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With 2024 underway, the skincare market offers an array of oil-based makeup removers that promise to gently cleanse skin without stripping it dry. These silky cleansers stand out for their ability to melt away stubborn makeup and impurities, leaving your face feeling fresh and renewed. Though their soothing effects have developed a cult following, it’s important to understand how they work their magic. We’ve rounded up the 13 best cleansing oils to help you find your new nightly ritual. With the right oil cleanser, you can restore a healthy glow while enjoying a luxurious, spa-like experience.
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BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
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BEST FOR WATERPROOF MAKEUP
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What is an oil-based makeup remover?
An oil-based makeup remover is a gentle cleansing product that dissolves even the most stubborn makeup using natural or synthetic oils. Unlike traditional makeup removers that might strip your skin of its natural oils, an oil-based makeup remover works by adhering to the makeup on your skin, including waterproof mascaras and long-wear foundations, and lifting it away without harsh rubbing or pulling. This makes it a game-changer for your nightly skincare routine.
You might wonder how an oil-based product can leave your skin feeling clean rather than greasy. Here’s the secret: when you massage an oil-based makeup remover, or cleansing oil, onto your dry face, the oils in the product bond with the makeup, sebum (your skin’s natural oil), and any other surface impurities. Once you add water, the cleanser emulsifies, becoming a milky texture that easily rinses away, taking all the makeup and dirt with it. This process ensures your skin is left clean, soft, and hydrated, not tight or dry.
Incorporating an oil-based makeup remover into your routine doesn’t just help you remove makeup more effectively. It also nourishes your skin with essential vitamins and antioxidants, depending on the blend of oils used. Whether you’re dealing with sensitive skin, acne, or dryness, there’s an oil-based cleanser tailored to your skin’s needs.
Choosing your oil-based makeup remover – factors to consider
When selecting your oil-based makeup remover, it’s crucial to consider factors tailored to your skin’s unique needs and makeup routine. The right product can transform your skincare regimen, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and nourished. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Skin type: Your skin type is the foremost factor in choosing an oil cleanser. If you’ve got oily skin, you might think oil-based products aren’t for you, but that’s not necessarily the case. Certain natural oils can actually help balance your skin’s oil production. For those with dry skin, look for products with moisturizing properties to help combat dryness. And if you have sensitive skin, opt for cleansers with minimal, gentle ingredients to avoid irritation.
- Ingredients: Speaking of ingredients, it’s essential to pay attention to what’s in your oil cleanser. Natural oils like jojoba, almond, and rosehip are fantastic for nourishing the skin while effectively removing makeup. Avoid products with harsh chemicals that can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness or increased oil production.
- Makeup routine: Your makeup routine plays a role in your choice of oil cleanser. If you wear heavy or waterproof makeup, you’ll need a product that can dissolve stubborn products without harsh rubbing. A lightweight oil cleanser might be sufficient for those who wear minimal makeup.
Best overall
Credit: DHC
For anyone seeking a gentle yet effective makeup remover, the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, stands out as the top choice. It melts away makeup, dissolves impurities, and leaves skin clean, soft, and radiant. Its 100% organic olive oil base binds with dirt and breaks down sunscreen, sebum, and stubborn makeup without leaving an oily residue. The water-soluble formula, enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and invigorating rosemary leaf oil, rinses off easily, leaving a silky feel. Suitable for all skin types, it’s also a handy makeup brush cleaner.
Pros
100% organic olive oil-based formulation
Suitable for all skin types
Can also be used to clean makeup brushes
Cons
Price range may be considered high for some budgets
Best for acne-prone skin
Credit: Pai Skincare
Designed specifically for sensitive and acne-prone skin, Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil effectively removes makeup and SPF without causing irritation. This rosehip cleansing oil is your go-to for gently yet efficiently clearing away makeup, SPF, and daily grime. It’s clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin, melting away impurities and even eye makeup without rubbing or stinging. The secret lies in its oil-based formula, which clings to and lifts off excess sebum and makeup oils, crucial for preventing acne. When mixed with water, it emulsifies into a light milk that rinses off easily, leaving your skin feeling soft, balanced, and radiant. With rosehip fruit extract at its core, rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9, and antioxidant carotenoids, it not only cleanses but also nourishes and protects your skin.
