When your skin is pleading for a detox, a trustworthy cleansing oil has got your back. And no, we’re not alluding to the greasy, pore-clogging oils of yesteryears. Modern cleansing oils have come a long way, evolving into an array of lightweight, non-comedogenic, and skin-enriching options that cater to all skin types.
The proper application of these oils is key. Concentrate the oil on your face, with gentle circular motions to work it into your skin, then follow up by rinsing thoroughly to wash away any residue or trapped impurities.
Whether they come in pump bottles or tubes, the application process is easy: Dispense the oil directly onto your fingers, gently massage into the skin, and then rinse thoroughly. It’s difficult to go wrong, particularly since most cleansing oils are designed to meld with the skin effortlessly. If you find yourself applying too much, just rinse a little longer to ensure all excess oil is washed away.
We scoured the internet for the top-rated cleansing oils, conducting rigorous testing to unearth the cream of the crop. Our team, alongside a dedicated testing panel, evaluated these cleansing oils on their texture, cleansing efficacy, and skin-feel post-rinse, subsequently ranking them on these factors.
Keep scrolling to discover the best cleansing oils that cater to your skincare preferences.
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Contains antioxidants
Our skin deserves the best, which is why we’re so happy to introduce you to Biossance’s Gentle Cleansing Oil.
It’s perfect for removing long-wear makeup like mascara, eyeliner, and foundation. The product is lightweight, so it doesn’t feel heavy on your skin as you’re using it—and when you rinse with water, it rinses completely clean.
Not to mention, it’s formulated with squalane oil that helps keep your skin hydrated and feeling fresh! The oil also contains a number of nourishing antioxidants for healthy-looking radiance.
There are so many ways to use this product—you can use it in combination with other products as part of your skincare routine.
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
- No residue
- Double-cleansing
Don’t let the name fool you—this cleansing oil from Innisfree is lightweight, non-stripping, and packed with antioxidants.
The formula is infused with green tea water and a triple amino acid complex to cleanse your skin of makeup and impurities while delivering gentle hydration.
Like all cleansing oils, this one dissolves makeup and sunscreen but leaves behind no residue. It’s best for those with dry or sensitive skin but can be used by anyone who wants to double-cleanse.
“I use this cleansing oil twice a day, but it works miracles when I have to remove my makeup. The oil alone removes all the product,” wrote one reviewer.
- Dermatologist tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Budget friendly
If you’re looking for the perfect cleansing oil that will leave your skin feeling soft and healthy-looking, look no further than Neutrogena’s Cleansing Oil.
This lightweight formula is non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested, so it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts. It also contains a blend of fine oils that act like a magnet to extract oil and impurities from your skin.
Plus, it’s completely free from harsh detergents like sulfates and alcohols. You’ll love how easy it is to use: just apply a few drops to dry skin and massage gently until the oil turns milky white. Then rinse with warm water or wipe off with a warm washcloth.
This budget-friendly pick is ideal for most skin types—and it’s one you can feel good about using every day!
- Gentle formula
- Clarifying ingredients
- Antioxidant-rich
Peach & Lily’s Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser is a must-have for anyone who wants to remove their makeup and all the gunk that comes with it. It melts and removes—like a miracle worker in your bathroom cabinet.
The formula is super gentle on your skin, but powerful enough to get rid of everything you don’t want on your face: SPF, excess oil, and even makeup.
And it’s not just any old formula: it contains antioxidant-rich ginger to reveal refreshed and balanced skin, as well as clarifying pineapple and papaya extracts to help absorb excess oil and impurities from your pores. It also contains soothing sunflower seed and grapeseed oils that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and soft after use.
- Skin repairing properties
- Protects from damages
- Gentle formula
Pai Skincare’s Rosehip Cleansing Oil is designed to remove makeup and SPF without irritation, gently yet efficiently.
The result is soft, clean skin without any irritation. The formula is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types, but it’s also packed with powerful antioxidants that protect your skin from further damage.
It glides over your face like a dream, lifting away every kind of impurity you’ve picked up during the day. And because of its rosehip oil base, it also provides omegas that do the repair job while antioxidant carotenoids protect from further damage.
According to one tester, “The consistency of this cleanser is lovely, as is the smell. It isn’t at all drying, and it removes the SPF I have to use during the summer months.”
- Rich in vitamin E
- Soothing and moisturizing
- Gentle cleansing
Mario Badescu’s Cleansing Oil is the ultimate two-in-one makeup remover and cleanser. It successfully eliminates hard-to-remove waterproof eye makeup and gently cleanses away impurities, all while leaving you with a non-greasy dewy finish.
The secret behind this product’s success is its unique blend of oils—rice bran oil provides nourishing fatty acids and antioxidant vitamin E, while evening primrose oil has soothing and moisturizing properties, packed with fatty acids. Meanwhile, jojoba oil serves as a rich emollient.
If you’re looking for a way to save time in your beauty routine without sacrificing quality results, this is a great contender.
“I use it on my face and body to help get any residue off, and it is great! No strong scent at all, light and lovely,” shared one reviewer.
- Ideal for dry skin
- Multi-vitamin treatment
- Gentle on skin
It’s safe to say that Tata Harper has a cult following, and it’s not hard to see why. Her products are a bit pricey, but they’re worth every penny.
The Nourishing Cleansing Oil is a must-have for anyone who wears makeup because it breaks down all of the buildup and dissolves your makeup in just one swipe. It doesn’t strip your skin in the process—instead, you’ll be left with a soft and supple feeling afterward, which is perfect for dry or uneven skin types!
It’s also great for multi-vitamin treatment because it includes apricot seed oil, grapefruit, and vitamin E (all of which are nutrient-dense oils and esters that provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants).
You can use this product as an everyday cleanser or as an extra boost when you need a little pick-me-up before going out at night.
- Pleasant fragrance
- No oily residue
- Nourishing
If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a makeup remover that does it all, this is a great pick. Tatcha’s cleansing oil is formulated with camellia oil to gently remove even waterproof makeup, melt away excess oil, and nourish skin at the same time.
This 2-in-1 cleanser is designed to thoroughly cleanse your skin without leaving behind any oily residue. The liquid emulsifies completely with no oily residue, so you can feel confident that it’s doing its job!
Plus, it easily draws out oils, removes sunscreen, and waterproof makeup.
“Takes off all my makeup and disappears, leaving my skin soft and clean,” explained one reviewer. “I also have ultra-sensitive eyes, and this does not irritate them. The fragrance is not overpowering and pleasant.”
- Hydrating
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- No oily residue
This oil cleanser from DHC is a godsend for oily skin. It’s gentle, but it’s also powerful enough to remove even the most stubborn makeup and dissolve impurities—leaving your skin soft and radiant.
This water-soluble formula breaks down even stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner, binding with sebum and impurities to leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed.
It also hydrates and softens skin with a blend of flor de aceite (a plant-derived oil) and macadamia nut oil—so you know it’s going to be gentle on sensitive skin. Finally, it leaves no oily residue behind, so there’s no need to rinse!
“I use this for double cleansing, and it works so well! Gets all my makeup off, and I think using it has cleared up acne as well,” raved one buyer.
What to Look for in Cleansing Oils
Ingredients and Skin Compatibility
The first thing you should check when shopping for a cleansing oil is its list of ingredients. Look for those that contain natural, skin-friendly oils like jojoba, argan, or sweet almond oil. These oils are lightweight, non-comedogenic (they won’t clog pores), and have skin-nourishing properties. Avoid cleansing oils with harsh sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or dyes, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Efficiency in Makeup Removal
A quality cleansing oil should be able to break down and remove all types of makeup, including waterproof and long-wear formulas, without much effort. This prevents unnecessary tugging and pulling on the skin, which can lead to wrinkles over time. Check out user reviews and ratings to gauge the product’s efficiency in removing makeup.
Rinsability
Look for a cleansing oil that emulsifies and rinses off easily with water. It should leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed, not greasy or residue-laden. Some cleansing oils can be stubborn to rinse off, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Packaging and Dispensing Mechanism
Cleansing oils usually come in bottles with pumps or flip caps. Opt for one with a pump dispenser for ease of use and control over the amount of product dispensed. It’s also more hygienic as it prevents contamination.
Price and Value for Money
While it’s not always the case that more expensive means better, consider the price per volume and overall value for money. A budget-friendly cleansing oil that performs as well as a high-end one can save you a lot of money in the long run. Remember, it’s not about the price tag, but the quality and effectiveness of the product.
