In the case of cleansing oils, these formulas can help cut through the oils in makeup, sunscreen, and others that build up on the skin, and dissolve them, leaving the 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, face oils work well on all skin…yes, even acne-prone and oily. We tested 20 of the best cleansing oils available today to find the best ones for every skin type. As we used each one, we considered its ingredients, consistency, and ability to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Finally, we chatted with a cosmetic chemist who helped us land on these truly impressive oil cleansers that may make you rethink your old face-cleansing routine.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best for Evening:
Best for Everyday:
Best for Sensitive Skin:
DAMDAM Silk Rice Makeup-Removing Cleansing Oil at Sephora$46
Best Makeup Remover:
Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser at Amazon$45
Best with Minimal Ingredients:
iUNIK Calendula Complete Deep Vegan Cleansing Oil at Iunikcos.com
Best Hydrating:
What We Like
Gentle and incredibly hydrating
Luxe packaging
Removes stubborn makeup
Softening
What to Consider
Some ingredients can clog pores for acneic skin types
Key Ingredients: Japanese camellia oil (tsubaki), hadasei-3 | Skin Type: Dry, mature, combination | Size: 1.7 or 5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The star of the show here is Japanese camellia oil, which may be higher in omega fatty acids than even olive oil. Translation: It’s a really good skincare ingredient and super hydrating for even the most parched complexions. Stacey appreciated how well it removed her makeup and cleansed her skin while remaining gentle and hydrating. Though she didn't experience breakouts, it's worth mentioning that the formula contains apricot kernel oil and jojoba oil, both of which can be pore-clogging for those with acne-prone skin. The formula and packaging feel so high-quality, making it a perfect luxury addition to any skincare routine.
Read Full Review: Reviewed: Tatcha Pure One-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
Stacey, age 25 to 34 with dry skin
"I've used oil cleansers in the past from other high-end brands and this one is the most lightweight and hydrating. Not only did it leave my skin baby-soft, but there was no residue left behind that would require a second cleanse. Given I have naturally dry, dehydrated skin, the less cleansing the better."
What We Like
Soothing and anti-inflammatory
Lightweight, easy-gliding texture
Suitable for most skin types
What to Consider
It can be potentially pore-clogging for some
Key Ingredients: Heartleaf extract, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, jojoba oil | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
With a laundry list of botanical oils like sunflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and moringa oil, it's safe to say that this formula is nourishing. And, shockingly, it doesn't leave behind a trace of residue. The formula has an earthy-floral scent that Michelle enjoyed while cleansing. Similarly to a few other options on this list, it could be potentially pore-clogging for some individuals prone to breakouts due to the thick oils. If you have very acne-prone skin you might want to skip this one.
Michelle, age 35 to 44 with combination skin
"This cleanser is gentle and effective. It thoroughly cleaned off my makeup without needing to double cleanse. My skin felt refreshed and smooth afterward. I had no irritation, even around my eyes, and I loved that it required almost no effort to rub it into my skin. My makeup came right off."
Best Splurge
Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil
What We Like
Contains fruit enzymes to gently exfoliate
Luxe formula and bottle
Breaks down makeup and SPF without stripping skin
Consistency has slip to it without being runny
What to Consider
Feels like it needs to be followed up with a more traditional cleanser
Key Ingredients: Fruit enzymes, squalane, chia, moringa, spirulina | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This pick does an excellent job of breaking down SPF, makeup, and grime from the day, making it a perfect first step in your makeup removal and cleansing routine (otherwise known as double cleansing). It contains a blend of fruit enzymes that gently exfoliate the skin, so you can expect the formula to slough away dead skin while illuminating the complexion in the process. The product does leave behind a subtle residue, so you'll likely have to follow up with a regular cleanser.
Richard age 25 to 34, with normal skin
"This cleanser has a beautiful slip to it without feeling too slick between the fingers. It feels great on the skin and rubs in easily, making my skin feel soft and smooth throughout the process."
