🇬🇧United Kingdom

Erborian Black Cleansing Oil for combination skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Erborian Black Cleansing Oil

Average

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

Works for combination skin; other pre-cleansers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • This product offers moderate benefits for your combination skin, as charcoal powder and lauric acid help cleanse pores and manage oily shine. Centella Asiatica Extract and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract provide soothing effects, which are beneficial for combination skin.
  • While it effectively removes makeup and decongests pores, it lacks specialized ingredients to significantly address persistent oily shine.
  • The formula is safe for your skin, with no harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing agents like Centella Asiatica Extract and Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract.

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.

People Say

★4.2Overall rating based on 100+ reviews

Based on limited data, this charcoal-infused cleansing oil is generally praised by users with oily or combination skin for its purifying properties and ability to dissolve stubborn makeup without leaving a greasy residue. A significant minority of users report that the formula can be irritating to the eyes and has a thinner, more watery consistency than traditional oils, which some find difficult to work with.

Highlights

  • Effective makeup removal Often Mentioned
    • “Dissolves stubborn waterproof makeup”
    • “removes everything in one go”
    • “melts away foundation instantly”
  • Purifying, non-greasy Often Mentioned
    • “Leaves skin squeaky clean”
    • “no greasy film left”
    • “pores look smaller and cleaner”
  • Good for oily skin Sometimes Noted
    • “Great for my oily skin”
    • “helps with excess sebum”
    • “doesn't clog my pores”
  • Pleasant texture Sometimes Noted
    • “Silky texture”
    • “transforms into light emulsion”
    • “rinses off very easily”
  • Eye irritation Sometimes Noted
    • “Stings my eyes badly”
    • “leaves a blurry film”
    • “irritated my eyes for hours”
  • Strong scent Rarely Noted
    • “Strong piney smell”
    • “scent is too intense”
    • “smells like men's cologne”
  • Watery consistency Rarely Noted
    • “Too runny to apply”
    • “feels like liquid soap”
    • “turns into a paste, not oil”

Sources: lovi.care, influenster.com, lookfantastic.com, bellanoirbeauty.com, beautyqueenuk.co.uk, walmart.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Erborian Black Cleansing Oil work for combination skin?

Erborian Black Cleansing Oil works moderately well for combination skin, as charcoal and lauric acid help clean pores and manage oily shine while soothing ingredients calm the skin. To work best for this skin type, a makeup remover needs hydrating ingredients like squalane and plant oils, or multiple types of hyaluronic acid to balance dry and oily areas.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2019

Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for combination skin?

Charcoal powder and lauric acid help cleanse pores and manage oily shine, while Centella Asiatica extract and chamomile flower extract calm the skin.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2019

What does Activated Charcoal do for combination skin?

Activated Charcoal helps draw out excess oil and impurities while keeping dry areas balanced, making it a good match for combination skin. This type of product needs gentle cleansing ingredients that clear pores without stripping away natural moisture.

What does Centella Asiatica Extract do for combination skin?

Centella Asiatica Extract helps balance combination skin by boosting moisture levels while keeping redness and irritation calm. It also supports skin barrier repair to help maintain smooth and healthy skin overall.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

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

This makeup remover goes in the evening routine before your cleanser, helping to take off makeup and clear pores. Combination skin needs products with specialized ingredients to better manage persistent oily shine.

Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this makeup remover in your evening routine before applying retinol, as its safe formula is unlikely to irritate your skin. Combination skin using retinol also needs lightweight hydrators and balancing ingredients to keep dry areas soft and manage excess oil without clogging pores.

How often should I use it?

You can use this makeup remover in your evening routine to take off makeup and cleanse your pores. Combination skin needs products with specialized ingredients to properly control persistent oily shine.

Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This product is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your combination skin, as it contains charcoal and lauric acid to help cleanse pores and manage oily shine. A makeup remover for this skin needs oil-balancing and pore-clearing ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid to fully prevent congestion in oily zones.

Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2019Dermatologic Therapy, 2020

Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements.

    Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016

  • Co-application of curcumin and lauric acid liposomal gel exhibited enhanced antibacterial effect and a two-fold reduction in comedones count and cytokines in a rat ear model compared to the placebo-treated group.

    Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2019

  • All three treatments—benzoyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide plus erythromycin, and the combination of niacinamide, gallic acid, and lauric acid—were effective in reducing acne vulgaris severity in ninety patients over eight weeks.

    Dermatologic Therapy, 2020

  • Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.

    Molecules, 2023

  • Soap-and-water wash and superactive charcoal paste applied topically at various times after T-2 toxin exposure effectively reduced skin lesion severity in swine compared to untreated controls.

    Fundamental and Applied Toxicology, 1989

  • Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing.

    Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020

  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

  • Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.

    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015

  • Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2015

  • Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.

    Advanced Science, 2025

  • Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

    Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017

  • Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2009

  • An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019

  • Motor baicalin encapsulated in bio-vesicles enhanced water solubility, stability, transdermal penetration, antioxidant activity, and clinical skin antiaging efficacy compared to liposome baicalin and baicalin raw material.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

  • A nighttime topical antioxidant containing resveratrol, baicalin, and vitamin E significantly improved fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, laxity, hyperpigmentation, radiance, roughness, and dermal thickness in subjects with mild to moderately photodamaged skin over 12 weeks.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2014

  • Glycyrrhizin micellar nanocarriers significantly improved topical penetration and follicular accumulation of baicalin in porcine skin, enhanced human dermal papilla cell proliferation, and promoted hair recovery through Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation and upregulation of VEGF, α-MSH, and IL-10.

    International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2022

Why other pre-cleansers fit combination skin better

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids, Lauric Acid, Acrylates Copolymer, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Charcoal Powder, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosaminus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Matricaria Flower Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Hexylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Phosphate Starch, Phenoxyethanol, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Disodium Edta, Tetrasodium Edta, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Capric Acid, Myristic Acid

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

Buy online

Prices checked 16 Oct 2026

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

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play