used are designed to wash off completely. Most users report no clogged pores or breakouts.
SkinSAFE Top-Free rated. No alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or common allergens. Tested for ophthalmologic gentleness.
Compatible with all actives. As a first-step cleanser, it rinses off before any treatment products are applied.
Contains no oxybenzone, octinoxate, or chemical UV filters that harm marine ecosystems.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCetyl Ethylhexanoate ~25-30%Proven
The lead emollient ester (cetyl alcohol + ethylhexanoic acid) that gives the oil its signature velvety, silky glide. It's a popular cleansing oil base because it dissolves makeup effectively without leaving an oily residue.
- Source: CIR Expert Panel rates it safe at concentrations up to 50% in cosmetics.
- Function: Makeup-dissolving emollient with non-greasy, fast-spreading feel.
Polyglyceryl-10/20 Esters ~20-25%Proven
A blend of Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-20 Hexacaprylate, and Polyglyceryl-20 Octaisononanoate. These plant-derived surfactants are what allow the oil to emulsify and rinse cleanly with water — no oily residue left behind.
- Source: Polyglyceryl esters are gentle, non-ionic emulsifiers preferred for sensitive-skin formulas.
- Function: Self-emulsifying surfactant system that lifts impurities and rinses clean with water.
Humulus Lupulus (Aged Hop) Extract Active %Promising
FANCL's signature hero ingredient. Aged hop extract contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that help soften hardened sebum trapped in pores, supporting the gentle removal of blackheads and refining pore appearance with continued use.
- Source: FANCL R&D research links aged hop extract to softer keratin plugs and improved pore visibility over 4 weeks of use.
- Function: Pore-refining botanical with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil ~5-10%Proven
An exceptionally stable, non-greasy plant oil rich in long-chain fatty acids and natural vitamin E. Meadowfoam helps dislodge oil-based impurities from pores while leaving skin feeling soft rather than stripped.
- Source: Native to California and Oregon, prized in cosmetics for its oxidative stability and skin-feel similar to jojoba oil.
- Function: Conditioning emollient and antioxidant-rich oil that nourishes skin during cleansing.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil ~1-3%Proven
Rich in linoleic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Helps support the skin's natural barrier function and reinforces the oil's gentle, non-stripping cleansing action.
- Source: Multiple studies show high-linoleic sunflower oil supports skin barrier integrity and reduces TEWL (transepidermal water loss).
- Function: Barrier-supportive emollient with anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycerin & Diglycerin ~3-5%Proven
Two of the most well-studied humectants in skincare. They draw moisture into the skin during cleansing, which is one reason FANCL's oil leaves skin feeling soft rather than tight or dehydrated.
- Source: Glycerin is the gold-standard humectant in dermatology, used at 1-10% in countless formulas.
- Function: Hydration and moisture-balancing during the cleansing process.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ~0.1-1%Proven
A pure form of vitamin E that protects the oil from oxidation (extending shelf life despite being preservative-free) and offers antioxidant protection to the skin against free radicals from pollution and environmental stress.
- Source: Vitamin E is one of the most-studied antioxidants in skincare and works synergistically with vitamin C.
- Function: Antioxidant and natural formula stabilizer.
25 ingredients
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol Diisononanoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-20 Hexacaprylate, Polyglyceryl-20 Octaisononanoate, Glycerin, Tridecane, Dicaprylyl Ether, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Diglycerin, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rubus Ellipticus Root Extract, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, PPG-2 Arginine, Stearoyl Inulin, Water, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the FIRST step of your double-cleansing routine in the evening. Always follow with a water-based cleanser for a complete cleanse.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense 2 Pumps onto Dry Hands
Apply to a dry face — water dilutes the oil and reduces makeup-removing power. Hands and face should both be dry to start.
Massage Gently in Circular Motions
Glide over face for 30-60 seconds. Focus on areas with foundation, mascara, and sunscreen. No harsh rubbing needed — the oil does the work.
Emulsify with Water
Add a small amount of lukewarm water and continue massaging until the oil turns milky white. This is the surfactants activating.
Rinse Thoroughly
Splash with lukewarm water until completely rinsed clean. Skin should feel soft, not tight or oily.
Follow with a Second Cleanser
Complete your double cleanse with a water-based cleanser like FANCL Facial Cleansing Powder for thoroughly clean skin.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You wear daily makeup, sunscreen, or both
- You have sensitive or reactive skin
- You have dry, dehydrated, or mature skin
- You want to avoid preservatives and fragrance
- You have visible pores or blackheads
- You're committed to double cleansing
- You want a gentle K-beauty/J-beauty staple
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You wear no makeup or sunscreen
- You prefer balm or cream cleansers
- You want a single-step cleanser
- You're highly oil-averse
- You're on a strict budget (it is premium-priced)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESAged hop extract targets sebum-clogged pores. Rinses cleanly without leaving residue or greasy film.
Glycerin and emollient esters preserve moisture barrier — no tight, stripped feeling after rinsing.
Balances pore care in the T-zone with hydration on drier areas — a crowd-pleasing universal formula.
Preservative-free, fragrance-free, dye-free. SkinSAFE Top-Free rated for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
Low comedogenic rating and pore-clearing benefits. Caution if you specifically have fungal acne (Malassezia).
No-rub formula minimizes friction and tugging — ideal for delicate, mature skin around eyes and cheeks.
