14 Best Drugstore Cleansing Oils Of 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide
Eliminate excess oil and retain moisture with these affordable skincare products.
Olunife OfomataLicensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist
Expertise: Holistic Beauty And Inner & Outer Beauty Systems
Experience: 14 years
Olunife Ofomata, founder and CEO of Sweeter Juice Skin, is an expert in the fields of esthetics, medical esthetics, and makeup artistry with over 14 years of experience. She is a licensed esthetician and certified makeup artist and obtained... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Have you noticed that, after washing your makeup off, you find remnants of it on your towel while wiping your face? That is because a good old cleanser is not enough to get all the gunk out of your skin. This is where the best drugstore oil cleanser comes into play. Affordable and amazing, these cleansers are far more gentle on your skin and prevent your skin from drying up. While the word oil was frowned upon initially due to its greasy nature, now everyone can’t get enough of them. The right oil cleaner will keep your skin hydrated and clean. To ensure that all your makeup is gone and your skin is smooth, remove the makeup using the oil cleanser and follow it up with an old-school cleanser to strip off the remaining grime. We have come up with our list of the top oil cleansers for you to choose from!
Top Picks
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Best Lightweight Formula Rohto Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing $13.45 ON AMAZON Read More › $13.45 ON AMAZON - 7
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Best Value For Money Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil Neutrogena $17.41 ON AMAZON Read More › $17.41 ON AMAZON - 8
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Best Vegan Formula Caudalíe Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil $28 ON AMAZON Read More › $28 ON AMAZON - 10
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In This Article
14 Best Drugstore Cleansing Oils Of 2023
Best For Deep Nourishment: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy
The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula is your daily skin therapy session. This skin balm is infused with nourishing emollients like vitamin E, cocoa seed butter, cocoa extract, and, sunflower seed oil. The fast-absorbing formula provides deep moisturizing that provides hydration for up to 48 hours. It is loaded with antioxidants and helps improve the appearance of scars, blemishes, and imperfections. The butter is made with high-quality natural ingredients that replenish the skin. It is ideal for all skin types and can be used for eczema-prone skin as well.
Pros- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dermatologist tested
- 48-hour moisture
- Vegan
Cons
- Thick consistency
Best Fragrance: Cococare 100% Cocoa Butter Stick
The Cococare 100% Cocoa Butter Stick is made with pure cocoa butter for ultimate hydration. It is rich in vitamins and has natural antioxidants that help prevent signs of aging and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The emollients build a protective wall on the skin to lock in moisture to get that soft supple dreamy skin. You can use this stick for the post-pregnancy belly, fading stretch marks, treating razor burns, moisturizing a fresh tattoo, or just moisturizing skin. It has a sweet warm fragrance and is made with the purest cocoa butter for effective results.
Pros- Suitable for the whole body
- All-natural ingredients
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Pleasant scent
- Easy to use
Cons
None
Best Cult-Favorite: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
The Deep Cleansing Oil by DHC is a godsend for anyone who wants perfectly clean, naturally silky, and extremely soft skin. Whether it is dirt, grime, or makeup that sticks on your face, this oil removes it all without clogging your pores or leaving an oily residue.
The botanical formula contains 100% organic olive oil that restores the skin’s natural moisture barrier and protects it against environmental aggressors. The tocopherol (vitamin E) in the oil naturally conditions the skin, prevents signs of aging, and protects your skin against free radical damage. The antioxidant-rich rosemary leaf oil in the formula tones and calms the skin while imparting a revitalizing scent to the cleansing oil. Go through the video for a detailed review of the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.
Key Ingredients: Organic olive oil, Rosemary leaf oil, and Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Suitable For: All skin types
Pros- Lightweight
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
None
This Korean skin care product removes the most stubborn dirt, waterproof mascara, and makeup stuck inside the pores. It contains a blend of five emollients, namely, olive oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, and shea butter. These ingredients speed up the makeup removal process while keeping your skin moisturized. The gentle formula is ideal for dry skin and helps brighten the skin tone.
