12 Best Cleansing Oils: Reviews & Guide

Best Cleansing Oils

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Cleansing oils are a hot topic in the world of beauty products. Although it might seem counterintuitive to apply oil to the skin, they are more effective at removing dirt and oil from the skin than water alone.

Not all cleansing oils will offer exceptional benefits which are why many mistrust them as a beauty product.

Are you looking for the best cleansing oils to use on your skin? Continue reading to learn more about our recommendations.

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    Our Top Picks for the Best Oil Cleansers

    We have compiled a list of the best cleansing oils on the market to help you choose the one that best suits your skincare needs!

    #1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

    Our Pick

    This Japanese cleansing oil is very popular and effective. It is safe for sensitive skin types and delivers miraculous results.

    This cleanser works in one step and you can simply apply it to your skin after drying your hands. This oil will draw out oils trapped within the skin, making them easier to wash away. The rich formula with the product can even be used in conjunction with your everyday makeup products.

    The main ingredient in this cleanser’s botanical formula is olive oil. It is high in antioxidants that prevent damage from free radicals and make skin feel smoother and softer. It also includes a rosemary leaf which gives the oil a fresh, pleasant scent. This is our top pick in the list of best cleansing oil.

    One study concluded that 92% of participants saw significant improvement in their skin after using this best cleansing oil.

    Pros

    • This one-step cleanser is very effective.
    • It’s safe for dry skin.
    • It has an antioxidant-rich formula.
    • The fresh scent leaves you feeling great.
    • Leaves your skin feeling softer, smoother, and oil-free.

    Cons

    • The product has a thick consistency some buyers may not enjoy.

    #2. Organys Cleansing Oil and Complete Makeup Remover

    For Dry Skin

    This oil cleanser is gentle enough to be used every day. It is safe and free from harsh chemicals so there is no risk of it having adverse side effects. It can be used as a face cleanser and is an excellent makeup remover.

    This cleansing oil is a great way to moisturize and clean your skin. It moisturizes and hydrates skin without leaving it with a greasy feeling. It softens and nourishes your skin leaving you looking and feeling radiant after use.

    It uses natural ingredients such as olive oil, geranium oils, and water to deliver its excellent benefits.

     

    Pros

    • Feels gentle on the skin and has no adverse side effects.
    • Moisturizes skin without leaving it feeling greasy.
    • Softens, hydrates, and nourishes your skin.
    • Safe for Dry Skin.

    Cons

    • Not designed for delicate skin.

    #3. Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

    Deeply And Gently Cleanses Pores

    Although this cleansing oil is mostly used to remove makeup, it can also be used as a cleanser for excess sebum, which can block pores and cause breakouts. This brand is cheaper than most of its rivals, however, people are reluctant to try the product. If you are among the hesitant rest assured that this product offers marvelous and speedy results that you will love! It is safe for acne-prone skin.

    One of the key ingredients of this product is mineral oil which moisturizes and softens skin. Jojoba seed oil can also be used to provide anti-inflammatory properties and reduce redness and irritation. You will also find other quality ingredients like glycerin and phenoxyethanol in this oil cleanser.

    Pros

    • Good for removing excess sebum which can cause acne.
    • Contains mineral oil and jojoba seed oils to moisturize skin.
    • Deeply and gently cleanses pores.
    • Cheaper than most other oil cleansers.
    • Helps moisturize and soften skin.

    Cons

    • May cause breakouts during early use.

    #4. [KLAIRS] Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

    Soothes Redness And Irritation

    Most people know that washing your face is important, but it can also be irritating if you use the wrong product. Many cleansing oils are too harsh or leave a residue behind leaving you feeling irritated and uncomfortable.

    The Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is mild enough for your skin, yet effective at removing makeup and dirt without irritating. This cleansing oil was created with natural oils extracted from black beans to help control sebum production and soothe irritated skin.

    This cleansing oil will help keep your skin healthy while keeping it hydrated all day long!

    Pros

    •  Gentle on the skin.
    • Soothes redness and irritation.
    • Conditions skin to prevent dryness.
    • Keeps the skin hydrated.
    • Contains natural oils.
    • Cruelty-free and vegan friendly.
    • Fragrance-Free
    • Does not contain ethanol, parabens, silicon, steroids, or artificial colors.

    Cons

    • Some users find the scent unpleasant compared to other products.

