Even oily skin can benefit from a high-quality facial cleansing oil.
If you’re looking for a gentle, effective way to cleanse your face without stripping away its natural moisture, then you may want to add a cleansing oil to your nightly line-up. While the idea of slathering your cheeks in oil may sound counterintuitive, evidence suggests a good cleansing facial oil may cause less irritation and dryness than traditional foaming cleansers.
“Cleansing oils are formulated to work in conjunction with the skin,” says celebrity esthetician Ian Michael Crumm, who adds that they are ideal as a first cleanse to remove makeup and sunscreen. But as with all skincare products, some facial oils work better than others depending on your skin type, which can make it hard to pick the right product.
After speaking to top dermatologists and estheticians, we’ve narrowed down which products deserve to take up space in your medicine cabinet.
Best Overall: Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: The oil’s plant-based ingredients are safe enough for most skin types.
It’s Worth Noting: Don’t forget to wet your skin first to remove makeup.
While it may have been formulated specifically for ultra-dry and sensitive skin types, Bioderma’s Atoderm Cleansing Oil is gentle and nourishing enough for anyone to try. It contains plant-based ingredients like coco and sunflower oils, which have natural hydrating properties, as well as vitamin B3, which replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier.
It’s great at removing makeup, as long as you remember to wet your skin first. This oil is definitely on the thicker side and may leave your face feeling a bit greasy at first, but that quickly goes away after you rinse with water. Even though it’s safe for sensitive skin, it does contain fragrance, which may cause irritation for some.
Product Details:
- Size: 2.94 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil
- Best for: Acne-prone, dry, oily
- Fragrance-free: No
- Hypoallergenic: Unknown
Best Budget: Palmer’s Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: Its ingredients are natural and non-comedogenic.
It’s Worth Noting: The scent is potent and unpleasant for some.
Budget-friendly skincare doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality ingredients. This cocoa butter-based cleansing oil from Palmer’s contains not only super hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, grapeseed, and jojoba oil, but also anti-inflammatory agents like rosehip oil and protectants like argan oil. That last addition, in particular, is great for those with dry skin conditions like eczema.
We love the fact that this formula is also free of irritants like parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil. That said, it’s worth noting that the scent is very pungent—so much so that you might find it overly perfumy. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend patch testing and being mindful of how your skin reacts.
Product Details:
- Size: 6.5 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Grapeseed, jojoba, and rosehip oils
- Best for: All types
- Fragrance-free: No
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best Deep Cleanse: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: It’s free of fragrance, mineral oil, and other irritants.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s not hypoallergenic.
If you’re looking for a real deep clean, this is the facial oil for you. DHC’s Cleansing Oil is made with a blend of olive and rosemary leaf oils that not only whisk away impurities but are also loaded with antioxidants to tone and protect your skin from environmental stressors. The fragrance-free formula also includes vitamin E, which nourishes and moisturizes your skin.
Not only is this product great for all skin types (including those with sensitive skin), but it also contains zero colorants, synthetic fragrances, or mineral oil. And while it’s a bit pricey, the cleanser really can remove every ounce of makeup from your face—even waterproof mascara.
Product Details:
- Size: 6.7 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Olive fruit oil, rosemary leaf oil, and vitamin E
- Best for: All types
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best Lightweight: Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: Leaves you with a super-dewy finish.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s contains fragrance.
You don’t need a super heavy oil to get a thorough cleanse. Shiseido’s Cleansing Oil’s lightweight texture feels luxuriously airy but still removes makeup like a charm. The main star of this cleanser’s ingredient list is grapeseed oil, which has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that brighten and improve your skin’s texture.
The one caveat? It contains both fragrance and mineral oil. Fragrance is known to irritate skin, and although miineral oil is quite beneficial for dry skin, it can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
Product Details:
- Size: 6 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil
- Best for: Dry, combination and sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: No
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best Anti-Aging: Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Oil Cleanser
Why We Like It: It’s great for all skin types and helps with fine lines.
It’s Worth Noting: You might need to use a lot to remove makeup.