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, Jojoba oil, Sesame oil, Safflower oil, and Shea butter
Suitable For: Dry Skin
Pros
- Lightweight
- Unscented
- Non-comedogenic
- Value for money
Cons
None
Best Natural Formula: Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil With Coconut & Argan Oils
The Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil is your answer to beautiful, healthy-looking, and clean skin that feels soft and nourished. It is infused with vitamin E-enriched coconut oil that protects the skin from damage. It also contains argan oil that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that moisturize the skin.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil and Argan oil
Suitable For: Normal to dry skin
Pros- 100% natural
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Cruelty-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
Cons
None
A Japanese skin care staple, the Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing effectively cleanses your skin and melts away the most stubborn waterproof makeup. It is formulated with pure olive oil that gently cleanses the skin and two types of hyaluronic acid that moisturize the skin.
Key Ingredients: Olive oil and Hyaluronic acid
Suitable For: All skin types
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Color-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
None
The Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil features a lightweight and gentle formula that helps melt away waterproof makeup and dirt without leaving any greasy residue. It is infused with a combination of fine oils that effortlessly attract oil, grime, bacteria, and impurities from your skin to make it spotlessly clean and visibly softer.
Suitable For: All skin types
Pros
- Easy to use
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
None
Best For Eczema-Prone Skin: Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
This deeply soothing and irritant-free cleansing oil by Avène is suitable for atopic eczema-prone skin. It is enriched with anti-irritating ingredients like the proprietary I-modulia Complex that boosts skin defenses and calms itching and Cer-omega that nourishes the skin while strengthening the barrier function. It also contains Avène thermal spring water that helps soothe, soften, and plump the skin, making it the best drugstore cleansing oil for dry skin.
Key Ingredients: Avène thermal spring water, I-modulia complex, and Cer-omega
Suitable For: Very dry skin
Pros- Gentle
- Suitable for infants and children
- Soap-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-irritating
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Expensive
The Caudalíe Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil has a 100% vegan formula that helps get rid of makeup, dirt, and grime while moisturizing your skin. It is enriched with sweet almond oil to soften the skin and boost the radiance of dull, tired, and stressed skin. The antioxidant-rich grape seed oil nourishes and repairs the skin. It also contains castor oil for boosting lash growth and sunflower oil for melting makeup and soothing the skin. This drugstore cleansing oil also contains lineolic acid that effectively locks in hydration after cleansing.
Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, Grapeseed oil, Sunflower oil, and Castor oil
Suitable For: All skin types
Pros
- Gentle
- Pleasant fragrance
- Mineral oil-free
- SLS-free
- Phthalate-free
- Phenoxyethanol-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
None
Best Unscented: Mario Badescu Cleansing Oil
The Mario Badescu Cleansing Oil is a lightweight formula designed to gently dissolve and remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin without stripping its natural moisture. The key ingredients in this cleansing oil include a blend of rice bran oil, evening primrose oil, jojoba oil, and lavender essential oil, which work together to hydrate and soften the skin while protecting it against free radical damage and soothing irritations. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, Evening primrose oil, Jojoba oil, and Lavender essential oil
Suitable For: All skin types
Pros- Lightweight
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Non-greasy
- Provides a dewy finish
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
None
The Etude House Real Art Moisture Cleansing Oil is a mix of various oils that efficiently cleanses tough waterproof makeup and removes dead skin cells. The gel serum formula is enriched with meadow foam seed oil, shea butter extracts, and rice bran oil that protect your skin barrier by providing intense hydration. This powerful Korean oil cleanser has a water-friendly formula that instantly leaves the skin squeaky clean and pores unclogged.
Key Ingredients: Meadow foam seed oil, Shea butter extracts, and Rice bran oil
Suitable For: Skin that is damaged by heavy makeup
Pros
- Mild fragrance
- Gentle
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
Cons
None
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Facial Cleansing Oil
This cleansing oil from The Face Shop is enriched with the benefits of rice water, which contains vitamins A, B, and E, ceramide, and minerals to brighten and nourish dry skin. This is a great pick for anyone looking for a mild cleansing product that removes makeup residue without causing irritation and takes you one step closer to achieving a glass-like skin. This antioxidant-rich Korean cleansing oil melts away any impurities on the surface of the skin. The moringa oil in the formula moisturizes the epidermis (skin surface), while soapwort deeply cleanses the skin.
