Why a Cleansing Oil Can Elevate Your Routine and the Best Ones to Shop (2024)

The idea of using oil to clean your face might sound counterproductive, especially if you have oily skin, but spoiler alert: Everyone can benefit from adding a cleansing oil to their routine. "Think about it—oil attracts oil, so when you use it to cleanse, it acts like a magnet, gripping onto the excess sebum and grime on your skin, then washes away when you emulsify everything with water," says Greeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. The practice of using oil to clean your skin isn't new; however, it's become more popular since double cleansing (the K-beauty method of using an oil-based formula before a traditional cream, gel, or foaming cleanser) started trending.

Who can use a cleansing oil?

Anyone! If you have dry skin, a cleansing oil may be the only cleansing step you need because one of its biggest benefits is that it leaves the skin hydrated. "I like cleansing oils because they're moisturizing, gentle on the skin, and excellent at breaking down stubborn makeup, even waterproof formulas, without causing irritation or stripping the skin of its natural oils," Yadav says. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, double cleansing with an oil and foaming formula offers a deep clean that can help clear pores of dirt and bacteria that cause breakouts.

How to use a cleansing oil

The best way to use a cleansing oil is to apply it to dry skin and then massage for up to a minute to loosen and attract oils in the skin, says Kristine Keller, BABOR expert esthetician. "Next, moisten fingertips with cool water and massage the cleanser in circular motions until it forms a milky emulsion. Then, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water," she says. Look for non-comedogenic oils that aren't greasy so they don't leave behind a waxy residue or film. "Great oils include jojoba, rose hip, apricot kernel, and squalane," says Yadav. Ahead, we gathered some of our favorite cleansing oils. Give these a try:

Start your routine with this organic olive oil-based formula that feels decadent upon application, and leaves skin moisturized and soft. Vitamin E helps protect against free radical damage, which can cause premature signs of aging, like uneven spots and fine lines. All skin types can benefit from this formula, including sensitive because it's gentle and effective. In addition to powerful antioxidants, the formula also contains rosemary leaf oil, which helps calm the skin and offers a revitalizing scent.

Between the budget-friendly price and good-for-you gentle formula, there's much to love about this cleansing oil. You can use it on your face and body to alleviate dryness while cleansing dirt, oil, and impurities. It's made with vitamin B3 to even out skin tone, shea butter to nourish, and prebiotic thermal water to soothe and hydrate. The formula is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types, such as babies and those with eczema.

Here's a deliciously rich oil cleanser that feels ultra-hydrating and comforting as you work it into the skin. The formula effortlessly removes waterproof makeup, SPF, and other impurities for a deep clean thanks to pineapple extracts, which gently exfoliate the skin. It also contains ginger root extracts to help preserve skin's elasticity and bounce, sunflower seed oil to moisturize, and grapeseed oil to even out the skin tone. Note: the texture is thick so you need to ensure you're properly rinsing it off before following up with skincare.

Yadav loves this formula because it contains jojoba oil to nourish and a blend of papaya, pineapple, grapefruit, and pumpkin enzymes to gently exfoliate the skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup while keeping your complexion hydrated and bright. "The resurfacing and nourishing qualities of this formula leave your skin with an amazing glow," she says. To get a deeper exfoliation, rub it into the skin and leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing it off.

Whether your skin needs a break from harsh ingredients or you have a sensitive complexion, you'll love this lightweight cleansing oil that soothes and is great at breaking down makeup, SPF, and oils without clogging pores. Yadav likes it because it's rich in antioxidants and vitamins that moisturize and protect the skin barrier. It also contains kukui, borage, and apricot kernel oils to calm and nourish skin so that it feels soft and hydrated.

If you want something that works overtime to remove waterproof makeup, you'll love this option. "This cleansing oil leaves skin feeling silky smooth and easily breaks down makeup and thick SPF," says Genesis Rivas, Oprah Daily beauty editor. It's very lightweight and gentle enough to use around the eyes and on sensitive skin. The formula contains Japanese peony extract, vitamin E, jojoba oil, and sunflower seed oil, which work together to hydrate and protect the skin barrier.

Try this jelly-meets-oil cleanser, made with nine different oils, when you need to remove full-glam waterproof makeup or layers of SPF. It's heavy-duty but doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy. Rather, the cushiony texture leaves skin feeling hydrated, soothed, and soft. It's great for dry, mature, or combination skin. The packaging is also really neat because it's mess-free. You simply press the top of the bottle to dispense a quarter-sized amount.

Keller describes the soap bark tree in this formula as a "dirt magnet" because it effectively cleanses without harsh scrubbing. It's a water-soluble formula, meaning it removes both water and soluble dirty particles, offering an effective cleanse for "all skin types," says Keller, who also loves it because "it maintains the barrier of the skin." You don't need to follow up with another cleansing formula because it can remove all kinds of dirt and oils. Just ensure you're rinsing thoroughly.

Made with sustainably sourced sugarcane-derived squalane, this nourishing oil softens the skin and boosts radiance while removing makeup, dirt, and other impurities. The vegan formula also contains eight plant-derived oils, such as orange, lavender, oat, evening primrose, and sunflower to offer antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors. The lightweight consistency is a great fit for oily or combination skin types because it adequately moisturizes without making your complexion feel heavy or greasy.

Using oil to cleanse skin is a popular practice in India, which is why this formula features a rich blend of moringa, squalane, and rose oils traditionally praised in Ayurveda for their ability to clean, protect, and soothe the skin. After using this formula over time, you'll notice a reduction in redness, refined-looking pores, and brighter-looking skin. To get the most out of this formula, the brand recommends massaging it into your skin with your fingertips for five to 10 minutes, focusing on areas of congested skin.

This K-beauty cleansing oil emulsifies easily when mixed with water, offering a satisfying milky foaming texture that makes your skin look and feel clean, but not stripped of moisture. Instead, it's hydrating because it contains a blend of Korean herbal oils that nourish skin without leaving behind a greasy residue or film. Massage the formula into skin to get rid of oil-based dirt, makeup, and SPF that can clog pores and cause breakouts.

If you're already a fan of the brand's iconic Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, you'll love its cleansing oil version. The easy-to-glide formula removes makeup and impurities and is great for sensitive skin because it's made without common allergens, like fragrance, alcohol, parabens, or sulfates. The gentle formula is a choice for all skin types because it's moisturizing yet non-acnegenic, dermatologist-tested, and allergy-tested.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with experts to learn about what to look for in an oil cleanser and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.