Hydrophilic oil is a makeup remover based on the action of a mixture of oils - natural or synthetic and an emulsifier, which make it hydrophilic, that is, water-soluble. Upon contact with water, this oil turns into a watery emulsion.
It is believed that hydrophilic oil is a beauty product originally from East Asia. However, in fact, this product was invented by the Germans in the fifties of the 20th century, after which this cosmetic novelty was adopted by the Koreans and Japanese and began to be widely used at home. In the wake of the popularity of Asian cosmetics, hydrophilic oil has recently “returned” to the Western world, and its production has been picked up by European and American companies.
On today's cosmetic market you can find hydrophilic oil for every taste and in any price segment - both in the mass market and in the professional and luxury markets.
Hydrophilic oil has gained its popularity due to the fact that it can easily remove any, even the most persistent, makeup. It is believed that Asian foundations, such as the beloved BB creams, can be completely removed only with the help of hydrophilic oil.
This product can deeply cleanse pores, completely remove decorative cosmetics and excess subcutaneous fat from the skin.
After removal from the skin, this oil does not leave any film on it, is not felt in any way on the face and does not leave a sticky feeling. The skin of the face remains absolutely clean. However, after using hydrophilic oil, it is necessary to use a cleansing gel or foam as the second stage of skin cleansing.
How to use hydrophilic oil correctly?
There are several subtleties in using hydrophilic oil, without knowing which you can incorrectly cleanse the skin and worsen its condition.
For dry skin
Hydrophilic oil is applied in its pure form only to dry facial skin. Do not mix the product with water in advance - the emulsion should form only on the skin of the face, but not in the hands.
When using it, as a rule, one or two presses on the product pump are enough.
Face massage
After applying hydrophilic oil to your face, keep it on your skin for a couple of minutes. Areas with particularly heavily applied makeup can be lightly massaged with dry hands. To better cleanse the skin, continue the massage with hydrophilic oil for three to four minutes.
Warm water
Only after this start rinsing off the product with warm water. It will turn on the skin into a light, slightly foaming emulsion that will wash away dissolved decorative cosmetics and excess oil from the skin.
If you start washing off the oil from your skin too early, it will not have time to act and dissolve impurities on your face.
Oil instead of face cream
The second frequently asked question on the topic of oils is how I feel about using oil instead of cream. After all, oil makes the skin smooth, radiant, it is natural, affordable, and maybe you don’t need cream at all?
Let's first remember what oil is and what cream is. Natural oil is 100% lipids, that is, it is fat.
Any cosmetic cream contains oil at its base, but the oil content in the cream can vary from 10% to 30-40%, because the oil content in the cream should not be maximum, but optimal, depending on age and skin type.
That is, if you use a cream for young skin that contains a lot of oil (30-40%), nothing good will happen. Not to mention if you apply pure oil to young, oily skin.
Harm of oil to facial skin
If we use oil instead of cream, then in the short term the oil really moisturizes the skin because it prevents the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin and the skin very quickly becomes hydrated, smooth and soft to the touch. That is, the sensations become comfortable, dryness and tightness of the skin are eliminated.
But if we talk about the long term, if you regularly use oil instead of cream, then, strange as it may seem to you, oil dries out the skin.
The fact is that in large quantities, the oil seems to dilute our own epidermal lipids. In addition, the oil creates a film on the surface of the skin, which prevents normal skin breathing and moisture evaporation.
As a result, metabolic processes in the skin slow down, it becomes dry and dehydrated. And if we are talking about oily skin, then, among other things, the oil can clog into the pores and contribute to clogging of the pores.
I understand that oils are popular now and you can find various types of oils on sale for dry skin, oily skin and even problem skin, but I believe that for the most part this is still marketing.
Oils in professional brand lines
If we turn to professional brands, they also produce oils. But these oils are not recommended for regular use and not for use instead of cream, but, for example, for targeted, local, temporary use.
For example, tea tree oil can be used for oily problem skin in order to quickly eliminate dryness in the area of a pimple when it is dried out and the skin becomes dry and flaky. The oil will help quickly eliminate these phenomena.
Or, for example, grape seed oil can be recommended for anti-aging care. But not as an independent remedy, but in order to enrich your cream or your nourishing mask by simply adding a few drops.
That is, such use of oils in home care is quite possible. But I think it’s wrong to use oil instead of cream. It will not give good results; on the contrary, it can cause harm.
I can't live without oil!
I very often heard the following phrase from oil fans: “Oh, I love this oil so much, it moisturizes my skin so much, makes it so smooth, I simply cannot live without this oil! I can’t go to bed without applying this oil to my skin.” But in reality there is nothing good about it.