    #5. Neutrogena Ultra-Light Facial Cleansing Oil

    Tested By Dermatologist

    This oil cleanser is easy to fall in love with simply because of the brand name. It can remove all dirt and makeup easily is light on the skin and leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. The oil acts as a magnet, drawing impurities away from the skin and leaving your complexion flawless.

    This cleansing oil is also non-comedogenic. It won’t clog pores or cause breakouts, so you can feel confident that this product will have you looking radiant in no time. 

    Pros

    • Tested by dermatologists.
    • Removes any dirt/makeup.
    • Lightweight formula.
    • Non-comedogenic so won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
    • Quick and easy product to use.

    Cons

    • Some buyers don’t like its scent.

    #6. Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil

    Contains 99.9% Natural Ingredients

    This cleansing oil is made with organic ingredients that nourish and revitalize your skin. The gentle formula won’t clog pores and prevents breakouts making it perfect for those who are susceptible to blackheads.

    This product contains 99.9% of natural ingredients making it great for your skin. It contains soybean oil, jojoba oil, and other quality oils that have skin-nourishing properties. It also contains fermented rice extract which aids in maintaining the right balance of oil, water, and cleanser.

    Pros

    • Gentle formula.
    • Doesn’t clog pores.
    • Good for those who are sensitive to blackheads and other breakouts.
    • Uses powerful soybean oil and jojoba oil.
    • Contains 99.9% natural ingredients.

    Cons

    • It has an oily consistency.

    #7. Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect Cleansing Oil

    Great Exfoliant

    This cleansing oil is unique because it uses black sugar as its main ingredient. It comes from Brazil and is made from unrefined sugar with a rich molasses color. This oil is a great exfoliant because of its grainy texture and can remove superficial skin impurities.

    This cleansing oil contains sugar and botanicals. These will nourish and moisturize your skin after you apply them to your skin. It does not contain any chemicals that could irritate.

    Pros

    • Unique cleaning oil that naturally exfoliates the skin.
    • It moisturizes and nourishes the skin with sugar and botanicals.
    • Leaves skin feeling smooth, soft, refreshed.
    • Removes superficial skin impurities.

    Cons

    • Not recommended for those who are suffering from eczema.

    #8. Palmers Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil

    Enriched With Skin Brightening Ingredients

    This product is effective for both makeup removal and facial cleansing. It provides deep cleansing and effective brightening and is safe to use on delicate skin.

    This oil cleanser is free from mineral oils, parabens, and phthalates. Its ingredients include grapeseed oil, rosehip oil, jojoba, and vitamin C.

    It’s also important to note that the product has been tested by dermatologists, and has been scientifically proven to be perfect for sensitive skin.

    Pros

    • Deeply cleansing.
    • Effective brightening for your skin.
    • Free from harmful ingredients to prevent irritation.
    • Dermatologically tested.
    • Does not contain mineral oils, parabens, or phthalates.

    Cons

    • Some buyers find the scent unpleasant.

    #9. bareMinerals Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil

    Non-Greasy Formula

    Many oil cleansers can feel heavy or greasy, but this is not one of them. Bare Minerals’ product is well-known for its ability to dissolve makeup gently and clean the skin.

    Borage oil is one of the main ingredients that contribute to this product’s effectiveness. This cleansing oil protects the skin against environmental stressors. It also promotes cell renewal and skin resilience.

    Sea salts are also included in the oil cleanser. This ingredient is known for its ability to brighten skin and make it radiant while fighting the signs of aging.

    Pros

    • Skin is left feeling soft and smooth.
    • Kills bacteria and leaves skin healthy.
    • Oil cleanser that won’t feel heavy or greasy.
    • Cleanses the face without stripping it of essential oils.

    Cons

    • Contains sea salt which may cause skin dryness.

    #10. Nature Republic Forest Garden Cleansing Oil

    With Anti-Inflammatory Properties

    This cleanser contains a mixture of Jeju sparkling water and chamomile extract. Both are gentle enough and known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. This can soothe skin and prevent irritation. 

    This cleanser contains teas and oil extracts, which will make it easy to manage stress and moisturize your skin. Jojoba oil is also included in the cleanser, which helps to remove makeup.

