# Shu Uemura cleansing oil for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Brand: [Shu Uemura](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/shu-uemura)
Category: [Makeup removers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/makeup-removers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for combination skin; the pre-cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your combination skin as Camellia Japonica Seed Oil and Squalane provide emollient action, but the presence of Mineral Oil and Ethylhexyl Palmitate poses a risk of clogging pores and worsening oily shine.
- The formulation provides general skincare benefits and moderate makeup removal, but these functions are largely irrelevant or indirectly detrimental to your specific concerns.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin): Low
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin): Low
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Caution

## Key ingredients

Mineral Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Squalane

## What the research says

- Camellia japonica oil activated the human COL1A2 promoter, induced type I procollagen synthesis, inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity, and reduced trans-epidermal water loss without inducing adverse reactions in human skin. ([Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/))
- Peroxidated squalene induces an early activation of NF-kappaB, an increase in PPARalpha levels, and an upregulation of IL-6 production in HaCaT keratinocytes, which is subsequently counteracted by PPARalpha activation. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/))
- Repeated application of concentrated water-in-oil emulsions over four weeks caused no skin irritation, positively affected skin properties, and delivered almost 50% of the applied fluorescein sodium, with isopropyl myristate showing superior penetration performance compared to liquid paraffin in healthy volunteers. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31525444/))
- Liquid crystalline emulsions formulated with camellia seed oil and four different surfactant combinations reduced transepidermal water loss and increased skin hydration without causing skin irritation, with the formulation containing Lecinol S-10 and Tween 80 demonstrating the best clinical results. ([Scientific Reports, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918671/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleansing oil is highly praised for its luxurious texture that effectively melts away makeup and impurities, making it ideal for dry, normal, and aging skin types seeking a soft, hydrated, and plump outcome. Some users with acne-prone or sensitive skin report issues with its heavy fragrance and potential to cause breakouts due to comedogenic ingredients.

- Liked: Effective makeup removal (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Softens and hydrates (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Expensive price tag (often mentioned)
- Liked: No greasy residue (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong floral fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: May cause breakouts (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this makeup remover PM as the first step of your evening routine to clear away excess oil.
- Apply this makeup remover before your regular cleanser to effectively break down heavy makeup and dirt.
- Gently wipe the makeup remover across your face using a soft cotton pad, avoiding harsh rubbing.
- Use the makeup remover on completely dry skin to help dissolve surface oils and impurities best.
- Avoid direct contact with the eyes while using this makeup remover.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c35a78bc839b6c00f5359ad6ae653522.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with shu uemura cleansing oil for combination skin?

Lovi advises caution because mineral oil and ethylhexyl palmitate may clog pores and worsen oily shine on your combination skin. A makeup remover for this skin needs soothing and nourishing ingredients that pose no risk of irritation, effectively cleanse while providing excellent hydration, and contain no allergens.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/), [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for combination skin?

Mineral Oil and Ethylhexyl Palmitate make this cleanser a poor fit for your combination skin because they carry a risk of clogging your pores and worsening oily shine. A makeup remover for this skin type needs soothing and nourishing ingredients that pose no risk of irritation, effectively cleanse while providing excellent hydration, and contain no allergens.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/)

### What does Mineral Oil do for combination skin?

Mineral oil helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by locking in moisture and supporting the skin barrier. Because it sits on the surface without penetrating deeply, a product of this type for combination skin needs a lightweight texture and balancing ingredients to avoid feeling too heavy in oily areas while hydrating dry patches.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22994201/)

### What does Camellia Seed Oil do for combination skin?

Camellia seed oil helps keep combination skin hydrated and soft by locking in moisture without causing irritation. It is unlikely to clog pores and may help balance skin oils while supporting a smooth skin barrier.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/), [Scientific Reports, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918671/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This makeup remover is used in the evening before your cleanser as part of your PM and weekly routines. Because it may clog pores and worsen oily shine on combination skin, this skin type needs lighter makeup removers with ingredients that clear pores without heavy oils.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/), [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/)

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You should exercise caution when using this makeup remover with retinol on combination skin, as certain ingredients may clog pores and worsen oily shine. For this skin type, a makeup remover needs lightweight, non-clogging ingredients that clear away makeup without adding extra oil or causing breakouts.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This makeup remover is a poor match for your combination skin, as some ingredients may clog pores and worsen oily shine. Combination skin needs a lightweight makeup remover that cleans gently without heavy oils.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

Yes, this cleanser may clog pores and cause breakouts on combination skin because ingredients like Mineral Oil and Ethylhexyl Palmitate pose a risk of worsening oily shine. A makeup remover for this skin needs lighter, non-clogging oils or refreshing cleansers that clean without heavy oils.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/)

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon
- [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 65.65 at Amazon
- [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 35.29 at Amazon

## Routine for combination skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 84.53 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 145.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 84.53 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 53.12 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 168.76 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 84.53 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 101.09 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/kora-organics/turmeric-brightening-and-exfoliating-mask/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 122.93 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 145.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 168.76 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ae: AED 179.45 (https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B0DNJKPSB8?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 4 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Mineral Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Isopropyl Myristate, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Squalane, Tocopherol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin (this page)