Tatcha’s Camellia Cleansing Oil is a luxurious treat for your skin. The star of this product is camellia oil, which is rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9 to provide antioxidant protection and hydration. It also contains vitamins A, B, D, and E, along with green tea and rice complexes, which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This product is great for all skin types, especially those with acne-prone skin, as it’s non-comedogenic and free from synthetic fragrances. The downsides? First, you might need to use quite a lot to remove your makeup, since the oil is on the thinner side. It’s also more expensive than several products on our list—but it’s worth the splurge if you’re looking for an oil cleanser that goes beyond removing makeup.
Product Details:
- Size: 5 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Camellia oil
- Best for: All types
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best for Sensitive Skini: UNIK Calendula Complete Deep Vegan Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: It only has eight ingredients—and they’re mostly plant-based.
It’s Worth Noting: The pump can be difficult to use.
In general, the more ingredients a product has, the greater the likelihood that one of them is going to irritate your sensitive skin. But with Iunik’s Calendula Complete Deep Vegan Cleansing Oil, you can rest easy. This gentle cleanser only has eight ingredients—94% of which are plant based. Sunflower seed and canola oils provide moisture, while the jojoba and cananga oils remove impurities like blackheads and makeup. The oil also contains calendula extract, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it perfect for calming redness and irritation.
Though we love how gentle this formula is, the pump makes it hard to control the amount of product you want. So if you become a fan of this cleanser, it may be worth finding your own container.
Product Details:
- Size: 6.7 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Calendula, sunflower seed, and jojoba oils
- Best for: All types
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best for Hydrationbare: Minerals SMOOTHNESS Hydrating Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: The combination of sunflower oil and pomegranate gives this oil a super moisturizing feel.
It’s Worth Noting: It might take a couple of rounds to remove all your makeup.
Dry, flaky skin needs all the moisture it can get. That’s why BareMinerals Smoothness Hydrating Cleansing Oil is a great choice for those with dehydrated complexions. This vegan formula is packed with antioxidants and natural oils—from sunflower, jojoba, and cucumber—that plump up skin with hydration without leaving behind a greasy residue. Plus, the addition of pomegranate extract improves skin elasticity and boosts radiance.
The oil dissolves into a milk-like consistency when combined with water to remove dirt, grime, and makeup. Though it’s gentle enough for some sensitive skin types, it might not be strong enough to remove all of your makeup the first time. And if fragrance is an issue for you, skip this one, as it does contain some.
Product Details:
- Size: 6 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Sunflower oil and pomegranate
- Best for: Dry, oily, acne-prone
- Fragrance-free: No
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best for Dry Skin: Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleanser
Why We Like It: It’s loaded with antioxidants and squalene, which are great for hydration.
It’s Worth Noting: It may sting if you use it for eye makeup removal.
Dry skin can be prone to irritation, which is why Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil is powered with the ingredients for hydration: squalene and antioxidants. Squalane is naturally found in the skin and helps to seal in moisture, while plant-derived oils and extracts like sunflower oil and rosemary leaf extract provide nourishment and protection.
We love the lightweight feel and slip of this cleansing oil, and it works easily to remove foundation with just a bit of water. However, it can sting a bit when you use it to remove mascara and eye makeup. While it doesn’t seem to contain the typical skin-irritating ingredients like fragrance and mineral oil, it’s not labeled for sensitive skin types, so do a patch test before you dive in.
Product Details:
- Size: 6.76 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Squalene and sunflower oil
- Best for: Dry, combination, and oily
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: The kukui oils work deep to clean out pores and wipe away debris.
It’s Worth Noting: Pump may be prone to leaking.
If you’re dealing with stubborn breakouts, Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil may be a great tool to have in your skincare arsenal. This oil-based cleanser is made with kukui nut, which contains a ton of vitamins (A, C, and E, to be exact) as well as omega-3 fatty acids to help soothe stressed and inflamed skin. While you’ll find your standard sunflower oil (used to break down dirt and makeup), this formula also includes rice bran oil, which both clears and conditions skin.
