I have tried dozens of cleansing oils in the past decade and only a few have made me come back for a second bottle. HadaLabo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil is now firmly on that list. From its no-frills packaging to its skin-loving formulation this oil cleanser surprised me in the best way possible.

First impressions matter and this oil’s texture immediately told me it meant business. It is neither too thick nor too runny gliding effortlessly across my face. I wear sunscreen every day and often layer it with light base makeup like cushion foundation and setting powder. This oil dissolves all of it within seconds. What I love most is that it does this without any burning around the eyes or stripping sensation afterward.

Its emulsification is perfect. Add a bit of water and it transforms into a silky milky texture that rinses clean without any residue. That is a huge plus for me since I hate that filmy feeling some cleansing oils leave behind.

The ingredient list is short and elegant. It includes olive oil and jojoba oil which are both nourishing and gentle even on sensitive skin. It is also fragrance free which I appreciate as someone who avoids strong essential oils or artificial scents in skincare. The formulation focuses more on skin barrier support rather than trying to be trendy or gimmicky.

After using it consistently for about six weeks my skin has felt noticeably smoother. I usually have dry patches around my cheeks and flakiness around my nose but those areas have improved significantly. I credit that not only to the cleansing oil’s hydrating properties but also to the fact that it cleans so thoroughly that my follow-up skincare absorbs better.

Another thing I want to highlight is the value. For the price you are getting a high-performing cleansing oil that rivals some department store brands I have tried. The bottle is functional with a pump that works well and the product lasts me about two and a half months with nightly use.

The only minor drawback if I must mention one is that it is not travel friendly due to the size and pump design. But I simply decant a bit into a smaller bottle when I travel and that solves the problem.

Overall this is a cleansing oil I recommend without hesitation especially if you have dry or sensitive skin or if you are looking for a daily cleansing step that feels gentle but truly effective. I have already repurchased it and will likely continue to do so unless something truly revolutionary comes along.

This product has restored my faith in affordable skincare that performs exceptionally well and it deserves all the quiet praise it gets from the skincare community.