We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Beauty Skincare Face Moisturizers and Serums The 15 Best Cleansing Oils to Make Your Skin Radiant and Fresh, Tested & Reviewed Even if you’re prone to breaking out, your skin will love these formulas. By Emily Orofino Emily Orofino Emily Orofino has over a decade of experience working in beauty. You can find her work on sites such as Harper’s Bazaar, Byrdie, Editorialist, POPSUGAR, & RealSelf. She has also lent her expertise to marketing departments & product development teams of some of the industry’s most prestigious brands. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on May 8, 2024 @ 04:12PM In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Keep in Mind Frequently Asked Questions Why Shop With Us Photo: InStyle / Alexander Huang The concept of using oil to cleanse—especially if you’ve ever spent way too long scrubbing at a greasy pan in the sink—sounds ludicrous, but it actually works. “The skin barrier is hydrolipidic, meaning it’s composed of oil and water,” explains Varuni Palacios, aesthetician and founder of Studio Varuni. “Oil cleansing is an important step to remove makeup, external pollution, dead skin cells, and sebum.” Oils are attracted to other oils, and when an oil cleanser interacts with the oils on your skin, it grabs onto them and then rinses them away. “This is why oil cleansers are recommended for those who apply very stubborn cosmetics such as waterproof makeup and tinted sunscreens,” explains Victoria Fu, cosmetic chemist and co-founder of Chemist Confessions. But unlike many traditional water-based cleansers, oil-based cleansers have an added benefit: “They remove impurities and dirt from the skin without stripping the skin and leave the skin barrier intact,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel. Expect your skin to feel soft, nourished, and comfortable after using an oil cleanser, provided you use the correct formulas. We spent more than 670 hours over four weeks testing about 20 cleansers, judging them on attributes like ease of use, feel, hydration benefits, cleansing ability, and overall results before narrowing down our list to the top picks below. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Sulwhasoo Cleansing Oil at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Budget: iUNIK Calendula Complete Deep Vegan Cleansing Oil at Iunikcos.com Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil at Amazon $58 Jump to Review Best for Acne: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best for Double Cleansing: Dermalogica Precleanse at Amazon $49 Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil at Verishop.com $23 Jump to Review Best for Flaky Skin: Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Cleansing Oil at Amazon $42 Jump to Review Best for Blackheads: DAMDAM Silk Rice Makeup-Removing Cleansing Oil at Sephora $46 Jump to Review Best Dermatologist-Tested: Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil at Amazon $50 Jump to Review Best Overall Sulwhasoo Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Sephora $40 at Amazon $13 at Nordstrom $13 at Sephora Why We Love It: We’re fussy when it comes to cleansing oils—they shouldn’t be too viscous or fragrant, but should be able to fully wash our skin clean while neither stripping it nor leaving a residue behind. This formula from Sulwhasoo checked all the boxes, with a thin, satisfying texture that massaged into our skin nicely and a refreshing herbal scent that didn’t linger. It effectively broke down our makeup and, after we emulsified this formula with water, it rinsed away to leave our skin soft, but not slick. Who It’s For: We’ll note that our combination, acne-prone skin responded quite well to this formula, except for the days when we rushed through our cleansing routine. When we failed to fully rinse the cleansing oil off of our skin, we developed some little whiteheads. So long as we were thorough, this product left our skin looking positively radiant. Just Trust Us: While we were satisfied by the results we saw from using this cleansing oil per the instructions, we were blown away by how great our skin looked when we removed every trace of the formula with a muslin cloth rather than just water. Key Ingredients: Mulberry leaf extract, mountain yam extract｜Intended for Double Cleanse: No｜Best for: Normal, dry, combination, oily｜Size: 6.76 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang Best Budget iUNIK Calendula Complete Deep Vegan Cleansing Oil PHOTO: iUNIK View on Iunikcos.com Why We Love It: The pared-down, entirely plant-based ingredient list on this cleansing oil from Iunik is on par with more high-end products, but it costs significantly less than those brands (and you get significantly more in each bottle). The nourishing face oils in the formula were a little heavier than we expected, but at no point did they congest our skin or leave it feeling greasy. In fact, we were impressed by how every last trace of this cleansing oil washed away—even when using lukewarm water to emulsify it—yet left our skin looking and feeling much more hydrated than usual. Who It’s For: While the formula is hypoallergenic and doesn’t include fragrance, it is naturally scented with a strong floral aroma that lingers (likely courtesy of calendula extract). It didn’t irritate our skin at all, but it’s something to consider if you’re very sensitive to fragrance. Just Trust Us: Don’t be overzealous when squirting this cleansing oil out of the bottle! You only need to use about half a pump of the cleanser to wash your entire face and neck. Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, macadamia oil, calendula extract｜Intended for Double Cleanse: No｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 6.76 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang PHOTO: InStyle Best for Oily Skin ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon Why We Love It: Similar to pore strips, this product was designed specifically to target grimy pores, and it definitely gets the job done. The gentle, slippery formula massaged easily into the skin to break down our makeup and sunscreen, taking on a silky, foamy texture after we added water to the mix. Doing so washed away everything sitting on top of our skin as well as junk building up in it—our skin was clarified and refreshed after rinsing, but didn’t feel taut or dry. Who It’s For: Though it’s optional to double cleanse using this formula, those with very oily skin might find that they crave a second step to feel fully clean. Of course, this may change seasonally or vary depending on your unique skin, as everyone is different. Just Trust Us: Listen to your skin when using this formula. Half the time, we found that this product left us feeling clean and hydrated enough to skip a double cleanse—and, in some cases, even moisturizing. Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, heartleaf extract, neem leaf extract｜Intended for Double Cleanse: Optional｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 6.76 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson Best for Sensitive Skin Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Blue Mercury $58 at Amazon $20 at Bluemercury.com View on Bloomingdales Why We Love It: Those prone to sensitivity often avoid cleansing oils—after all, who wants to risk breakouts on top of already-irritated skin? But we found that this formula was the only cleanser our skin could tolerate during a seasonal flare up that left us flaky and inflamed. The product genuinely soothed our skin, relieving irritation while being gentle around the eyes and on our complexion, leaving us feeling hydrated and comfortable without any lingering residue. Who It’s For: Our only minor gripe is the texture. It’s lightweight, so it’s ideal for using every day, regardless of your skin type, but it’s so fluid that it ended up running through our fingers and down our arms whenever we used it. We recommend applying it in the shower so you don’t make a mess (or inadvertently waste any precious product). Just Trust Us: Your skin will initially feel sticky once you emulsify the cleansing oil with water, but power through! The formula will break down and fully wash away, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, camellia oil, kukui nut｜Intended for Double Cleanse: No｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 6.76 oz Best for Acne Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Sephora $38 at Amazon $38 at Nordstrom $38 at Sephora Why We Love It: We were initially a little wary of using this formula because it features essential oils, but neither the scent nor the product irritated our sensitive, acne-prone skin. In fact, we never had a negative reaction or developed a pimple while using this formula—rather, it improved our skin as we used it, with existing blemishes clearing up much faster than they would have on their own. Though it’s fairly runny, it was very effective at hydrating our skin. Who It’s For: The only downside of this Kiehl’s cleansing oil was that we often used multiple pumps per cleansing session, which felt a bit wasteful at times, but our results were so satisfying that we didn’t mind. Besides which, the tall, narrow packaging made for easy storage, which made us love the product even more. Just Trust Us: Though the formula is very lightweight and gentle, it won’t have any problem breaking down makeup, even waterproof products. Key Ingredients: Squalane, evening primrose oil, lavender oil｜Intended for Double Cleanse: No｜Best for: Normal skin, dry skin, combination｜Size: 5.9 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson Best for Double Cleansing Dermalogica Precleanse PHOTO: Sephora $49 at Amazon $15 at Nordstrom $15 at Nordstrom Why We Love It: We fully bailed on our old cleansing balm in favor of this product, which quickly became our go-to first cleanser thanks to its ability to melt away long-wearing makeup, even eyelash glue, without irritating our skin or eyes (nor did it blur our vision with a cloudy film, like other formulas). After emulsifying the thin formula with water, it foamed up and completely washed away, leaving our skin feeling clean and hydrated enough that we felt we could skip using a second cleanser and moisturizer if we were in a pinch. Who It’s For: Though we weren’t bothered by it, this Dermalogica product boasts a fairly strong scent due to its blend of plant oils, including rosemary and lavender. Keep that in mind if you prefer a fragrance-free cleansing experience. Just Trust Us: You’ll need to use enough of this product for it to fully break down your makeup—two or three pumps should do it. Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, rosemary extract, vitamin E｜Intended for Double Cleanse: Yes｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 5.1 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson Best for Dry Skin Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Dermstore $23 at Verishop.com View on Credo Beauty View on Paiskincare.us Why We Love It: Dry skin types can handle richer cleansing oils, like this one from Pai, which features heavy-duty rosehip seed oil and olive oils in its formula for a potent dose of nourishing fatty acids. As it glided on during application, we could actually feel our skin getting more moisturized. The citrus scent (courtesy of lime and orange oils) was bold, but pleasant, and our skin felt refreshed after we rinsed the formula away, which admittedly took some effort due to the thicker texture. Who It’s For: We have very sensitive skin and found that our cheeks and chin felt a bit irritated after using this cleansing oil, which was a bit surprising. However, it wouldn’t (and didn’t) prevent us from continuing to use it, as we really enjoyed the product. Just Trust Us: You’ll love this product if you need a cleansing oil that breaks down heavy makeup in addition to nourishing skin. It’s so nourishing that some people may not feel the need to moisturize afterwards. Key Ingredients: Rosehip fruit extract, castor oil, jasmine oil｜Intended for Double Cleanse: No｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 3.3 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson Best for Flaky Skin Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Ulta $42 at Amazon $35 at Ulta $35 at Target Why We Love It: This cleansing oil applies smoothly across the skin to not only nourish it and break down dirt and oil, but gently resurface with pineapple extract. Our skin was getting flaky from spending too much time in chlorinated water, but you’d never know it after we used this formula, as it left our skin looking smooth, even, and glowy. This is a true oil, without any foaming, so you’ll want to spend some time emulsifying and rinsing to ensure you’ve rinsed everything off; once your skin has been fully cleansed, it’ll feel hydrated without any residue. Who It’s For: Our skin largely responded positively to this cleansing oil, which didn’t surprise us considering it’s approved by the National Eczema Association. However, we did experience some irritation when we attempted to wash away our eye makeup. We suspect the ginger in the formula had something to do with that—after all, it’s one of the active ingredients in lip plumpers—but it’s worth noting that this product didn’t irritate our skin when we paired it with a retinol product or even prescription-strength retinoids. Just Trust Us: The instructions state that this cleansing oil can be used on wet or dry skin—trust us when we say it’s far more effective when applied to dry skin with dry hands. Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil, ginger root extract, centella asiatica extract｜Intended for Double Cleanse: Optional｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 5.07 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson Best for Blackheads DAMDAM Silk Rice Makeup-Removing Cleansing Oil Sephora. PHOTO: Sephora $46 at Sephora $46 at Modaoperandi.com Why We Love It: While testing this formula, we discovered it offers a lot of benefits—removes waterproof makeup with zero struggle yet feels gentle, leaves skin super hydrated, and doesn’t leave behind a fragrance nor residue—but the greatest one was how it improved our skin’s texture. Not only were our forehead wrinkles far less noticeable after using this cleansing oil, the blackheads and sebaceous filaments on our nose were dramatically improved. The product also helped rapidly fade a dark spot left behind by a pimple. Who It’s For: We loved what this formula did for our skin so much that we ended up taking some rare mirror selfies; our only (very) minor gripe is the pump. This product has a very fluid texture that applies and rinses away like a dream, but also slipped through our fingers easily if we didn’t work super quickly. A different pump could dispense a more precise amount of oil so we could work in stages, helping us to waste less product at the sink. Just Trust Us: You’ll love how radiant this formula leaves your bare skin, but you’ll also enjoy using it before makeup, too, as it transforms your complexion into a perfectly nourished canvas. Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E｜Intended for Double Cleanse: No | Best for: All skin types｜Size: 5.07 oz PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson Best Dermatologist-Tested Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Shiseido $50 at Amazon $30 at Nordstrom $35 at Ulta Why We Love It: You don’t need much product to fully coat your skin with this very gentle formula, which features a delicate and pleasant scent that disappears almost immediately after application. This formula didn’t appear to emulsify or change texture, even when we added water, but it rinsed away easily to leave our skin hydrated, plump, and radiant. Who It’s For: While one or two pumps is effective, you’ll still likely need to cleanse once more after using this cleansing oil. It can break down light makeup, but we noticed that it struggled a bit to wash away mascara. That optional second cleanse was just the thing to leave our skin looking and feeling perfectly fresh. Just Trust Us: Unlike other products on this list, this cleansing oil’s pump doesn’t come with a locking mechanism, so be extra careful if you pack this formula in your travel kit. Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil, squalane｜Intended for Double Cleanse: Optional｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 6 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson Best for Makeup Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon Why We Love It: It’s easy to love this formula from Beauty of Joseon, which is budget friendly, comes in a huge bottle, and takes off longwearing makeup with practically zero effort (including mascara—no raccoon eyes!). It has a silky, lightweight texture that glides across the skin, which made for a satisfying facial massage before we easily rinsed it away. At no point was our skin left irritated or stripped—just soft, glowy, and completely clean. Who It’s For: Though it seems very silly to complain about this, this formula is meant to be used as the first step in a double cleansing ritual—but it’s so effective that we never, ever needed a second step. If you’re the type of person that enjoys a skincare routine that goes beyond four or five steps, keep that in mind. Just Trust Us: If you hate the feeling of oil on your skin, give this product a go—there were a few moments during testing that we suddenly realized we hadn’t yet rinsed it off. Key Ingredients: Ginseng seed oil, neem oil, moringa oil｜Intended for Double Cleanse: Yes｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 7.1 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang Best for Combination Skin Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser PHOTO: Sephora $48 at Amazon $34 at Sephora $34 at Kohls.com Why We Love It: We adored the consistency of this product—rather than a runny oil, it was a gel that made application very easy. One to two pumps was all it took to get great coverage, and we enjoyed the mild lavender-rosemary scent (the latter is an ingredient in the formula), which didn’t linger. A little bit of water emulsified the cleanser enough to transform it into a milk that left our skin incredibly hydrated. Who It’s For: We will note that it took a little bit of extra effort to remove this formula from our skin. While those with dry skin may like a bit of extra film left behind for added moisture, our combination skin preferred a more thorough removal with a damp washcloth. This neatly wiped away any lingering residue, leaving our skin extra soft and comfortable. Just Trust Us: The unique pump on this packaging is at the base of the tube, where it’s covered by a cap. We enjoyed the innovative design but found that the multiple steps required to release the formula makes it better suited for use sinkside, rather than in the shower (wet hands will make the cap more challenging to remove). Key Ingredients: Shea butter, castor oil, rosemary oil｜Intended for Double Cleanse: No｜Best for: Normal, dry, combination, oily｜Size: 3.3 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson Best for Mature Skin Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Amazon $50 at Amazon $50 at Sephora View on Tatcha.com Why We Love It: As we get older, our skin gets drier and lackluster, with more noticeable fine lines and wrinkles. That's why we need a cleanser for aging skin—and why the powerful nourishing benefits of this Tatcha cleansing oil were highly appreciated. We only needed about one pump of the formula, which spread like melted butter across our skin to load it up with moisture while breaking down our makeup. When we emulsified it with water, it created a very light foam; our skin was so moisturized afterwards that we actually struggled to tell if we had been thorough enough when rinsing! Our skin looked rejuvenated, supple, and vibrant afterwards. There’s a light dose of alpha-hydroxy acid in this product, but it didn’t sensitize our skin at all—it just contributed to our glow—and we felt nourished, not greasy, so we passed on double cleansing. Who It’s For: If you prefer a cleanser with an aroma to enhance your experience, keep in mind that this product is unscented; we would have liked a subtle fragrance, like lavender or something else soothing. The only thing we smelled was oil, but that scent didn’t linger—and the lack of fragrance makes this a good pick for those with sensitive skin. Just Trust Us: Though it’s not TSA carry-on friendly, this is our favorite formula for travel on this list due to its sturdy packaging—the cap securely affixes to the bottle, so the pump won’t get pressed inadvertently in your bag. Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, camellia oil, green tea｜Intended for Double Cleanse: Yes｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 5 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson Best Luxury Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Sephora $58 at Amazon $36 at Sephora $58 at Revolve Why We Love It: This is one of the gentlest and most elegant ways to both cleanse and exfoliate your skin. In addition to containing the brand’s signature seaweed extracts, this formula features a blend of fruit enzymes in a a squalane base; it spread evenly across the skin to break down dull, dead cells as well as excess oil and makeup. It rinsed away easily to leave skin feeling soft, hydrated, and above all, looking especially luminous. Who It’s For: We’re obsessed with the stunning ombré glass packaging, which will genuinely enhance the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Just be careful if you use it in the shower—glass packaging and water could make for a dangerous combo. If you’re cautious, though, you’ll love the product and the fact that you can recycle the bottle once you’ve emptied it. Just Trust Us: Leave this formula on your skin all the way down to your chest for 10 minutes before rinsing—when used this way, it acts as a light chemical peel, giving you two products in one. Key Ingredients: Squalane, kelp, fruit enzymes｜Intended for Double Cleanse: No｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 4 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson Best Organic Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil PHOTO: Kora Organics $46 at Amazon $46 at Sephora View on Koraorganics.com Why We Love It: If you’re looking for an ultra-clean cleansing oil, this organic formula from Kora is a great pick, with an entirely plant-based ingredient list that stars silver ear mushroom extract, a more powerful skin hydrator than hyaluronic acid. This product definitely was hydrating due to the dual-phase formula, which features a milk layer on top of the oil that is mixed together when you shake the bottle. Our skin felt very soft after rinsing, which did take a bit more effort, but those who are prone to dry skin will appreciate the added nourishment. If you have another skin type, you’ll still find that the benefit outweighs any inconvenience of added time spent rinsing. Who It’s For: This formula has an earthy, herbal aroma that is pretty potent—if you are very sensitive to scent, it may be too intense for you. However, it only lasts while you’re using the formula; once your skin is clean, the scent doesn’t linger. Just Trust Us: If your skin is normal, oily, or combination, you’ll want to do a double cleanse as this formula is very nourishing and can leave behind a residue, which isn’t for everyone. Key Ingredients: Babassu oil, sunflower oil, silver ear mushroom｜Intended for Double Cleanse: Optional｜Best for: All skin types｜Size: 5 oz PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: InStyle / Alexander Huang PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson What to Keep in Mind Short Ingredients List: Many people are under the impression that simpler is better when it comes to cleansing oil, but that’s not necessarily the case. “Oil cleansers are mainly composed of surfactants—ingredients that help to remove dirt and grime—and base oils,” explains Fu. “Blends of these surfactants can impact rinsability and cleansing power.” It’s important to note that surfactants are non-negotiable. You may be thinking “but like attracts like, and oil will grab onto other oil?” Yes, but surfactants are the ingredients that help whisk all those oils away so they’re not left behind on your skin. Fu notes that the majority of oil cleansers you’ll find will have surfactants, but occasionally, you’ll find one that’s just plant oils. A few common surfactants to look for include caprylic/capric triglyceride, polyglyceryl-4 oleate, and sorbitan sesquioleate (among many, many others).Ultimately, it’s the formula’s ingredients, not their number, that is most important. If your cleansing oil doesn’t contain a surfactant, it’s key to double cleanse, following your cleansing oil step with the use of a water-based cleanser. This will ensure you’re washing away any remaining oil. While most cleansing oils won’t inherently clog pores, failing to fully remove them from your skin can cause a breakout, as can using a product formulated with the wrong plant oils.Plant-Based Oils: Sounds obvious, but when shopping for a cleansing oil, you want to make sure that oils hold the starring role in the formula; Fu says they should be in the beginning of the product’s ingredient lists. Then, look for specific oils. Dr. Sobel recommends jojoba or argan oils for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as