Cleansing Oils in Skin Care Products

Cleansing oils have become a popular part of many skincare routines. As a dermatologist, I often get questions about using oils to cleanse the face. Are cleansing oils right for your skin type? Do they actually help dissolve oil and makeup? Can they exacerbate acne? Here I’ll explain the benefits of cleansing oils, different types to choose from, which skin types I recommend them for, and some of my top picks. Read on to learn why dermatologists like myself often recommend incorporating a cleansing oil into your skincare routine.

Best Products With Cleansing Oils

Cleansing Oils can be found in a variety of product types like moisturizers, cleansers, toners, sunscreens, and more. They can make a great addition to routines where a “Double-cleanse” is required, and also typically have multiple other benefits like hydrating fatty acids, etc. These are a couple of our favorite cleansing oil products:

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What are Cleansing oils?

Cleansing oils gently break down oil-based products on skin and penetrate pores to dissolve sebum and debris. They are common in many cleansers because they emulsify with water to remove dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities from the skin. Oils like mineral oil, jojoba oil, or many essential oils can be blended with emulsifiers so they rinse clean. When rinsed with water, the oils bind to impurities and can be washed off, leaving skin clean without stripping natural oils.

How Do Cleansing Oils Work?

Cleansing oils attract and bind to oil-based impurities on skin like sebum, makeup, and sunscreen. When water is added, the oils and emulsifiers allow the product to transform into a milky emulsion that rinses cleanly off your face. This removes impurities without dehydrating the skin. The oils are also often great for gentle facial massage which can aid circulation and relaxation.

which skin types can use cleansing oils

Which Skin Types Can Use Cleansing Oils?

Most skin types can use cleansing oils. Oily and acne-prone skin benefits from their deep cleansing properties to dissolve excess oil. Dry skin benefits from hydrating oils. Sensitive and eczema-prone skin tolerate gentle oils too. As long as the formula does not contain irritating ingredients, most skin types can use a cleansing oil for a thorough yet gentle cleanse.

Do Cleansing Oils Cause Acne?

Properly formulated cleansing oils will not clog pores or cause acne breakouts. The right oils will thoroughly dissolve sebum and rinse away instead of sitting heavy on skin. However, some cheaper oils may leave residue. Using pure mineral or botanical oils without comedogenic ingredients minimizes acne risks.

Many cleansing oils contain antimicrobial polyphenolic compounds that can help kill acne-causing bacteria.

Not all cleansing oils are good for acne treatments.

Which Cleansing Oils Should Acne Prone Skin Types Avoid?

Some cleansing oils still have various components that can result in clogged pores. Some oils that acne prone skin types might want to avoid include:

Almond oil

Castor oil

Cocoa butter

Coconut oil

Evening primrose oil

Jojoba oil (Only specific varieties like Sulfated Jojoba)

Olive oil

Palm oil

Peach kernel oil

Sesame oil

These oils are rated as moderately to highly comedogenic, meaning they can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Oils like coconut, olive, almond, and avocado oil are especially problematic for acne-prone skin due to their heavier saturated fat compositions that leave residue and promote congestion. When selecting a cleansing oil, it’s best to avoid comedogenic options and choose lighter, non-clogging cleansing oils instead if you are acne-prone.

how to use cleansing oils

How to Use Cleansing Oils

Cleansing oils are a key part of a proper skincare routine and using them correctly is crucial. Start by applying a quarter-sized amount of oil to dry skin. Less oil can be used if you have oily or combination skin. Gently massage the oil over your entire face for 30-60 seconds. Use light, stroking motions with your fingertips to dissolve impurities. Focus on oily areas like the T-zone, (The forehead, bridge of your nose, and chin), and use circular motions around congested pores. Take care to not get the oils in your eyes. Allow the oil to sit for 10-15 seconds so it can penetrate and break down oil-soluble debris. Then, wet your hands and continue massaging to emulsify the oil into a milky texture. Rinse thoroughly with warm water – don’t be afraid to rinse for a full 30 seconds or longer to eliminate residue. Pat skin dry with a soft towel. Follow with a water-based cleanser if desired to remove remaining traces. Use once or twice daily, avoiding direct contact with eyes. Store cleansing oil in a cool, dark place and shake bottle before each use. Patch testing before initial use can detect any unlikely allergies or risks of irritation. Proper cleansing oil leaves skin feeling clean, soft and refreshed without overly stripping sebum from the skin.

Do Cleansing Oils Slow Sebum Production?

This is a common question for those looking to balance oily or acne-prone skin. Despite containing oils, properly formulated cleansers will not increase sebum production from your pores. Using an cleansing oil helps dissolve and remove excess oil, dirt, and other debris, leaving pores clearer. This is why cleansing oils are great – they provide a deep clean without stripping the skin of too much oil. The oils you apply do not penetrate into the pores like sebum does, so they do not trigger more oil production. As always, avoid comedogenic oils that could clog pores if you are prone to acne. Properly rinsing away all oil is key. With controlled use of non-clogging oils, you can benefit from cleansing oils without increased sebum or acne issues. Consult a dermatologist if excess oil production remains a persistent concern.

popular cleansing oils

List of Popular Cleansing Oils

Almond oil

Apricot kernel oil

Argan oil

Avocado oil

Borage Seed oil

Camellia oil

Castor oil

Cocoa butter

Coconut oil

Evening primrose oil

Grapeseed oil

Hazelnut oil

Hemp seed oil

Illipe butter

Jojoba oil

Kalahari oil

Kokum butter

Macadamia nut oil

Mango butter

Maracuja oil

Marula oil

Meadowfoam seed oil

Mongongo nut oil

Olive oil

Peach kernel oil

Perilla oil

Rice bran oil

Rosehip oil

Sacha inchi oil

Safflower oil

Sea buckthorn oil

Sesame oil

Shea butter

Sunflower oil

Tamanu oil

Teff seed oil

Tsubaki oil

Walnut oil

When choosing a cleansing oil, it is important to shop by your Baumann Skin Type to avoid using the wrong products. Every skin type has different needs, and every product is tailored to different needs. With our expert custom skin care regimen recommendations, you will never have to worry about buying the wrong products for your skin. To see which cleansing oils are best for your skin type, take our quiz for a custom regimen.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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