What We Like
Great for all skin types
Gentle on the skin
Leaves skin soft and smooth
Little bit goes a long way
What to Consider
Not ideal for removing waterproof eye makeup
Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, orange peel oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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. Shecquana said the oil left her skin soft and balanced, but it's not ideal for removing face makeup. The light mascara she had on was smeared around, so she had to wipe her eyes for a bit longer than she'd have liked. Despite that, she still loved the formula and the pump bottle which never failed her during the testing period.
Shecquana age 18 to 24, with combination skin
"This oil cleanser spreads nicely on the face and it has a soothing texture. A little bit goes a long way, I think you'd get a sufficient amount of product with just one or two pumps."
What We Like
Gentle on skin but tough on makeup
Doubles as aromatherapy
Lightweight
What to Consider
Consistency is a bit too slippery
Key Ingredients: Lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil, squalene | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.9 or 5.9 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
You could totally use this cleanser in the morning, but we like reserving it for the evening for several reasons. One, it’s awesome at taking off makeup (Shecquana says one pump is all you need to take everything, including mascara, off) and is gentle enough to use around your eyes. Two, it pulls double duty as aromatherapy, thanks to the addition of lavender essential oil; one whiff is instantly calming and relaxing. Shecquana's only gripe was that the formula was a bit too lightweight for her liking (veering on slippery territory).
Shecquana, age 18 to 24 with combination skin
"This formula is lightweight and does a great job of removing makeup. I had on light mascara and everything was removed with one wash."
What We Like
Ginseng and oils help nourish skin
Non-comedogenic formulation
Works well for sensitive skin
What to Consider
Not the deepest cleanse
Key Ingredients: Ginseng root oil, soybean oil, rice bran oil, sunflower seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This formulation from Korean skincare brand Beauty of Joseon is among the best on the market. With a silky yet thin texture, it feels like a dream on the face—Stephanie almost forgot to wash it off. It's a true oil cleanser (so it doesn't get soapy or sudsy the more you rub it) and is a nice addition to any daily routine. It's not the deepest clean, so those who wear lots of makeup or sunscreen (or have very oily skin) will likely need to follow up with a separate face wash to feel completely clean.
Stephanie, age 35 to 44 with combination skin
"My face is so clean and fresh after cleansing. The product is robust and cleansed my skin without stripping it, making it feel soft and supple. My face feels like my face, but better!"
Best for Sensitive Skin
DAMDAM Silk Rice Makeup-Removing Cleansing Oil
What We Like
Rice bran oil helps retain moisture in skin
Lightweight and hydrating
Slight lather for deep clean
What to Consider
Not cruelty-free
Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, silk amino acids, fragrance oils | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Rich in rice bran oil (an ingredient rich in antioxidants that helps the skin retain moisture) and amino acids, this cleanser is a treat. Plus, as Lee shares, it didn't require much effort to visibly remove makeup. The formula has a milky, semi-translucent consistency that's lovely to work with (aka not messy). Lee was able to get a sufficient amount of product with one pump and it rinsed off quickly sans residue.
Lee, age 35 to 44 with sensitive, dry skin
"This oil cleanser had a silky, smooth quality that's not too thick or viscous. It glided over my skin super with ease and prevented skin pulling or tension during cleansing. It felt like a true oil except when it emulsified lightly in water, providing a thorough cleanse."
Best Makeup Remover
Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser
What We Like
Blend of 9 hydrating oils
Doesn't strip skin
Jelly-like consistency feels nice on the skin
Long nail-friendly, sleek packaging
What to Consider
Leaves behind a residue
Key Ingredients: Kalahari melon seed oil, baobab seed oil, castor oil, essential oils, shea butter | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
With a jelly-like texture, sleek packaging, and a nourishing formula featuring nine oils, this cleansing oil from Rihanna's Fenty Beauty is not to be missed. According to the brand, the formula is designed to break down the most long-wearing, waterproof makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. And it certainly delivers; Austin noted that his face felt fully clean after use. (So much so that he didn't need to follow up with a second cleanser.) As for application, it couldn't be easier; the sleek purple bottle is equipped with a flip top and a pump, so the formula comes out in a straight, vertical motion (making it nail-friendly).