If the skin is really well-groomed, if its condition is normal, then you should not feel any difference at all whether you applied the cream to your face or not. And if a person cannot live without oil, then this already indicates some kind of addiction. About the fact that there is a feeling of dryness and tightness, and that it is simply impossible to do without applying oil to the skin.
For example, sometimes I even forget whether I applied cream to my face or not. For example, if I was doing my usual ritual on autopilot - I washed my face, wiped my face with toner, and at that moment the phone rang and I went to talk.
I talked for a few minutes, made some tea at the same time, generally got distracted, and after a while when I finished talking, I sometimes think “so, did I put cream on my face or not?”
And I really don’t feel like I can understand it. Because a properly selected cream is quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy film on the face. And the skin, even when you haven’t applied cream to it, feels comfortable. That is, you practically do not feel the difference whether you apply cream or not.
Of course, if you do not constantly use the cream, then after some time the skin condition may worsen. But in the short term, if you haven't applied cream today, you shouldn't experience any dryness or tightness.
When to use oil
In general, regarding the use of oil instead of cream, I believe that if we are talking about local use of oil, about spot application, about periodic use, or about adding oil to a cream or nourishing mask, then in such cases the oil can really be used. Or, for example, if there is no cream, and you have a feeling of dryness and tightness, then you can also apply oil.
That is, if we say that it’s either nothing or oil, then oil is better than nothing. But if we talk about the long term, then of course a cream selected according to skin type and age is certainly better than oil.
In addition, do not forget that in addition to oil and water, the cream also contains active ingredients that are necessary at your age. If it is 30+ then these are some components, if 40+ then they are different. And naturally, the oil does not contain such active components.
Who and what is hydrophilic oil suitable for?
Hydrophilic oil is suitable for absolutely any skin type. It softens the hardness of tap water and cleanses the skin gently, without injuring it in any way. This type of product is suitable even for those with oily or oily skin; The only rule is that hydrophilic oil should not be the last stage of skin cleansing. After hydrophilic oil, be sure to use a gel or foam wash to wash and cleanse your face again. Foam cleanser is recommended for use by everyone, even those who have dry or dry skin.
Compared to ordinary vegetable oil, which many people like to use to remove stubborn makeup, hydrophilic oil does not penetrate the skin, but remains on its surface, and thanks to the emulsifier, it turns into a water-soluble liquid that is completely washed off the skin, without leaving a feeling of film, stickiness or fat content
Hydrophilic oil is perfect for removing waterproof decorative cosmetics and can replace a two-phase liquid for removing waterproof makeup.
This product is technically great for removing eye makeup, including waterproof mascara, eye shadow and eyeliner. However, if you have sensitive eyes, this method may not be suitable for you.
Hydrophilic oil was originally created specifically for cleansing facial skin. When using this eye makeup remover, oil may flow into your eyes and form an unpleasant film on them.
To remove makeup from the eye area, we recommend using another product - a two-phase liquid for removing waterproof makeup or, for example, regular cosmetic milk. But, in any case, this product will be useful for cleansing your facial skin.
By the way, hydrophilic oil is perfect for removing stubborn lip makeup - for example, the currently popular ultra-resistant matte lipsticks.
Beneficial features
Simultaneously with the cleanser, the product has a caring effect on the skin. It does not wash away the natural lipid layer and helps retain moisture inside the cells.
The essential oils in the composition help solve current problems - soothe irritations or regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
5 reasons to buy hydrophilic oil:
- Deeply cleanses the skin and helps get rid of blackheads.
- Replaces several products at once: cleanser, makeup remover, toner.
- Convenient on the road and traveling, at home - in any conditions.
- Suitable for any skin.
- Gives a feeling of comfort, cares, evens out the complexion.
Additionally, the product helps neutralize the negative effects of hard water on the skin. Cosmetologists especially recommend using it for problematic skin, sensitive and prone to irritation.
The effect is noticeable after 2 weeks of daily use: pores become clean and less noticeable, the surface of the face is evened out, becomes smooth and pleasant.
The skin color is also evened out - it literally glows with health.
How to choose hydrophilic oil?
Today, the cosmetic market offers a large variety of hydrophilic oils.
To choose the product that suits you, you need to pay attention to the composition: some oils are made entirely from natural oils, some are made from a mixture of mineral and natural oils, some are made only from mineral oils. Highly purified mineral oils themselves are not capable of harming the condition of the skin, but we still do not recommend using hydrophilic oil with such an ingredient in the composition for those whose skin is comedogenic, prone to oiliness, and clogged pores. Even with careful use of foam or gel after hydrophilic oil, such a product can cause problems.
