Looking for a great makeup cleanser? I highly recommend Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid, which I’ve been using for over a decade and still love! In this review, I put it to the test against Shu Uemura to see which one removes makeup faster.

The result? It took me by surprise!

I’d previously done the same experiment with DHC Cleansing Oil and Innisfree Apple Cleansing Oil, putting both to the test against Shu Uemura. So far, Shu Uemura had always emerged as the winner.

Related: Review of DHC Cleansing Oil
Related: Review of Innisfree Apple Cleansing Oil

So, how will Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid fare in the same experiment? Let’s find out.

Updated (2026): This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated with my latest thoughts, experience and photos.

Experiment: Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid vs Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil

As with my previous experiments involving other cleansing oils, both Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid and Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil can remove makeup effectively when used according to their instructions, i.e. massaged onto the skin and then rinsed off.

But if we want to declare a winner, we need to tweak the usage method slightly.

The experiment

Instead of massaging the cleansing liquid and oil into the makeup, I will simply pat them onto the makeup. I’ll then use a gentle swiping motion, one at a time, to see which product removes the makeup faster.

Step 1: Apply smudge-proof makeup

I drew a heart using three eyeliners. These eyeliners (Clio Gelpresso and Bourjois) are known for their smudge-proof or water-proof properties.

Step 2: Pat the cleansing liquid/oil onto the makeup

I gently patted the cleansing liquid/oil over the makeup to ensure that they covered the makeup completely.

Step 3: Press a wet cotton pad onto the makeup

I placed a wet cotton pad over each area and pressed it against the makeup for 5 seconds, without any swiping or massaging.

Biore vs Shu Uemura Cleansing Liquid — Cover with cleansing liquid/oil. Place wet cotton pad on test areas.

After lifting the cotton pads, the first results were already interesting.

The left cotton pad (Biore) had lifted more makeup than the right one (Shu Uemura). The remaining makeup on the left was also more blurred and faded compared with the sharper-looking residue on the right.

Step 4: Give it one gentle swipe

After just one gentle swipe, the Biore side was completely free of makeup. What an amazing result! This had never happened in my previous experiments. Most cleansing oils required two swipes before the makeup was completely removed.

I repeated the experiment twice and observed consistent results: Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid was faster at removing makeup than Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil.

That was definitely an unexpected result!

Are you ready for more good stuff? Read on for my full review and the 7 reasons why I think this cleanser is worth buying.

7 Reasons why Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid is a must-buy

1. Speedy cleansing

Finally, a makeup cleanser that removes makeup faster than Shu Uemura. Based on my experiment, Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid clearly wins the speed department. It required just one gentle swipe, while Shu Uemura required two.

2. Way cheaper than Shu Uemura

I often get it from Malaysia at just S$8 (about RM26). Its recommended retail price in Singapore is about S$25.

Comparing this against Shu Uemura, Biore costs S$0.11 per ml (Singapore price) 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 a wet face

Most cleansing oils can only be used on a dry face, so here’s the good news: Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid can be used on both wet or dry face.

That’s a small but useful convenience, especially if you prefer removing your makeup in the shower.

4. Contains 40% moisturising essence

Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid is “enhanced with 40% moisture essence for soft and moisturised skin.”

My experience? After washing off the cleansing liquid and pat-drying my face, my skin felt clean, non-greasy and most importantly, it 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. Generous quantity

You get 230ml of product, about 15% more than the industry norm.

What’s Bad?

1. Is a second wash required?

Unlike Shu Uemura, Biore didn’t indicate if a second cleansing (with Foam cleanser) is required. To play safe, I would still do a double-cleansing.

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 to remove my eye makeups.

In fact, specialised eye makeup removers are invented for a reason. They work more effectively against stubborn eye makeup, and do not sting. Here are a few good ones:

Recommendation

Finally, I’ve found a makeup cleanser that made me ditch my beloved Shu Uemura cleansing oil. I had gone through countless bottles of Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid since I first discovered it 11 years ago!

I strongly recommend it to those who are looking for an affordable and effective makeup remover. It removes makeup quickly, is easy to use – even in the shower – and costs only a fraction of the price compared with other brands. Rating: 5/5

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(This post was first published in Dec 2015 – I’m still loving this product in 2026, and have since purchased countless bottles for both me and my mom).

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Biore Mild Cleansing Liquid | Still loving this after 11 years!