How does cleansing oil work?

Cleansing oils work on the premise that like dissolves like. According to Wong, a lot of skincare, SPF and makeup products are oil-based, meaning an oil-based cleanser may be more effective when it comes to removing them.

How do you use cleansing oil?

Cleansing oils are typically suggested for use as a first step in your cleansing routine to dissolve dirt, grime, makeup, and sunscreen. Try applying one to a dry face, emulsifying it with a little water, and really massaging in, focusing on areas such as the eyes and lips, then rinse with warm water or remove with a face washer.

How often should you oil-cleanse?

While the choice is ultimately yours, oil cleansers work best at night as a first cleanse to remove everything that’s accumulated on your face during the day. They can also function as a morning cleanser for skin that’s really, really dry—just be sure to either pick a lightweight formula that doesn’t leave a filmy texture or remove more thoroughly with a face cloth so serums and moisturizers can penetrate.

The 14 Best Cleansing Oils of 2023

Once upon a time, not so long ago, ‘oil’ was a dirty word in the skincare universe. After all, isn’t the goal to get rid of the grease on your skin, not add more? But as we started to wise up, and the skincare market took a cue from other countries (hello, Korea), oils became the new hot thing, particularly when it came to cleansing—and for good reason.

While oil and water repel one another, oil and oil attract (sorry, we’re trying not to cause unpleasant flashbacks to high school chemistry class). In the case of your skin, that means that a cleansing oil is choice for helping to cut through the oils in your makeup, sunscreen, and those on your skin, dissolving them to leave your skin extra clean. And, unlike their sudsy face wash counterparts, there’s no risk of stripping or over-drying the skin, since oils are innately hydrating. While they’re an especially awesome pick for dry or sensitive types, they work well on all skin…yes, even acne-prone and oily.

To find the best cleansing oils on the market, we conducted hours of research—poring over hundreds of customer reviews and considering the dozens of options that are available, as well as consulted our editors on their favorite options. We evaluated each on their active ingredients, ability to remove makeup, and overall cleansing power without stripping the skin. After in-depth research, editor testing, and consulting a skincare expert, we landed on these top-rated picks.

Read on for the best cleansing oils for a clean, healthy complexion.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleanser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Palmer's Skin Therapy at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Tata Harper Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:

Tatcha One Step Oil Cleanser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Oily Skin:

Erborian Black Cleansing Oil at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Antioxidant-Rich Formula:

One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Exfoliating :

Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Multitasking:

Kaike Melt Oil Cleanser at Shopkaike.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleanser

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Biossance.com

What We Like

Soap-free
Lightweight
Hydrating
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it can irritate the eyes

Free from harsh soaps and synthetic fragrances, this cleansing oil is excellent for all skin types, even sensitive ones. It touts eight plant-derived oils plus squalane to create a smooth texture that hydrates the skin while working to remove impurities and makeup. The plant-derived substance mimics your skin’s natural oil, making it a top pick for lightweight hydration. This formula is a bit more affordable than other high-end options, and we also appreciate that it comes in a recyclable bottle.

Price at time of publish: $32

Active Ingredients: Squalane, hemi-squalane | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Size: 6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Target

Palmer's Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil Review

What We Like

Removes makeup without stripping skin
Non-comedogenic

What We Don't Like

Can leave behind a residue

You may first think of their beloved cocoa butter when you hear the name Palmer's, but you don’t want to miss their affordable but effective oil cleanser. It too contains cocoa butter, along with sesame oil and rosehip oil, which is a popular oil for promoting healthy skin cells. It gets bonus points for the addition of skin-brightening vitamin C. We love how easily it dissolves makeup and leaves the skin feeling soft and balanced.

Price at time of publish: $12

Active Ingredients: Cocoa butter, vitamin E, sesame oil, rosehip oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Lightweight
Affordable
Non-comedogenic

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Even fairly recently, you’d be hard-pressed to find a cleansing oil at the drugstore. It was a category largely reserved for prestige and high-end brands. Fortunately, that’s changing. Case in point: This formula, made with a blend of fine oils to remove impurities, is also non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested. It has a midweight texture that's neither runny nor heavy, making it a great choice for a wide range of skin types. It's excellent for a gentle cleanse in the morning or for using at nighttime to break down stubborn makeup.

Price at time of publish: $9

Active Ingredients: Mineral oil, camellia leaf extract, rosemary leaf extract, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

4.8

Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Doesn't leave a residue
Doesn't strip skin
Hydrating

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note that the pump can get stuck

In addition to being a luxe formula in a beautiful glass bottle, it doesn’t hurt that the ingredient list of this cleansing oil is really clean, either. We’re talking about a 100 percent natural formula made with 62 percent organic ingredients, and a power combo of antioxidant-rich, skin-loving oils. It includes alfalfa which is loaded with biotin and vitamin E to nourish the skin, as well as squalane to maintain hydration. If you're looking for a deluxe cleansing oil to add to your cleansing routine, we absolutely recommend this one.

