The Camellia Cleansing Oil
The Camellia Cleansing Oil
Product Description
Product overview
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.
Japanese Camellia Oil
Lightweight botanical oil rich in vitamins A, B, D, E and omega fatty acids for deep nourishment.
Texture & feel
SENSORYJapanese 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.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains fermented rice filtrate, oleic acid-rich oils, and esters that may feed malassezia yeast.
Dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic formula. Rating 1/5 - unlikely to clog pores for most users.
Includes parfum with limonene and citral. Patch test if sensitive to fragrances.
Ophthalmologist tested. Gentle enough to remove eye makeup including waterproof mascara.
Non-irritating, non-sensitizing formula. However, always patch test new products.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCamellia 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
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
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
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as Step 1 of your double-cleanse routine. Follow with The Rice Wash, The Deep Cleanse, or The Rice Polish for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USEStart Dry
Begin with completely dry hands and a dry face. This allows the oil to effectively bind with makeup and impurities.
Apply Oil
Dispense 1-2 pumps into the palm of your hand. A little goes a long way.
Massage Gently
Massage into skin using circular motions for 30-60 seconds. The oil will break down makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
Emulsify
Add a small amount of warm water. The oil will transform into a milky emulsion.
Rinse Clean
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. No oily residue will remain. Follow with your water-based cleanser.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect 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
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESNourishing oils deeply hydrate without stripping natural moisture. Leaves skin soft and supple, not tight.
Despite being oil-based, emulsifies completely with no greasy residue. Great for dissolving excess sebum.
Balances both oily T-zone and dry areas effectively. Cleanses without over-drying or adding excess oil.
Non-irritating and dermatologist tested. Contains fragrance, so patch test first if highly reactive.
Non-comedogenic, but contains ferments and oleic acid. Not recommended for fungal acne. Patch test advised.
Antioxidant-rich formula fights free radicals. Clinical studies show 95% improvement in fine lines over 4 weeks.
Results timeline
4+ WEEKSClean, Soft Skin
Makeup and sunscreen completely removed. Skin feels silky-soft and hydrated, not stripped or tight.
100% noticedImproved Skin Texture
Skin feels smoother and more nourished. Pores appear cleaner from thorough daily cleansing.
85% noticedEnhanced Radiance
Improved skin clarity and luminosity. Better absorption of subsequent skincare products.
78% noticedVisible Anti-Aging Benefits
Clinical studies show 95% improvement in fine lines and 100% improvement in wrinkles when used with Rice Polish.
95% noticedRatings by platform
6K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 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
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESOlive oil-based Japanese classic. Similar effectiveness at removing makeup. Slightly thicker texture with rosemary scent. Best for dry skin. 200ml bottle lasts longer.
Japanese drugstore favorite with 5 organic oils. Works on wet skin. Lighter texture, fragrance-free. 240ml for fraction of price. Less luxurious feel.
Additive-free Japanese option with serum-like texture. No preservatives or fragrance. Better for sensitive skin. 120ml bottle is smaller.
Ultra-luxurious Japanese option with 8 botanical oils. Cashmere-like texture. More expensive but considered gold standard. 150ml same size.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEKose Softymo Speedy
Shu Uemura Ultime8
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep bottle upright to prevent leakage from pump.
Glass bottle with pump dispenser. Recyclable - remove pump, replace cap, recycle bottle.
Mini size (50ml/1.7oz) available for $20 - TSA compliant under 100ml limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|