Austin, age 35 to 44 with combination skin
"This formula has a smooth, jelly-like consistency that's unlike other oils I've tried. After one wash, my face felt hydrated, refreshed and nourished. Compared to a regular face wash, it did feel more hydrating and it required similar effort."
What We Like
Designed to penetrate deep in pores
Emulsifies well with water for an effective clean
Minimal risk for irritation or sensitivity
What to Consider
Flimsy pump can get slimy
Key Ingredients: Calendula extract, sunflower seed oils, jojoba oil, macadamia seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This cleansing oil is a great option for anyone seeking a gentle, effective cleanse with minimal, naturally-derived ingredients. It's easy to see why Sunita was such a fan. The formula consists of 94% plant oil and is light enough to spread easily across the skin. Her favorite part: It emulsified upon contact with water without turning foamy. The plastic top can get oily, slimy, and flimsy, so we suggest cleaning to off after a few uses.
Sunita, age 55 to 64 with normal, balanced skin
"Having used the face wash from the brand (which I love), I was keen on testing the oil cleanser. I love that it did not feel like a heavy oil and was efficient at taking my makeup off my face. A well-priced product as well with a handful of good ingredients."
What We Like
Emulsifies and breaks down makeup and grime
Lots of slip without being messy
Great bottle
What to Consider
Thick oil could be pore-clogging for some
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, rosemary leaf oil, tocopherol (vitamin E) | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
This oldie-but-goodie has been around for three decades and remains super popular. One of the OG cleansing oils to launch stateside, it uses hydrating vitamin E, organic olive oil, and rosemary oil to clean every last trace of gunk and grime while leaving the skin looking and feeling hydrated. (Keep in mind the thick oil could be comedogenic for some.) Aside from a nice-feeling formula, Nikki loved the pump bottle. A semi-transparent and soft-textured plastic, the bottle sits nicely in the hand and has a pump that allows for controlled dispensing. Two pumps of the product was a sufficient amount to spread over the entire face.
Nikki, age 45 to 54 with combination skin
"It spreads very nicely over the skin and does not lather but rather creates a creamy film as it emulsifies and breaks down makeup and grime. As I gently massaged my face, I could see the makeup lifting and melting in the layer of oil. It took very little effort as the slip of the oil made it very easy to spread the product and remove my makeup."
Best for Lathering
Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil
What We Like
Hydrating and softening
Feels refreshing during use
Skin appears radiant immediately after washing off
What to Consider
Leaves behind an oily residue
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Papaya seed oil, pumpkin oil, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Amy was a fan of this product and gave bonus points for the elegant packaging (the glass bottle shows off the different layers of oils in the formula) and how easy it was to use. Her only gripe was that a subtle oily residue was left behind after washing it off. This might not be ideal for some people (aka those with oily skin), however, for Amy and those with super dry skin, the smooth, hydrated finish only added radiance and suppleness.
Amy, age 35 to 44 with combination skin
"This is a 'dual-phase cleaner' where an obvious separation of the layers of liquid can be seen from the bottle. I needed to shake the bottle to mix the product before use, making it into a milky formula. It lathered well and spread over my face very easily, requiring little to no effort to remove makeup and sunscreen. However, it didn't feel as if I could rinse off this oil cleanser from my face entirely. It still felt a little greasy on my skin."
Best for Very Dry Skin
Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Cleansing Oil
What We Like
Breaks down full-coverage and waterproof makeup very well
Leaves skin supple, bouncy, and hydrated
Scent very subtle
What to Consider
Not safe for use around the eye area
Key Ingredients: Ginger root extract, sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, pineapple extract, papaya extract | Skin Type: All, including oily and sensitive | Size: 0.17 and 5.07 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This cleanser is chock-full of plant-forward ingredients like ginger, pineapple, sunflower seed oil, and grapeseed oil. It has a peach-clear color and a light oil consistency that feels gentle on the skin, but the ginger and pineapple combo might be too much for the sensitive eye area (despite what the brand might say). Upon contact with water, it turns foamy and removes makeup—even long-wearing, waterproof kinds—with ease.
