- Key Ingredients: Silver Ear Mushroom, Babassu Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil
- Size: 150 ML
DHC Cleansing Oil
Why We Love It: Japanese beauty brand DHC never misses, so we expected nothing but the best from this cleansing oil. It’s fragrance-free and super calming, with olive oil as the main ingredient. Remember, for it to really work, emulsify it with water (we like to use it in the shower) and massage it into the skin for one minute. FYI, it also doubles as a makeup brush cleaner.
- Key Ingredients: Olive oil, rosemary leaf oil, vitamin E
- Size: 1 fl oz, 2.3 fl oz, 6.7 fl oz
Anua Heartlead Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Why We Love It: Come across this K-beauty product on your TikTok feed? It’s worth the hype, especially if you have oily, acne-prone skin. Not only does it not clog your pores, but it also contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial ingredients like turmeric and heartland extract. But it’s not limited to oily skin; anyone can use it as it guarantees fresh, hydrated skin, thanks to conditioning jojoba, grapeseed, and olive oils.
- Key Ingredients: Olive oil, jojoba oil, turmeric extract, heartleaf extract, sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil
- Size: 200 mL
What is a cleansing oil?
Cleansing oil, as we mentioned earlier, contains oils that effectively remove dirt, debris, and makeup from the skin. These oils dissolve impurities on the skin’s surface, allowing them to be easily rinsed away. In general, oil cleansers, according to Dr. Castilla, are gentler on the skin barrier and less likely to strip natural oils compared to regular facial cleansers. The main ingredients to look out for are plant oils such as grapeseed, sunflower, and argan oils.
What are the origins of cleansing oil?
Per Dr. Libby, the origins of cleansing oil may have derived from Asian beauty skin care routines, which often employed a double-cleansing method consisting of an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
How does it differ from other cleansers on the market?
Time for a science lesson: Traditional cleansers use surfactants, such as soap, to remove dirt and excess oil from the skin, along with moisturizing ingredients that deposit on the skin to prevent it from feeling tight and dry. These surfactant-based water cleansers work better on water-soluble particles. “Some cleansing oils also contain surfactants, but the main cleansing component is the oil itself. Oil cleansers tend to foam significantly less than regular face washes due to minimal surfactants,” says Dr. Castilla.
What ingredients and textures to look out for
The texture of cleansing oils can vary. “Some are lightweight and easily spreadable, while others are thicker and heavier and may require more effort to rinse off,” says Dr. Castilla. If possible, she suggests testing the consistency of the formulation before purchase. Fragrance-free options are ideal, as fragrances can be potentially irritating, especially for sensitive and dry skin types. “Try to look for a formulation with relatively few ingredients; less ingredients generally mean there are fewer potential irritants,” she adds. Also, look out for hydrating superstars like glycerin, niacinamide, and colloidal oatmeal that help nourish skin’st moisture barrier.
How to use cleansing oil
Cleansing oil is meant to be the first step in cleansing; apply it to dry skin as oil cleansers are especially efficient at removing makeup. Dr. Castilla generally recommends using a cleansing oil once per day, particularly at night, especially if you wear makeup.
Who is a cleansing oil best for?
“Cleansing oils can be used for essentially all skin types,” says Dr. Castilla. However, she notes that they are most beneficial for those with sensitive, dry, eczema, or mature skin types, as they can benefit from the extra hydration they impart. For oily or acne-prone skin types, she recommends using formulations that can be rinsed away with water without leaving an excessive oily residue.
Cleansing oil also works well on stubborn sunscreen, especially since many mineral formulations are water-resistant. “My pro tip is to use a cleansing oil, as this will effectively cleanse off the sunscreen. Then, if desiring a double cleanse, you can follow this step with a water-based cleanser,” says Dr. Libby.