Reviewed: Tatcha Pure One-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

We put Tatcha's Camellia Cleansing Oil to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

After a long, tiring work day—or an exciting night out—the absolute best feeling in the world is to remove my makeup and wash my face. (In fact, I'd say it's only second to taking off my bra after getting home.) Melting off my makeup at the end of the day is my me time. It's almost like an evening meditation, which means I'm always on the hunt for formulas that not only whisk away my makeup, but ones that can add substance to my evening ritual.

One such formula is the Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil, a prestige option that I've heard only wonderful things about. But does it live up to its $48 price tag? Read on for my full review of Tatcha's Camellia Cleansing Oil (spoiler alert, it's earned a permanent spot in my beauty repertoire).

Continue reading to find out if the Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil earned a permanent spot in my beauty repertoire.

About My Skin: Gentle cleansers for me

My skin is no stranger to hormonal breakouts, and heavy products tend to clog my pores even further. When looking for makeup removers, I prefer lightweight products with quality ingredients. Oils are a great cleansing solution for my skin, gently working to simultaneously cleanse and moisturize.

The Feel: Silky smooth

Applying the Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil is such a pleasurable experience—I slipped into a calm, relaxed state as I incorporated this product into my skincare routine. It feels silky smooth to the touch as you begin to massage the oil into your face, melting away the worn makeup and stress of the day. 

The Camellia Cleansing oil from Tatcha feels incredibly slick and silky. The oil’s surprisingly low viscosity makes the product very fluid and effortless to work into the skin. It’s also more fluid than most other oils I’ve tried, making it a breeze to rinse off—heavier oils like coconut oil can cause breakouts and don’t mix well with water, making them harder to rinse off. This isn’t an issue with Tatcha’s slick, smooth formula. No excessive rubbing needed here.

The Ingredients: A holistic approach

• Japanese Camellia Oil (Tsubaki): A rich oil containing vitamins A, B, D, and E and nourishing Omegas 3, 6, and 9.
• Tatcha's Hadasei-3: Contains anti-aging properties for a youthful glow.

The Results: Hydrated skin left with a natural glow

The Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil works wonders to gently clarify skin. It’s perfect for use in the morning and at night, allowing you to incorporate the product into your daily routine with ease. Take off old, worn make up with the oil and you'll find every last trace of makeup has been melted away.

Although the Camellia Cleansing Oil is incredible at emulsifying cosmetics, it does much more than remove makeup. The facial oil also removes the dead skin cells and natural sebum that naturally collect on your skin. Taking off this layer keeps your face healthy and prevents unwanted breakouts. Not to mention, the ingredients essentially do the work for you, so only a gentle face massage is necessary; prevent premature fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce any you may already have, by using a gentle touch with this oil. The Tatcha Camellia Oil has proven long- and short-term benefits!

The Value: Definitely a splurge

This product retails for about $48 on the brand’s website. While it doesn’t have the most affordable price tag, it's justified by the formula's quality ingredients and exceptional performance. If you’re in a position to splurge, invest in your skin’s long-term health with Tatcha’s Camellia Cleansing Oil.

How to Apply

This nightly cleanser is simple to apply and much more forgiving than using a foaming or gel face wash as the first step. Skip the water when applying and squeeze one to two pumps into your dry, clean hands. Apply the oil to your face and massage it into your skin with circular motions. Even your strongest waterproof cosmetic products will immediately begin to melt away. After the oil loosens product and grime from your face, take a damp cloth and wipe away the remaining oil or simply rinse the oil off. Most dermatologists recommend a double-cleanse, so it's recommended to follow up with a gentle gel cleanser or even a micellar water (unless you have very dry skin).

Similar Products: You’ve got options

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil: Clinique created their facial cleanser as a gentle makeup remover that suits every skin type and texture. The Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil ($29) comes in cheaper than Tatcha’s. A key difference between the two products is that Tatcha’s Camellia Oil features a more holistic ingredient list.

Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil: At $9, the Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil is extremely comparable to the Tatcha formula, but for a fraction of the price. This product is just as effective at melting away makeup (even waterproof mascara), but provides a less luxious experience than the Tatcha formula.