Results timeline
WEEK 4+Effortlessly Clean Skin
Even waterproof mascara and long-wear foundation dissolve without rubbing. Skin feels soft, not stripped.
95% noticedSmoother Texture
Skin feels noticeably softer to the touch. Less buildup, less tightness, better makeup application the next day.
82% noticedReduced Blackheads
Aged hop extract begins to soften hardened sebum in pores. Visible reduction in blackheads, especially on the nose.
68% noticedRefined Pore Appearance
Pores look smaller and skin texture appears more even. The overall complexion feels clearer and more refined.
71% noticedRatings by platform
20K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Removes waterproof makeup effortlessly without rubbing
- Cushiony, non-greasy texture loved by reviewers
- Rinses completely clean with no oily residue
- 100% preservative-free and additive-free formulation
- Visible pore-refining effects with continued use
- Suitable for the most sensitive skin types
- Made in Japan with strict quality standards
Criticized
- Premium price for the size (120ml)
- Only 4 months PAO due to preservative-free formula
- Not fungal acne (Malassezia) safe
- Contains silicones (Dimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy)
- Limited international retail availability
- Pump can dispense too much product on travel size
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same Japanese drugstore-staple format with strong waterproof makeup removal. Slightly more astringent feel and not preservative-free. Less luxurious texture but very effective at half the price.
Iconic Japanese olive-oil-based cleansing oil. More olive-oil-rich and slightly heavier texture. Contains preservatives but has a longer shelf life. Best for very dry skin.
K-beauty alternative with rice bran extract for brightening. Lighter, more watery texture. Contains fragrance and preservatives, but a great affordable starter oil.
J-beauty drugstore option enriched with hyaluronic acid. Lighter, less cushiony than FANCL. Hydrating but contains fragrance and not as gentle for highly sensitive skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Oil
Storage & shelf life
4 MONTHS4 months once opened (120 days) — short due to its preservative-free formulation. Manufacture date is printed on the bottle.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures and high-humidity bathrooms when possible.
Hygienic pump bottle in 100% recycled PET plastic. Touch-free dispensing helps maintain freshness without preservatives.
Yes — 120ml is just within most carry-on liquid limits (TSA 100ml exception with toiletry bag). A 60ml travel size is also available.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the four ingredient categories typically flagged during pregnancy and nursing. It is also fragrance-free and preservative-free, making it one of the gentlest cleansing oils available for expectant and nursing mothers. As always, consult your OB/GYN if you have concerns about specific ingredients.
No, it is not fungal-acne safe. The formula contains Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, esters, and polyglyceryl fatty acid derivatives that can feed Malassezia yeast. However, because it is a rinse-off cleanser (not a leave-on product), some people with mild fungal acne tolerate it well. If you have active Malassezia folliculitis, consider a fungal-acne-safe gel cleanser instead.
Yes — fully compatible with all active ingredients. Because it is a first-step rinse-off cleanser, it washes away completely before any treatment products are applied. It will not destabilize vitamin C, neutralize acids, or interact with retinol. In fact, its gentle, barrier-preserving formula is ideal for users on strong actives whose skin needs less aggressive cleansing.
It is genuinely all-skin-type, which is rare for a cleansing oil. It scores excellent for oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and mature skin. It is especially loved by those with sensitive or reactive skin because it is preservative-free, fragrance-free, and free from common allergens. The only caution is for those with confirmed fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis).
Effortless makeup removal and softer skin are noticeable from the very first use. For pore-refining benefits from the aged hop extract, expect to see gradual improvement in blackhead reduction around weeks 2-3, with visible pore refinement at the 4-week mark with consistent nightly use.
It is the very first step of your evening skincare routine. Apply to dry skin with dry hands, massage to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, emulsify with water, then rinse off. Always follow with a water-based second cleanser (such as a foam or gel) to complete a proper double cleanse. It is not typically used in the morning unless you sleep with leftover products.
The formula has a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5. Despite containing oils, the polyglyceryl ester surfactants are specifically designed to lift impurities out of pores and rinse away cleanly. With over 100 million bottles sold, the overwhelming majority of users — including those with acne-prone skin — report no clogged pores or breakouts. Always patch-test if your skin is highly reactive.
4 months (120 days) after opening. This shorter shelf life is the trade-off for being completely preservative-free — there are no ingredients to keep the formula stable indefinitely once exposed to air. Mark the date you open it on the bottle, store it in a cool dry place, and aim to finish within the 4-month window. The 120ml size is designed to be used up within this period with daily nightly use.
Verdict: A genuine icon of J-beauty cleansing oils.FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil earns its #1 status in Japan's cleansing oil category through one of the cleanest, most barrier-respecting formulations on the market. The signature Aged Hop Extract delivers measurable pore-refining benefits, while the cushiony Smooth Cushion Oil texture removes even waterproof makeup without a single tug. The premium price and short 4-month PAO are real trade-offs, but for sensitive-skin users, fragrance-avoiders, and anyone serious about a gentle double-cleansing ritual, this remains a top-tier holy grail with over 100 million bottles sold to back it up.
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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting 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 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 0 |
Butylene Glycol Diisononanoate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-20 Hexacaprylate
|
|
|
| 0 |
Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-20 Octaisononanoate
Cleansing, Emulsifying
|
|