The world of cleansers is plentiful. There is one for every skin type and condition out there, all boasting a plethora of hard-working ingredients and textures to help serve as the foundation of your skincare routine. If you're on the hunt for a new one, chances are you may be a little confused. But we don't blame you, there's a lot to think about. There are cleansers for dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, there are cleansing brushes, cleansing balms and ones that foam or require a hot cloth. The list goes on. But spare a thought for oil cleansers.
While some may automatically recoil at the thought of cleansing with an oil, the magic of oils is that they work across the board, on all skin types and they do a fantastic job of cleansing. The right ones are powerful enough to break down make-up, dirt and debris, all while respecting the balance of even the most sensitive skin types.
'Cleaning oils work to attract oils present on the surface of the skin such as make-up, dirt, pollution and UV filters and will help dissolve them away faster than other types of cleansers,' says Gemma Collins, Bioderma’s Dermatologist. 'The physical action of rubbing a cleansing oil into the skin is also much more gentle, less abrasive and doesn’t give as much friction, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive and dry skin types. However, not all cleansing oils are created equal and it is important that the cleansing oil you choose contains mostly plant-based oils as opposed to heavy essential oils as this can potentially irritate some skin types.'
The Best Oil Cleansers At A Glance:
Best budget: Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser, £13.99
Best for oily skin: Erborian Centella Cleansing Oil, £26
Best for dry skin: MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil, £36
Best of sensitive skin: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Oil, £15.60
It all comes down to types of oils encapsulated in the formulas. Oilier skin types prone to acne should opt for lightweight ingredients like grapeseed oils, while dry skin types in need of quenching will love heavier ingredients like olive oil. You'll be pleased to know they don't leave behind a greasy residue as the surfactants included in cleansing oils allow the oils and the substances they dissolve on the skin to be rinsed away easily when combined with water. They also make for an ultra-luxurious step in any routine thanks to their often rich, comforting texture. Keen to give this once niche Korean skincare secret turned mainstream skincare step a try? Here are the best oil cleansers to try now.
Shop: Best Oil Cleansers
Best of sensitive skin
Bioderma’s newest innovation capitalises on the brands historic micellar water DNA and expertise. 'It is a cleansing oil with biomimetic ingredients such as amino acids and omegas 3 and 6 that are inspired by the skin cell’s membrane, and helps the skin make its own lipids in order to truly alleviate symptoms of skin sensitivity whilst simultaneously providing a deep, thorough and soothing cleanse at the same time,' adds Collins.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- For all skin types, even the most sensitive
- Recommended by dermatologists
Cons
- Watery texture
Best for a budget
Featuring the brand's signature Barrier Lipid Complex, as well as moringa seed oil, olive fruit oil and squalane, this oil-to-milk cleanser melts away all traces of makeup, SPF and daily build up, all while supporting skin barrier function. I'm a huge fan of the packaging, it stands out on the bathroom shelf.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Moringa seed oil, olive fruit oil and squalane
Cons
- Strong smell
Best brightening
The formula fuses botanical ingredients, liquorice root and plankton extract together with ylang ylang oil, to improve your complexion, and brighten.The texture of this is creamy and light and it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry at all, my only qualm is the smell - I'm not a huge fan of ylang ylang.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty free
- Suitable for dry and combination skin types
Cons
- Not a fan of the smell
Best jelly formula
This hybrid cleanser goes from jelly to oil as you rub it in, which makes it so much more easier to apply. It boasts in a whopping 9 luxe oils, including kalahari melon, rosemary, sunflower and castor oils, which work to condition skin while you cleanse.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 9 super oils
- Beautiful packaging
- Jelly texture transforms into a lightweight oil
Cons
- Need to follow up with a cleanser
Best for dry skin
Loaded with jojoba and sunflower seed oil, as well as vitamin E and Japanese peony extract, this antioxidant and vitamin-rich cleanser features a light, cushion-like formula that glides over my skin with ease, leaving behind a soft radiance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pump head
- Plant-derived ingredients
Cons
- Not the best for oily skin
Best for oily skin
Soothing centella asiatica, also known as tiger grass – an essential plant in traditional Korean medicine – is the super-ingredient in this botanical oil-rich formula that transforms into a milky texture when it comes into contact with water. Despite its cleansing power, this oil is surprisingly gentle. It doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue, which is a major plus for me.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Doesn't take much product
- Soothing texture
Cons
- Smell is quite vintage
Best splurge-worthy
Alternative retailers
A luxurious option. Bursting with vitamins and omega fatty acids, this blend of Japanese camellia oil ( a rich source of vitamins A, B, D, and E, as well as nourishing omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9) and the brand's proprietary complex of rice, green tea, and algae Hadasei-3™, is a fool-proof pick. Suitable for all skin types, it leaves complexions plump, petal-soft and deeply hydrated.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates, mineral oil and synthetic fragrance
