Editorial research review
haruharu wonder
Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil Unscented
This reference identifies the unscented Black Rice oil cleanser. Haruharu wonder lists 30 mL and 150 mL packs.
Size not verified
Oil cleansers
Typically used at routine step 1.
An oil or balm cleanser is the first step of a double cleanse. Its job is to dissolve the things water cannot shift — sunscreen, silicones, long-wear makeup and the sebum they bind to — so the water-based cleanser that follows can work on skin rather than on a film. Most are emulsifying, meaning they rinse away rather than leaving residue; a poorly rinsing oil is the usual culprit when a double cleanse leaves skin feeling coated. Use it on dry skin, massage briefly, add water to emulsify, then rinse.
Products
Editorial research review
Beauty of Joseon
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
A 210 mL first cleanser based on soybean oil. The formula also lists ginseng seed oil and several ginseng extracts.
Editorial research review
A lightweight first-cleanse oil that dissolves sunscreen, makeup and excess surface oil, then emulsifies with water. It is best used as the first stage of an evening double cleanse rather than as the only cleanser.
Editorial research review
VT COSMETICS
PDRN Grinding Cleansing Balm
An oil-based first cleanse in a twist-dial pack. The formula lists gluconolactone, capryloyl salicylic acid and Sodium DNA. VT describes its PDRN as plant-derived. The manufacturer listing establishes the ingredients, and the balm is designed to rinse off. The formula gives no basis to predict a lasting effect from the PDRN.
Editorial research review
Beauty of Joseon
Radiance Cleansing Balm
A 100 mL solid first cleanser with emollients, an emulsifier and rice bran oil. Compare it with cleansing oils if you prefer a balm format.
How the oil cleansers we hold compare
Texture, size and “best for” come from our product research. Notable ingredients are matched by exact name in each verified ingredient list: presence only, which says nothing about concentration or effect. “No Parfum listed” means the list declares no added fragrance; plant extracts and waters can still carry a scent.
| Product | Texture | Size | Notable listed ingredients | Fragrance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil Unscented | Not recorded | Not recorded | Ingredient list not yet verified | Ingredient list not yet verified | Not recorded |
| Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil | Cleansing oil. | 210ml | None of the tracked ingredients | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
| Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil | Light, fluid cleansing oil. | 200ml | None of the tracked ingredients | Parfum listed | Removing sunscreen, makeup and excess sebum |
| VT COSMETICS PDRN Grinding Cleansing Balm | Sorbet-style cleansing balm that emulsifies with water. | 50ml | Ceramides, Squalane, Panthenol, PDRN (sodium DNA) | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
| Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm | Solid cleansing balm, as described by Beauty of Joseon. | 100ml | None of the tracked ingredients | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
How we research oil cleansers
We currently track 5 published products here. Every entry is compiled from manufacturer ingredient disclosures, published cosmetic science literature and UK retailer listings. We do not run clinical trials, and we do not publish a product until its formulation details have been checked against a source we can cite.
- Formulation: INCI lists, key actives, fragrance and alcohol status where the brand discloses them.
- Evidence: what the published research suggests for the key ingredients, and what it does not establish.
- UK availability: retailer listings and prices, with the date each was last checked. Where a price is not recent enough to quote, we say “check latest price” instead of guessing.
Results from cosmetic products are formulation-dependent and vary between people. Read our review methodology, browse the ingredient explainers or compare options in the comparison tool.
Choosing oil cleansers
- If you wear sunscreen daily, an oil cleanser at night is the step most likely to improve congestion.
- Look for an emulsifier in the ingredient list if you dislike a residue feel.
- Fragrance and essential oils are common here and are worth avoiding if you are reactive.
For a full step-by-step order for your skin type, see the routine guides. To narrow by skin type and concern, use the product finder, or browse every step on the product types index. Scoring is explained in our review methodology.