Price at time of publish: $88

Active Ingredients: Alfalfa, vitamin A, squalane | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Size: 4.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.7

Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Oil Cleanser

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Kohls.com

TATCHA Pure One Step Camellia Oil Cleanser Review

What We Like

Gentle
Luxe packaging
Hydrating
Effective for removing stubborn makeup

What We Don't Like

Pricey compared to similar formulas on the market

The star of the show here is Japanese camellia oil, which may be higher in good-for-your-skin oleic acid than even olive oil. Translation: It’s a really good skincare ingredient and super hydrating for even the most parched of complexions. We appreciate how well it takes off makeup while remaining gentle and hydrating. Plus, the formula and packaging feel so high-quality, it makes for a perfect luxury addition to any skincare routine.

Price at time of publish: $50

Active Ingredients: Japanese camellia oil (tsubaki), hadasei-3 | Skin Type: Dry, mature, combination | Size: 1.7 or 5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

View On Ulta View On Walgreens

What We Like

Doesn't strip skin
Lightweight
Contains charcoal

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it can feel sticky

We get it, no matter what we say, it can still feel counterintuitive to wash your face with oil when your skin feels like an oil slick to begin with, but this formula will definitely convince you otherwise. It utilizes the power of charcoal to purify the skin, leaving your complexion feeling clean, but not tight and stopping shine in its tracks. It's great for using as a gentle cleanse after the gym when your skin is sweaty and greasy, but it's also super effective at removing makeup.

Price at time of publish: $32

Active Ingredients: Charcoal powder | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 6.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Dermstore

View On Amazon View On Credo Beauty View On Paiskincare.us

What We Like

Great for all skin types
Gentle on the skin
Great at removing makeup
Leaves skin looking radiant

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for removing waterproof eye makeup

People with sensitive skin know that harsh cleansers can cause irritation. If you struggle to find a cleanser that's gentle enough for your skin while still adequately cleaning it, we recommend trying this one. The formula contains a blend of nourishing oils, like olive oil, sunflower seed oil, rosehip oil, and more to break down grease, SPF, and makeup without stripping the skin. It leaves your complexion looking radiant and your skin feeling soft and balanced.

Price at time of publish: $49

Active Ingredients: Rosehip oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, orange peel oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Dermstore

What We Like

Hydrating
Restores pH balance

What We Don't Like

Has synthetic fragrance

A team Byrdie fan favorite, this earns big points for its straightforward ingredient list loaded with plant-based goodies. The oil—which combines pumpkin seed, papaya seed, and sunflower seed oils—is hydrating and packed with antioxidants. And the more antioxidants we can get into our skincare routine, the better. It's great for all skin types, though it was designed with dry skin in mind, making it a great pick if you struggle to find hydrating cleansers.

Price at time of publish: $42

Active Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Papaya seed oil, pumpkin oil, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Credo Beauty View On Revolve

What We Like

Contains fruit enzymes to gently exfoliate
Luxe formula and bottle
Breaks down makeup and SPF without stripping skin

What We Don't Like

Nothing

While this pick does an excellent job at breaking down SPF, makeup, and grime from the day, making it a great first step in your makeup removal and cleansing routine, it's also a perfect product to use in the morning for a gentle cleanse. Why? Because it contains a blend of fruit enzymes that work to gently exfoliate the skin and brighten the complexion. It's also formulated with squalane, chia, and moringa for hydrating benefits. If you're interested in trying a cleansing oil that does more than just dissolve makeup and grime, we think you'll fall in love with this one.

Price at time of publish: $58

Active Ingredients: Fruit enzymes, squalane, chia, moringa, spirulina | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Shop Kaike

View On Shopkaike.com View On Showfields.com

What We Like

Improves texture and tone
Hydrating

What We Don't Like

May feel heavy

We love a product that multitasks, namely this super-clean cleansing oil from Kaike. It’s not only packed with good-for-your-skin oils like grapeseed, watermelon seed, and hemp seed to effectively melt away makeup, dirt, and impurities, but it also works hard to keep the skin balanced, bright, and healthy. The formula is brimming with antioxidants, which can help address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and uneven tone.

Price at time of publish: $25

Active Ingredients: Grapeseed oil, hemp seed oil, apricot kernel oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Credo Beauty View On Sahajan.com

What We Like

Hydrating
Reduces redness
Contains antioxidants

What We Don't Like

Some reviewers note that the smell is strong

This rich blend of essential oils melts away makeup and pollutants to leave nothing behind but glowing skin. The formula is packed with antioxidants that help to brighten the skin and address skin texture, and the rich consistency is hydrating without being overly thick. Moringa oil, squalene, and rose oils dissolve stubborn waterproof makeup, converting even oil-cleansing beginners into believers. All you need to do is cleanse, rinse, and glow.