Sunita, age 55 to 64 with normal, balanced skin
"This oil cleanser removed my makeup well—I didn't notice any remaining makeup left behind. While I didn't use it close to my eyes (I didn't have eye makeup on), the cleanser made my eyes burn immediately. The rest of my skin felt and looked clean, though."
What We Like
Several sizes available
Excels at removing stubborn makeup
Suitable for use around the eyes
What to Consider
Can be easy to use too much if not careful
Active Ingredients: Capric triglyceride, capryloyl glycol, isopropyl palmitate | Skin Type: All | Size: 5, 8.4, 16.9, and 33.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Easy to use (thanks to a minimalist aesthetic bottle with a pump applicator) this no-nonsense oil removes makeup—even in the sensitive eye area—without irritation. While Meghan felt like she had to follow up with another cleanser, she didn't think that was too important given that this formula is intended to be used alongside another formula (hence the name). She used two pumps of the product (any more than that would have been a waste) and it easily removed waterproof makeup—she said it was the fastest she'd ever removed her makeup.
Meghan, age 25 to 34 with normal skin
"My skin was left clean and bright after using the Dermalogica Precleanse. It wasn't goopy and thick like some others in this category; in fact, it was a very thin, transparent formula with a calming eucalyptus scent that felt luxurious. I experienced no irritation and it didn't leave my eyes super cloudy like some cleansers. I love this cleanser."
What We Like
Luxurious feel
Lightweight consistency that emulsifies well with water for easy rinsing
Several size varieties available
What to Consider
Eye makeup might require a separate makeup remover
Ket Ingredients: Jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, tamanu oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 5, 7.6, and 16 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This lightweight cleanser from Shiseido can melt away waterproof makeup and dirt without drying out the skin or making it feel tight. It's rich in several oils, including jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, and tamanu oil, and well tolerated by all skin types. Also nice: It comes in several size options to pick the option that suits you and your needs best. Amy's only gripe with this formula is that there was a bit of leftover eyeliner at the corner of one of her eyes after rinsing off the product, so she said next time, she'd opt for a separate eye makeup remover.
Amy, age 35 to 44 with combination skin
"This oil cleanser did a good job in removing most of the makeup from my skin, and afterward, my skin felt smoother."
What to Look for When Buying Cleansing Oils
A good cleansing oil will cleanse the skin thoroughly—without stripping its natural oils. We recommend considering the following factors to determine which cleansing oil is right for you.
- Ingredients: These days, most cleansing oils rely on a blend of oils that differ from formula to formula. Cosmetic chemist and skincare expert Michelle Wong likes sunflower and grapeseed to start because they’re affordable and less occlusive (i.e. not greasy or likely to leave a film). 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.
- Noncomedogenic Oils: 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.
- Skin Type: 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.
How We Tested Cleansing Oils
Below are the features our editors and contributors evaluated over the course of a month to determine our top picks.
- Ease of Use: No matter how effective a cleansing oil was, it didn’t earn a spot on our list if it wasn’t easy to use. We observed which products lathered and spread onto our faces quickly and easily and how much effort it took to rinse off. We also took note of packaging, tracking how many pumps it took to get a sufficient amount of product.
- Feel: Enjoying the feel of your cleansing oil is important—it ensures you’ll use it every day. As such, we considered the consistency of each oil, noting if it was a true oil or had a soap-like texture. We also observed how well each cleanser emulsified and turned foamy with water, docking points for any leftover residue.
- Cleansing Ability: It’s essential to find a cleansing oil that quickly and thoroughly washes away the day. We took note of which products made our faces feel clean and refreshed, along with how well each removed our makeup.
- Hydration: Think of hydration as a bonus to a cleansing oil. We evaluated which cleansers included this additional benefit, noting which products left our faces feeling nourished and supple throughout the day.
- Overall Results: An effective cleansing oil should adequately cleanse the skin of makeup and environmental pollutants, clearing the way for the rest of your skincare products to work as effectively as possible. We noted the overall feel each cleanser gave our skin without resulting in breakouts or irritation.
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 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 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 contributorMelanie Rudhas 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.
Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty and style. She relied on tester insights to update this story in 2024.
For this story, we consulted:
- 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.