This was a year I avoided uncertainty, I returned to cosmetics I previously loved as if it were an archaic migration pattern. I rediscovered products I loved, occasionally found flaws in previously cherished oldies as I had found better alternatives over the years. However, this product made me wonder why had I not repurchased this sooner?

Tosowoong is a South Korean cosmetic brand that launched in 2004. It quickly became a cult favorite brand, producing botanical based products with a reputation for whitening & anti-aging benefits. The brand initially became known for luxury products, but their affordable product lines have had commercialized success in recent years.

Routine Placement

Oil cleansers are the very first step of a skincare routine, followed immediately by the secondary water-based cleanser as part of the Double Cleansing Method. Double cleansing is intended to be done once a day, otherwise it can be stripping to the skin.

Product Claims

It seems like it is always cleansing products that have the most striking claims. While I like this cleanser & I am impressed with the ingredient list, the Tosowoong advertisements from Jolse’s site seem slightly far-fetched:

• Hypoallergenic.
• Removes waterproof makeup.
• Contain 40% of Apricot Seed oil that is effective to remove blackhead, dead skin cell and sebum.
• Full of Vitamin A & E for firm and elastic skin.
• Strengthen skin barrier improve skin elasticity.
• Full of Vitamin C & Citric Acid improve skin radiance.

Application

Appearance

The oil has a transparent, golden hue. The insistency is very interesting because my experience with cleansing oils is they are either gritty & thicker or smooth & watery, but this Tosowoong cleanser is different. It feels like a melted balm, it applies like an emollient on the skin & slowly becomes a thicker consistency as it is circulated around the face as if it is collecting makeup & other daily grime.

Scent

The smell is nearly non-existent in this product, is contains only the slightest fruity scent if you are trying to find the scent notes.

Packaging

The cleanser comes in a functional, though unaesthetic plastic bottle with a pump dispenser. The pump is easy to control so dispensing excessive product is not a concern, but the flimsy packaging does cause some product leakage. Definitely would not recommend traveling with this product unless you prefer an oil saturated carry-on.

Performance

Oil cleansers tend to be either gritty or watery, Tosowong’s oil cleanser is neither. This cleanser is extremely buttery & it feels like a pure emollient when applying it to the skin, it has a similar consistency to a melted balm like Banila Co. Clean It Zero.

This makes the oil easy to control during application & it glides across the skin with minimal effort so no tugging. It feels incredibly rich & hydrating, which is probably why my dry skin loves this product. I have never experienced any issues with this irritating my eyes as some cleansers do.

It removes make-up better than any oil cleanser I have ever used before, only remnants of the Etude House waterproof eyeliner is left. I have zero complaints about this product!

Potentially 3 acne triggers & 2 irritants according to CosDNA

Ingredient List

Apricot Seed oil (40%), Mineral Oil, PEG-20, Glyceryl Triiso, Stearate, Jojoba Seed Oil (5%), Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-8 Isostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Macadamia Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Papaya Fruit Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract, Lemon Extract, Apple Extract, Fragrance

Apricot Seed Oil

Botanical antioxidant that also has been shown to have skin smoothing properties similar to Vitamin E.

Mineral Oil

Typically derived from petroleum, which is considered one of the most gentle & non-comedogenic skincare oils though many have reported it as an acne-trigger

Jojoba Seed Oil

Non-fragrant plant emollient that has been shown to stimulate collagen production & repair skin barrier, this cleanser also contains jojoba butter which is richer in fatty acids

Macademia Nut

An occlusive emollient that contains high concentrations of palmitoleic acid

Olive Oil

It contains essential fatty acids & may help prevent UVB damage

Argan Oil

Non-fragrant plant oil that is extremely nourishing for dry skin, it is rich in Vitamin E & fatty acids.

Tocopheryl

This antioxidant is a form of Vitamin E that reduces inflammation & smooths skin texture.

Hyaluronic Acid

This product contains one of the most bioavailable forms of this ingredient, which hyaluronic acid is ordinarily considered a super ingredient for it’s water attracting & binding abilities.

Papaya Extract

It is a peptin [Powerful digestive enzyme] when applied topically mimicks then effects of a chemical exfoliator to smooth skin & reduce inflammation, while brightening the appearance of your skin. It is rich in vitamins A, C & E as well

Value

Price: $12.25 / 120ml, $2.99 per Ounce

While this is not the cheapest oil cleanser on the market, it is still affordable & most importantly, this cleanser is worth it. Can you tell I love this cleanser yet? Because I definitely do!

This cleanser is widely available online in North America & Europe through a variety of different retailers. I would repurchase this product again & this review is actually based upon my recent repurchase of this little gem.

Overall

Rating: 5 / 5

I would not categorize this as my “Holy Grail” oil cleanser yet, but it is definitely the favorite of all I have ever tried! The ingredient list is fantastic & the formula is truly unique, but it does contain quite a few skin triggers though this is a wash-off product so it should not be a high concern.