Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (2024)

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (1)

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For a very long time, washing your face was a fairly simple task—you'd pick a cleanser tailored to your skin type and let it do its thing, removing the dirt, makeup, and oil that can dull skin and cause breakouts. Now, the task is slightly more...complicated. With so many different formulas, from balms to foams to natural face washes to micellar waters, and products that target just about every complexion woe (think: salicylic acid washes for acne, gentle cleansers for dry skin, and even products that can even out skin tone), just choosing the right one can seem like an insurmountable task.

And there's likely one type of cleanser—the cleansing oil—that you've heard of and may be curious about, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Won't these products just case more pimples, you may be asking? Not necessarily: "The best oil cleansers are able to emulsify dirt and sebum because oils bond to the natural ones that already exist in your skin, so when you rinse, you are removing dirt and make up along with the gunk of the day, explains aesthetician and laser expert Rachel Lee Lozina, founder of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay, NY. "Oil keeps the skin hydrated and helps keep the skin barrier intact better than foaming cleansers can." And a strong skin barrier can help to keep breakouts at bay.

These are the best cleansing oils

Plus, the best oil cleansers tend to be less drying that some other options, says Lozina, so it's likely you won't feel the tightness that's a hallmark of over-stripped skin and can often be left behind by harsh washes. You'll come across oil cleansers at all price points, too, so don't assume you'll need to shell out more money for these miracle workers.

But how can you sift through all of the options to find the one that will work best for you? You're in luck: We spoke with Lozina and other experts—including a top dermatologist—to pinpoint the best oil cleansers for all different skin types and needs. Keep reading to find your best match.

Best For Eczema

Avène Eau Thermale XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (8)

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (9)Good for even the most sensitive skin
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (10)Pump works well to dispense product, according to testers
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (11)On the expensive side

This one is rich in ingredients that calm itchiness and restore the skin's barrier, making it a dermatologist favorite. It also has another secret weapon: "Formulated with Avene's thermal spring water, this is gentle and soothing on the skin and a great option for those with sensitive skin," says New York-based dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center. "Not only does it cleanse but it also helps to support and restore the skin barrier. It is gentle enough to be used on the face or body."

Rave review: "I have dry sensitive skin and my face seems to like this. I also like how easy this is to disperse—some pumps are just not user friendly. This is well packaged and there’s a lot of it, so this for me is overall a winner."

Best For Double Cleansing

Dermalogica PreCleanse Cleansing Oil

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (13)Good choice for dry skin as it is non-stripping
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (14)Won't clog pores
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (15)Not as good at removing makeup if used alone

Oil cleansers are often recommended as part of a two-step double cleanse (that's when you use an oil product first and then follow it up with a foam cleanser)—and this one is designed to be used in this way. "I love the smell and texture of this product," says licensed dermatology physician assistant Merry Thornton, founder of Element Medical Aesthetics in New Canaan, CT. "We often use this on facial patients because it gets through oil, sunscreen and makeup with apricot kernel oil, orange peel oil, vitamin E."

Rave review: "I cannot live without this stuff. I've been using PreCleanse since my late teens when my skin was super oily. I'm now 37 and my skin is much drier and I find it nourishes and adds oil back to skin."

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Best Calming Formula

Rococo Botanicals Ruby Crystal Cleanser

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Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (17)Calms redness and irritation after just one use
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (18)Vegan and eco-friendly
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (19)First purchase is expensive

If you're dealing with red, angry acne or rosacea, you know: Inflammation is the enemy. That's where this gel-oil hybrid comes in: Rich in essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory oils such as passion fruit seed oil, this unique gel-oil balm promises to reduce irritation and redness after just one use. "This emulsion restores your hydro-lipid barrier and calms even the most sensitive skin types," says Lozina. "And, it has real rubies in it." Plus, the formula is vegan and you can buy eco-friendly refills once you're finished with your first jar.

Rave review: "I love my Ruby crystal cleanser. It’s nourishing on my skin, easy to use, and leaves my complexion looking fresh. It's the best cleanser I've ever tried."

