This foaming cleanser can also be used on your body, making it an ideal two-in-one shower routine staple. Take it from Divya Shokeen, MD, a California-based, board-certified dermatologist, who referred to this pick as a “gentle, nourishing shower oil [that] is free from soap, sulfate[s], and parabens.”
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I’m obsessed with this oil-based cleanser, which not only rinses away my more stubborn makeup and sunscreen with ease but also has a really nice, satisfying lather. And it just works: Even when I’ve got a full-eye look, I never have to go back in to swipe away residue from my lashes. I usually follow it with a foam cleanser for a little double-cleansing action, and they’ve been a home-run for my acne-prone skin.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin
- Who it’s for: people with dry skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: can be used on body
- Size: 13.5 oz.
- How often to use: daily
Best for Clogged Pores: Hanskin AHA Pore Cleansing Oil with PHA
Why it’s worth it: When your skin’s feeling seriously congested, Hanskin’s PHA Pore Cleansing Oil is the kind of product you’ll want on standby. It lightly exfoliates to slough away dead skin cells and blackheads, but thanks to polyhydroxy acid (which penetrates the skin more slowly than its sister acid, alpha hydroxy acid), the formula is still gentle enough for sensitive skin. It also includes breakout-fighting tea tree oil, balanced by jojoba oil and camellia japonica flower extract to keep skin conditioned and calm.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“Hanskin has a corresponding cleansing oil for every acid, but I prefer the PHA for my nighttime routine because it’s the gentlest of the bunch. I’ve been trying to up my exfoliating game, and incorporating a cleanser that helps unclog congested pores and reduce the look of my plentiful blackheads is a super easy way to do just that. (I use a cleansing oil every day after all!) It truly melts all of my makeup and sunscreen off, and my skin feels clean but not tight and ready for its second cleanse, and all that follows.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
- Key ingredients: PHA, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, camellia japonica flower extract
- Who it’s for: all skin types, but especially people with blackheads and sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: removes makeup without causing eye irritation, fights breakouts, hydrating
- Size: 10 oz.
- How often to use: daily
Best For Waterproof Makeup: Dieux Ethereal Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: All the cleansing oils on this list can melt down makeup, but Dieux’s Ethereal Cleansing Oil goes extra hard on your waterproof looks, so you spend less time scrubbing your glam off and more time on the rest of your skin-care steps. Its power comes from a double emulsifier complex that melts makeup off in seconds, no harsh rubbing required. During testing, our editors found that it removed every trace of makeup without leaving behind an oily residue. So, you’re in luck if there’s a time crunch. However, if you’re the acne-prone type, we recommend going in with your fave cleanser as a second step to make sure your skin is extra clean.
“The combo of sunscreen, bb cream, liquid blush, and water-resistant eye makeup makes taking my face off at the end of the day challenging without a cleansing oil. This unscented formula melts all of the above down in seconds—thoroughly sweeping them away and leaving behind a silky finish. I appreciate its pump nozzle, which makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of oil I need for my face and neck.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
- Key ingredients: instant dissolve complex, double cleanse emulsifier complex
- Who it’s for: all skin types, people who wear full-glam makeup looks
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: softening, great for sensitive skin
- Size: 3 oz.
- How often to use: daily
Best Fragrance-Free: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: Not into scent? No problem: Massage in Haruharu’s Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil, which cleanses pores while moisturizing your skin with its star ingredient, fermented black rice extract. This key addition to its formula is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and proteins that address both skin tone and texture. For an added moisture boost, this formula is also infused with olive, sunflower seed, macadamia seed, and jojoba seed oils, along with tocopherol for an extra dose of antioxidants.
