Palmer’s Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil Melted My Makeup

We put Palmer's Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

You shouldn't go to sleep with your makeup on, so cleansing your skin each night is majorly important. Whether you prefer a foaming face wash, a milky cleanser, or even a cold cream to remove makeup, one thing is certain: Anyone can benefit from using an oil cleanser. With double-cleansing being a staple in many people’s skincare routines (you cleanse first with an oil cleanser and then follow up with your regular/water-based cleanser), it's essential to have an effective oil cleanser that removes makeup and keeps skin nourished.

I tried out Palmer’s Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil to see if this affordable cleanser could really remove stubborn makeup—turns out it does that and then some.

About My Skin: In need of a deep cleanse

Cleansing my skin is important to me. It's just as important as wearing sunscreen and layering all my anti-aging products correctly. I wear makeup daily, so I absolutely have to remove my makeup and cleanse my skin at night before bed—of course, I still cleanse even if I’m not wearing any makeup.

I have tried several different cleansing methods, from using singular cleansers to double-cleansing, and some brands of facial cleansing oils I’ve used in the past are One Love Organics and L’Occitane.

How to Apply: Massage one pump to dry skin

Wet your hands, pump the cleanser in them, and then massage the cleanser all over your face to help break down makeup. You can use this cleanser morning and night, alone or paired with other cleansers if double-cleansing is your thing. The oil is strong enough to break down even the most stubborn of makeup (hello bold red matte lipstick), so you can certainly use it by itself, but you’re going to want to avoid the eye area entirely with this product as it’s not suitable for removing eye makeup and can irritate eyes.

Scent & Feel: Slightly strong

The fragrance is strong when using the cleanser, so be aware of that if you are sensitive to fragrance. I also tried removing my eye makeup with it, and it burned my eyes, but that is my fault as I did not read the instructions properly the first time, stating that it should not be used to remove any eye makeup.

It feels light yet hydrating on the skin.

The Results: Goodbye, makeup residue

I was quite impressed with how well this cleanser removed my makeup alone without having to go in for a second cleanse. The oil helps to immediately break up makeup and remove it, and my skin felt soft afterward without feeling over stripped of any moisture. I used the cleanser in the morning as well on a bare face to help wash away the residue of skincare from the night before, and it worked great. I also tried this cleanser to remove a few different types of makeup looks (natural, and then more colorful lipstick, too), and it removed everything efficiently each time with no issue.

The Value: Highly affordable

For almost 7 ounces at the price of around $9, this is considered a highly affordable daily use product that is also effective. You are getting a lot of product for little cost, making it something that’s easy to keep on rotation in your skincare routine.

Similar Products: You've got options

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil: The DHC Deep Cleansing Oil ($28) helps to remove makeup and is suitable to use morning and night in routine skincare regimens. Apply with dry hands to the face to help break down makeup, sunscreen, and other residue or pollutants.

Typology 7-Ingredient Cleansing Oil: The Typology 7-Ingredient Cleansing Oil ($20) is fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types and effectively removes makeup and thoroughly cleans the skin.

Face Theory Deeply Nourishing Jojoba Cleansing Oil O4: The Face Theory Deeply Nourishing Jojoba Cleansing Oil O4 ($18) utilizes jojoba, rosehip, argan, and cranberry seed oils for a deep clean that helps break up makeup debris and nourishes the skin at the same time.