16 Best Cleansing Oils for Every Single Skin Type, Tested and Reviewed in 2024
Sry, but it’s time to break up with your makeup wipes.
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Want clean, soft-as-hell skin? Then you absolutely need to incorporate a cleansing oil into your skincare routine. Cleansing oils or balms are commonly used as the first part of a two-step K-beauty process called double-cleansing—i.e., my favorite way to thoroughly clean my face. Cleansing oils call on water-soluble oils to gently dissolve a day’s worth of makeup, oil, and grime without irritating your skin or stripping it dry. It leaves your face nice and ready (kinda like a soft, dewy little canvas) for the rest of your products, and every skin type can benefit from one (even you oily or acne-prone folks!).
All of this is to say that you definitely need a cleansing oil in your lineup, which is why I gathered the 16 best cleansing oil formulas of all damn time, personally tested and reviewed them (yes, rlly), and called on a few of my trusty board-certified dermatologists, Mona Gohara, MD, and Rachel Westbay, MD for everything you need to know about choosing a cleansing oil for yourself, how to use one, and which ones are their favorites, below:
✔️ FYI: We updated this article in June 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on cleansing oils, including several we personally tested, consulted a few dermatologists for their takes on how to use them, and how to choose the best cleansing oil for yourself.
Our top picks for the best cleansing oils in 2024:
Now keep reading for the full breakdown of the best cleansing oils, according to my personal testing and experts, along with tips from dermatologists on how to choose the best cleansing oil for your skin type, and what to look for before you buy.
Pros
- Sensitive-skin testers loved that it’s fragrance free
Cons
- Some reviewers note that too much product comes out with each pump
There’s a reason most beauty editors (including yours truly) consider this cleansing oil their desert-island product: The antioxidant-rich olive oil removes makeup so gently (and thoroughly!) that it actually makes washing my face kinda fun. The silky-smooth texture is also suuuper lightweight, so it doesn’t feel like oil on my skin. Plus, it gets bonus points because it can also be used to clean your makeup brushes.
- Key ingredient(s): Olive oil, vitamin E
- Size: 6.7 oz or 2.3 oz.
THE REVIEW: "This is hands down my favorite cleansing oil," one tester writes. "I use it every night to remove makeup and sunscreen and whatever else I have on my face from the day. It doesn't clog my pores and I don't have to scrub at all to remove any of my makeup including my mascara."
Pros
- Vegan, clean formula
Cons
- Some testers note that it takes a bit longer to rinse off
This thicker, balm-like oil cleanser—that has the consistency of Vaseline, sans the greasy feel—transforms into a milky consistency once massaged onto your skin. It's formulated with oat extract which is particularly soothing if you have dry, itchy, or irritated skin, as well as glycerin which is a natural hydrator.
- Key ingredient(s): Glycerin, vitamin E, oat extract
- Size: 2.9 oz.
THE REVIEW: "I've been using this cleanser on my oily skin for over three years now, and I would never change," reads one tester's review. "It is light but clarifying, and it always helps keep my skin in check whenever I break out."
Pros
- Clean, eco-friendly brand
Cons
- Some testers with sensitive skin noted that it took their skin a few uses before they got used to it due to the chemical exfoliant
This cleanser by Kora is one of my new favorite products due to its ability to deeply cleanse all makeup and grime off of my skin yet still keep it soft and plump in the process. Silver ear mushroom works similarly to hyaluronic acid due to both ingredients containing glucuronic acid—i.e., a natural hydrator. The formula also contains the chemical exfoliant, lactic acid, so while it's adding hella hydration, it's also removing the oil and dirt from your skin.
- Key ingredient(s): Aloe vera, glycerin, jojoba oil, silver ear mushroom extract, lactic acid, babassu oil
- Size: 5 oz.
THE REVIEW: "This is the only cleanser/cleansing oil that has worked for my combination, acne-prone skin!" notes one reviewer. "It’s very gentle, I love the smell, and it’s an environmentally conscious brand."
