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Product photo: skin1004.com (official brand store). The pack size shown may differ from the Korean 200ml.
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
A thin, light cleansing oil built on ester oils rather than heavy plant oils, with centella extract, jojoba and olive oil, scented with bergamot, geranium and rose oils.
Buyer verdictA pleasant, light first cleanse that removes sunscreen and everyday makeup and rinses off cleanly. Despite the calming-line name, it contains essential oils, so very sensitive skin should look elsewhere. Seoul is only slightly cheaper than Amazon, so buy it for convenience rather than savings.
- Key ingredient
- Ethylhexyl stearate and cetyl ethylhexanoate, Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate
- Texture
- Very thin, almost watery oil that emulsifies quickly
- Routine step
- cleanser · PM
- Korean pack
- 200ml
Overview
Key ingredients
- Ethylhexyl stearate and cetyl ethylhexanoate Light ester oils that dissolve sunscreen and makeup without a heavy feel
- Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate Emulsifier that turns the oil milky with water so it rinses away
- Centella asiatica extract SKIN1004's signature calming extract
- Jojoba, olive and sunflower seed oils Small amounts of conditioning plant oils
- Bergamot, scented geranium and damask rose oils Essential oils that give the scent
From the US, it's 8% cheaper in Seoul after tax and refund. From the UK, it's 2% cheaper in Seoul.
What it is
This is the cleansing oil in SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella line, the range built around its famous centella ampoule. It’s a clear, very thin oil in a 200ml pump bottle, designed to feel lighter than classic cleansing oils.
The Korean ingredient list shows how. Instead of starting with heavy plant oils, it starts with two ester oils, ethylhexyl stearate and cetyl ethylhexanoate, which feel light and slippery. Then comes sorbeth-30 tetraoleate, the emulsifier that lets the oil wash off, and caprylic/capric triglyceride.
Fifth on the list is bergamot oil, followed by centella extract, jojoba, olive and sunflower oils. At the end there are scented geranium and damask rose oils, plus the fragrance compounds limonene and linalool.
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
Good pick if
- You wear sunscreen daily and want a light, non-greasy first cleanse
- Your skin is normal, combination or oily, and you dislike thick oils or balms
- You enjoy a soft citrus-floral scent in your cleanser
Skip it if
- Your skin is sensitive or reacts to essential oils
- You expected a fragrance-free product from a “calming” centella line
- Your skin is very dry and prefers a richer cleansing balm
What the ingredients do
The ester oils do most of the work. They dissolve sunscreen filters, silicones, makeup pigments and sebum, but they feel thinner than plant oils, so there’s less of an oily film. Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate is the important supporting ingredient. When you add water, it turns the oil milky so it rinses off cleanly.
Centella extract gives the product its line identity, but in a cleanser you rinse off in a minute, it’s a small extra. The plant oils add a little cushion.
The essential oils are what to watch. Bergamot, geranium and rose oils smell pleasant, but they’re common irritants for reactive skin.
How to use it
SKIN1004’s directions are specific. With dry hands and a dry face, spread the oil over the whole face and massage gently. When the makeup has melted, add a little water at a time and keep massaging until the oil turns milky white. Then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Follow with a water-based cleanser if you double cleanse. Keep it away from your eyes if they sting easily.
How it compares
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is the most popular light oil, and the better choice if you want something gentler. ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil is richer, with plant oils and its own essential-oil scent. Banila Co Clean It Zero is a balm, which is easier to travel with and doesn’t spill.
Our double cleansing guide explains how to pair a first and second cleanser.
Is it worth buying in Seoul?
Only slightly. Olive Young sells the same 200ml bottle that Amazon US and UK list, and Seoul is a little cheaper, but the gap is small at regular prices. It’s worth picking up during an Olive Young promotion. Otherwise there’s no strong reason to carry it home.
The bottle is 200ml, so pack it in your checked suitcase with the pump taped shut.
FAQ
Is it fragrance-free?
No. The Korean ingredient list includes bergamot, scented geranium and damask rose oils, plus limonene and linalool. That's surprising for a centella product, so check the label if your skin is sensitive.
Will it remove waterproof makeup?
It handles sunscreen and everyday makeup well. For heavy waterproof mascara, hold it on the lashes for a few seconds first, or use a dedicated eye remover.
Does bergamot oil make skin sun-sensitive?
Some bergamot oils contain bergapten, which can cause sun sensitivity on skin left in the sun. Here it's in a rinse-off cleanser you use at night, which keeps the risk low, but it's one more reason sensitive skin might pick a fragrance-free oil.
Do I need a second cleanser?
SKIN1004's directions end with a lukewarm rinse, so a second cleanser is optional. Most people still follow it with a gentle foam or gel as part of a double cleanse.
