DHC swapped their cult-fave olive oil for a synthetic ester. Loyalists are throwing literal tantrums in the reviews.
The old formula dissolved a full face of waterproof mascara in 20 seconds flat. The new one? Clings to my lash line like bad regrets — takes a solid minute of rubbing.
Still $28 for 6.7 oz. Still claims to “dissolve everything.” Still smells vaguely like a salad — but the texture is thinner, greasier, less satisfying.
Emulsification speed
Turns milky in 5 seconds with water — but leaves a weird slick film behind.
Clog potential
Three closed comedones on my chin by day 3. Never happened before.
Rinse-off residue
Second cleanser mandatory now. Old formula? Optional.
Photo: Mariia Shalabaieva / Unsplash
Olive oil was the hero — rich in squalene, actually nourishing. The new base is ethylhexyl palmitate, a cheap palm-derived ester that sits on skin like a coat of wax instead of sinking in.
- Ethylhexyl Palmitate: lightweight feel, zero nourishment — clogs easily
- Olive Oil: was the whole point — high squalene, non-comedogenic
- Tocopherol: still there, but can’t save a bad base
- Rosemary Leaf Oil: same fragrance note, different soul
Photo: Valerie Elash / Unsplash
Pumps out watery — slides across skin like cooking oil, not the thick, satisfying glide of the original. Massaging feels slippery, not grippy. Rinsing feels like the oil is *still there*.
Two weeks in and my pores look bigger. A friend with dry skin loves it. Me? I’m getting grits where I never had them. Not the good kind.
Photo: Laura Chouette / Unsplash
Makeup removal is still decent — but my skin texture went from clear to “what’s that?” in 14 days. The old formula was an icon. This is a cost-cut in a pretty bottle.
DHC, bring back the olive oil. This reformulation is a downgrade — and your loyal fans know it. We’re not mad. We’re disappointed.