Hand ups if the thought of cleansing oils conjures up some Conjuring-level visions (clogged pores, incessant breakouts, and yucky skin). Yeah, that was us ten moons ago.
But according to the American Eczema Association, cleansing oils (especially those loaded with squalene, postbiotic complex, and amino acids) are the best facial cleaners since they have deeply hydrating, non-irritating, zero-skin-stripping properties. No wonder K-beauty queens swear by them for glass, glazed donut-like skin.
Plus, these formulas leave your skin feeling silky-smooth and ready for your serums, tinted moisturizers, and sunscreen formulas. You don’t even have to use extra micellar water to melt your waterproof makeup off – cleansing oils do it in one splash.
So, if you’ve been admiring Hailey Bieber and all glazed-donut-skin-swearing babes on TikTok, here are the ten best oil cleansers to help start you on your glazed skin journey.
PSA: These are perfect for all budgets, skin types, and skincare goals (even if you just want normal-looking but hyperpigmentation-free skin, these cleansers will get you there).
Best Overall – Skin Fix Barrier Hydrating Cleansing Oil, $30
Trust: This best cleansing oil is the perfect formula for double-cleansing thanks to the patented triple lipid complex, visibly-plumping seaweed hyaluronate, and hydrating aloe vera extract cocktail.
These organically-sourced ingredients gently dissolve your makeup without stripping it of natural oils and moisture and soothe any blotchiness, inflammation, or redness.
Remember to pat your skin dry after use and follow up with your favorite moisturizing cream or serum.
Best Drugstore – CeraVe Hydrating Oil Cleanser, $18
Known and loved for being a sensitive skin savior, the CeraVe oil cleanser is super efficient at removing hardy waterproof mascara with minimal effort.
It’s also packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, and triglycerides that rid the skin of dirt, excess oils, and impurities while providing ample refreshment, hydration, and a forever-glazed donut kind of glow.
It’s also suitable for body use (perfect gem for anyone looking to have even-toned skin).
For Makeup Removal – Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser, $33
The unique jelly-oil texture cleanses, moisturizes, and leaves your skin feeling clean, fresh, and silky-smooth.
The bergamot, clary, and grapefruit oils break down makeup while conditioning the skin, while the baobab, Kalahari melon, and sunflower oils soften and offer your skin an abundance of essential fatty acids.
The light spa water-inspired scent and mess-free pump are just an added bonus.
For Dry Skin – Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil, $35
Squalene is one of the most effective facial oils – it coddles parched complexions by restoring moisture, is a gentle makeup remover for acne-prone and sensitive skin, and effectively smoothes and reduces skin blotchiness, giving you a radiant, more even, and brighter look.
Along with moisturizing squalene, this dry-skin-coddling oil cleanser contains evening primrose oil and lavender essential oil to help lull you into sleep mode and prepare your skin for optimal night-time replenishment.
For Oily Skin – DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, $32
There’s a reason why this cleansing oil tops every “best deep cleansing oils list” – it actually works!
The antioxidant-rich organic olive oil removes dirt, grime, and makeup so gently (and thoroughly) that it makes you want to keep washing your fun. Rosemary leaf oil and tocopherol invigorate and protect your skin from free radical damage.
Its texture is also so silky-smooth and super lightweight that you don’t feel like you’re slathering oil on your skin. It gets bonus points because it also works as the best makeup brushes cleaner.
For Acne-Prone Skin – Nyakio Sweet Almond Cleansing Oil Balm, $12
Take a peek at all the five-star reviews on Sephora and Ulta, and you’ll understand the hype around this transformative makeup remover balm. Spiked with sweet almonds from Spain, it helps melt down makeup and eliminate dirt and grime without leaving your face tight or dry.
It also conditions and clarifies your skin, allowing your dewiest, glowiest skin to reach the surface.
For Sensitive Skin Types – Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil, $26
Approved by the National Eczema Association, this replenishing cleansing oil is as gentle as it gets and can be used to clean even the most stubborn makeup applications.
The postbiotic complex calms itching while the cer-omega soothes, hydrates, and protects the skin against the drying effects of water.
If you struggle with psoriasis, flare-ups, and cystic acne, this cleanser would be your best bet.
For Combination Skin – Burt Bee’s Cleansing Oil With Coconut & Argan Oils, $20
Formulated with skin-loving coconut and argan oil, this gentle cleanser is the bare-bone formula for those looking for something non-irritating, simple, and protective. Plus, it works with the skin’s natural oils to clean, nourish, and keep acne-causing bacteria at bay.
For Pore-Refining – Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil, $10
All for $10, this drugstore gem is an ultra-light, non-greasy solution to achieving clean, blemish-free skin. It is mild enough for most skin types and really, really, gets rid of every trace of makeup, sebum, and greasy skincare products.
Plus, with a blend of camellia leaf extract, glycerin, mineral oil, and rosemary leaf extract, this cleanser leaves your skin soft, refreshed, and deeply hydrated as well.
All-Around Anti-Aging – Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Oil, $32
If you struggle with dark spots and/or hyperpigmentation, look for this anti-aging cleansing oil.
The mix of salicylic acid and mandelic acid gently exfoliates to help brighten your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, pores, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.
The nourishing avocado, grapefruit, and avocado moisturize your skin while giving it an exhilarating, peachy clean freshness.
For Hyperpigmentation – Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Oil Cleanser, $50
Beauty lovers say Tatcha’s Pure One Step Camellia Oil Cleanser lives up to its name.
Loaded with camellia oil and natural anti-agers such as algae, green tea, and rice, this product removes stubborn dirt, makeup, and sebum in one go while leaving your skin pure and soft like a baby.
And it is ideal for all skin types, including acne-prone, combination, dry, oily, and sensitive skin.