“The key characteristic of a good cleansing oil? A super silky formula that breaks down your toughest makeup with tugging—especially around the eyes—and washes away without an ounce of residue. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt when they’re fragrance-free for my sensitive girlies. The Haruharu Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil is one of my top recs for cleansing oils for these reasons, and because it just… delivers. There’s nothing complicated about it, which is exactly what I need as I’m beginning my loaded nighttime skin-care routine. It melts away shimmer eye shadow, long-lasting gel liners, and every type of mascara in 10 seconds. It’s a must even on my no-makeup, sunscreen-only days, too. A mainstay, as they say.” —Sarah Han, commerce writer
- Key ingredients: rice bran extract, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil, jojoba seed oil
- Who it’s for: normal-to-oily skin types, acne-prone skin types, those with dark spots and hyperpigmentation, mature skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: brightening, tone-evening, firming
- Size: 5.07 oz.
- How often to use: daily
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: With Tatcha’s signature blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients like rice bran oil, green tea, and algae, along with Japanese camellia oil, the Best of Beauty-winning Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil offers a gentle yet thorough cleanse, leaving skin feeling dewy and smooth. “This ultralight oil cleanser did my skin good each and every morning, not only leaving it clean but noticeably less red, too,” said one Allure tester while trying this product in her Japanese skin-care routine—no wonder it’s a major beauty editor (and celeb) favorite.
“If I’m wearing foundation, then I’m rinsing it off with this cleansing oil. The pump format makes it mess-free, and the formula itself melts away even my waterproof mascara without stripping my skin or, worse, leaving it feeling greasy.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: camellia oil, rice bran oil, rice ferment
- Who it’s for: all skin types, but especially people with dry skin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Additional benefits: hydrating
- Size: 5 oz.
- How often to use: twice daily
More cleansing oils we love
Best for Dry Skin: Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: The Best of Beauty-winning Ginger Melt Cleansing Oil is a powerhouse for dry skin, thanks to sunflower seed oil, which sinks into the skin for a nourished, never-stripped feel.. Other additions? Anti-inflammatory sunflower seed oil, an ingredient backed by Chesahna Kindred, MD, a Maryland-based board-certified dermatologist. She tells Allure it’s an “essential oil that repairs the skin barrier.” There are also two antioxidant-rich botanicals present in the formula, grapeseed oil and ginger root extract, to soften skin and guard against free radicals.
- Key ingredients: ginger root extract, grapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil
- Who it’s for: all skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: gentle exfoliation
- Size: 5 oz.
- How often to use: twice daily
Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: Eau Thermale 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 the product leaves skin feeling restored and soft. She shouts out 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 work together to calm and nourish your complexion after a long day of heavy sunscreen and makeup. This gentle cleansing oil can be safely used on newborns, so it’s a worthwhile purchase for the whole family.
“My daughter’s pediatrician does not like to recommend products, but this is one she told us to try out—and it’s helped both of us manage our crazy-itchy skin and eczema flare-ups for years! Oil-based washes are great for super sensitive people who don’t do well with harsh surfactants (which create fun but often skin-stripping foamy lathers) and skin that can’t be in the water for too long (I see you, dermatitis friends!). The nice thing is, when your barrier is highly compromised, you can follow up with Avène’s XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream out of the shower, which helps further reset your skin’s microbiome and replenish its skin barrier.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
- Key ingredients: Avène thermal spring water, postbiotics, glycerin
- Who it’s for: sensitive skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: safe on babies
- Size: 14 oz., 25 oz.
- How often to use: daily
Best for Mature Skin: Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser
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 mature skin. Why? It offers a firmer-looking complexion, thanks to high-quality ingredients like camellia oil, vitamins A, C, E, omega 3s, and squalane that soften lines and plump wrinkles. Together, these heavy hitters smooth texture and add a much-needed moisture boost for dry skin. A cool fact: The cleansing oil is formulated and packaged on Harper’s 1,200 acre Vermont farm—no outsourcing needed.
- Key ingredients: squalane, jojoba oil, green tea oil
- Who it’s for: those dealing with age-related dryness and laxity
- Fragrance-free: no
- Additional benefits: skin-evening
- Size: 4 oz.
