By Sarah Han , Jennifer Hussein , and Deanna Pai
Even if you're not a fan of oils, the best cleansing oil might just convert you. Not only are cleansing oils able to break down even waterproof mascara, but they can also balance skin and offset dryness — without clogging pores or causing breakouts. Used properly, they can leave skin softer, smoother, and (of course) cleaner in a matter of seconds. Automatic Cartoner Machine
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the concept of slathering on any oil-based products like cleansing oils might not have much appeal. But there's some logic here: Thanks to a little concept called double-cleansing, the habit of starting your routine with a remove-it-all oil (or cleansing balm) has gone from a niche Korean skin-care step to a full-on mainstream practice. And yes, it's something that anyone, regardless of skin type, can get into.
"Since oil dissolves oil, they are ideally suited to be used as cleansers," Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, tells Allure. "Cleansing oils usually contain an oil base, along with a traditional skin-cleansing ingredient called a surfactant, which helps bind to dirt on the skin and remove it without disrupting the skin barrier." Just make sure you work them onto dry skin, so it breaks down waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and dirt, before rinsing off with lukewarm water or gently wiping it away with a soft muslin cloth.
While oil-based cleansers don't stay on your face for too long, it doesn't hurt that most are infused with moisturizing ingredients, like jojoba seed oil, apricot kernel oil, and Centella asiatica extract, which actively nourish skin while giving it a deep clean. Below, check out the best cleansing oils, as recommended by board-certified dermatologists and Allure editors alike, to remove makeup, impurities, and sunscreen.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Why It's Worth It: Japanese beauty brand DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil features olive oil as a hero ingredient — the oleic acid from olive oil clings onto and removes makeup, excess sebum, and even dead skin cells while also conditioning your skin. (For very dry skin types, DHC even has an Olive Concentrated Cleansing Oil.) Work this beloved classic onto dry skin and then watch it emulsify beautifully with water.
Editor Tip: It's so gentle that you can even use it to clean your makeup brushes.
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, rosemary leaf oil, vitamin E | Who It's For: Anyone and everyone | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Avène's XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil is a favorite of New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Claire Chang, MD, who says that it leaves the skin feeling restored and soft. She calls attention to the brand's mineral-rich Thermal Spring Water, as well as glycerin and omega-6 (a fatty acid found in linoleic acid that promotes a healthy barrier), which all work together to calm and nourish your complexion after a long-wearing day of sunscreen and makeup.
Editor Tip: This gentle cleansing oil can even be safely used on newborns.
Key Ingredients: Avène thermal spring water, postbiotics, glycerin | Who It's For: Sensitive skin types | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Why It's Worth It: We love a drugstore skin-care find that gives us results. Bonus points when it's a non-comedogenic formula like Neutrogena's Ultra Light Face Cleansing Oil. This lightweight, non-greasy liquid clocks in at an under-$10 price point and is essentially a one-way ticket to clean, uncongested skin.
Editor Tip: It does contain mineral oil, in case that's a concern.
Key Ingredients: Rosemary lead extract, camellia lead extract, glycerin | Who It's For: People who want to dabble in double-cleansing | Fragrance-Free: No
Why It's Worth It: The Mario Badescu Cleansing Oil, another Allure Beauty of Beauty winner, is a drugstore favorite for its affordable price tag and makeup-removing abilities. This gentle, hydrating formula is made with primrose oil to wash away makeup, dirt, and oil without leaving a greasy feel behind. It's also safe to use for removing eye makeup, so gently rub away.
Editor Tip: It does contain lavender oil, so steer clear if you have sensitivities to essential oils.
Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, jojoba oil, evening primrose oil | Who It's For: People who wear waterproof makeup | Fragrance-Free: No
Why It's Worth It: New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, often recommends Laneige's Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser to patients. Spiked with antioxidant-rich white leaf tea extract, he says the gentle milky cleanser efficiently removes makeup and is "well tolerated even among patients with sensitive skin," he notes, nodding to the positive feedback he's gotten. To top it off, meadowfoam seed and jojoba oils lock in moisture, so your skin will feel super soft even after the cleanser is washed off.
Editor Tip: You may need to supplement it with a dedicated eye makeup remover.
Key Ingredients: Milk oil, white leaf tea water | Who It's For: Normal to dry skin types | Fragrance-Free: Yes
"Cleansing oils don't strip your skin of its natural moisture," Shereene Idriss, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, tells Allure, which is especially essential in the drier winter months, but important year-round. With Tatcha's signature blend of rice, green tea, and algae, along with Japanese camellia oil, the Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil offers a gentle yet thorough cleanse, leaving skin feeling dewy and smooth. No wonder it's a true beauty editor favorite.
Editor Tip: Pair it with the brand's Rice Polish for an exfoliating take on the double cleanse.
Key Ingredients: Camellia oil, rice bran oil, rice ferment | Who It's For: | Fragrance-Free: No
Why It's Worth It: You may already use coconut oil in its raw form in your routine to melt away makeup, but may we suggest stepping it up with Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil? The elixir combines coconut oil with argan oil to offer an intensely hydrating cleansing experience that doesn't leave any weird residue behind.
Editor Tip: It's ophthalmologist-tested to be safe for contact lense wearers.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, argan oil | Who It's For: Those who wants a straightforward, no-frills cleanse | Fragrance-Free: No
Why It's Worth It: Thanks to the inclusion of vitamin C (in the form of ascorbyl palmitate), Dermalogica's Precleanse provides a slight brightening, tone-evening boost to the skin while also melting away the day's grime and makeup. Vitamin E also joins the party to double up this formula's antioxidant powers, while rice bran gently exfoliates, relieving clogged pores and leaving behind soft, refreshed skin.
Editor Tip: It's powerful enough to break down sunscreen.
Key Ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil | Who It's For: Those with an existing double-cleansing routine | Fragrance-Free: No
Why It's Worth It: This velvety oil won a 2023 Best of Beauty award because it doesn't just soften and nourish as it cleanses — it actually keeps skin moisturized long after you rinse. It's powerful enough to break down waterproof makeup and sunscreen alike, and delivers antioxidants to repair and protect skin.
Editor Tip: It's so thorough that a second cleanse is nice, but not necessary.
Key Ingredients: Neroli oil, marula oil, moringa oil | Who It's For: People looking for a luxurious experience | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Why It's Worth It: According to Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, Tata Harper's Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser is one of the best facial cleansing oils on the market for its high-quality blend of ingredients. "This formula contains camellia oil, vitamins A, C, E, and omega 3s, along with squalane for added moisture," she says. This moisture-replenishing formula is especially helpful for mature skin types and those targeting uneven skin tone and texture, she says.
Editor Tip: The cleansing oil is formulated and packaged on Harper's Vermont farm.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, jojoba oil, green tea oil | Who It's For: Those dealing with age-related dryness and laxity | Fragrance-Free: No
Why It's Worth It: Hadley King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, says the Beauty Pie Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser is a mainstay in her skin-care routine for its comforting, gel-to-oil-to-milk texture that effortlessly washes away stubborn makeup and excess pore-clogging sebum without over-stripping your skin of essential natural oils. "This cleanser removes makeup, oils, and pollution while supporting the skin barrier and rinses clean without any residue," she says, noting that it's also rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E.
Editor Tip: The hybrid texture makes this a good option for anyone wary of oil-based cleansers.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, jabara extract, grape extract | Who It's For: People with oily or congested skin| Fragrance-Free: Yes
Why It's Worth It: The Best of Beauty-winning Ginger Melt Cleansing Oil features anti-inflammatory sunflower seed oil, an ingredient backed by Chesahna Kindred, MD, a Maryland-based board-certified dermatologist. She tells Allure that it's an "essential oil that repairs the skin barrier." There are also two antioxidants present in the formula, grapeseed oil and ginger root extract, to guard the skin against free radicals. Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen is a personal fan of this formula. "All I need is a pump or two to break down all of the day's yuckies," she says.
Editor Tip: The pineapple and papaya extracts have a mild resurfacing effect to keep pores clear.
Key Ingredients: Ginger root extract, grapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil | Who It's For: People who want the best of both worlds | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Why It's Worth It: Dr. Chang also recommends PCA Skin's Daily Cleansing Oil, which she says "gently dissolves dirt while repairing and brightening the skin." It's formulated with moisturizing oils (like grapeseed, sweet almond, and soybean) that never leave behind a filmy residue. All you can expect is baby-soft, pampered skin.
Editor Tip: It builds to a satisfying lather, unlike other formulas, and rinses clean.
Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E | Who It's For: Anyone who doesn't want to double cleanse | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Why It's Worth It: Housed in a can't-miss midnight blue bottle, Kiehl's lavender-scented Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil is the perfect way to wind down from the day and soothe your skin, while completely dissolving dirt, oil, and makeup. The formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores, while hydration-boosting squalane and evening primrose oil ensure that skin doesn't feel raw and stripped.
Editor Tip: To tackle waterproof makeup, apply it to a cotton pad and hold it against the area before wiping.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, evening primrose oil, vitamin E | Who It's For: People prone to acne | Fragrance-Free: No
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