Best For Blackheads

Environ Dual Action Pre-Cleansing Oil

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (20)

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (21)Dissolves pore-clogging oil
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (22)Works as a first step of a double-cleanse
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (23)On the pricey side

Lozina chooses this formula when she's encountering a client with particularly stubborn blackheads since it works to dissolve pore-clogging gunk and can be used with your current cleanser as the first step in a double-cleanse routine. Not that you'd need to use a second cleanser: This one won't leave behind a sticky residue. Simply massage a small amount onto dry skin, wet your hands and continue massaging until a milky emulsion forms, and then rinse with warm water.

Rave review: "My makeup just disappears like magic. It's so easy to use and gentle on skin—I really cannot do without this product. You only need to use a tiny bit so one bottle lasts a long time. It's worth every cent."

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Best Foaming Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (24)

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (25)Good option for those who like the feeling of a foam
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (26)Well-priced drugstore option
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (27)Not great at removing water-resistant sunscreen

For those who crave the makeup- and sebum-dissolving power of an oil cleanser, but can't get behind using a non-foaming face wash, there's this option from dermatologist-recommended mainstay, Cerave. Dr. Garshick is a fan of this formula, which is infused with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane to cleanse and leave skin feeling moisturized at the same time. "It's a great option for all skin types, but especially those with dry to very dry skin," she says. You can also use it as a pre-cleanse or on its own—and the formula is suitable for use on the face and the body.

Tester review: "Not only does this cleanser not irritate my eyes, it's just hydrating enough and it also doubles as an effective replacement for a double-cleanse for removing makeup. For once, the claims worked for me; I hope they never change this formula."

Best For Waterproof Makeup

ISDIN Isdinceutics Essential Cleanse Oil-Based Cleanser

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (28)

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (29)Leaves skin looking glowy
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (30)Dissolves waterproof makeup and water-resistant sunscreen
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (31)Some do not like the smell

If you need an option that's strong enough to remove even the most stubborn makeup and sunscreen—including water-resistant and waterproof formulas—and will also leave you with a healthy glow, this is the formula for you. That's why this is one of Thornton's go-to picks: "It has an oil-to-milk texture with key ingredients that include extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, and clary sage," she says.

Rave review: "This makes my skin feel supple and nourished without feeling oily afterwards. It’s really lovely."

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Best For Dry Skin

Malin + Goetz Facial Cleansing Oil

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Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (33)Nourishes with avocado, grapeseed, and olive oils
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (34)Contains only natural fragrances and colors
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (35)The natural scent can be off-putting for some

A blend of avocado, grapeseed, and olive oils, this powerhouse product thoroughly cleanses but is completely residue-free. The formula transforms into a milk-like texture that's perfect for dry and sensitive skin and is also fortified with vitamins A and E as well as nourishing and calming lavender and eucalyptus essential oils. And for those with particularly sensitive skin, the product eschews synthetic color and fragrance—both common skin irritants—for natural options. For this reason, Malin & Goetz's formula is one of Thornton's favorites.

Tester review: "It doesn't strip my skin of its natural oils and that is most important to me. I have extremely sensitive skin and this cleans makeup off of my face without feeling like I had done so."

Best For Removing Pollutants

Forlle'd Hyalogy P-effect Clearance Cleansing

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (36)

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (37)Gentle formula for sensitive and dry skin
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (38)Contains hydrators like sodium hyaluronate and squalane
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (39)On the pricey side

It's a fact: Polluted air can have an effect on your complexion. This product—from a Japanese brand beloved by in-the-know aestheticians like Lozina—combines hydrating heavyweights like sodium hyaluronate and squalane with debris-clearing cleansing ingredients that effectively remove pore-clogging gunk and skin-damaging particulate matter. "I love it because it leaves skin hydrated, clean and silky smooth," Lozina says.

Rave review: "I've been using this cleanser for the past couple months and I love it."