In this case, it is better to choose a product that contains only natural oils.
TOP 8 hydrophilic oils
We present our selection of hydrophilic oils for every taste and budget:
Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil
Basic hydrophilic oil from a Japanese manufacturer. A budget option even when purchasing abroad or placing an order.
It does an excellent job of cleansing the skin, but has one caveat - this product is made using mineral oil, so we recommend that you cleanse the skin especially thoroughly after using it.
Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
Japanese hydrophilic oil with grape seed extract.
Holika Holika Seed Blossom Oil
Hydrophilic oil from a Korean manufacturer with plant extracts in its composition. Does not contain mineral oil.
Tony Moly Apple Mint Cleansing Oil
Another product from the Korean cosmetics brand with the addition of plant extracts. Moisturizes the skin.
Loccitane cleansing oil “Shea”
Hydrophilic oil from a French cosmetic brand containing 5% shea butter (karite). Does not dry out the skin and softens it.
The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil
A budget option for a product that is not of Asian origin. Has a pronounced fragrance.
Shu Uemura POREfinist
Product for oily skin. One of the first Japanese remedies to gain popularity all over the world.
Hydrophilic oil for washing: rating of effective products
Today there are many products on sale that have a complex effect on the face. This allows every woman to choose an acceptable option.
NYX
This is an excellent product that helps remove stubborn makeup. It does not have a strong odor and is easily washed off. The bottle is equipped with a dispenser, which makes the consumption of the substance more economical.
The Body Shop
This is one of the most accessible remedies that is of European origin. The composition has a delicate texture and helps remove even the most persistent makeup. To remove the remnants of long-lasting lipsticks, you should hold a disc soaked in hydrophilic oil on this area of the skin. The substance does not have a drying effect and is suitable for daily use. At the same time, it has a pronounced aroma, which may not appeal to everyone.
Kose
This is a Japanese oil, which is distinguished by the effect of transformation into a film. This substance is characterized by the presence of a dispenser with a limiter. It does not have a pronounced aroma. The composition perfectly removes BB cream and substances that form a film on the face. However, it will not be possible to remove corrosive pigments with its help.
Shu Uemura
This product is made in Japan. It has 5 types, which allows you to choose the right product for all skin types. The product not only gets rid of cosmetics, but also removes any other impurities. The substance also helps cope with pollution. Hydrophilic oil helps achieve instant results. Therefore, it can serve as an alternative to multi-stage washing.
The Skin House
This is a common substance produced in Korea. The composition is used to remove persistent cosmetics, including mascara. In addition, it helps cleanse pores. Hydrophilic oil from this manufacturer is suitable for different skin types.
Missha
This is one of the first hydrophilic oils to appear on the market. It helps gently remove foundation and thicker textures. To provide the skin with a high degree of protection, it is recommended to pair this substance with a gentle composition for washing.
Etude House
This Korean remedy has several versions. Those with dry skin should choose a moisturizing composition; for girls with oily skin, a refreshing product with tea tree oil is more suitable. If you are prone to inflammation, you should give preference to a light composition. Girls who prefer substances without a mineral component should choose the Etude House line. It will cope even with long-lasting cosmetics and will not cause inflammation or clogged pores.
Clinique
This product is highly effective. However, it can be difficult to get rid of stubborn mascara with its help. To do this, you should apply a cotton pad soaked in hydrophilic oil to your eyelashes for a while. At the same time, the substance has a mild effect on all skin types. It is perfect for fans of fragrance-free cosmetics. This composition is absolutely odorless.
Holika Holika
This product combines 2 cleansing stages at once. However, such an action can rather be considered an additional special effect. The abilities of hydrophilic oil are really enough for complete cleansing. However, cosmetologists do not recommend using such a composition every day as the only product.
Black Pearl
This product helps cleanse the skin and provides delicate care. It is characterized by the presence of a soft detergent base. The composition gently cleanses the skin and removes even stubborn makeup. The light texture does not violate the protective barrier of the dermis and saves it from dryness.
Bioré
This is a product from a popular Japanese brand that offers inexpensive and high-quality substances for cleansing the epithelium. Hydrophilic oil of this brand helps remove makeup and cleanse the epithelium. However, it is not recommended to use it on the eyes, especially if the skin in this area is hypersensitive.
Bielenda
This is an excellent facial oil that is suitable for all skin types and helps you look more glamorous and youthful. Contains argan oil. It produces a moisturizing effect and helps tighten the skin. Hyaluronic acid penetrates deep into the skin and has a moisturizing effect on it from the inside. Rich hydration helps smooth the epithelium and make it more elastic. After using the substance, you will be able to get healthy and tightened skin.