- How often to use: twice daily
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cleansing oil?
“Cleansing oil” refers to oil-based face washes that replenish moisture and gently remove makeup, excess sebum, and sunscreen. According to Shereene Idriss, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, cleansing oils don’t strip your skin of its natural moisture, which is essential for a plump, smooth, and fine line-free complexion. “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,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, explains further.
How is a cleansing oil different from a cleansing balm?
Both of these cleansers tend to be oil-based and usually contain emulsifiers (substances that stabilize mixtures of oil and water), which turn their formulas milky when in contact with water and rinse away makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. They’re both very similar, but the main difference between a cleansing oil and a cleansing balm is in their texture. “This reflects that cleansing oil formulas incorporate lighter weight oils than balm formulas,” says Noëlle Sherber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
Who can use cleansing oils?
In short, everyone! If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the concept of slathering on any oil-based products like cleansing oils might seem counterintuitive—but think again. “Because makeup and sebum are lipophilic [meaning they dissolve in oil], using an oil-based cleanser can be more effective,” says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
While oil-based cleansers—or any cleansers, for that matter—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. If you have sensitive skin, just check the label’s ingredients list to ensure the formula doesn’t contain any irritants like synthetic fragrances.
How do I use a cleansing oil?
Make sure you work your cleansing oil onto dry skin so it breaks down waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and dirt before emulsifying and rinsing off with lukewarm water, or gently wiping it away with a soft muslin cloth. Plus, since cleansing oil dissolves makeup, it’s a great first step if you have product residue on your face. “Use it as a first step to remove all the makeup. Rub it in and massage it in circular motions for two to three minutes to get all the makeup off the skin,” Dr. Kim advises.
How often should I use a cleansing oil?
Each product bears different usage instructions, so read the back of the bottle for details on how often to use your cleanser. Still, most cleansing oils are fine to use twice daily, but start once daily to see how your skin reacts to your new pick.
Can cleansing oils clog my skin?
If not rinsed off thoroughly, cleansing oils could potentially clog acne-prone skin, especially if the formula has a thicker feel, says Dr. Sherber. “If your skin is prone to congestion, then cleansing oils that leave an oily residue behind may have the potential to trigger acne, perioral dermatitis, or Malassezia folliculitis—sometimes called ‘fungal acne’,” she says. If you notice breakouts, she recommends switching to formulas that emulsify readily, meaning that they turn into a milky texture when you add water, which are more likely to rinse cleanly.
Is double-cleansing worth it?
Like with all skin care, whether you double-cleanse or not depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. In case you need a refresher, double-cleansing—that is, starting your routine with a remove-it-all cleansing oil (or cleansing balm) to dissolve makeup, sebum, and sunscreen before going in with a water-based cleanser to remove remaining impurities—has gone from a niche Korean skin-care step to a mainstream practice over the past decade or so.
However, it’s worth noting that double cleansing isn’t for everyone’s skin-care routines. If you have oily skin and/or wear makeup daily, you might find double cleansing every evening works just fine for you. However, Dr. Kim says that if your skin is normal to dry, or you’re only an occasional makeup wearer, double cleansing daily isn’t necessary. “Double cleansing [can be] very, very stripping to the skin,” Rita V. Linkner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at RVL Skincare in New York City, previously told Allure. “[Double cleansing always] needs to be followed up with a proper moisturizer to reinstall hydration immediately,” she added.
Do I need to double-cleanse when using a cleansing oil?
Double cleansing isn’t required, but Dr. Sherber says it’s a great idea for those with oily, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin types. “Since oil attracts oil, noncomedogenic cleansing oils can be helpful for oily skin types, and double cleansing can be a good strategy if skin doesn’t feel completely clean after cleansing oil alone,” she says.
Meet the experts
- Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Shereene Idriss, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City
- Chesahna Kindred, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Maryland
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
- Noëlle Sherber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City
- Rita V. Linkner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at RVL Skincare in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best cleansing oils, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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