This oil is gentle enough to use daily, and its non-comedogenic properties make it ideal for acne-prone skin. Plus, it contains no artificial fragrances or colors that can cause irritation. The only downside is that it can be pricey, but if you’re looking for an oil cleanser specifically for acne-prone skin, this might be worth the splurge.
Product Details:
- Size: 5.1 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Kukui nut and rice bran oil
- Best for: Acne-prone, oily
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best for Combination Skin: Beautycounter Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: The vitamin E keeps your skin moisturized while the plant essences improve skin texture.
It’s Worth Noting: It may cause eye irritation.
Combination skin can often be tricky to navigate, but don’t worry—BeautyCounter’s Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil has got you covered with its unique blend of oils and plant extracts. It’s formulated with a combination of vitamin E, bakuchiol, and Swiss alpine rose extracts, which help to moisturize and protect the skin while also improving texture and promoting cell turnover.
The oil has a lightweight feel and citrusy scent, and it works for all skin types, including sensitive. This formula has no fragrance and is free of many common skin irritants like mineral oil. However, if your eyes are as sensitive as your skin, this one may not be for you, as it might sting when you try to remove mascara
Product Details:
- Size: 5 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol and Swiss alpine rose
- Best for: Combination, dry, oily
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best for Oily Skin: Tula Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: Probiotic extracts clean out sebum and keep your pores nice and clear.
It’s Worth Noting: The pump tends to leak over time.
If you’re looking for something more suited to oily skin, the Tula #nomakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil is a great pick. It’s made with probiotic extracts that clean up dirt and other pore-clogging debris, while also leaving your skin feeling nice and smooth. The formula is lightweight, non-comedogenic (a must for oily skin), and free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance.
The pump is a bit tricky as it tends to leak over time, but other than that, this cleansing oil is a great choice for those whose skin is prone to oil buildup. It’s also gentle enough to be used daily and has a clean-enough ingredient list that even sensitive skin will be able to tolerate it.
Product Details:
- Size: 4.7 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Probiotic extracts and rice bran oil
- Best for: Acne-prone, oily, sensitive
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best Antioxidant-Rich Formula: One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: The papain and papaya enzymes are packed with antioxidant properties that cleanse, soften, and tone skin all at once.
It’s Worth Noting: Some people may be sensitive to papain.
If you’re looking for a cleansing oil that doubles as an antioxidant powerhouse, then the One Love Botanicals B Enzyme Cleansing Oil is the one for you. It’s made with papain and papaya enzymes that are loaded with antioxidants, which exfoliate your pores and help to tone and soften your skin without stripping away its natural oils.
We love the citrusy aroma that’s (synthetic) fragrance free all thanks to the fruit extracts. This cleansing oil is soothing for ultra-dry skin, but those who are sensitive to typical ingredients should do a patch test, as papain can be an irritant.
Product Details:
- Size: 4 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Papaya and papain fruit extracts
- Best for: Dry, combination
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best Natural: Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: Rosehip oil is both soothing for sensitive skin and full of omega fatty acids.
It’s Worth Noting: The bottle is pretty small.
Navigating the confusing world of natural products can be tricky, but Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil is here to make it easy. All skin types—especially sensitive skin—can benefit from this formula’s gentle, 90% organic ingredient list. Rosehip oil in particular is a soothing moisturizer packed with essential fatty acids that help to hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
This oil-based cleanser is also great for removing makeup thanks to its gentleness and fast-acting nature. It also won’t result in any stinging eyes. It’s a bit pricey for such a small bottle, though, so making it a regular part of your nightly routine is definitely an investment.
Product Details:
- Size: 3.3 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil
- Best for: All skin types
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best for Makeup Removal: Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: The plant-based oil blend removes even waterproof makeup with ease.
It’s Worth Noting: The new bottle seems to have a faulty pump.
It’s time to throw out those chemical-based makeup remover wipes and embrace a more natural form of removal. Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil is a plant-based blend of jojoba, rosehip, avocado, and olive oils that will dissolve even the most stubborn waterproof makeup and leave your skin feeling soothed and smooth. The added eucalyptus extract not only provides an invigorating, non-irritating aroma but also acts as a natural astringent that helps to reduce inflammation and bacteria.
