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In the past decade, cleansing oils have become a staple on every skincare lover's stash. It's not only because they are the perfect products for double cleansing, but it's also because of their ability to gently and effectively cleanse the skin. Let's get to know these products a little better, and explore the options that suit each skin type the best!
Oil Cleansing 101
Before we start listing out products recommendations, let's take a step back and look at the basics of "oil cleansing": what is it, and what kind of products can you use to do it? What's the difference between a cleansing oil and a cleansing balm? Let's find out!
What is oil cleansing?
Oil cleansing is exactly what it says on the tin: it’s a skin cleansing process that consists of massaging an oil into the skin and allowing it to melt away excess sebum, impurities, and even makeup. The overall idea here is that “like attracts like”; therefore, a cleansing oil should naturally bond to impurities and make it so they’re easily washed away, without over-cleansing your skin.
But how are they washed away, really? If you slather oil all over your face, won’t you just… be oily? In a way, yes, and that’s why you’re supposed to remove the oil after application.
Fans of oil cleansing tend to follow one of three routines. The first couple of steps are always the same: they’ll apply oil to dry skin and massage it in for a few seconds, or until their makeup has dissolved. The next step is where things can look a little different, depending on personal preference. They can:
- Use a damp washcloth to wipe away the oil;
- Add a little water to their face, which will turn the oil into a milky lotion that’s easily rinsed off;
- Wash their face with a gentle water-based cleanser (meaning, a regular face wash). This is what we call “double cleansing”: cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based cleanser, and then with a water-based cleanser.
What is a cleansing oil?
A cleansing oil is, to put it simply, an oil-based face wash. If you look through the ingredients of a cleansing oil, you’ll find that the formula often contains multiple plant oils, such as sunflower, grape seed, almond, or jojoba (just to name a few!) Alongside these botanical oils, some cleansing oils also contain gentle surfactants; these allow the oil to transform into a lotion when in contact with water, so it’s easy to rinse off.
That’s that on formulation. In terms of texture, cleansing oils can vary slightly, ranging from very very liquid to slightly gel-like. The texture won’t affect their function: it’s simply a matter of preference. Indeed, regardless of how liquid or creamy they are, most cleansing oils are effective at removing excess sebum, impurities, SPF, and makeup.
How should I use a cleansing oil?
Don't worry, it's simple and there's no learning curve. It's going to be a success from the first application! Here’s how to use a cleansing oil:
- Apply a few drops of oil to dry skin;
- Massage the oil into the skin for a few seconds, or until your makeup has dissolved. (Yes, your melting mascara will temporarily make you look like a panda, but that’s part of the fun);
- Remove the oil with a damp washcloth, or add a little water to transform the oil into a lotion, then rinse off. Alternatively, you can remove the oil by washing your face with a gentle face wash.
Keep in mind, of course, that different formulas may work a little differently. When in doubt, follow brand instructions for your specific product!
Cleansing balm vs oil
There’s no clear winner in the “fight” between cleansing oils and cleansing balms. When it comes to benefits, the products are similar: they manage to remove all sorts of impurities and skincare products, from SPF to makeup, all without over-cleansing or stripping your skin.
The biggest difference will always come down to your texture preferences. Here at Care to Beauty, some of us love the luxurious feeling of applying a few drops of a silky oil to remove makeup; others prefer the sensation of applying a balm and working it into the skin until it transforms into an oil, as if by magic!
As oil-cleansing lovers, we’re fans of both cleansing oils and balms–and we’re happy to share some of our favorite products below!
The best cleansing oils for each skin type
We’ve already talked a bit about the characteristics of cleansing oils. Now, we’re all ready to show you some products that, in our experience, work well on different skin types:
Uriage Hyséac Purifying Oil
Best cleansing oil for acne-prone skin
Uriage has relaunched their range for acne-prone skin, and with the revamp came this cleansing oil. Not only does it gently cleanse the skin, it is also extraordinarily mild, so it doesn't disturb skin that suffers from inflammation. Additionally, it contains salicylic acid in order to help reduce blemishes.
Sensilis Succinic Jelly Oil Cleanser
Best cleansing oil for oily skin
This cleansing oil purifies and cleanses the skin with a unique lightweight texture, leaving a non-greasy finish. Those with oily skin types with excess production of sebum will appreciate the weightless texture the most. Don't be put off by the fact that this is an oil, as it will entirely wash away, leaving no residue whatsoever. At the end of the process, your skin is free from makeup residue and oils as well!
Alma Secret Camellia Bloom Milky Cleansing Oil
Best botanical cleansing oil
This is an easy-to-apply and remove oil, that gently wipes away any impurities. This oil leaves the skin fresh and with a feather-like finish, ensuring it's soft and clean. Its light oil melts away stubborn residue, then turns into a creamy milk with water, rinsing off cleanly and leaving the skin soft, calm, and bright. Blending omega-rich oils, like camellia, marula, sea buckthorn, and avocado, with calendula, green tea, and vitamin C-rich amla, this is the plant-based fragrance-free oil you need in your routine.
Clarins Total Cleansing Oil
Best cleansing oil for normal skin
The new launch from the cleanser-king brand Clarins. It's clearly undeniable that Clarins has made some of the most famous and luxurious cleansers on the market, but this new range comes with a new icon. This cleansing oil, suitable for all skin types, ensures that all impurities melt away and the skin is left refreshed. Additionally, it's perfect for removing a full face of bold make-up.
celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Best cleansing oil for blackheads
If you're looking for a cleansing oil that can tackle blackheads, the celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil could be a good option.
This K-Beauty cleanser is formulated with six vegetable oils--jojoba, bergamot fruit, meadowfoam seed, sunflower seed, sweet almond, and olive fruit--that form a light, non-greasy formula that offers effective cleansing and, at the same time, dissolves excess sebum, thus minimizing the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads.
Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Soothing Makeup Remover Cleansing Oil
Best cleansing oil for dry and sensitive skin
Cleansing oils are perfect for dry and sensitive skin, as they provide an effective cleansing action without having to subject the skin to a lot of friction or aggression.
For these skin types, we especially like the Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Soothing Makeup Remover Cleansing Oil, an oil-to-milk cleanser that uses micellar technology to not only cleanse the skin, but also provide nourishing and soothing care.
If you'd like to explore a few more options, make sure to drop by the shop! We've got a wide selection of cleansing oils all ready for your perusal. Happy cleansing!