    Pros

    • Contains a unique blend of ingredients that will keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
    • Helps remove makeup and prevent irritation.
    • Reduces stress and soothes skin.
    • Has anti-inflammatory properties.

    Cons

    • Watery consistency can make it hard to apply.

    #11. Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil

    Loaded With Antioxidants

    This multi-purpose product can be used as a cleanser, an anti-aging moisturizer, and a makeup remover. Its gentle formula makes it safe for daily use, without irritating your skin.

    This product’s secret ingredient is made with pure argan oil, an ingredient many people regard as liquid gold. It can supply your skin with both antioxidants and fatty acids, helping you look radiant and youthful.

    The product removes impurities from the skin without stripping its natural oil. Grapefruit seed oil and sunflower seed oil are also ingredients in this cleanser.

    Pros

    • Gentle formula.
    • Does not cause the skin to become dryer.
    • Removes makeup and impurities.
    • Contains 100% argan oil as well as other quality extracts.
    • Leaves skin hydrated and looking fresh.

    Cons

    • Not suitable for oily skin.

    #12. Kopari Coconut Cleansing Oil

    Cruelty-Free And Vegan Friendly

    This product is a great choice for you because it has very few ingredients. The oil is made with pure, organic coconut oil which is well-known for its gentle properties. It is a vegan, non-GMO, paraben, and cruelty-free product that we know you will simply adore.

    This cleansing oil also contains coconut oil and rice oil. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, which combine to give you firm, moist, and glowing skin by stimulating collagen production. Coconut oil is also high in lauric acid which has antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits.

    The manufacturer suggests a two-step process with their other products to maximize the effectiveness of the oil cleanser. Apply the oil and then use the coconut rose toner to finish.

    Pros

    • Gentle on the skin.
    • Non-GMO.
    • Cruelty-free and vegan friendly.
    • 100% organic coconut oil.
    • Rich in antioxidants.

    Cons

    • Bit expensive.

    How to Choose the Best Cleansing Oils

    Are you unsure of which product to buy? There are some key considerations to help you choose from the best facial cleansing oils available in the market listed below.

    Ingredients

    The oil cleanser must contain the right ingredients. It is always better to use plant-based ingredients than harsh chemicals. Essential oils can cause skin irritation, even though they are natural and you may want to opt for products that are as gentle on the skin as possible.

    Fragrances

    It is best to avoid strong fragrances, as they can cause allergic reactions and will often use chemicals to create their unique scents.  Look for oil cleaners that are not scented or naturally scented if you can. The best cleansing oil is the one that smells naturally great.

    Balanced pH

    A balanced pH oil cleanser will reduce the growth of bacteria. A pH imbalance can lead to skin irritation and dryness.

    FAQs

    What are the Benefits of Using Oil Cleansers?

    Oil cleansing is a great option for all skin types including combination skin, dry skin, acne-prone skin, or oily skin types. Oil cleansing effectively dissolves any skin oil and removes dirt and other impurities. It can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles depending on which cleansing oil you use.

    Which Oil is Best for Cleansing the Skin?

    Some oils may not be suitable for people with delicate skin as they can be too strong and cause more harm than good. Castor, sweet almonds, sunflower, jojoba, and argan oils are the best oils to use.

    How Often Should I Use Oil Cleanser?

    It depends on what the manufacturer recommends. It is usually safe to use an oil cleansing product once per day before you go to bed.

    Conclusion

    People with dry skin will find oil cleansers most effective as these can help to moisturize the skin. However, those with sensitive skin will also benefit from it, particularly the ones we have mentioned above. These products are gentle on your skin and are free of harsh ingredients that could irritate. No matter what skin type you have we encourage you to add a cleansing oil to your daily routine!

    Also see these related article on Korean Oil Cleansers, Best Oil Cleansers for Dry Skin and oil cleansers category

    Emma Smith

    Emma Smith

    I am Emma Smith a freelance beauty and wellness writer. I graduated from New York University, where I studied English Literature and Creative Writing. After working in the beauty industry for several years, I decided to pursue my passion for writing about things related to beauty and health - from skincare tips to makeup tutorials to interviews with leading experts on the field. I have also done dermatology course 'Dermatology: Trip to skin' from Novosibirsk State University (NSU).

    I love staying healthy by doing working out and yoga. I am mother of a beautiful baby girl, I spend most of my time caring for her while still managing work obligations.
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