Good stuff, babes. I’m gonna share a review of a cleansing oil that works faster than Shu Uemura in removing makeup, but costs only a fraction of the price? Yes, we are talking about Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid. I will include an experiment to compare its makeup removing ability against Shu Uemura. The result took me by surprise!

I’d done the same experiment, comparing DHC Cleansing Oil and Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil against Shu Uemura. So far, Shu Uemura has always emerged as the winner.
- Related: Review of DHC Cleansing Oil
- Related: Review of Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil
Let’s see how Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid fares in the following experiment.
Experiment: Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid vs Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil
Similar to the previous experiments with other cleansing oils, both Biore and Shu Uemura remove makeup effectively if you use them according to the given instructions, i.e. to massage on skin, and rinse off.
If we want to force a winner out of this comparison, we have to alter the usage method slightly.
The Experiment
Instead of massaging the liquids against makeup, I will only be patting the liquids onto the makeup. After that, I will incorporate a gentle swiping action – one at a time, to see which makeup comes off first.
Step 1: Apply Smudge-proof Makeup
I’ve drawn a heart using three eyeliners. All of these eyeliners (Clio Gelpresso and Bourjois) are popularly known for their smudge-proof or water-proof ability.

Step 2: Tap Cleansing Liquid/Oil over Makeup
I gently patted the cleansing liquid/oil to ensure that they covered the makeup completely.
Step 3: Wet Facial Cotton, Place it on Makeup
Wet cotton pads were placed and pressed against the makeup for 5 seconds, without any lateral or massaging action.

After lifting the cotton pads, here’s the first result.

The left cotton pad (Biore) lifted more makeup off as compared to the right. Similarly, the residual makeup on the left bore a more blurry image than the one on the right.
Step 4: Give it One Gentle Swipe
After one swipe, the left area was makeup-free. Amazing result! This has never happened in my experiments. Most cleansing oil took two swipes to be completely stain-free. I did the experiment twice and obtained consistent results – Biore is speedier in removing makeup than Shu Uemura.

Now, are we ready for more good stuff of Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid? Read on for full review.
7 Reasons why Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid is a Must-Buy
1. Speedy Cleansing
Finally, there’s a makeup cleansing liquid that works faster than Shu Uemura. Based on the experiment above, Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid is clearly the winner in this category.
2. Way Cheaper than Shu Uemura
I got it for just S$8 in Malaysia (about Rm26). Its recommended retail price in Singapore is S$25.90. View current online price HERE.
Comparing this against Shu Uemura, Biore costs S$0.11 per ml (Singapore’s RRP) while Shu Uemura costs $0.37 per ml (based on small bottle) or $0.27 per ml (based on large bottle). This makes Biore three times cheaper than Shu Uemura.
3. Can be used on Wet Face
Most cleansing oils can only be used on dry face. Good news, babes! Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid can be used on both wet or dry face, providing added convenience, especially to those who prefer to remove makeup in the shower.
4. Contains 40% Moisturizing Essence
Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid is “enhanced with 40% moisture essence for soft and moisturized skin.”

My experience? After washing off the cleansing liquid and pat-drying my face, my skin felt clean and non-greasy. Although there wasn’t any obvious layer of hydrating film over it, my skin did not feel tight.
5. Doesn’t break out or clog pores
Yay! This is safe for my pimple-prone skin.
6. Water-based, Non-Greasy
Notice they use “liquid” instead of “oil” in their branding? Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid is a water-based cleanser that is said to be non-greasy.
Indeed, Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid is more runny than other cleansing oils, but not to the extent of having the consistency of water. It is slightly denser and comes with a strong slip, such that it actually felt like oil to me.

7. Packaging
The bottle has the perfect size (230ml) and shape to allow for a firm grip. Comes in a tear-drop shape with a slimmer top than bottom, it is great for ladies with small hands.
What’s Bad?
1. Unclear about whether double-cleansing is required
Unlike Shu Uemura, it isn’t clearly stated whether a second level of cleansing (with foam facial) is required for Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid. Since I have the habit of double-cleansing, this isn’t really an issue to me.
2. Stings the Same
As with other cleansing oils I’ve reviewed, Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid stings if it gets into the eyes. I wouldn’t use it as an eye makeup remover.
In fact, I would recommend that you use a specialized eye makeup remover. Such eye makeup removers tend to work more effectively against stubborn eye makeup, and relieve you of excessive tugging and massaging over the delicate eye areas. They are also not stinging.
> MUST-READ: Favorite Eye Makeup Remover | Lancome Bi-Facil
Ingredients of Biore Mild Cleansing Oil
For those who have sensitive skin, here’s the ingredient list.

Recommendation
Finally, a strong contender to make me rethink about retaining Shu Uemura as my holy grail cleansing oil. After testing Biore Mild Cleansing Oil, I have already bought two extra bottles to store up.
I strongly recommend Biore Mild Cleansing Oil to those who are looking for an affordable and effective makeup remover, and who don’t mind double cleansing. The fact that it smells great is an added bonus. If you are heading to Japan, this product is going into your Japan Must-Buy list. Rating: 5/5
To find out the latest price on Amazon, click HERE.
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(This post was first published in Dec 2015 – I’m still loving this product in 2020, and have since purchased countless bottles for me and my mom).
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