Yahoo Life Shopping
Why you can trust us

We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.

'Skin looks years younger': This gentle Japanese cleansing oil is down to $20

I've tossed my makeup wipes in favor of this long-lasting helper, and my face has never been softer — even in winter.

When it comes to my skin care, I don't mess around. As someone who has had severe adolescent acne and adult acne, I've worked hard to find a simple, gentle routine that makes my skin happy — and doesn't cost a whole paycheck. The biggest change I've made? Tossing out my go-to makeup removing wipes and swapping in the virally popular Japanese DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.

Not only does this simple cleanser calm my skin, it effectively removes makeup and makes me feel soft and fresh. I'll never look back — especially since it's nearly 30% off right now.

Winter is coming — and so is dry winter skin. This gentle cleanser will get you fresh-faced without harsh scrubbing.

$20 at Amazon

Why is this a good deal? 💰

Honestly, I would buy this cleansing oil even for $50 or more — it's that good and feels so luxurious. This $20 deal makes it that much sweeter (it normally retails for $28). You also get nearly 7 ounces of product, and it lasts forever. I usually buy only two bottles per year, making the cost per use minuscule.

Why do I need this? 🤔

At first, I was nervous that using an olive oil-based cleanser would cause my skin to erupt, but I was pleasantly surprised. The opposite happened! Not only was every trace of my stubborn waterproof mascara gone, but my skin immediately felt cleaner and softer. Basically, my fickle skin went from dry and angry to happy, glowy and hydrated.

Cleansing oils work by binding to sebum, grime, makeup and other residue on your skin to help lift it all away. After all, oil dissolves oil — and if the beauty world can agree on anything, it's that you should never go to sleep with your makeup on.

The main ingredient in DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is olive oil. Yes, olive oil — but I promise that it doesn't leave your skin greasy. My skin has been less oily since I started using this. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that combats free-radical damage while hydrating the skin.

More good news: This is super easy to use. First, massage it onto your dry face with clean hands. I like to do this for 30 seconds or so, or until all of my makeup is dissolved. Once that's done, add a little bit of water to your hands and massage your face again. This transforms the oil into a milky emulsion cleanser as you wash it off. Always follow up with a water-based cleanser as you would with any makeup remover (my go-to is CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser).

diptych of model applying cleanser next to a photo of model pumping cleanser into their hand
I love pretending I'm at a spa and giving myself a little facial massage as a self-care moment. (Amazon)

What reviewers say 💬

Over 18,000 Amazon customers have given this cleansing oil a five-star review. This shopper even called it "magic in a bottle" — and I couldn't agree more.

Pros 👍

"I was really hesitant, but thought 'what the hell, it's just $16,'" shared this reviewer. "I've had this for no more than two weeks and the pesky blackheads on my nose are all but gone. This is also the single best makeup remover I've ever used."

"I am a 61-year-old Black woman with normal skin," explained a second fan. "I have used DHC oil cleanser for almost 30 years. I used it when I was younger and had oily skin. Now that I'm aging, it's still perfection ... I have no lines or wrinkles. People think I'm in my 30s."

"Love this product. I neglected my skin for about a year and am a senior citizen," wrote another happy Amazon customer. "Started using this, my skin is no longer looks dull. It looks years younger now."

"I started using this after it was recommended by a dermatologist," said another shopper. "For the first time in my life, I was suffering from a mild eczema. I couldn't believe you could clean your skin with oil, but it works. It leaves your skin clean and supple without the dryness and flaking."

Cons 👎

While Amazon shoppers are generally big fans, some shared a few notes. For example, this shopper who called it the "best makeup remover" suggests you keep an eye on, well, your eyes: "Only downside is using it around the eyes," they explained. "Sometimes I get it in my eye and it makes my vision blurry, but it's not painful and easily rinses out."

Meanwhile, another five-star reviewer takes issue with how you use the product: "The one minor downside is that my face and hands need to be dry in order for the oil to work properly. So if I'm taking a shower, I wouldn't be able to use this oil cleanser the right way."

This cleansing oil has zero added fragrances or colors, so it's great for sensitive skin.

$20 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)