MUJI MILD CLEANSING OIL REVIEW

Source: Muji

My favorite skincare influencer is Tina Tanaka Harris because I can always count on her to tell me what's popular in Japan, hydrating, and will not irritate my skin. MUJI's mild cleansing oil is her Holy Grail, and she influenced me to try it.

This cruelty-free cleansing oil contains olive and jojoba oils. It is suitable for all skin types and formulated without synthetic fragrances, coloring, minerals, parabens, or alcohol. Like Tina mentions in the video, the mild and regular versions have similar packaging, so pay attention when purchasing in person. 

Initial impression: the viscosity is like water. I have mild sensory issues and like to obsessively wash my hands, so I carefully avoid having the product run down my arms, even though I'll hop into the shower after I'm done. I used one pump, and it was enough to cleanse my face without getting all over my arms. 

It left a great initial impression because I felt grit immediately. Upon closer examination, the grits don't look like sebum plugs, so it's most likely how my routine reacts and pills with this cleansing oil: it could either be BoJ's Aqua Fresh Sunscreen, Skin Aqua's UV super moisture Milk, Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Milk, or TirTir Milk Skin Toner. I had minimal products on my face that day, so the oil cleanser didn't have to do much work. 

This product emulsifies properly. I can't believe this is a highlight because most first cleanse products do this, except Deve Olive & Argan Cleansing Oil, which slides off your face upon contact with water. 

MUJI's cleansing oil didn't leave any oily residue after rinsing, and my skin didn't feel tight or over-stripped. 

Experiences After:

One cool aspect mentioned in Tina's review is that you can use the cleansing oil in the shower. I've never oil cleansed in the shower because all first cleanse products emulsify with water, so the first cleanse doesn't feel as effective as outside the shower. I still gave it a try and feel so vindicated.

I did everything I could to help out the product: I didn't wash my hair, didn't get even a mist of water on my face, and thoroughly flung my hands to get rid of excess moisture. The oil emulsified once it hit my face. 

You can use it in the shower. It still cleanses. However, it doesn't seem like the most effective cleanse because you don't have time to soften the debris or work in the product before you add water.

It's great at removing waterproof mascara. One pump was enough to quickly remove Canmake's Quick Lash Curler Long and whatever was on my face. It also easily removed my JudyDoll and Rom&nd mascaras. MUJI's cleansing oil takes slightly more manipulation than Heroine Make's Lash Remover, but if you let the oil soak a little before rubbing, it will have the same effect.

Be prepared for a bitter taste when cleansing your lips. It was weird testing something this. You shouldn't taste or eat beauty products, so subtly licking my lips to prove a hypothesis (accidentally got some in my mouth before this "experiment") felt so taboo.

After multiple uses, I can confirm that the product has a very mild fry oil scent with a well-hidden industrial/paint-fume smell. I've purchased a lash extension kit and LASH BOND remover from Emboss Beauty. The barely perceptible scent is similar to the bond remover. Most people probably won't smell it unless they inhale deeply, seeking that smell. 

This cleansing oil is also creeping up to Holy Grail status for me with its superb cleansing properties. Have you tried this cleansing oil, and is it also your Holy Grail? While I see myself continuing to use this, trying other cleansing oils is great content and will satisfy my curiosity about the latest and greatest products, so please comment below with your favorite cleansing oils or other first cleanse methods.