Cons
- Splurge purchase
Best restoring cleanser
A matrix of skin-hugging ingredients like vitamin E-rich safflower oil, omega-6 and moringa extract make this a treat for skin that is exposed to daily free radical damaging from city living. I have sensitive skin, and this oil hasn’t caused any irritation or dryness.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powered by three key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin A
- Enhanced with anti-pollution technology
Cons
- Scent might be too much for some
Best Squalane-Rich Cleansing Oil
Backed by the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Jonathan Van Ness, Biossance's cleansing oil offering is made up of the brand's sugarcane-derived, sustainable squalane oil as well as eight other plant-derived oils and extracts. It's lightweight and will quickly work to leave skin looking healthy and fresh.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Antioxidant
Cons
- Thin and watery texture
Best for travel
This little trusty bottle is rich in grape seed, jojoba seed, avocado and plum kernel oils. A gentle massage is all it takes to remove every trace of product, leaving my skin feeling clean and refreshed. I find I don't need to double cleanse with this.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Omega-rich blend of grape seed, jojoba seed, avocado and plum kernel oils
- Lightweight
- Good for travel
Cons
- Can't see how much is left
Best soothing cleansing oils
The packaging alone makes this a spa experience in itself. The ingredients are 100% natural, it is on the pricey side, but the formula is quality. The consistency is absolutely divine, not too thick and not too runny. The skin feels soft, supple and really clean after use - which is definitely a result of the scrubbing agents.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made with 100% natural ingredients (83% of which are certified organic)
- Scrubbing agents
Best balancing cleansing oil
This cleanser strikes the perfect balance - not too light, not too heavy. Its emulsification process is impressive, effectively lifting off my SPF and light makeup without leaving a residue. While I haven’t tested it with a full face of makeup yet, I’m confident it could handle the task, although I did need to exert a bit more effort to remove mascara. However, considering the excellent properties of this cleanser, it’s a minor inconvenience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 95% natural ingredients
- Rich in antioxidants
- Not irritating
Cons
- Need a few cleanses
Best natural cleansing oil
While strolling through a French pharmacy, I stumbled upon the Caudalie Vinoclean Cleansing Oil. What caught my eye immediately was its perfect Yuka score, emphasising its clean ingredients. This cleansing oil boasts 100% natural origin ingredients, making it a great choice for those seeking a gentle yet effective makeup remover. The oil itself has a light, milky texture that feels luxurious on the skin. It effortlessly dissolves all types of makeup, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Perfect for travel
- Nice scent
Cons
- Runny texture
Best conditioning cleansing oils
Just like the Elemis balm the oil cleanser melts away impurities. This oil removes my makeup so easily and does not irritate my eyes. I’ve started to use Elemis only recently and find their products are all lovely. You only need two pumps of the oil to remove all makeup so the bottle will last me a long time.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rose of Winter, Chia Seed Oils, Pomegranate Extract
- Milky texture
Cons
- Packaging has changed
Best fast acting
The Clinique Cleansing Oil effortlessly removes stubborn mascara, making makeup removal a breeze. Its nourishing formula leaves skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after each use. It’s a must-have for anyone seeking a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Lightweight
- Combination Oily, Dry, Oily, Very Dry
Cons
- Fragrance but now there is a fragrance-free option
Best everyday
This does a fantastic job of removing makeup and SPF, it leaves my skin feeling fresh and new. It is enriched with Rosehip Fruit Extract and a cocktail of nourishing Omegas 3, 6, and 9, it not only cleanses but also nourishes and protects, unveiling a radiant complexion.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Suitable for vegans and cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- The dispenser
Best Cleansing Oils 2024 FAQs
What skin types benefit from a cleansing oil?
Cleansing oils are versatile and are good for various skin types. As they are oil-based and particularly effective for those with dry or dehydrated skin, as they help to dissolve and remove makeup and impurities without striping the skin. However, individuals with oily or combination skin can also benefit from cleansing oils, as they can help to balance oil production and prevent over-drying of the skin.
How do you use cleansing oils?
Using a cleansing oil is a straightforward process. Start with dry hands and a dry face. Dispense a small amount of the cleansing oil into your palm and gently massage it onto your dry skin using circular motions. Focus on areas with makeup or impurities. Then, add a small amount of water to emulsify the oil, continuing to massage the skin. Finally, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove the oil along with the dissolved makeup and impurities.
How often should you use one?
For most people, using a cleansing oil once a day, preferably in the evening to remove makeup and impurities accumulated throughout the day, is sufficient. However, some may prefer to use it twice daily for a thorough cleanse in the morning and evening. It’s essential to listen to your skin and adjust the frequency based on how your skin responds. Overuse can potentially lead to over-drying or irritation, so it’s essential to find the right balance for your skin type.
ncG1vNJzZmifopbHqq3DmqClsV6YvG%2FBymiZnpmlqcZutMCiqWirm567cK7ErKtmp5mheqS4xJqlrJ2iqHw%3D