DHC Guide: Beyond the Cleansing Oil
DHC (short for Daigaku Honyaku Center, which translates to “University Translation Center”) started as a translation service in 1972. The company pivoted to skincare in the 1980s after its founder discovered the benefits of Spanish olive oil for skin. That olive oil focus has defined the brand ever since.
Most people outside Japan know DHC for exactly one product: the Deep Cleansing Oil. It’s one of the best selling cleansing oils in the world and the product that puts DHC in most “best Japanese skincare” lists. But the brand has a deeper range worth knowing about.
The Hero Products
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
The product that made DHC famous internationally. An olive oil based cleansing oil that dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and sebum, then emulsifies cleanly with water. No greasy residue, no tugging, no irritation.
This was many people’s introduction to oil cleansing. It’s simple, effective, and has been a consistent bestseller in Japan for decades. Also one of the more affordable Japanese cleansing oils, which makes the comparisons to Shu Uemura (at several times the price) a frequent topic. For that comparison: DHC vs Shu Uemura vs Attenir vs FANCL. For a detailed breakdown of the formula, who it works for, and who should skip it, see our DHC Deep Cleansing Oil review.
DHC Olive Virgin Oil
DHC’s other flagship product, though it’s less well known internationally. 100% organic Spanish olive oil, cold pressed, and extremely concentrated. One drop is enough for the entire face. Contains natural squalene and vitamin E. The brand claims over 7 million bottles sold, making it their longest running product (since 1980).
This is a face oil for people who think they don’t like face oils. It’s not greasy, absorbs quickly, and works well as the last step in a routine to seal in moisture. Also works on dry cuticles, rough patches, and lips.
The Rest of the Range
DHC Lip Cream
A simple, olive oil based lip balm. Nothing fancy, just effective hydration. Popular in Japan as an everyday lip care staple. For more on Japanese lip care options, see Best Japanese Lip Balm and Lip Care.
DHC Velvet Skin Coat
A silicone based primer that smooths pores and creates a matte, velvety base for makeup. The name describes the finish pretty accurately. Has a quiet following among people who prefer a very smooth, pore blurring base.
DHC Eyelash Tonic
An eyelash serum for conditioning and strengthening lashes. Affordable and straightforward. One of the more popular drugstore lash serums in Japan.
DHC Face Wash Powder
A powder cleanser that foams up with water. The powder to foam format allows for a preservative light formula. Enzyme based for gentle exfoliation.
What Makes DHC Different
DHC’s identity is olive oil. Not in a gimmicky way. The founder’s original insight was that Spanish olive oil (specifically from a particular region) had properties that benefit skin, and that became the foundation of everything the brand makes.
The brand also has a direct to consumer model in Japan (catalog and online sales) that’s different from most Japanese beauty brands, which sell primarily through drugstores and department stores. They have their own stores in Japan too, but the direct model means they control the customer relationship more closely.
In the US, DHC has had an official presence for years through dhccare.com, which makes it one of the more accessible Japanese beauty brands for American buyers.
Where to Buy DHC Outside Japan
DHC has a US website (dhccare.com) with a broad product selection and ships domestically. This makes DHC one of the easiest Japanese beauty brands to buy outside Japan. The Deep Cleansing Oil is also available through other retailers.
Check individual product pages in our directory for full retailer availability.
Related: DHC vs Shu Uemura vs Attenir vs FANCL | Best Japanese Cleansing Oil | Double Cleansing vs Single Cleansing
FAQ
Is DHC Cleansing Oil better than Shu Uemura?
Different products at different price points. DHC is olive oil based and straightforward. Shu Uemura’s Ultime8 uses a blend of 8 oils and has a more luxurious texture. Both remove makeup effectively. DHC wins on value, Shu wins on the experience. Most people in the community consider DHC the better deal.
Can I use DHC Cleansing Oil as my only cleanser?
It works as a standalone cleanser for light makeup days, but for heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen, following up with a water based cleanser (double cleansing) gives a more thorough clean.
Is DHC the same quality in the US as in Japan?
The products sold on dhccare.com are the genuine Japanese formulations. DHC controls their US distribution directly, so authenticity isn’t a concern when buying from the official US site.