Price at time of publish: $48

Active Ingredients: Moringa oil, squalane, rose oils | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.9

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Dermstore

What We Like

Doesn't leave a residue
Doesn't strip skin

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it can irritate the eyes

This oldie-but-goodie has been around for almost three decades but remains super popular—so much so that one is sold every 10 seconds worldwide (color us impressed). One of the OG cleansing oils to launch stateside, it uses hydrating vitamin E, organic olive oil, and rosemary oil, which gives it a refreshing fragrance. It rinses clean and removes every last trace of gunk and grime while leaving the skin looking and feeling super hydrated.

Price at time of publish: $32

Active Ingredients: Olive oil, rosemary leaf oil, tocopherol (vitamin E) | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Gentle
Doubles as aromatherapy
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for sensitive skin

Sure, you could totally use this in the morning, but we like reserving it for P.M. for several reasons. One, it’s awesome at taking off makeup and is gentle enough that you can even use it around your eyes. Two, it pulls double duty as aromatherapy, thanks to the addition of lavender essential oil; one whiff makes us instantly feel calm and relaxed.

Price at time of publish: $30

Active Ingredients: Lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil, squalene | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.9 or 5.9 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Dermstore

What We Like

Gentle
Fragrance-free
Hydrating

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note the pump can get stuck

When you’re wearing a full face of makeup, it’s a good move to use a cleansing oil first, even if you want to use a traditional cleanser after; the oil will be better able to remove and dissolve all the oils in the makeup. Reach for this, which breaks down even the most stubborn, waterproof eye makeup, doesn’t leave any residue, and is still ultra-gentle.

Price at time of publish: $37

Active Ingredients: Rosehip oil, green tea, avocado oil, olive fruit oil, botanical amino acids, hydrangea leaf, Boscia signature botanical blend | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

Our favorite cleansing oil is the Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil thanks to its hydrating, gentle, fragrance-free formula that breaks down makeup and SPF without stripping the skin. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, we love the Palmer's Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil because it has cocoa butter and rosehip oil to hydrate and improve skin health while cleansing. And if you want a luxurious option that works to gently exfoliate the skin in addition to cleansing and breaking down grime, we highly recommend the Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil.

Meet the Expert

Michelle Wong is a cosmetic chemist and educator who's the brains behind educational beauty platform Lab Muffin—a website and YouTube channel where she breaks down skin care and cosmetic ingredients in products to a general audience. She has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Sydney.

What to Look for When Buying a Cleansing Oil

Ingredients

As is the case with all skincare, it's wise to take the ingredient list into consideration before making a purchase. These days, most cleansing oils utilize a blend of oils, from sweet almond to jojoba to grapeseed. Wong likes sunflower and grapeseed to start because they’re affordable and less occlusive (i.e. not greasy or likely to leave a film). The Kaike Melt Oil Cleanser is a fantastic choice that contains grapeseed oil.

More expensive oils like camellia, rosehip, argan, and sweet almond are also effective and can offer certain nourishing benefits and/or a beautiful experience when it comes to scent profile. Our favorite choice with rosehip oil is the Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil.

Wong does point out that coconut oil and olive oil are ones to potentially avoid; coconut oil because it can clog pores and olive oil because it’s often processed and this can lead to irritation. Each product and brand is different though, so be sure to do independent research.

Slip and Texture

This is less important, but it’s still nice to end up with a product you actually enjoy using, right? Dry skin types might love a rich, viscous oil, whereas oil-prone complexions will fare better with a lightweight product that rinses off well.

FAQ

How does cleansing oil work?

Cleansing oils work on the premise that like dissolves like. According to Wong, a lot of skincare, SPF and makeup products are oil-based, meaning an oil-based cleanser may be more effective when it comes to removing them.
How do you use cleansing oil?

Cleansing oils are typically suggested for use as a first step in your cleansing routine to dissolve dirt, grime, makeup, and sunscreen. Try applying one to a dry face, emulsifying it with a little water, and really massaging in, focusing on areas such as the eyes and lips, then rinse with warm water or remove with a face washer.
How often should you oil-cleanse?

While the choice is ultimately yours, oil cleansers work best at night as a first cleanse to remove everything that’s accumulated on your face during the day. They can also function as a morning cleanser for skin that’s really, really dry—just be sure to either pick a lightweight formula that doesn’t leave a filmy texture or remove more thoroughly with a face cloth so serums and moisturizers can penetrate.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She's tested countless cleansers over the years—from foaming formulas to oils, gels, and creams.

The 16 Best Face Washes of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Updated by Alyssa Kaplan

Article Sources

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