they can help regulate your skin’s oil production without clogging pores. (Squalane also falls into this category.) In addition to squalane, Palacios likes evening primrose oil and rice bran oil. “Rice bran oil is a naturally occurring, noncomedogenic source of oryzanol, known to have antioxidant properties,” she adds. Richer complexions can tolerate heavier oils like olive oil or castor oil; if you have sensitive skin, skip out on castor oil, says Dr. Sobel. “It has antibacterial properties and acts like an astringent, which will dry the skin,” he explains. Not all oils are good for your skin, however. "The most important rule when looking for an oil cleanser is to avoid comedogenic oils,” says Palacios. Cocoa butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil are the biggest offenders here. Dr. Sobel also advises against using a formula that only uses a few essential oils, if any, as they can cause irritation in some skin types. Fragrance-Free Formulas: Fragrance often gets a bad rap, and that’s not always merited. “Unless you have very sensitive skin or battle skin conditions like eczema, fragrance isn’t necessarily a bad thing for most skin types, and it can be an appreciated aspect to the cleansing experience,” says Fu. If you have reacted negatively to fragrance, then by all means, don’t use a product with added fragrance. However, just because a formula doesn’t mention “fragrance” on its ingredient list doesn’t mean it’ll be unscented. “Fragrance is different from essential oils,” points out Palacios. While some essential oils can be sensitizing, especially if your skin is irritating, they can also be a luxurious touch. “When it comes to scent in skincare products—less is more and better,” Palacios adds. “It’s a nice touch, not the main point.” Frequently Asked Questions Who should not use an oil cleanser? For the most part, everyone can use oil cleanser, but Dr. Sobel recommends that those with acne-prone and sensitive skin types proceed with caution. “Sometimes oil cleansers can exacerbate acne and irritate sensitive skin,” he says. That’s why looking at the ingredient list is so critical—if you pick the right formula for your skin type, you’ll be in the clear. Do oil cleansers clog pores? Cleansing oils shouldn’t congest skin or cause breakouts, but they can. When that happens, it’s typically due to one of two reasons: The formulation or user error. As we mentioned, there are a handful of highly comedogenic oils (like coconut, for example) that could pop up on the ingredient list of a cleansing oil. If you use a product with any of these pore cloggers, you could end up with a breakout. However, if your product doesn’t contain anything known for congesting skin, you’re likely just not being thorough enough—having dirty hands, not spending enough time massaging in the formula, and not fully rinsing it away can all trigger breakouts. “Cleansing oils can sometimes leave a residue and some waterproof makeup can still linger on skin,” says Fu. That residue can trap the leftover makeup and any remaining bacteria, leading to pimples. To thoroughly remove a cleansing oil, Dr. Sobel recommends using a washcloth rather than just water. “If you have a lot of makeup on your face or are very oily, you might want to follow up with a water based cleanser to thoroughly cleanse your face of makeup, sunscreen, sweat, and other impurities,” he adds. How do you use a cleansing oil? You always want to start with clean, dry hands and dry skin, says Palacios. Sobel recommends using one or two teaspoons’ worth of product or more, massaging it into your skin using circular motions. Take your time working in the formula—that’ll help it break down SPF, makeup, oil, and grime. Just be careful around your eyes, especially if you’re prone to sensitivity in this area. “Many oil cleansers can cause eyes to sting,” Fu warns. “This is especially challenging for removing eye makeup, so just take precaution when cleansing around that area.” Once you feel like you’ve thoroughly massaged in your cleansing oil, it’s time to add a bit of water. “A great cleansing oil will emulsify with water, totally washing away,” Palacios explains. Your skin should be pretty clean at this point, but many cleansing oils are designed to be used in a double cleanse ritual. That means you’ll want to follow up with another face wash, one with a water base, to finish cleansing your skin. However, if you’re using a noncomedogenic formula on relatively bare skin (read: no waterproof makeup), and fully remove it afterward, you may be able to get away with a single cleanse. Why Shop With Us Emily Orofino is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant with over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. Though she has fairly dry skin, she resisted trying out oil cleansers until a few years ago—and she’s been hooked ever since. For this piece, she interviewed board-certified dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel, cosmetic chemist and co-founder of Chemist Confessions Victoria Fu, and Varuni Palacios, aesthetician and founder of Studio Varuni.