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The Camellia Cleansing Oil

The Camellia Cleansing Oil

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A luxurious 2-in-1 makeup remover and cleanser that gently melts away dirt, oils, waterproof makeup, and sunscreen using Japanese Camellia Oil, leaving behind silky-soft, nourished skin without stripping natural moisture.

Dermatologist Tested No Mineral Oil Cruelty-Free Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Non-Irritating Recyclable Packaging Gluten-Free
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Price
$50 / 150ml
Size Options
50ml, 150ml
Skin Types
All Types
Best Time
PM / AM
Rating
4.5/5
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Japanese Camellia Oil

Lightweight botanical oil rich in vitamins A, B, D, E and omega fatty acids for deep nourishment.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Oil
Scent
Subtle Floral
Absorption
Emulsifies Instantly
Finish
Silky, No Residue

Japanese Camellia Oil

Lightweight botanical oil rich in vitamins A, B, D, E and omega fatty acids for deep nourishment.

Hadasei-3™ Complex

Proprietary blend of fermented rice, green tea, and algae with amino acids and natural AHAs.

Oil-to-Milk Technology

Transforms from golden oil to milky emulsion with water, rinsing completely clean.

Double-Cleanse Ready

Perfect first step in double cleansing routine. Removes waterproof makeup effortlessly.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains fermented rice filtrate, oleic acid-rich oils, and esters that may feed malassezia yeast.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic formula. Rating 1/5 - unlikely to clog pores for most users.

Contains Fragrance

Includes parfum with limonene and citral. Patch test if sensitive to fragrances.

Safe Around Eyes

Ophthalmologist tested. Gentle enough to remove eye makeup including waterproof mascara.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Non-irritating, non-sensitizing formula. However, always patch test new products.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Camellia Japonica Seed OilKey Ingredient

Known as "Tsubaki" oil in Japan, this lightweight botanical oil is rich in oleic acid, vitamins, and omega fatty acids. Used by Geishas for centuries to maintain flawless skin.

  • Function: Deeply moisturizes without heaviness, softens and smooths skin
  • Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, improves skin elasticity, forms protective barrier
  • Origin: Cold-pressed from Japanese Camellia flower seeds
Absorbs quickly without greasy residue, ideal for all skin types including oily.

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran OilProven

Nutrient-dense oil extracted from rice bran, a staple in Japanese beauty rituals. Contains natural antioxidants and vitamins.

  • Function: Emollient that softens and conditions skin
  • Benefits: Contains ferulic acid (antioxidant), vitamin E, and gamma-oryzanol
  • Research: Studies show rice bran oil improves skin moisture and elasticity

Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment FiltrateHadasei-3™

Part of Tatcha's proprietary Hadasei-3™ complex. Created by fermenting rice with Saccharomyces yeast, similar to sake production.

  • Function: Hydrating, skin-conditioning agent rich in beta-glucan
  • Benefits: Contains natural amino acids and lactic acid (AHA) for gentle resurfacing
  • Inspiration: Inspired by the soft hands of sake brewers who handle fermented rice
Fermented ingredients may not be suitable for those with fungal acne (malassezia).

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Green TeaProven

Potent antioxidant extract from green tea leaves, rich in catechins including EGCG.

  • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, protects against UV damage
  • Research: Proven to reduce sebum production and improve skin elasticity
  • Additional: Contains caffeine to calm inflamed blood vessels, polyphenols for anti-aging

Cladosiphon Okamuranus ExtractHadasei-3™

Okinawan red algae extract, another component of the Hadasei-3™ complex. Rich in polysaccharides.

  • Function: Supports skin barrier function and moisture retention
  • Benefits: Helps maintain skin hydration, provides antioxidant protection
  • Source: Harvested from pristine Okinawan waters

Tocopherol Vitamin EProven

Pure form of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects and conditions skin.

