Understanding oil cleansers

As their name suggests, an oil-based cleanser is a face wash or cleansing product that uses an oil as the main ingredient for cleaning your face and removing dirt, excess oils and make up.

Most oils are what we call lipophilic solvents. In simple terms – oils can attract other oils. When applied to the skin, the oil cleanser will seek out oils produced by the skin, plus any oil-based ingredients founds in your make up products, and will work to dissolve them. This differs to water-based cleansers which are much more effective at removing water-based impurities, like sweat and dirt.

Oil cleansers also naturally contain moisturising ingredients and emulsifiers, which is why cleansing oils tend to lather when they come into contact with water. This is good as it means they become easy to wash off the face.

Advantages of oil cleansers

Not only are cleansing oils a fast and easy way to remove make up and impurities, but there are also many other advantages to an oil-based formula when used on any skin type.

Gentle on skin

Oil cleansers don’t strip your natural oils, meaning they’re less likely to cause irritation than some other cleansers. This is great for all skin types – including oily skin, dry skin, sensitive or combination skin.

Offer deep cleansing

Due to their ability to ‘melt’ or break-down ingredients, using an oil as a cleanser helps remove any stubborn make up at the end of the day, including anything that’s waterproof.

Deeply hydrating

The gentle formulations mean oil-based cleansers respect the hydrolipidic barrier (your skin’s natural barrier) which is vital for retaining moisture. As a result, you’re likely to experience more hydrated skin.

Can be used easily alongside other cleansing formulas

If you like to double cleanse in an evening, oil formulas work best as your first cleanse. You can then follow up with a water-based cleanser.

How to use oil cleansers

Oil cleansers should always be used as the first step in your skincare routine, no matter if you’re using it morning or night.

Step 1: Apply the cleansing oil to dry skin

That’s right – no pre-cleanse is needed here! While it might seem strange, oil cleansers work best on dry skin as it enables the oils to get a firm grip on dirt, sweat, make up and any other impurities.

Add a few drops to the palm of your hand and then gently massage over the face in circular motions for around 60 seconds. Most cleansing oils can be used to remove stubborn eye make up and mascaras as long as you’re gentle – instead of applying straight to the eyelids, soak a cotton pad in the oil before holding it over your eyes for a few moments to help dissolve the product.

Step 2: Rinse with lukewarm water

Here comes the best part. Oil cleansers work most effectively once they have been emulsified – or more simply, when water is added to transform the formula from an oil to more of a cream or milk consistency. Start by wetting your fingertips slightly and working them across your face to get the full effect, before rinsing all the product off by washing your face.

You can now continue with the rest of your skincare routine as normal, whether that’s by going in with a second cleanser or moving on to serum.

Choosing the right oil cleanser for your skin

Oil-based cleansers can come in a few different forms. For example, our Cleanse & Glow™ Transforming Gel Cleanser begins as a luxurious gel and becomes a lightweight oil when applied to the skin, before rinsing off as a skin-softening milk. Powered by acerola cherry and fast-acting vitamin C, it helps instantly brighten skin. Or, you may decide to try an oil-based cleansing balm like our Superskin Advanced Nourishing Cleansing Balm. Infused with pomegranate oil, this begins as a solid, balm texture and slowly melts into the face as it’s applied. Formulated with acacia tree extract – a plant-based alternative to collagen, this ultra-nourishing balm helps regain the look of youthful volume.

When it comes to particular skin types, consider the following:

Oily skin or blemish-prone skin

Despite what you may think, oil cleansers work really well for oily or blemish-prone skin. Look for a formula with light, plant-derived oils, staying clear of anything heavy (think coconut or olive oil), as these can sit on the skin and block the pores.

Dry skin

Look for an oil-based cleanser which also helps hydrate the skin when cleansing. Nourishing oils like shea or argan can be good for this.

Combination skin

Just like dry skin types, look out for a formula that also helps hydrate the skin. This should stop oily areas of the skin from becoming aggravated.

Sensitive skin

People with sensitive skin should avoid anything that includes added essential oils, as these can cause a skin reaction.

So there you have it – all you need to know about oil-based cleansers and how to implement them into your routine.