Pros
Gentle on sensitive and acne-prone skin
Rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9 and antioxidant carotenoids from rosehip oil
Cons
May require a bit of effort to thoroughly remove heavy-duty or waterproof makeup
Best for sensitive skin
Credit: Eau Thermale Avène
For those with sensitive skin, the Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil stands out as the ideal choice, thanks to its soothing formulation and NEA approval. It’s enriched with I-MODULIA, a postbiotic complex from Avène Thermal Spring Water, which calms itching and bolsters the skin’s defense system. The addition of CER-OMEGA, derived from evening primrose and rich in omega-6, nourishes, hydrates, and helps restore the skin’s barrier. This unique oil transforms into a foam that gently cleanses, leaving skin feeling calm and soothed. Remember to use lukewarm water for cleansing to avoid drying out your skin. Plus, it’s free from common irritants and allergens, ensuring it’s safe for even the most sensitive skin types.
Pros
Enriched with I-MODULIA and CER-OMEGA, offering both soothing and barrier-repair benefits
Suitable for highly sensitive and compromised skin conditions
Free from common irritants like fragrance, soap, dye, parabens, alcohol, and mineral oil
Cons
May not be as effective in removing heavy makeup or sunscreen without a double cleanse
Best for waterproof makeup
Credit: DAMDAM
Leveraging the ancient Japanese ritual of purifying skin with rice water, this cleansing oil softens your skin while effortlessly melting away stubborn makeup. It’s perfect for use alone or as the initial step in a double cleansing routine, ensuring no pore buildup and hydrating your skin without a greasy residue. Its key ingredient, komenuka (rice bran oil), a Japanese skincare staple since 1100 AD, is celebrated for its superior water-retaining abilities, giving your skin a luminous glow.
Pros
Effective at removing waterproof makeup while being gentle on skin and eyes
Komenuka, known for its moisture-retaining properties, is a key ingredient
Cons
May require a follow-up cleanser for those who prefer a more thorough cleansing routine
Best for sebum control
Credit: Sulwhasoo
For individuals struggling with excess sebum, Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil stands out as the top pick for effectively controlling oil while ensuring deep-pore cleansing. This product not only removes impurities like fine dust and stubborn waterproof makeup but also leaves your skin feeling incredibly fresh and thoroughly cleansed. Its magic lies in the yeonsum, a traditional Korean herbal oil complex that not only keeps your skin firm but also tightens pores for a smoother appearance. Ingredients such as pinus koraiensis seed extract and camelia japonica seed oil work together to offer a gentle yet powerful cleansing experience. It’s HET-CAM (eye irritation potential) and dermatologically tested, ensuring safety and efficacy.
Pros
Utilizes a unique Korean herbal oil complex, yeonsum, for firmer skin and tighter pores
Formulated with natural ingredients like pinus koraiensis seed extract and camelia japonica seed oil
HET-CAM and dermatologically tested, ensuring safety and efficacy
Cons
May not be suitable for all skin types, particularly those sensitive to specific oils or fragrances
Best antioxidant
Credit Youth To The People
For those seeking an environmentally friendly option packed with powerful antioxidants, the Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser emerges as the top pick. This award-winning face wash blends kale, spinach, and green tea into a rich gel, offering a green juice cleanse for your face. It’s designed for all skin types and tackles pores, dullness, and blemishes without drying or stripping the skin. Its unique formula is 100% vegan, housed in recyclable packaging, and made without animal testing or harmful additives. For optimal makeup removal, massage it into a dry face before rinsing. Its fresh, herbaceous scent and gel texture make it a refreshing part of any skincare routine.
