Key Takeaways
- Best for: All skin types, especially anyone wearing sunscreen or makeup daily
- Star ingredient: Spanish organic olive oil + vitamin E
- Removes: Waterproof mascara, SPF50+ sunscreen, heavy foundation — in under 60 seconds
- Free from: Fragrance, parabens, colorants, mineral oil
- Price: $23.80 for 200ml (~3-4 months supply)
- Verdict: There is a reason 80+ million bottles have been sold. It works.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is Japan's best-selling makeup remover — and has been for over two decades. With more than 80 million bottles sold worldwide, it has earned a near-cult following among beauty enthusiasts from Tokyo to New York.
But does it actually live up to the hype? After years of it being a staple at NANA MALL (and one of our most repurchased products), here is our honest, detailed review.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil 200ml — Japan's #1 cleansing oil
What Is DHC Deep Cleansing Oil?
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is an oil-based facial cleanser made by DHC Corporation, one of Japan's largest skincare companies. It uses organic Spanish olive oil as its primary ingredient to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and excess sebum without stripping the skin.
Unlike many Western cleansing oils that feel heavy or leave residue, DHC's formula emulsifies completely with water, rinsing clean and leaving skin feeling soft — never greasy or tight.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | DHC Deep Cleansing Oil |
| Size | 200ml (also available in 70ml travel size) |
| Key Ingredient | Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (organic, Spanish) |
| Other Actives | Vitamin E (tocopherol), Rosemary Leaf Extract |
| Free From | Fragrance, parabens, colorants, mineral oil |
| Skin Types | All types including sensitive and acne-prone |
| Made In | Japan |
| Price at NANA MALL | $23.80 |
How to Use DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (Step-by-Step)
Getting the most out of this cleanser comes down to one key rule: start with dry hands on a dry face. Water before oil breaks the emulsification process.
Dispense onto completely dry hands. Do not wet your hands or face first.
Gently massage onto dry face. Watch makeup dissolve on contact.
Splash a little water and massage again. Oil turns milky white.
Rinse with lukewarm water. No residue, no tightness.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Who Is DHC Deep Cleansing Oil Best For?
Great for:
- Daily sunscreen wearers (dissolves SPF completely)
- Full makeup users (foundation, concealer, eye makeup)
- Sensitive skin (fragrance-free, no irritants)
- Double cleansing beginners (easy first step)
- Dry and normal skin types
- Anyone who wants a simple, one-product makeup remover
Consider alternatives if:
- You have a known olive oil allergy
- You prefer to cleanse in the shower (needs dry skin)
- You want a very lightweight, water-like texture
- You strongly dislike any oil-based products
Ingredients Analysis
DHC keeps the formula remarkably short — only 7 ingredients:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil — The star ingredient. Organic Spanish olive oil rich in oleic acid, which has a natural affinity with skin's own sebum. Dissolves oil-based impurities effectively.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — Lightweight coconut-derived oil that improves spreadability.
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate & Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate — Emulsifiers that allow the oil to mix with water and rinse clean.
Squalane — Plant-derived moisturizer that prevents post-cleanse dryness.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) — Antioxidant that protects skin during cleansing.
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate — Anti-inflammatory compound derived from licorice root. Soothes skin.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil — Natural preservative with antioxidant properties.
No parabens, no sulfates, no mineral oil, no synthetic fragrance, no colorants. This is about as clean as a cleansing oil formula gets.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil — clean, minimal ingredient list
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil vs. Other Popular Cleansing Oils
How does DHC stack up against other popular options? Here is a side-by-side comparison:
| Product | Price/ml | Key Oil | Fragrance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHC Deep Cleansing Oil | $0.12 | Olive oil | None | All skin types, sensitive skin |
| Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil | $0.19 | Varies by line | Light | Luxury experience, targeted concerns |
| Kose Softymo Speedy | $0.05 | Mineral oil | Light | Budget option, quick removal |
| Attenir Skin Clear Cleanse Oil | $0.11 | Multiple botanical oils | Citrus aroma | Dull skin, pore clarity |
| Banila Co Clean It Zero | $0.14 | Balm (not oil) | Light | Those who prefer balm texture |
Our take: DHC offers the best balance of effectiveness, gentleness, and price. Shu Uemura is more luxurious but nearly double the price per ml. Kose Softymo is cheaper but uses mineral oil. For most people, DHC is the sweet spot.
How to Check if Your DHC Deep Cleansing Oil Is Authentic
Counterfeits exist in the market, especially on third-party marketplaces. Here is how to verify authenticity:
- Check the batch code — Use our Cosmetic Batch Code Checker to verify the manufacturing date. A valid batch code that returns a reasonable date is a good sign.
- Look at the pump — Authentic DHC bottles have a smooth, consistent pump action. Counterfeits often have a stiff or uneven pump.
- Check the oil color — Genuine DHC oil is a clear, pale golden-yellow color. If it's cloudy or a different shade, it may be counterfeit.
- Buy from authorized retailers — At NANA MALL, all DHC products are sourced directly from authorized distributors in Japan, ensuring 100% authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DHC Deep Cleansing Oil worth it?
Yes. It effectively removes all makeup and sunscreen, is gentle enough for sensitive skin, and costs about $0.20 per use. Over 80 million bottles sold worldwide is not a coincidence.
Does DHC Cleansing Oil clog pores?
No. It is non-comedogenic and emulsifies completely with water, leaving no pore-clogging residue. It is safe for oily and acne-prone skin.
Can I use it to remove sunscreen?
Yes, it excels at sunscreen removal — including stubborn Japanese PA++++ sunscreens like Anessa and Anessa UV Gel.
How long does a bottle last?
The 200ml bottle lasts approximately 3-4 months with nightly use (2-3 pumps per use).
Can I use DHC Cleansing Oil on sensitive skin?
Yes. It is free from fragrance, parabens, and colorants. The olive oil base with vitamin E and licorice-derived anti-inflammatory make it suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
Final Verdict
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has earned its reputation as the gold standard of Japanese cleansing oils. It does exactly what it promises: dissolves every trace of makeup and sunscreen, rinses completely clean, and leaves skin soft and nourished.
Is it the cheapest option? No. Is it the most luxurious? Also no. But it strikes the perfect balance between effectiveness, gentleness, and value — which is exactly why it has been the #1 cleansing oil in Japan for over 20 years.
If you have never tried an oil cleanser before, this is the one to start with. If you have tried others and were disappointed, give DHC a chance. There is a reason millions of people keep coming back to it.
Shop DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
100% authentic, sourced from authorized distributors in Japan.
Buy Now — $23.80
