
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil (Discontinued)
The Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil was designed as a mild yet effective first-step cleanser, formulated to melt away stubborn makeup, sebum, and daily impurities. While this product has been discontinued, it remains a popular point of reference for those seeking a silky, emollient texture in their double-cleansing routine. The formula features a base of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, providing a smooth glide that minimizes friction and irritation. It was intended to leave the skin feeling soft and supple rather than stripped. However, despite its 'gentle' branding, the ingredient profile contains several components that may be problematic for those with congestion-prone skin. The inclusion of heavy esters and specific vegetable oils creates a luxurious feel but significantly raises the risk of pore blockages. If you are still using this discontinued oil or looking for similar alternatives, understanding how its high-penetration ingredients interact with your pores is essential for maintaining clear skin and avoiding inflammatory breakouts.
Our Analysis
Our analysis classifies the Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil as having a HIGH comedogenic risk. The primary concern is Isopropyl Myristate, which carries a 5/5 rating. This penetration enhancer is known to dive deep into pores where it can harden and cause significant blockages. The formula also contains Soybean Oil (3/5), which can be problematic depending on its refinement, and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (2/5). While the latter is a common fractionated coconut oil, the combination of these three ingredients makes this cleanser a high-risk choice for anyone prone to acne or blackheads.
Skin Type Recommendations
This cleansing oil is best suited for very dry, non-acne-prone skin types that require intense emolliency. It is NOT recommended for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin due to the high concentration of Isopropyl Myristate. Those with sensitive skin should also use caution, as the potential for deep pore congestion can lead to irritation.
Flagged Ingredients
Penetration enhancer that dives deep into pores and hardens, causing blockages.
Moderate comedogenicity; depends on the refinement level of the oil.
Fractionated coconut oil; removed most clogging long-chain acids but can still affect some.
Want Deeper Analysis?
Run our MACR (Multi-Axis Comedogenic Risk) analysis to get a comprehensive 5-axis risk assessment. This AI-powered analysis evaluates ingredients for Plugging Risk, Barrier Damage, Fungal Acne Risk, Oxidation Risk, and real-world User Reports — giving you personalized scores for your skin type.