Pros
Infused with superfoods like kale, spinach, and green tea, offering potent antioxidant benefits
100% vegan ingredients, recyclable packaging, and free from harmful additives such as parabens and phthalates
Maintains skin’s pH balance without drying
Cons
May be priced higher than average facial cleansers
Best splurge
Credit: Tata Harper
If you’re seeking a luxurious cleansing experience that pampers your skin with natural and organic ingredients, the Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser is your ideal splurge. This high-performance botanical formula dissolves makeup and buildup without stripping the skin, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a soft, supple, and healthy-looking complexion. It’s not just a cleanser; it’s a multivitamin treatment for your skin, certified by COSMOS NATURAL, ensuring 100% natural origin ingredients with 62% from organic farming.
Pros
Utilizes high-performance botanical ingredients
Multivitamin treatment provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
COSMOS NATURAL certified, ensuring 100% natural origin ingredients
Cons
May be considered expensive compared to conventional cleansers
Best drugstore
Credit: Neutrogena
This cleansing oil offers a blend of fine oils designed to extract impurities, dirt, and makeup without leaving the skin feeling greasy. Its non-comedogenic formula ensures that it won’t clog your pores, making it safe for all skin types. Dermatologist tested, it leaves your skin feeling soft and looking healthy.
Pros
Non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested
Suitable for all skin types
Lightweight formula provides a clean and fresh feeling without leaving a greasy residue
Cons
Contains fragrance, which might irritate sensitive skin or those with fragrance sensitivities
Best budget
Credit: Palmer’s
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a product that effortlessly removes makeup and nourishes your skin, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing Facial Oil is an ideal pick. This gentle deep cleansing oil does an excellent job at melting away makeup, eye makeup, and impurities without stripping your skin. It’s non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about clogged pores. With a formula rich in cocoa butter, vitamin E, sesame oil, and rosehip oil, it leaves your skin feeling soft, silky, and rejuvenated. It’s packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that work together to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and skin imperfections.
Pros
Enriched with natural ingredients like cocoa butter, vitamin E, sesame oil, and rosehip oil
Non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types
Easy to use with a no-residue rinse
Cons
May not suit extremely sensitive skin types due to the presence of essential oils and fragrance
For dry skin
Credit: Tatcha
The cleanser’s star ingredient, camellia oil, has been celebrated for centuries by the camellia-harvesting women of Oshima Island in Japan, who were known for their radiant skin and hair. This oil is richer in oleic acid than olive oil, offering remarkable moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Not only does it dissolve waterproof makeup effortlessly, but it also nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling soft and moisturized. Plus, incorporating this oil cleanser into a double cleansing routine can enhance the effectiveness of your skincare regimen, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.
Pros
Rich in oleic acid, providing exceptional moisturizing and antioxidant benefits
Effectively removes waterproof makeup and impurities
Enhances skincare efficacy through the double cleansing method, helping to prevent clogged pores and breakouts
Cons
May be considered expensive by some
Credit: Biossance
For those battling dry skin, the Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil is your go-to solution, packed with moisturizing squalane oil and antioxidants to rejuvenate your complexion. It’s not just any cleansing oil; it’s a game-changer for removing long-wear makeup while ensuring your skin feels deeply moisturized. With sustainable squalane oil at its core, this product helps keep your skin hydrated, tackling dryness head-on.The formula is rich in nourishing oils and extracts, free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Pros
Rich in antioxidants and sustainable squalane oil
Free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances
Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
May be priced higher than average
For exfoliation
Credit: MARA
If you’re seeking a radiant glow and gentle exfoliation while removing makeup, the MARA Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil is your ideal pick. This multi-tasking formula not only cleanses but also brightens and hydrates your skin, effortlessly sweeping away makeup and grime. Its signature blend of chia and moringa, enriched with a potent algae mix and four fruit enzymes—papaya, pineapple, grapefruit, and pumpkin—works to exfoliate, soften, and smooth your complexion. Loaded with vitamins, fatty acids, and moisture, it restores your skin’s natural hydration. Whether you have sensitive, acne-prone, or any other skin type, use it daily to unveil a refreshed, exfoliated, and glowing you. Plus, it’s planet-positive, supporting sustainability with its commitment to being Plastic Neutral and Leaping Bunny Certified.