  • Function: Antioxidant, skin conditioning, formula stabilizer
  • Benefits: Protects against free radicals, moisturizes, supports skin healing

17 ingredients

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Aqua/Water/Eau, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum/Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Citral

FREE FROM: Mineral Oil, Sulfates, Detergents, Parabens, Urea, DEA, TEA, Phthalates, Silicones, Gluten, Synthetic Dyes
04

Where it fits in your routine

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

Use as Step 1 of your double-cleanse routine. Follow with The Rice Wash, The Deep Cleanse, or The Rice Polish for best results.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Start Dry

Begin with completely dry hands and a dry face. This allows the oil to effectively bind with makeup and impurities.

2

Apply Oil

Dispense 1-2 pumps into the palm of your hand. A little goes a long way.

3

Massage Gently

Massage into skin using circular motions for 30-60 seconds. The oil will break down makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.

4

Emulsify

Add a small amount of warm water. The oil will transform into a milky emulsion.

5

Rinse Clean

Rinse thoroughly with warm water. No oily residue will remain. Follow with your water-based cleanser.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You wear makeup or sunscreen daily
  • You have dry, dehydrated, or mature skin
  • You want a luxurious cleansing experience
  • You prefer the double-cleansing method
  • You want a cleanser that won't strip your skin
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have waterproof makeup to remove
  • You appreciate Japanese beauty rituals

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia)
  • You're on a tight budget
  • You prefer fragrance-free products
  • You want a single-step cleansing routine
  • You don't wear makeup or sunscreen
  • You're allergic to any listed ingredients
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Dry Skin
Excellent

Nourishing oils deeply hydrate without stripping natural moisture. Leaves skin soft and supple, not tight.

Oily Skin
Good

Despite being oil-based, emulsifies completely with no greasy residue. Great for dissolving excess sebum.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances both oily T-zone and dry areas effectively. Cleanses without over-drying or adding excess oil.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Non-irritating and dermatologist tested. Contains fragrance, so patch test first if highly reactive.

Acne-Prone Skin
Moderate

Non-comedogenic, but contains ferments and oleic acid. Not recommended for fungal acne. Patch test advised.

Mature Skin
Excellent

Antioxidant-rich formula fights free radicals. Clinical studies show 95% improvement in fine lines over 4 weeks.

08

Results timeline

4+ WEEKS
Immediate

Clean, Soft Skin

Makeup and sunscreen completely removed. Skin feels silky-soft and hydrated, not stripped or tight.

100% noticed
Week 1-2

Improved Skin Texture

Skin feels smoother and more nourished. Pores appear cleaner from thorough daily cleansing.

85% noticed
Week 2-4

Enhanced Radiance

Improved skin clarity and luminosity. Better absorption of subsequent skincare products.

78% noticed
4+ Weeks

Visible Anti-Aging Benefits

Clinical studies show 95% improvement in fine lines and 100% improvement in wrinkles when used with Rice Polish.

95% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

6K+ REVIEWS
Sephora
4.5
Rating
2,100+
Reviews
Main complaint: High price point compared to drugstore alternatives
Amazon
4.6
Rating
1,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Bottle size feels small for the price
Tatcha.com
4.7
Rating
2,170+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users find scent too noticeable
Ulta
4.4
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: May cause breakouts for some acne-prone users
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Effortlessly removes waterproof makeup
  • Leaves skin incredibly soft and hydrated
  • No oily residue after rinsing
  • Luxurious spa-like experience
  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin
  • Safe for use around eyes
  • Elegant packaging and presentation
  • A little product goes a long way
  • Pleasant, subtle scent
  • Doesn't sting or irritate eyes

Criticized

  • Premium price point ($50 for 150ml)
  • Not fungal acne safe
  • Contains fragrance (allergen concern)
  • Some find it not effective as one-step cleanser
  • May cause breakouts for acne-prone skin
  • Requires double cleansing for best results
  • Bottle runs out quickly with daily use
  • Some report it's not thick enough
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Deep Cleansing Oil
$28
Budget Pick

Olive oil-based Japanese classic. Similar effectiveness at removing makeup. Slightly thicker texture with rosemary scent. Best for dry skin. 200ml bottle lasts longer.

80% Match
Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
$12
Best Value

Japanese drugstore favorite with 5 organic oils. Works on wet skin. Lighter texture, fragrance-free. 240ml for fraction of price. Less luxurious feel.

