# Shu Uemura cleansing oil for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for oily acne-prone skin; the pre-cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate makeup removal for your oily skin, as mineral oil and ethylhexyl palmitate help dissolve oil-based impurities, but the presence of squalane may be too heavy for your skin type.
- While it provides general skincare benefits, the formula lacks targeted ingredients like salicylic acid to effectively address your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Mineral Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Squalane

## What the research says

- 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 impurities. Start by using it 3×/week before working up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this makeup remover before your regular cleanser and toner. Follow it with your usual cleansing steps to ensure all residue is thoroughly washed away.
- Gently press a small amount of the makeup remover onto your face using soft cotton pads. Avoid harsh rubbing to prevent irritating your blemishes and active breakouts.
- Apply the makeup remover on completely dry skin to effectively break down excess oil and makeup. Clean away thoroughly before moving on to the next skincare steps .
- Do a patch test before your first use to ensure your skin reacts well. Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c35a78bc839b6c00f5359ad6ae653522.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with shu uemura cleansing oil for oily acne-prone skin?

Lovi advises caution because while the mineral oil dissolves impurities, the squalane and other oils may be too heavy for your skin type. It also lacks targeted ingredients like salicylic acid to help with your acne and breakouts. A makeup remover for oily acne-prone skin needs ingredients that control oil and soothe breakouts without clogging pores, such as salicylic acid, aloe, or chamomile.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is a poor fit for oily acne-prone skin because the heavy oils and squalane may clog pores and lead to excess oiliness, while the formula lacks targeted blemish-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. A better option for this skin type needs soothing, lightweight ingredients that control excess oil without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/)

### What does Mineral Oil do for oily acne-prone skin?

Mineral oil helps lock in moisture and calm dry or irritated skin with a very low chance of causing allergies or irritation. Because it sits on top of the skin rather than absorbing deep into pores, it is unlikely to clog them, though oily acne-prone skin generally needs lightweight, non-greasy ingredients that help balance oil production.
Sources: [Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31588613/)

### What does Camellia Seed Oil do for oily acne-prone skin?

Camellia seed oil helps keep skin soft and smooth by locking in moisture without feeling heavy, and it is unlikely to clog pores or cause irritation. It helps protect the skin barrier and keeps hydration balanced, making it a gentle option for skin that gets oily and breaks out.
Sources: [Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386986/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This makeup remover goes in the evening routine before your cleanser. Oily acne-prone skin needs a lighter formula that includes ingredients like salicylic acid to help address breakouts instead of heavy oils.

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

This cleansing oil may be too heavy for your oily acne-prone skin because squalane can clog pores and the formula lacks acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. A cleanser for this skin type needs lighter oils and targeted breakout-clearing ingredients to keep pores clear.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This makeup remover is a poor match for your oily acne-prone skin, as heavy ingredients like squalane may feel too rich and it lacks targeted blemish-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. A makeup remover for this skin type needs lightweight, non-clogging formulas that help clear pores and control breakouts.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/)

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser may clog pores and cause breakouts on oily acne-prone skin because the squalane in the formula can be too heavy for your skin type. A product of this type needs lighter oils and targeted ingredients like salicylic acid to effectively clear your pores and address blemishes.
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 oily acne-prone skin

- [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £23.92 at Amazon
- [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £13.58 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cetaphil/gentle-makeup-removing-wipes/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — £13.14 at Amazon

## Routine for oily acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £26.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £30.37 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £14.80 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £27.50 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £23.92 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £26.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/rodial/vitamin-c-brightening-tonic/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £29.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £59.74 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £14.80 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £23.92 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £26.00 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £19.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/vt-cosmetics/cica-purifying-mask/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — £19.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £30.37 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £59.74 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.co.uk: £90.64 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DNJRC1L4?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: £48.50 (https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/shu-uemura-art-of-hair-gentle-radiance-cleansing-oil-400ml/13872915/)
Prices checked 18 Oct – 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/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/shu-uemura/cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
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