9 Best Cleansing Oils You Wish You Would've Been Using Sooner
The gentle makeup wipes alternative you didn't know you needed in your life until now.
Contrary to popular belief, oil-based products such as cleansing oils can be highly effective in removing excess oils and impurities — even if you sport a more oily skin type. How so? Let's take it back to math class. Remember that multiplication rule of a negative times a negative makes a positive? In the world of skin care, the same principle applies. Oil products on oily or acne-prone skin equal a clear complexion, thanks to the natural law of oil attracting oil.
With that in mind, it's time to finally turn all attention to the beloved cleansing oil, a purifying cleanser that can strip away all types of makeup, dirt, and sweat, without leaving behind a greasy residue or making the face feel heavy. The product not only achieves a cleansed face, but is lightweight enough to use for morning and night, as a makeup remover or base cleanser, and did we mention they are naturally hydrating? (We can thank K-beauty for making us see the light).
Whether you're looking for a cleansing oil to add to the facial routine or perhaps want to switch out makeup wipes for something a bit more gentle to the skin, we have compiled the best cleansing oils you wish you would've been using sooner.
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Best for normal to dry skin tones, this cleansing oil is combined with cleansing milk, serving as an effective makeup cleanser whilst also purifying the skin by combatting oil-based impurities. Thanks to its amino-acid-rich White Leaf Tea Water, the skin's barrier remains deeply penetrated with hydration well after being cleansed.
Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser, $34, Laneige
Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Aged Hop Extract, and its Smooth Cushion Oil technology are the stars of this cleansing oil as it effortlessly removes waterproof makeup without clogging pores or irritating the skin. With no preservatives or synthetic colors, the cleanser is ideal for all skin types, whether it's dry, oily, or sensitive.
Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil, $23, Shikō Beauty Collective
While achieving the expected benefits that are found in cleansers, this cleansing oil has the added bonus of serving as an exfoliator, washing away impurities, makeup, and SPF, followed by thorough removal of dead skin cells and unclogging pores. While an oil-based product, the cleanser is friendly to every skin type and doesn't leave any sign of the dreaded greasy residue after use.
Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil, $58, Sephora
If searching for a go-to cleanser for the daily and nightly facial routine, look no further. This gently formulated wash deeply cleanses the skin, resulting in minimized pores, a refreshed complexion, and improved moisturisation, all whilst maintaining the skin's balanced pH levels.
Gel Cleanser Gentle Purifying Wash, $75, RéVive Skincare
This formula achieves a thorough facial cleanse, stripping away excess oil and daily dirt without compromising the skin's natural oils. Whether you need a facial refresh after a sweaty workout or have built up unwanted sheen due to hotter temperatures, this cleansing oil will leave your face healthy, smooth, and balanced.
Bobbi Brown Soothing Face Cleanser Oil, $55, Sephora
Aptly titled, this weightless cleansing oil feels nothing less than an absolute joy. Its blend of all-natural ingredients including sunflower seed oil and moringa oil provide hydrating property benefits, whilst being a perfect gentle alternative to your favorite makeup wipes. It, of course, also can be used as a morning cleanser before starting your makeup routine.
Absolute Joi Sunflower & Moringa Cleansing Oil, $45, Thirteen Lune
Epara Skincare's cleansing oil pampers your complexion delivering spa-worthy softness to the skin and a noticeable radiance. The moisturising formula brings the all-natural luxury experience straight to the comfort of your bathroom, boasting benefits of reducing hyper-pigmentation and regulating sebum production.
Epara Skincare Natural Cleansing Oil, $91, Thirteen Lune
With a gel-to-foam formulation, antioxidant-rich ingredients, and a cloud-like touch, this cleansing oil truly checks off all the boxes. It's friendly to all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone, and gently strips away makeup, SPF, and excess oils, leaving skin dewy, soft, and radiant.
Youth to the People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser, $39, Sephora
A cleansing oil so gentle it can be used on the eyes? Say no more. This ultra-light cleanser purifies the skin to perfection, ridding it of any hint of makeup or dirt. Uniquely formulated with key ingredients of Rice Bran Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil, the product not only refreshes and cleanses the skin but restores it, adding and retaining hydration in any dry areas and leaving a luminous glow.
DamDam Silk Rice Makeup-Removing Cleansing Oil, $46, Sephora
