If you’re layering on waterproof sunscreen every day and washing it off with a regular cleanser, you’re probably not actually getting it all off. Kose Softymo’s cleansing oil is the drugstore fix for that, and it’s the kind of unglamorous, extremely effective product we wish more people outside Japan knew to reach for.
Why oil first, and why this brand
Japanese skincare treats cleansing as two separate jobs: dissolving oil-based stuff (sunscreen, makeup, the day’s grime) with oil, then washing everything away, oil included, with a foaming cleanser. It’s called double cleansing, and once you understand the logic, a single-step face wash starts to feel like it’s only doing half the work, especially on days you’ve worn sunscreen.
Kose is a major, long-established Japanese cosmetics maker, and Softymo is their budget-friendly cleansing line. It’s the kind of thing you’ll find in the exact same spot on a drugstore shelf in Tokyo as you would ten years ago — not flashy, just reliably good at one job.
Quick facts
| Product | Key ingredient | Texture | Best for | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil (230ml Pump + 200ml Refill) | Plant-derived cleansing oil base | Light oil, emulsifies with water | Removing waterproof sunscreen and makeup, daily double-cleanse routines | Check price → |
What it’s actually like
It’s a light, almost slippery oil that turns milky when you add water, which is your cue that it’s emulsifying and ready to rinse.
I used to avoid oil cleansers entirely, on the assumption that rubbing oil on your face all day was asking for trouble. What changed my mind was waterproof sunscreen — the kind that laughs at a normal face wash. One pass with this, a quick massage, and it’s gone completely, no lingering film, no stinging. The trick I learned the hard way is speed: don’t leave the oil sitting on your face forever, just enough to dissolve everything, then rinse and move straight to your regular cleanser.
Pros
- Removes waterproof sunscreen and makeup in one pass, no heavy scrubbing needed
- Doesn't leave a greasy or stinging residue when rinsed promptly
- Comes with a refill pack, which keeps the cost down for how much you'll use it
Cons
- It's genuinely an oil — skip the second wash and your skin will feel filmy by evening
- Not a one-step product, so it adds a step if you're used to a single face wash
How I actually use it
Massage a pump or two onto completely dry skin (wet skin makes oil cleansers less effective) for about a minute, focusing on wherever sunscreen or makeup is heaviest. Add a little water to emulsify, rinse, then follow immediately with a foaming cleanser. Don’t linger between steps.
Who this is for
- Anyone who wears sunscreen daily, especially waterproof formulas: this is exactly the tool for that job.
- Makeup wearers tired of residue after a regular cleanser: dissolves things a foam wash alone won’t touch.
- Sensitive skin, if used quickly and rinsed well: several reviewers with sensitive skin had no issues over months of daily use.
- Not for: if you want a single-step face wash with no extra rinsing, this adds a step you might not want.