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Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (41)Nourishing and hydrating on all skin types
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (42)Provides antioxidant protection
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (43)May need a second cleanse after using

This option—a Dr. Garshick favorite—uses a combination of grapeseed and sweet almond oils to dissolve makeup and remove pore-clogging debris without overstepping skin. But what makes this one a standout is the addition of tocopherol, an antioxidant that can shield skin from environmental damage and also hydrate. "It's best used by applying it onto dry skin and then rinsing with lukewarm water," Dr, Garshick says.

Tester review: "This cleanser is gentle and effective. It removes makeup, including eye makeup. and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. I highly recommend it."

Best For Makeup Removal

Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (45)Pleasant smell that's not overpowering
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (46)Removes makeup without leaving skin greasy
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (47)The consistency is too runny for some

Sweet almond, grapeseed, sunflower, and castor oils combine in this clean vegan formula that whisks away makeup with ease and leaves skin feeling soft, supple, and moisturized—not greasy. Worried this one might break you out? Don't be: "This blend of natural plant oils is also non-comedogenic," says Dr. Garshick. Translation: Caudalie's cleansing oil is safe to use on complexions that tend toward the oily, acne-prone side.

Rave review: "This took off my full face of makeup off with two-and-a-half pumps. The smell is fantastic and it didn’t make my skin feel tight or uncomfortable. This is a new staple in my routine."

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Best Multi-Use Product

Living Libations Best Skin Ever All-In-One Seabuckthorn Facial Cleanser

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (48)

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (49)Performs multiple functions as a cleanser and moisturizer
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (50)Made up of all-natural ingredients
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (51)Not great if you're prone to breakouts

This product—a blend of all-natural ingredients like coconut oil, sea buckthorn, lavender, vetiver, and tamanu oil—will cleanse your skin, yes, But it's also an effective hydrator as well. "This oil resets and cleanses your skin and acts as a moisturizer and exfoliator as well," says Lozina, who selected this product as one of her top picks. "Plus, it smells fantastic." And for those who are looking for a product that's organic and completely plant-based, this one fits the bill: It features wildcrafted ingredients and is created in small batches.

Rave review: "It took me a while to get the hang of cleansing with oil, but I’ve been using it for three weeks and my skin looks and feels amazing. I’ve noticed a difference in texture and reduction of dark spots on my cheeks."

Best Luxury Product

Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (52)

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (53)Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (54)Luxurious ingredients and pleasant smell
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (55)On the pricey side

Sure, this one is pricey. But the experts who know products insist its worth the splurge. "This has an endless list of oils plus shea butter to moisturize your complexion and antioxidants to protect skin," says Thornton. Some of the highlights from the ingredient list: Alfalfa, which nourishes, vitamin A from Sacha Inchi oil to neutralize free radical damage and stimulate collagen production, and moisturizing squalane. Oh, and the formula is also vegan and cruelty-free.

Tester review: "I purchased this cleaner as I noticed my aging skin was getting drier with my previous cleanser. I was a little skeptical at first, but it's gorgeous. It leaves my skin dewy and is the perfect base for my nighttime moisturizer."

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Best All-Natural Option

Kate Blanc Organic Argan Oil

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (56)

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (57)Completely natural and scent-free
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (58)Also works to moisturize a dry scalp and hair
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (59)May not be as luxurious as other products

It may not be the most exciting option, but pure argan oil proves that no-frills is sometimes the way to go. "It’s very basic but it does the trick when you want to remove makeup and moisturize the skin," says Thornton. Plus, if you're a clean beauty enthusiast who doesn't want to use a product that contains chemicals, it doesn't get more natural than this.

Rave review: "This goes smoothly on my skin and leaves it feeling moisturized. I am beyond happy with my purchase and will continue to use it for as long as it's in stock."

Best For Oily Skin

Roccoco Pore Cleansing Oil

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (60)

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (61)Moisturizes and hydrates skin
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (62)Helps to regulate oil production and safe for acne-prone skin
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (63)May get in your eyes if you aren't very careful

An oil for oily skin? Absolutely! "This product is safe for acne and dry skin types plus it regulates oil production throughout the day," says Lozina. It's also fragrance-free, gentle on skin, and effectively removes makeup while leaving your face nourished and moisturized. An all-around winner.