Pros
- The formula does not leave any leftover residue
Cons
- Some testers note that it takes a lot of product to remove their eye makeup
You really can’t go wrong with this oil cleanser: It has camellia oil (an excellent source of vitamins A, B, D, and E) and natural anti-agers like green tea, rice, and algae, all of which work to cleanse, soften, and plump your skin. But my favorite part? Once I wash it away, there is absolutely no residue.
- Key ingredient(s): Rice bran oil, camellia oil, green tea extract
- Size: 5 oz.
THE REVIEW: "This is my bougie makeup remover and holy grail product," notes one tester. "It gets all my makeup off, there's no residue left behind, and it doesn’t burn my eyes. Feels luxurious and is well worth the money."
Pros
- Removes dead skin cells while hydrating your skin
Cons
- I personally find that I run through the product rather quickly
My favorite thing about this cleansing oil from Mara is the fact that it contains glycolic acid—i.e., one of my favorite AHAs which does a great job at smoothing, brightening, and softening your skin. And while the chemical exfoliant is doing its thing, emollients such as squalane bring moisture back into your skin for a gentle, yet effective cleanse.
- Key ingredient(s): Glycolic acid, chamomile extract, chia seed oil, vitamin E, squalane, aloe vera
- Size: 4 oz.
THE REVIEW: "I’ve tried many luxury cleansing oils over the years, and this is easily my favorite," one tester notes. "The smell is wonderful, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy, but very clean without over-drying."
Pros
- Packed with skin-soothing and skin-brightening ingredients
Cons
- Testers describe a "woody" scent that may be too heavy for some
If you struggle with hyperpigmentation and/or dark spots, you want to look for products formulated with brightening or exfoliating ingredients. The Epara Cleansing Oil relies on licorice root which contains a natural active (see: glabridin) and is said to be effective in fighting discoloration. Not only that, but it also is a great antioxidant and provides skin-soothing benefits.
- Key ingredient(s): Glycerin, argan oil, vitamin E, licorice root
- Size: 5.28 oz.
THE REVIEW: "This face cleansing oil really cleanses my face while moisturizing it and not leaving my skin dry," one review reads. "It’s not too oily and glides on so smooth."
Pros
- Widely available in local drugstores and online
Cons
- Contains fragrance which those with sensitive skin may find irritating
Guess what? Those gritty, citrusy, stingy face washes aren’t the only cleansers at your drugstore. This super-affordable cleansing oil from Neutrogena is mild enough for most skin types, and when I say it really removes every trace of makeup, it really removes every trace of makeup.
- Key ingredient(s): Glycerin
- Size: 4 oz.
THE REVIEW: "I had used micellar water for years to remove makeup before cleansing but it started making my skin dry and flaky," one reviewer notes. "It removes all my eye makeup, even waterproof mascara. My skin is very clean but not stripped or dry—it’s hydrated and soft."
Pros
- Removes waterproof formulas completely in the most gentle way
Cons
- Reviewers note that it's highly fragranced
The olive oil—which is high in hydrating squalene and protective antioxidants—and glycerin in this cleansing oil means it isn't playing around when it comes to effectiveness. Massage it onto dry skin and it'll wash away your waterproof mascara and full-coverage foundation with ease. It's also got a nice dose of ginger root extract, which causes a warming sensation when first applied, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Key ingredient(s): Olive oil, vitamin E, glycerin
- Size: 6.7 oz.
THE REVIEW: "I love how it melts all of my waterproof mascara and leaves my face feeling all sorts of clean and not dry or stripped of all moisture," reads one review.
Pros
- Totally hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, soap-free, and super gentle
Cons
- Some testers note that they wish it lathered up more than it does
Harsh cleansers can seriously irritate sensitive skin types (especially with conditions like eczema or atopic dermatitis). This ultra-gentle cleansing oil cleans irritated, itchy skin without drying it out and helps repair damaged skin barriers with soothing vitamin E and hydrating glycerin.
- Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, glycerin, evening primrose oil
- Size: 13.5 oz.
THE REVIEW: "Does not aggravate my rosacea," notes one tester. "I'm allergic to everything, my skin is eczema-prone and I also live in a very dry climate and use retinol daily. This is so soothing to use morning and night," adds another.
Pros
- A little goes a long way, reviewers note
Cons
- Some testers note that it burns their eyes
Squalane is one of the most effective facial oils—it's super hydrating (but never heavy) and gentle enough for sensitive skin—so it's only fitting that it's a great cleansing agent too. This cleansing oil pairs squalane with a handful of antioxidant-rich ingredients, like evening primrose and sunflower seed oils, to lightly moisturize your face while removing makeup.
- Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, squalane, rosemary leaf extract
- Size: 6.76 oz.
THE REVIEW: "It took me forever to finish this bottle because about two pumps takes my entire face of makeup off," one review reads. "I have acne-prone skin, for some reason, this oil is the only one I can use."
Pros
- Leaves your skin feeling super soft after each use
Cons
- Testers note that it has a very strong "artificial" scent
Take a peek at all of its five-star reviews on Ulta, and you'll quickly understand the hype around this oil cleanser. Spiked with moisturizing oils like sunflower, papaya, and pumpkin seeds, it helps take your makeup right off without leaving your skin tight or dry. Heads up that folks with ultra-dry skin will love the moisturizing, non-stripping nature of this bb.
- Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, sunflower seed oil
- Size: 4 oz.
THE REVIEW: "It felt very relaxing, nourishing, and luxurious and did not sting my open acne wounds which was a plus," one review reads. "I love that it is acne-safe and does not leave a film like some other oil cleansers."
Pros
- Exfoliated without causing irritation on reviewers with sensitive-skin
Cons
- Exfoliated without causing irritation on reviewers with sensitive-skin
The hero ingredient in this oil cleanser? Polyhydroxy acid, aka a super gentle exfoliator that helps dissolve dead skin cell buildup. That means you're getting two benefits with this one—it'll help remove your makeup while also leaving your skin softer and smoother over time.
- Key ingredient(s): Gluconolactone, squalane, glycerin, tea tree oil, sunflower oil, lavender oil
- Size: 10.4 oz.
THE REVIEW: "I have super sensitive skin and really struggle with cleansers," one reviewer notes. "This one is great, my skin liked it immediately. It takes off makeup great and doesn't dry me out."
Pros
- Rinses off really easily without leaving any residue
Cons
- Testers note that it's really easy to dispense more than they need
Trust: This oil cleanser is the perfect formula for double cleansing thanks to the fact that it gently dissolves your makeup without leaving behind a greasy film due to the absence of mineral oil which is an ingredient that can make your skin feel or look greasy. Just pat your skin dry and follow up with your favorite gel or cream cleanser.
- Key ingredient(s): Citrus extracts, squalane
- Size: 6.76 oz.
THE REVIEW: "My skin is brighter and less dull which is something I saw just after a day of using it!" one review reads. "It's very effective in removing my makeup and does not leave my skin dry after."
Pros
- Contains a bunch of super moisturizing oils
Cons
- May not be the best option for drier skin types due to the foaming texture
If you can't get behind an oil-based texture, you'll love this foaming cleanser from Skinfix. It's got all the benefits of a classic cleansing oil (thanks to the formula's glycerin and squalane), but it creates a lightweight, foaming lather that leaves your skin ultra-smooth and soft.
- Key ingredient(s): Squalane, vitamin E, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, jojoba oil, aloe vera
- Size: 6 oz.
THE REVIEW: "This cleanser is great," one reviewer notes. "I have oily skin and most face washes I’m used to completely strip it. This one gives it the perfect balance—it's very gentle and my skin feels plumped, clean, and moisturized."
Pros
- Made with made with a combination of natural oils, extracts, and antioxidants
Cons
- Most expensive option on the list
This natural cleansing oil from Tata Harper breaks down makeup and face oils without stripping your skin. Basically, your face will feel clean and soft but never tight, thanks to the soothing camellia oil in the formula, as well as super moisturized, which can be credited to all the added oils (hi, olive, argan, and jojoba).
- Key ingredient(s): Olive oil, argan oil, jojoba oil
- Size: 4.1 oz.
THE REVIEW: "This is absolutely the best cleanser ever!" writes one reviewer. "I was hesitant to purchase at the high price tag, but I’m hooked forever! Fresh clean scent that is tough enough to remove all makeup and not strip my skin."
Pros
- Gives you a spa-like experience with an aromatherapy-level scent
Cons
- Filled with essential oils and fragrance that can irritate sensitive or reactive skin types
Meet the oil cleanser that breaks down eight coats of mascara and full-coverage foundation like a g’damn pro. Oh, and the formula’s conditioning rice bran and vitamin E oil smooth and soften your skin without leaving a greasy residue.
- Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, rice bran oil
- Size: 5.1 oz. and 10 oz.
THE REVIEW: "It dissolves my makeup quickly, easily without scrubbing or effort, and with no residue or drying," one review reads.
What is a cleansing oil?
"Cleansing oils are cleansers that usually contain an oil base, along with an ingredient called a surfactant—which helps bind dirt on your skin and remove it without disrupting your skin barrier," says board-certified dermatologist, Rachel Westbay, MD. These cleansers work well for removing makeup, are super gentle, and because cleansing oils are water-soluble, you won't have to worry about them leaving behind a heavy layer of oily residue.
Cleansing oils are commonly used as the first part of a two-step K-beauty process called double-cleansing. In short, you begin with an oil-based cleanser that'll rid your skin of oil-based products (i.e., makeup, sunscreen) and rewash your face with a water-based cleanser that'll rid your skin of the water-based gunk (i.e., sweat, dirt). As a result, your skin will be left feelin' super clean without actually stripping it.
How does a cleansing oil work?
Cleansing oils work due to the chemical principle, "like dissolves like," which states that similar substances will dissolve each other, Dr. Westbay explains. So, when you massage an oil cleanser onto your skin, the oil in the cleanser and the oil-based gunk on your skin integrate, allowing the product to attract and dislodge sebum and other oil-based gunk.
Board-certified dermatologist Monda Gohara, MD, paints us a picture: Pretend you're the first of your friends to arrive at a party. A few moments later, you receive a text that your friends are there, but they're congregating outside. You go outside to hang out with them because, well, they're your friends. It's the same with the oil element in these cleansers—"like attracts like, or, the oil attracts oil."
Can oily or acne-prone skin still use a cleansing oil?
"Yes, cleansing oils are products that every skin type, even oily and acne-prone skin, can incorporate," says Dr. Westbay, adding that some people even argue that oil cleansers may be beneficial for oily skin types.
Some cleansers—especially those that leave your skin feeling ultra-tight or, stripped, after rinsing—dismantle your skin's acid mantle (aka, the film on our skin's surface that acts as a barrier to bacteria, grime, and other contaminants) and render it too acidic, Dr. Westbay says. When the acid mantle is unbalanced, it has the potential to result in irritation, breakouts, and rashes. "Cleansing oils don't change the acid mantle at all," she says.
How do I use a cleansing oil?
You use a cleansing oil by gently massaging a pump oil all over your dry, makeup-covered face for 30 seconds—carefully rub your lashes to eliminate any mascara—and rinse. (Remember, your skin needs to be totally dry!) You can either follow with the rest of your skincare routine or give your face one more round of cleansing.
Dr. Gohara says that a cleansing oil will not replace your standard face wash because "it is just an extra step to remove more particles than a standard cleanser alone." And don't feel like you need to double-cleanse every day, says Dr. Gohara. In fact, because they essentially act as a makeup remover, you only need to use them when you're wearing makeup.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
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