Hada Labo cleansing oil: how to use it

What does a cleansing oil do?

Oil cleansers help loosen makeup, sunscreen and excess surface oil. In a double cleanse, the water based cleanser follows to remove water soluble dirt and sweat.1

How to use it

Follow your bottle's directions for the amount and application details. The sequence below is general oil cleansing guidance, rather than a Hada Labo specific pump count or massage time.1

1. 1Put the oil cleanser into your palm and gently massage it over your skin to loosen makeup, sunscreen and surface oil. Use your fingertips rather than scrubbing.
2. 2Rinse the oil cleanser off with lukewarm water.
3. 3If you are double cleansing, leave your skin damp and gently massage a water based cleanser over it.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel.

Should you use it morning and night?

Evening is the practical time for makeup removal: remove makeup before bed, then wash with a gentle cleanser. A morning wash does not automatically need an oil cleansing step. Most people can wash morning and night, while dry or sensitive skin can use water alone in the morning and a cleanser at night. If you only wash once a day, make it the evening wash.23

Do you need a second cleanser?

A double cleanse is worth considering when makeup removal needs an extra step. If one thorough wash with a gentle cleanser already does the job, keep that routine. Makeup removal can justify another cleanser, but it does not require a supporting cast of bottles. Micellar water followed by a gentle cleanser is another makeup removal option.1

Is it a good choice for oily or acne prone skin?

An oil cleanser is not the default choice for oily or acne prone skin. Oil based cleansers can irritate skin, and some can cause breakouts. A mild, gentle foaming cleanser is a more straightforward starting point for oily skin. For acne prone skin, look for products labelled oil free or noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.124

Treat cleansing as skin care, not as an acne treatment. A gentle synthetic detergent cleanser, also called a syndet, can support an acne routine without the irritation associated with traditional alkaline soap. Adding an oil removal step is not a reason to replace acne treatment with more washing.5

What if your skin is dry or sensitive?

Extra washing can remove the surface oils that help limit water loss, leaving skin dry and irritated. For a second cleanser, choose a gentle, unscented formula; cream cleansers are less drying than foaming cleansers. If you already use leave on acne treatment, be careful about adding an acne treatment cleanser as well, because the combination can cause excessive dryness and irritation.16

When should you stop or get help?

Stop using a cleanser that irritates your skin. If new breakouts seem linked to a skin care product, stop the suspected product; a dermatologist can help identify the cause when it is unclear. See a doctor if acne is not improving with self care, causes deep painful spots or scars, or affects your mental health.247