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Whether your cleansing routine involves one, two, or three steps, a cleansing oil should probably be a part of it. Generally used as the first cleansing step (and skincare step as a whole), these face cleansers not only remove makeup and grime, but they also have added skincare benefits.
“Cleansing oils or washes that have an oil base are very helpful for not only cleansing, but they can nicely cleanse the skin while not over drying or stripping the skin,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Anthony Rossi. Plus, adds the derm, “Oil bases are helpful in washing sebum and dirt—like dissolves like.” So if you have super oily or super dry skin—it doesn't matter. A cleansing oil is still right for you.
If you’re looking for an oil-based cleanser to add to your routine, the great news is there are countless options from your favorite skincare brands. Here, we rounded up 16 of the best oil cleansers for every skin type and concern.
Soothing willowherb, moisturizing jojoba oil, and sebum-regulating geranium make a perfect team in this cult-favorite cleanser.
Formulated with melanated skin in mind, this cleansing oil is completely customizable based on your skin; select your skin tone, type, and specific concerns (such as acne or melasma), and you’ll receive a personalized bottle—with your name on it and everything.
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This olive-oil-based cleanser from the beloved J-beauty brand removes every bit of makeup, and has vitamin E for added skin nourishment and antioxidant protection.
Packed with chia, fruit enzymes, and the brand’s signature moringa algae, this oil cleanser gently exfoliates and brightens skin with each wash.
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Made with just a few skin-loving ingredients like safflower and apricot kernel oils (and without any added essential oils), this is the bare-bones formula for those looking for something simple, non-irritating, and effective.
Once blended with water, it transforms into a frothy cleansing milk that’s especially nice for dry, sensitive skin.
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The key ingredient in this lightweight formula? Naturally nutrient-rich (and anti-aging) rosehip oil.
8
Tata Harper Skincare Skincare Nourishing Oil Cleanser
This product does double duty: Apply one or two pumps to dry skin as a gentle and moisturizing makeup remover.
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9
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil
This classic cleanser is non-acnegenic, and formulated without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and fragrance.
This luxe formula starts as an oil and transforms into a creamy emulsion that gently cleanses skin of all types.
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Vitamin E-rich argan oil—the brand’s go-to ingredient—along with sunflower, safflower, and grapeseed oils make up the base of this hydrating cleanser.
12
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Along with hydrating squalane, this soothing oil cleanser has relaxing lavender and evening primrose oils to help lull you into sleep mode.
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This oil cleanser is made with gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that gently softens skin and helps eliminate clogged pores.
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Approved by the National Eczema Association, this formula is as gentle as it gets and can be used to cleanse from head to toe.
The mix of avocado and other fruit oils with gentle exfoliants like salicylic and mandelic acids to gently exfoliate make this the perfect do-it-all cleansing oil.