This cleanser is gentle enough for all skin types, but those with super dry complexions will benefit most from all the lipids, vitamins, and omega fatty acids this formula contains. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like Boscia has solved the faulty pump issue that so many oil cleansers seem to have. Until then, a separate container may be necessary to get the most out of this product.
Product Details:
- Size: 5 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Rosehip, avocado, and olive oils
- Best for: All skin types
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
Best for Eczema-Prone Skin: Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Why We Like It: Its thermal spring water soothes itchy, irritated skin.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s not great at removing makeup.
The dreaded eczema itch is no match for Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil. This gentle, ultra-nourishing oil blend takes care of irritated skin without stripping away much-needed moisture. The formula includes Avène’s signature thermal spring water to reduce itching, as well as evening primrose oil to help rebuild the skin barrier.
Since eczema flare-ups can be triggered by even the slightest hint of a harsh ingredient, this cleanser is formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. You won’t find any fragrances, dyes, parabens, or mineral oil here. Unfortunately, the gentle formula means it’s not tough enough to remove makeup as well as other cleansing oils.
Product Details:
- Size: 13.5 ounces
- Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water and evening primrose oil
- Best for: All types
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
How We Selected the Best Cleansing Facial Oils
Narrowing down the best cleansing facial oil options for each skin type is no easy feat, so we spoke to dermatologists and op estheticians to help us find the most effective formulas on the market. Based on their advice, we conducted extensive research to find the best options for all skin types. All the products we included in our final list are made with quality ingredients and fully transparent about what skin types they are best suited for.
Experts we interviewed to create our final list include:
- Celebrity esthetician Ian Michael Crumm
- Evelyn Ramirez, MA, a licensed Medical Aesthetician based in New York City
What to Know About Cleansing Facial Oils
Skin Type
Before you start shopping for a facial cleansing oil, it’s important to be aware of your skin type and choose a product accordingly. While medical aesthetician Evelyn Ramirez says these kinds of cleansers are considered safe for most skin types, other products may require more research or consultation with your dermatologist. This is especially true if your skin is prone to breakouts or clogged pores.
Additionally, skin conditions like eczema or rosacea may require a specially formulated oil. For best results, always patch test skin oils before applying them to your face. Mineral oil, petrolatum, and synthetic fragrances are all potential irritants, so make sure to give the ingredient list a thorough read before use.
Recommended Uses
Most cleansing oils are designed to be used nightly as a first cleanse to remove makeup, dirt, and other debris. But of course, you should cater your usage to your specific skin needs. Ramirez says some people may prefer to use facial oils every day, although others might find that using them once or twice a week is plenty. What’s most important is paying close attention to how your skin reacts and adjusting accordingly.
Ingredients
As with any product you’re putting on your skin, you’ll want to pay close attention to the ingredients. Ramirez suggests opting for plant-based oils like jojoba, argan, and almond oil, as they’re rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that nourish and protect your skin. Antioxidants like vitamin E and green tea extract are also great as they protect your cheeks from free radical damage.
Crumm recommends looking for hydrating and soothing oils like grapeseed, sunflower seed, and evening primrose. Cleansing oil labels should clearly indicate the skin type they are most suitable for, and should also highlight non-comedogenic ingredients. Both Crumm and Ramirez advise going fragrance-free, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side.
Your Questions, Answered
How does cleansing oil work?
Cleansing oils work by breaking up dirt, makeup, and other impurities on your skin and lifting them away. The oil acts as an emulsifier that breaks down the oils that cling to your face while simultaneously moisturizing and nourishing your skin.
Does cleansing oil clog pores or cause breakouts?
As long as the formula is non-comedogenic (in other words, doesn’t block your skin’s pores), cleansing oils shouldn’t cause breakouts or clog pores.
How often should you use cleansing oil?
You can use a cleansing oil every night as a first cleanse so long as it isn’t irritating your skin. With any new product, it’s a good idea to start with a weekly regimen and adjust accordingly depending on how your skin reacts.
