Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
The idea of using oil to clean your face might sound counterproductive, especially if you have oily skin, but spoiler alert: Everyone can benefit from adding a cleansing oil to their routine. "Think about it—oil attracts oil, so when you use it to cleanse, it acts like a magnet, gripping onto the excess sebum and grime on your skin, then washes away when you emulsify everything with water," says Greeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. The practice of using oil to clean your skin isn't new; however, it's become more popular since double cleansing (the K-beauty method of using an oil-based formula before a traditional cream, gel, or foaming cleanser) started trending.
Our Top Picks
Depending on your skin type, a cleansing oil may be the only cleansing step you need. One of its biggest benefits is that it leaves the skin hydrated. "I like cleansing oils because they're moisturizing, gentle on the skin, and excellent at breaking down stubborn makeup, even waterproof formulas, without causing irritation or stripping the skin of its natural oils," Yadav says.
The best way to use a cleansing oil is to apply it to dry skin and then massage for up to a minute to loosen and attract oils in the skin, says Kristine Keller, BABOR expert esthetician. "Next, moisten fingertips with cool water and massage the cleanser in circular motions until it forms a milky emulsion. Then, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water," she says. Look for non-comedogenic oils that aren't greasy so they don't leave behind a waxy residue or film. "Great oils include jojoba, rose hip, apricot kernel, and squalane," says Yadav. Ahead, we gathered some of our favorite cleansing oils. Give these a try:
Why We Love It
- Soothing formula
- Protects skin
What to Consider
- It's pricey compared to other options on this list
When your skin needs a break from harsh ingredients, try this lightweight formula that contains soothing apricot kernel oil. Yadav likes it because it's rich in antioxidants and vitamins to protect the skin barrier and is great at breaking down makeup, she says.
Why We Love It
- Gently exfoliates skin
What to Consider
- It's pricey compared to other options on this list
Yadav loves this formula because it contains jojoba oil and fruit enzymes that gently exfoliate the skin. "The resurfacing and nourishing qualities of this formula leave your skin with an amazing glow," she says.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why We Love It
- Milky lather
- Removes waterproof makeup
What to Consider
- Not available at popular retailers like Sephora or Ulta
If you can't resist a cleanser that suds, you'll love this formula that starts off as a oil and then turns into a milky lather when mixed with water. It contains soothing sweet almond, coconut, and hibiscus oils and gently removes waterproof makeup, dirt, and oils.
Why We Love It
- Affordable
What to Consider
- Contains fragrance
Finding a cleansing oil at the drugstore can be tricky, but this formula is a great go-to because it's lightweight, affordable, and non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why We Love It
- Very hydrating
- Easily breaks down makeup and SPF
What to Consider
- May be thick for oily skin types
Try this jelly-meets-oil cleanser, made with nine different oils, when you need to remove full-glam waterproof makeup or layers of SPF. It's heavy-duty but doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why We Love It
- Doesn't leave behind a greasy residue
What to Consider
- Best when used with the HY-ÖL booster, which is an additional cost
Keller describes the soap bark tree in this formula as a "dirt magnet" because it effectively cleanses without harsh scrubbing. It's also a water-soluble formula, making it "suitable for all skin types. And it maintains the barrier of the skin," she says.
Why We Love It
- Softening
What to Consider
- May not be suitable for around the eyes
Made with sustainably sourced sugarcane-derived squalane, this nourishing oil softens the skin and boosts radiance while removing makeup and other impurities.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why We Love It
- Moisturizing
What to Consider
- May not be suitable for around the eyes
The organic olive oil in this formula moisturizes skin and makes it feel decadent. Vitamin E helps to soften and protect against free radical damage. All skin types can benefit from this formula, including sensitive.
Why We Love It
- Lightweight
What to Consider
- It's a little messy
The charcoal in this formula helps purify the skin and control excess sebum production, making it ideal for oily skin types. It's also lightweight and leaves skin looking glowy.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why We Love It
- Protects from environmental aggressors
What to Consider
- Some reviewers don't like the smell
Using an oil to cleanse skin is a popular practice in India, which is why this formula features a rich blend of moringa, squalane, and rose oils traditionally praised in Ayurveda for their ability to clean, protect, and soothe the skin.
Why We Love It
- Milky emulsifying formula
What to Consider
- Contains fragrance
This cleansing oil emulsifies easily and doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy. It's made with tangerine peel extract to remove impurities and apricot kernel oil to nourish.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why We Love It
- Nourishing
What to Consider
- It may feel greasy for oily skin
If you're already a fan of the brand's iconic Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, you'll love its cleansing oil version. The easy-to-glide formula removes makeup and impurities and is great for sensitive skin because it's made without common allergens, like fragrance, alcohol, parabens, or sulfates.
Genesis Rivas
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok