Cleansing your face is arguably the most important step in any skin care routine as it lays the foundation for everything that follows. The best cleansing oil comes in handy when a traditional face wash isn’t enough to get everything off—think a tinted gel cream base, multiple rounds of sunscreen, a swipe (or several) of your favorite blush. Sure, your trusty micellar water can get most of it off, but not everything. That’s where cleansing oils come in. As the name suggests, these products contain oils that quickly and effectively remove debris, and makeup from the skin.
Vogue’s Favorite Cleansing Oils:
According to board-certified dematologist Dr. Tiffany J. Libby, using an oil formulation abides by the principle of “like dissolves like” (for those of you who didn’t sleep through science class, this may ring a bell). This means that the oils in the cleansing oil are naturally attracted to the oils and impurities on the skin, facilitating the breakdown of makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and excess sebum without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Whether you’re in the mood for a double cleanse, or just want to try a new wash formula, ahead Vogue’s favorite cleansing oils that’ll leave your skin feeling fresh as spring.
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Best Overall: Sulwhasoo Cleansing Oil
Sulwhasoo
Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
- Why We Love It: The crème de la crème of cleansing oils, this K-beauty staple melts away makeup. Unlike many cleansers that strip the skin, this one helps maintain hydration, thanks to tangerine peel extract, squalene, and a blend of traditional Korean oils such as pine nut oil, camellia seed oil, and plum seed oil. Esthetician Amity Murray recommends it to all of her dry skin clients, calling it “a gorgeous, natural formulation that emulsifies and rinses clean, leaving the skin refreshed but never stripped.” And for those who love waterproof makeup but hate how long it takes to remove, just a swipe of this silky formula is all it takes to tackle even the toughest mascaras.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalene, mulberry leaf extracts, mountain yam extracts
- Best For: All skin types, dryness, uneven texture, oiliness
- Cruelty-Free: N
- Fragrance: Y
- Size: 200 mL
Best With Minimal Ingredients: Typology Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: French beauty lovers might already be familiar with Typology, one of the leading brands for simple, efficacious formulas. This cleansing oil is a minimalist’s dream—fragrance-free, safe for sensitive skin, and contains only seven ingredients. Sunflower seed oil cleanses the skin, and sweet almond oil nourishes and improves elasticity. Murray says it’s especially great for reactive skin types because of its natural, pared-down formula; or, “for anyone interested in a less-is-more approach.”
- Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, vitamin E, sunflower seed hybrid oil
- Best For: Suitable for all skin types and concerns
- Cruelty-Free: Y
- Fragrance: N
- Size: 3.38 fl oz
Best French Pharmacy: La Roche-Posay Cleansing Oil
La Roche-Posay
Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: This oil-to-foam cleanser is a great option for individuals with dry to extra dry skin, as well as sensitive skin types — it has been proven to be safe for babies as young as two weeks or even those undergoing chemotherapy. Dr. Castilla is also a fan, adding that it “can be used on both face and body, does have a slight foam which some people prefer, cleanses well but is also great for sensitive dry skin types, and doesn’t leave an oily residue behind.”
- Key Ingredients: La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin
- Size: 13.52 fl oz
- Best For: Dry to extra dry, sensitive skin
- Cruelty-Free: N
- Fragrance: N
Best Makeup Remover: Bioderma Cleansing Oil
Bioderma
Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: Put down the makeup wipes! After dampening your skin, this oil cleanser turns into a foaming texture that can remove even the most stubborn smokey eyes. “Synonymous with micellar water, the Bioderma cleansing oil is a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to use it as a makeup remover and follow up with a second cleanser,” says Murray. Safe for dry skin, atopic eczema, and dermatitis, it’s mild enough to be used by everyone—including your partner, who will definitely sneak some when you’re not looking.
- Key Ingredients: Vegetal biolipids, vitamin B3
- Size: 33.8 fl oz
- Best For: Suitable for all skin types and concerns
- Cruelty-Free: N
- Fragrance: N
Peach & Lily Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: This cleansing oil is perfect for those who like to double cleanse, as it doesn’t strip the skin and layers well with other cleansers. It offers light exfoliation thanks to pineapple extract, which supports cellular turnover, and is especially suited for oily or breakout-prone skin. “It can be used daily and leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and never tight or dry,” says Murray. A little goes a long way since it’s a bit thicker than some of the other options on this list. You can even use it to remove waterproof eyeliner or mascara (takes about 30 seconds) and it doesn’t irritate or leave you with raccoon eyes.
- Key Ingredients: Ginger, pineapple, papaya, sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil
- Size: 150 mL
- Best For: Dry skin, blackheads, dryness, pores, sensitivity
- Cruelty-Free: Y
- Fragrance: N
Best for Dry Skin: Elemis Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: This softening cleansing oil can easily be added to any existing skin-care routine. It contains 90% natural oils, including winter rose and chia seed oil to support and balance the skin barrier. It isn’t heavy or greasy; upon use, it turns into a milky lather, leaving your skin supple and plump after rinsing it off. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Whitney Hovenic recommends this for dry, mature, or barrier-compromised skin. “Its blend of chia seed oil and vitamin-rich pomegranate delivers omega fatty acids and antioxidants to support the skin’s lipid layer while efficiently melting away makeup and SPF,” she says.
- Key Ingredients: Winter rose oil, chia seed, pomegranate
- Best For: Suitable for all skin types and concerns
- Cruelty-Free: N
- Fragrance: Y
- Size: 195 mL
Best for Eczema-Prone Skin: Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
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Avène
XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: The National Eczema Association and Dr. Castilla have given this cleansing oil their stamp of approval, which is why we recommend it to users with dry, sensitive, or itchy skin. It includes the brand’s thermal spring water, renowned for its ability to soothe, soften, and calm the skin. “It’s unscented, very mildly foaming, rinses easily, and leaves skin very silky,” Dr. Castilla says. Here’s a pro tip: Add five pumps to running bathwater to lock in moisture and aid in restoring your skin barrier.
- Key Ingredients: Modulia, cer-mega, Avène thermal spring water
- Best For: All skin types, dry, itchy skin
- Cruelty-Free: Y
- Fragrance: N
- Size: 13.5 fl oz
Best Lightweight: Tatcha Camelia Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: There’s no worse feeling than coming home and sensing a layer of grime on your skin. Whether you live in a bustling city or spent hours in makeup, the quickest way to feel clean again is to use a reliable cleansing oil like this Tatcha’s, which transforms into a milky lotion when mixed with water. Its power lies in Japanese camellia oil, a lightweight, nourishing botanical oil rich in vitamins and omegas. “The addition of the Hadasei-3 complex (fermented rice, green tea, and algae) helps support the skin’s barrier and leaves it feeling soft and balanced,” says Dr. Hovenic. All of Tatcha’s products offer a luxurious, sensorial experience, which is why so many celebrities are obsessed with the brand.
- Key Ingredients: Japanese camellia oil, Hades-3, rice, green tea, algae
- Best For: Skin type: All skin types, dryness
- Cruelty-Free: Y
- Fragrance: Y
- Size: 150 ML
Best Fragrance-Free: DHC Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: Japanese beauty brand DHC never misses, so we expected nothing but the best from this cleansing oil. It’s fragrance-free and super calming, with olive oil as the main ingredient. “A cult favorite, this formula is built on 100% organic olive oil, which closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum to dissolve heavy and waterproof makeup. Its simple, fragrance-free profile makes it a go-to for sensitive or reactive skin,” explains Dr. Hovenic. Remember, for it to really work, emulsify it with water (we like to use it in the shower) and massage it into the skin for one minute. FYI, it also doubles as a makeup brush cleaner.
- Key Ingredients: Olive oil, rosemary leaf oil, vitamin E
- Best For: Suitable for all skin types and concerns
- Cruelty-Free: Y
- Fragrance: N
- Size: 1 fl oz, 2.3 fl oz, 6.7 fl oz
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Anua Heartlead Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Anua Heartleaf
Pore Control Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: Come across this K-beauty product on your TikTok feed? It’s worth the hype, especially if you have oily, acne-prone skin. The formula won’t clog pores and is packed with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial ingredients like turmeric and heartleaf extract, which is why Dr. Hovenic recommends it to patients with acne-prone or sensitive skin. “It contains heartleaf extract to calm inflammation and a blend of lightweight oils that help clear out excess sebum and buildup,” she explains. But it’s not limited to oily skin; anyone can use it as it guarantees fresh, hydrated skin, thanks to conditioning jojoba, grapeseed, and olive oils.
- Key Ingredients: Olive oil, jojoba oil, turmeric extract, heartleaf extract, sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil
- Best For: Acne-prone skin
- Cruelty-Free: Y
- Fragrance: Y
- Size: 200 mL
Best for Sensitive Skin: Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil
Pai Skincare Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: Pai’s cleansing oil is a great choice for all skin types, but especially those with sensitivities. Here, olive and sunflower oils nourish the skin, preventing it from feeling stripped, while rosehip imparts a radiant glow—skin feels softer and calmer after each use. “Although it’s oil-based, this cleanser won’t feel greasy; instead, it feels light and luxurious,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anetta Reszko. “Plus, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and safe for use around the eye area.”
- Key Ingredients: Olive, sunflower, castor, jasmine, lime, orange, geranium, and basil oils, rosehip fruit extract, vitamin E, rosemary extract
- Best For: Suitable for all skin types and concerns
- Cruelty-Free: Y
- Fragrance: N
- Size: 100 mL
Best for Double Cleansing: Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: Dermalogica was a staple in my household. Lured in by its minimal packaging, growing up I’d secretly it use whenever my mom wasn’t home. It’s safe for all skin types, and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Bowles recommends to anyone looking to it “deeply cleanse without stripping their skin, especially if they wear sunscreen or makeup daily.” She adds, “It contains olive and kukui nut oils to dissolve buildup, while borage seed oil calms and supports the skin barrier, making it a gentle but effective first step in a double cleanse.”
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin e, rice bran extract, kukui nut oil, borage seed oil, apricot kernel oil
- Best For: Oily skin, acne-prone skin
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 30 mL, 150 mL
Best Gel-to-Oil: YSE Beauty Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser
- Why We Love It: If the beautiful packaging doesn’t win you over, its efficacy sure will. The gel-oil texture is easy to use and quickly melts away dirt and grime. “This cleanser is great for sensitive or dry skin types because it balances nourishment with a soft exfoliating touch,” says Dr. Bowles. “It blends squalane and meadowfoam seed oil with papaya enzyme to hydrate, dissolve impurities, and subtly smooth the skin without irritation.” The glass bottle looks great on any vanity, and if you’re traveling, the brand also offers smaller, TSA-approved options, too.
- Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, passion fruit extract, squalane
- Best For: Dry skin, sensitive skin
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Fragrance: Yes
- Size: 100 mL
Best Clean: Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Think of this as a nourishing oil cleanser that pampers your skin while removing makeup, making it ideal for anyone looking for a plant-based formula with a luxurious feel. “With a blend of jojoba, sunflower, and calendula oils plus antioxidant-rich beta-carotene, this nourishes, calms, and protects the skin all at once,” explains Dr. Bowles. Like all of Tata Harper’s products, the entire experience is sensorial—close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re at a spa somewhere far, far away.
- Key Ingredients: Alfalfa, squalane, camellia oil, sacha inchi oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, calendula oil
- Best For: All skin types
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Fragrance: Yes
- Size: 125 mL
Best Korean: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: A K-beauty staple, Dr. Bowles often recommends this affordable cleansing oil for acne-prone or sensitive skin, thanks to its weightless, non-comedogenic formula and calming benefits. “It features centella asiatica to reduce inflammation, plus sunflower and jojoba oils to gently lift away impurities without clogging pores.” So lightweight it feels virtually undetectable on, just make sure to apply it to dry skin, gently massage to break down impurities, then add water to emulsify before rinsing off completely.
- Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract (1,000 ppm), bergamot oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, jojoba oil
- Best For: All skin types
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Fragrance: Yes
- Size: 200 mL
Best for Mature Skin: Eve Lom Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: It’s been 40 years since celebrity esthetician Eve Lom launched her eponymous label, and as a birthday gift to all of us, the brand has expanded its beloved cleansing range to include this oil—following in the footsteps of its cult-favorite cleansing balm and muslin cloths. Dr. Bowles says this silky oil cleanser is ideal for dry or mature skin types looking for a thorough clean with added antioxidant protection. “It features grapeseed and camellia oils to soften and nourish the skin, along with vitamin E to help defend against environmental stress,” she explains.
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, bio-Lipids, coriander seed oil
- Best For: Mature skin
- Cruelty-Free: No
- Fragrance: Yes
- Size: 150 mL
Everything You Need to Know
Cleansing oil, as we mentioned earlier, contains oils that effectively remove dirt, debris, and makeup from the skin. These oils dissolve impurities on the skin’s surface, allowing them to be easily rinsed away. In general, oil cleansers, according to Dr. Castilla, are gentler on the skin barrier and less likely to strip natural oils compared to regular facial cleansers. The main ingredients to look out for are plant oils such as grapeseed, sunflower, and argan oils.
What are the origins of cleansing oil?
Per Dr. Libby, the origins of cleansing oil may have derived from Asian beauty skin care routines, which often employed a double-cleansing method consisting of an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
Are cleansing oils really worth it?
Dr. Bowles says cleansing oils can be a fantastic addition to any skin-care routine, particularly for removing sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum without stripping the skin. “They’re designed to bind to oil-based impurities so they rinse away cleanly, leaving your skin soft and balanced,” she adds. “I often recommend them as the first step in a double cleanse for most skin types, including sensitive skin.”
How does it differ from other cleansers on the market?
Time for a science lesson: Traditional cleansers use surfactants, such as soap, to remove dirt and excess oil from the skin, along with moisturizing ingredients that deposit on the skin to prevent it from feeling tight and dry. These surfactant-based water cleansers work better on water-soluble particles. “Some cleansing oils also contain surfactants, but the main cleansing component is the oil itself. Oil cleansers tend to foam significantly less than regular face washes due to minimal surfactants,” says Dr. Castilla.
What Ingredients and Textures to Look Out For
The texture of cleansing oils can vary. “Some are lightweight and easily spreadable, while others are thicker and heavier and may require more effort to rinse off,” says Dr. Castilla. If possible, she suggests testing the consistency of the formulation before purchase. Fragrance-free options are ideal, as fragrances can be potentially irritating, especially for sensitive and dry skin types. “Try to look for a formulation with relatively few ingredients; less ingredients generally mean there are fewer potential irritants,” she adds. Also, look out for hydrating superstars like glycerin, niacinamide, and colloidal oatmeal that help nourish skin’st moisture barrier.
Who is a cleansing oil best for?
“Cleansing oils can be used for essentially all skin types,” says Dr. Castilla. However, she notes that they are most beneficial for those with sensitive, dry, eczema, or mature skin types, as they can benefit from the extra hydration they impart. For oily or acne-prone skin types, she recommends using formulations that can be rinsed away with water without leaving an excessive oily residue.
Cleansing oil also works well on stubborn sunscreen, especially since many mineral formulations are water-resistant. “My pro tip is to use a cleansing oil, as this will effectively cleanse off the sunscreen. Then, if desiring a double cleanse, you can follow this step with a water-based cleanser,” says Dr. Libby.
Do dermatologists recommend oil cleansing?
According to Reszko, oil cleansers effectively remove impurities while preserving the skin barrier, making them ideal for dry skin. She explains that oil cleansers gently purify pores while helping balance the skin’s natural oil production across most skin types. They are particularly effective at lifting excess sebum and makeup, including waterproof products. Reszko advises for acne-prone skin to use non-comedogenic oil cleansers to avoid breakouts. For sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free options with hydrating ingredients.
Cleansing oil is meant to be the first step in cleansing; apply it to dry skin as oil cleansers are especially efficient at removing makeup. Dr. Castilla generally recommends using a cleansing oil once per day, particularly at night, especially if you wear makeup.
Do you have to follow a cleansing oil with a gel or foam cleanser?
Contrary to popular belief, Reszko says you don’t always need to follow an oil cleanser with a gel or foam—it depends on your skin type and condition. “Double cleansing—using a water-based cleanser after an oil cleanser—is often recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin to ensure all impurities are thoroughly removed,” she explains. “For dry or sensitive skin, a single oil cleanse may be sufficient, as it effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin.”
How often should you oil cleanse?
Reszko recommends using oil cleansers as the first step in a double cleansing routine in the evening. The frequency of oil cleansing depends on individual skin type and can range from daily use to as needed. “Those with dry or sensitive skin may benefit from daily oil cleansing, while people with oily or acne-prone skin might prefer using it 2-3 times per week to avoid overloading their skin,” she explains. Always adjust based on how your skin responds.
Do cleansing oils clog pores?
Per Dr. Bowles, many cleansing oils are made with non-comedogenic ingredients like jojoba or squalane, which won’t clog pores and can actually help regulate oil production. “That said, it’s important to choose a formula that suits your skin type and rinse thoroughly, or follow with a gentle cleanser if you’re acne-prone or oily,” she notes.
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