75% Match
Mild Cleansing Oil
$28
Similar Price

Additive-free Japanese option with serum-like texture. No preservatives or fragrance. Better for sensitive skin. 120ml bottle is smaller.

70% Match
Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
$65

Ultra-luxurious Japanese option with 8 botanical oils. Cashmere-like texture. More expensive but considered gold standard. 150ml same size.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Deep Cleansing Oil
Size 200ml (6.7 oz)
Price per oz $4.18/oz
Key Ingredient Olive Fruit Oil
Fungal Acne Safe No
Fragrance No (Natural Rosemary)
Mineral Oil Free Yes

Kose Softymo Speedy

Size 240ml (8 oz)
Price per oz $1.50/oz
Key Ingredient 5 Organic Oils
Fungal Acne Safe No
Fragrance No
Mineral Oil Free No (Contains)

Shu Uemura Ultime8

Size 150ml (5 oz)
Price per oz $13.00/oz
Key Ingredient 8 Botanical Oils
Fungal Acne Safe No
Fragrance Yes
Mineral Oil Free 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 bottle upright to prevent leakage from pump.

Packaging

Glass bottle with pump dispenser. Recyclable - remove pump, replace cap, recycle bottle.

Travel Friendly

Mini size (50ml/1.7oz) available for $20 - TSA compliant under 100ml limit.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, The Camellia Cleansing Oil is considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any ingredients typically advised to avoid during pregnancy such as retinoids (retinol, tretinoin), salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or high concentrations of vitamin A derivatives. However, as with any skincare product during pregnancy, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider.

No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast including: Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate (a ferment), Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, and oleic acid-rich oils like Camellia Japonica Seed Oil and Rice Bran Oil. If you struggle with fungal acne, consider alternatives like MCT oil-based or squalane-based cleansers.

Yes! As a first-step cleanser, The Camellia Cleansing Oil is designed to be rinsed off completely, so it's safe to use before applying active ingredients. After cleansing, wait for your skin to dry completely before applying vitamin C, retinol, or chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA). The oil cleanser actually helps remove any residual actives from the previous night, giving you a fresh canvas for your routine.

This cleansing oil works well for all skin types including dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and mature skin. It's particularly excellent for dry and mature skin due to its nourishing oils and antioxidants. People with oily skin appreciate that it emulsifies completely without residue. It's less ideal for those with fungal acne or extreme sensitivity to fragrance.

You'll notice softer, cleaner skin immediately after first use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you should see improved skin texture and reduced dryness. After 4 weeks, clinical studies show 95% of users experienced improvement in fine lines and 100% saw improvement in wrinkles when used with The Rice Polish. Maximum benefits are typically seen after 4-8 weeks of daily use.

The Camellia Cleansing Oil is Step 1 of your routine - the oil cleanse in a double-cleansing method. Use it on dry skin to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based impurities. Then follow with a water-based cleanser (like Tatcha's The Rice Wash or The Deep Cleanse) as Step 2. After cleansing, continue with toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).

The Camellia Cleansing Oil has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5 and is dermatologist tested as non-comedogenic. However, individual reactions vary. Camellia oil is rich in oleic acid, which some acne-prone individuals may find problematic. Since it's a rinse-off product, the risk is lower than leave-on products. If you're concerned, patch test first and always follow with a second cleanser.

The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. The 150ml full-size bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use (1-2 pumps per use). The 50ml travel size lasts approximately 3-4 weeks with daily use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain product integrity.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: Tatcha's Camellia Cleansing Oil is a luxurious, effective makeup remover that lives up to its cult-favorite status. It excels at dissolving even waterproof makeup while leaving skin silky-soft and nourished. The Japanese-inspired formula with Hadasei-3™ complex offers genuine skincare benefits beyond cleansing. While the premium price point is a consideration, the elegant experience and effective results justify the investment for those who prioritize their cleansing ritual. Not recommended for fungal acne sufferers, but ideal for anyone seeking a gentle yet thorough cleanse without compromising skin hydration.

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

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Tocopherol
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Tocopherol
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
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
41% 11% 47%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 17 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 B
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
ache Ache-fighting
0 Unknown
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
0 Unknown
Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
Emulsifying
0 Unknown
Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate
Emulsifying
1 A
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS