Cleansing Oil Basics: Nourishing Skincare for All Skin Types

What Is Cleansing Oil and Who Should Use It?

Cleansing oil is a skincare product designed to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil from your face. It’s gentle, moisturizing, and suitable for most skin types, including oily and dry skin.

Before 2014, cleansing oils were mostly used by professionals in spas. Today, they are a common part of everyday skincare routines for people around the world.

If you’re new to cleansing oils, don’t worry. We’ll explain what they are, how they work, how to use them, and which skin types benefit most.

What Is Cleansing Oil?

Cleansing oils are facial cleansers made with oils that dissolve dirt, makeup, and excess sebum from your skin. They’re often used as the first step in a double cleansing routine.

Unlike harsh cleansers, cleansing oils don’t strip the skin. They remove “bad” oil and impurities while keeping your skin’s natural moisture barrier intact.

Despite being oil-based, they rinse off easily with water and don’t leave a greasy residue behind. Most work well without needing heavy scrubbing.

How Does Cleansing Oil Work?

Cleansing oils use the principle that “like dissolves like.” The oil in the cleanser binds to the oil, makeup, and grime on your face.

When you massage it in, it breaks down impurities like:

Dirt and dead skin cells

Oil and sweat buildup

Sunscreen and makeup

Pollution particles

Once you rinse with water, the formula emulsifies. This means it turns milky and lifts all the gunk away, leaving your skin fresh and soft.

Unlike some cleansers, oil cleansers don’t penetrate the pores deeply. Instead, they clean the surface without disrupting your skin’s balance.

What Are the Benefits of Cleansing Oil?

Cleansing oils offer many advantages that make them stand out from gels, foams, and micellar waters. Here are some of the top benefits:

Gentle on skin: They cleanse without drying or irritating the skin.

Moisturizing: Many are packed with hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E or jojoba oil.

Effective makeup remover: They remove waterproof makeup with ease.

Preserves skin barrier: They support a healthy skin microbiome and pH balance.

Good for double cleansing: They work great as the first step in a two-part cleanse.

Your skin feels soft, not tight, after cleansing—perfect for dry or sensitive skin.

How to Use Cleansing Oil (Step-by-Step)

Each brand may have different directions, but most cleansing oils are used like this:

Pump or pour a small amount of oil into your palm.

Rub your hands together to warm the oil slightly.

Apply the oil directly to your dry face.

Massage it gently in circles, covering all areas.

Focus on tough spots like around the nose and mascara on lashes.

Add a little water to your hands and massage again—this emulsifies the oil.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water or a soft washcloth.

Follow up with a second cleanser if needed (this is called double cleansing).

Pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel.

Always check the label for brand-specific instructions.

What Is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is the process of using two cleansers—one after the other. You start with an oil-based cleanser and follow it with a water-based one.

Why do this? Because the first cleanse removes oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. The second cleanse removes sweat, dirt, and leftover residue.

This two-step method leaves your skin completely clean without stripping it. It’s especially useful for people who wear a lot of makeup or live in polluted areas.

Who Should Use Cleansing Oil?

Cleansing oil can work for all skin types. Here’s a breakdown of how different skin types benefit:

Oily Skin

It might seem odd to use oil on oily skin, but it can actually help. Oil-based cleansers dissolve excess sebum without drying your skin out.

When you strip oily skin too much, it may overproduce oil to compensate. Cleansing oils prevent that by maintaining your skin’s natural balance.

Choose formulas labeled non-comedogenic and free of pore-clogging oils. Look for added ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or green tea.

Dry Skin

Dry skin types will love cleansing oils. They’re often rich in nourishing oils like avocado, almond, or camellia oil, which soften the skin.

They gently remove impurities while locking in moisture. Cleansing oils leave dry skin feeling smooth and hydrated instead of tight or flaky.

Look for oils with vitamin E or hyaluronic acid to maximize hydration.

Sensitive Skin

Cleansing oils are often free from harsh chemicals, making them a gentle choice for sensitive skin.

Since they don’t contain drying surfactants, they reduce redness and irritation. Always check labels for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic options.

Combination Skin

Combination skin benefits from the balancing nature of cleansing oils. They hydrate dry areas while controlling oil in the T-zone.

The key is to find a formula with lightweight oils that won’t clog pores or weigh down your skin.

What Ingredients Should You Look For?

When picking a cleansing oil, choose ingredients suited to your skin needs. Here are some helpful oils and boosters:

Jojoba oil: Mimics skin’s natural oil; balances all skin types.

Grapeseed oil: Lightweight; great for acne-prone skin.

Sunflower oil: Rich in Vitamin E; supports moisture.

Green tea extract: Fights free radicals and soothes skin.

Vitamin C: Brightens and protects against damage.

Avoid mineral oil, coconut oil, or essential oils if you’re prone to breakouts or irritation.

Can You Use Natural Oils Like Baby Oil or Coconut Oil?

While baby oil and coconut oil can moisturize the body, they’re not ideal for cleansing your face.

They may clog pores or leave behind residue that leads to breakouts. Stick with cleansing oils specifically formulated for the face.

These are designed to emulsify with water and rinse away completely, unlike plain oils.

Should You Use Cleansing Oil If You Wear Makeup Daily?

Yes, especially if you wear foundation, SPF, or waterproof makeup. Cleansing oil breaks through even the most long-wearing products.

Heavy makeup users should double cleanse to ensure nothing is left behind. This keeps pores clear and prevents breakouts or irritation.

Even if you wear light makeup, oil cleansing can be beneficial as it lifts away pollution and daily grime.

How Often Should You Use Cleansing Oil?

Most people use it once per day—usually in the evening. This helps remove the day’s makeup, sunscreen, and dirt before bed.

In the morning, you can follow with a gentle cream or foam cleanser instead, depending on your skin’s needs.

What Are the Drawbacks of Cleansing Oil?

There are few disadvantages, but it’s worth noting:

Some formulas may contain fragrance or heavy oils that irritate sensitive skin.

If not rinsed properly, they may leave a film or cause breakouts.

Some people need a second cleanser to feel truly clean.

Always patch test new products and pay attention to how your skin reacts.

Final Thoughts: Is Cleansing Oil Right for You?

Cleansing oils offer a gentle yet powerful way to cleanse the skin. They hydrate, protect, and support a healthy complexion while removing all types of buildup.

They work well for nearly everyone—but especially dry, sensitive, or combination skin types.

If you wear makeup daily or struggle with dry patches, cleansing oils can make a big difference in your routine.

To get the best results, choose the right formula for your skin type and follow up with a second cleanser if needed.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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