Tester review: "I have oily skin and this has become my favorite cleanser. It leaves my skin feeling clean without over drying it."

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Best Drugstore Option

Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (64)

Now 29% Off

Pros
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (65)Removes makeup, dirt, oil, and sunscreen
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (66)Very easy on the wallet
Cons
  • Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (67)Not as moisturizing as some other formulas

A mineral oil-based cleanser that tackles even the most stubborn makeup and dirt but has a lightweight, non-greasy feel? Sounds impossible—especially at under $10—but it's not. Neutrogena's unscented formula is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested to be gentle and effective at removing even the most stubborn impurities. It's a win for your skin—and your wallet.

Tester review: "I just started using a primer and waterproof mascara and didn't realize how hard they would be to remove. It was a giant hassle until I got this—I massaged in a little bit around my eyes and then removed it all easily."

What is a cleansing oil?

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (68)

The name kind of says it all—these are oil-based cleansers that serve as a gentler alternative to foaming cleansers, which have the potential to strip skin and leave it dry and dehydrated. "As opposed to traditional water-soluble cleansers, these products rely on the principle of like dissolves like, meaning the oils in the cleansers work to remove the oils in makeup and sunscreen, not to mention your skin's natural sebum, without drying out your complexion," Dr. Garshick explains.

The main ingredients in these cleansers tend to be plant-derived oils such as grapeseed, sunflower, and argan oils, adds Thornton. Oftentimes, they are used as part of a double-cleanse, where an oil cleanser is followed with a foaming cleanser to remove any leftover slickness.

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What is the best way to use a cleansing oil?

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"Starting with dry skin, massage one or two pumps into your face in circular motions and then rinse with warm water or tissue off," suggests Lozina. If the oil cleanser is just part one of a two-step cleansing regimen with a foaming cleanser, you would leave it on the skin, apply the foam on top of it, emulsify by massaging the two together, and then rinse with cool water. "I recommend oil cleansing twice a day, every day," says Lozina.

Are cleansing oils good for acne-prone skin?

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (70)

Despite what you may assume, yes, they can be. Because inflammatory skin conditions—acne included—are characterized by an impaired skin barrier, anything that helps to keep that barrier intact is a good thing—and oil cleansing is one of the best ways to gently remove grime without compromising your skin's outer layer, Thornton says.

But it all depends upon the ingredients used: "Not all oils are created equal so you need to be savvy in your ingredients," Lozina stresses. "Oils that can be very pore clogging include coconut oil, flaxseed, wheat germ and palm oils, so try to avoid those." Also, look for the work non-comedogenic on the label, which means a product has been tested to not clog pores, says Dr. Garshick.

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What should I look for in a cleansing oil?

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A great starting point is to look for a selection of oils that are made of smaller molecules that can penetrate the pores such as argan oil, clary sage, sunflower oil, and maracuja oil, says Thornton. And the more streamlined the ingredient list, the better—especially if you have sensitive skin, says Lozina. "I always suggest taking the less-is-more approach—fewer ingredients are generally better tolerated by those with sensitive skin," she says.

In terms of what to avoid, our experts eschew common skin irritants like fragrance and sulfate surfactants. "Some others to avoid include myristyl/isopropyl myristate, isocetyl/octyl/isopropyl stearate, hexadecyl alcohol, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and lanolin," says Lozina. "These are all highly comedogenic ingredients to avoid in your home skincare routine."

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How we chose the best cleansing oils

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The Women's Health team, including beauty director Brian Underwood, reached out to a variety of top experts to get their suggestions for the best cleansing oils on the market, with a specific focus on those that are suitable for all skin types and that won't clog pores. Once our experts submitted their picks, we rigorously researched tester reviews and user experience feedback to narrow our list to the top picks across a multitude of categories.

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Brian Underwood

Beauty Director

Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.

Even Oily Skin Types Can Use These Cleansing Oils (2024)

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