Pros
Multi-tasking formula with chia, moringa, and a blend of fruit enzymes
Suitable for all skin types
Planet-positive commitments
Cons
May be priced higher compared to standard cleansing oils
Credit: Dermalogica
For those battling acne and blemishes, the Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil offers a deep-cleansing solution that melts away makeup without clogging pores. It’s suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitivity and redness. Its formula, rich in conditioning essential fatty acids, not only removes oils but also nourishes your skin. To use, you’ll dispense it into dry hands, massage over your face and eyes, concentrate on congested areas, and rinse with lukewarm water.
Pros
Suitable for all skin types
Address common concerns such as acne, blemishes, and sensitivity
Ingredients focused on nourishing the skin, including essential fatty acids and a range of beneficial oils
Cons
The higher price point for larger sizes may be a barrier for some consumers
How to use oil-based makeup remover effectively
Having selected the best oil-based makeup remover for your skin, it’s crucial to know how to use it effectively to maximize its benefits. Oil cleansers are a game-changer in removing makeup and excess oil while maintaining your skin’s natural barrier. Here’s how to incorporate them into your daily cleansing routine for the best results:
- Start with dry hands and face: For the oil to work effectively, apply it to dry skin. This allows the oil to directly latch onto makeup and dirt without water diluting its potency.
- Gently massage: Take a moment to gently massage the oil onto your face. This step isn’t just about makeup removal; it’s also an opportunity to stimulate circulation and ensure that the oil reaches deep into your pores, effectively dissolving away the day’s grime and makeup. Spend a little extra time on areas with heavy makeup to ensure everything breaks down properly.
- Emulsify and rinse: After you’ve thoroughly massaged the oil into your skin, add a bit of water to your hands and continue massaging your face. The oil will turn milky, indicating it’s emulsifying, which helps lift the dissolved makeup and dirt off your skin. Rinse with warm water until all the oil is washed away.
For those who wear heavy makeup or are concerned about leftover residue, consider following up with a gentle, water-based cleanser. This double cleanse method ensures that every trace of makeup and excess oil is removed, leaving your skin fresh without stripping away moisture or harming your skin barrier. Remember, the key to effective daily cleansing lies in being gentle and thorough.
Questions you may have
Is oil based makeup remover better?
Cleansing oils are excellent oil-based makeup removers, especially for dry or sensitive skin. They use natural oils like olive, rosehip, and vitamin E to melt away stubborn makeup without stripping the skin. When chosen carefully, oil cleansers can remove full makeup without irritating dryness or disturbing the skin barrier. The right cleansing oil efficiently removes makeup and dirt while promoting healthy, balanced skin.
How do I know if my cleanser is oil based?
To determine if your cleanser is oil-based, first check the ingredient list for natural oils like olive, coconut, jojoba, or almond oil. Cleansing oils and balms will also have an oil-like texture and leave skin feeling moisturized, not tight or dry.
Can oil-based makeup removers cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, and how can one test for sensitivity before regular use?
Yes, oil-based makeup removers can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation for some people. To test for sensitivity before using them regularly, you should do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product on a discreet area of your skin, like behind your ear or on your wrist, and wait 24 hours. If you don’t experience any redness, itching, or irritation, it’s likely safe for you to use.
How do oil-based makeup removers interact with acne-prone or oily skin types, and are there specific ingredients to avoid?
You might worry that oil-based makeup removers will worsen acne or leave your skin oilier. However, they can actually dissolve sebum and impurities without stripping your skin. Look for non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogging pores. Ingredients to steer clear of include coconut oil and isopropyl myristate, as they’re more likely to cause breakouts. Opting for products with salicylic acid or tea tree oil can help manage acne-prone skin.
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