Key Ingredients: Rice water, Soapwort, and Moringa oil
Suitable For: Oily to Combination skin
Pros- Gentle
- Safe for daily use
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Cocokind Organic Facial Cleansing Oil
The Cocokind Organic Facial Cleansing Oil is one of the most gentle cleansers with no harsh chemicals. It is made with all organic ingredients. It removes dirt, build-up, and impurities without overdrying the skin. It is loaded with fatty acids and antioxidants that hydrate the skin and maintain a natural pH balance. The formula is enriched with USDA-certified organic coconut oil, avocado oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. It is gentle on all skin types and effectively cleans the skin without stripping it of moisture.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Lavender oil, and Avocado oil
Suitable for: All skin types
Pros- Toxin-free
- Artificial color-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Environmental friendly
Cons
- Expensive
The Aura Cacia Gentle Cleansing Oil has a 100% botanical formula that is designed to nourish your skin while cleansing it thoroughly. This gentle drugstore cleansing oil helps break down buildup, dirt, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils. It is infused with the rich aroma of orange and lemon essential oils that gives you a refreshed feel.
Key Ingredients: Orange essential oil and Lemon essential oil
Suitable For: All skin types
Pros
- Non-drying
- Affordable
- Gentle
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Cruelty-free
- Synthetic-free
- Paraben-free
- Petroleum-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
None
A cleansing oil is typically used as the first step in your skin care routine. It works in the same way as a regular cleanser. Most cleansing oils have the same basic application. However, consult the directions on the product before using. Given below are the common steps for using a cleansing oil.
How To Use A Cleansing Oil
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with a few drops of cleansing oil.
- Massage the cloth on your skin in circular motions.
- Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
Now that you know the best options for cleansing oils available out there and how to use it, let us get into the things you need to keep in mind while buying the best drugstore cleansing oil.
How To Choose The Best Drugstore Cleansing Oil
- Ingredients: As basic as it may sound, the ingredients of a cleansing oil determine its texture and feel on your skin. Avoid using cleansing oils that use a blend of essential oils as their base because they may irritate your skin. Instead, choose avocado, coconut, or sunflower oil that impart antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to your skin while nourishing it. Additionally, these oils have a lightweight formula that doesn’t clog your pores.
- Skin Type: Choose a cleansing oil based on your skin type and its requirements. For people with oily or acne-prone skin, rosehip or tea tree oil is beneficial. People with dry skin may go for ultra-nourishing ingredients like coconut or avocado oil. The soothing effects of rosemary, evening primrose, and camellia oils can be calming for sensitive skin.
- Product Label: When it comes to skin care products, checking the product label is important. Perfumed products may end up altering the texture of your skin and cause irritation, so look for a fragrance-free option. Apart from this, look for words like ‘non-comedogenic’ (does not cause comedones like blackheads, whiteheads, or breakouts) or ‘hypoallergenic’ (product is formulated without allergens).
Sometimes cleansers fail to remove all the accumulated dirt, grime, and makeup from your face. But the best drugstore cleansing oils can get rid of them in one go, giving you a clean, fresh face. These formulas are not only affordable but also gentle and effective for all skin types. The products mentioned in our list are non-comedogenic and non-greasy. They are free of harsh chemicals, therefore, safe for sensitive skin. These cleansing oils are lightweight and tested by dermatologists.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach, and she finds oil cleansers as the best remedy to remove stubborn makeup and any other residue left on your skin. She has prepared a list of the best drugstore oil cleansers after going through multiple reviews, user feedback, and product-related information on trusted online platforms and brand websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cleansing oil good for combination skin?
Yes, cleansing oils suit combination skin as well, given that they contain emulsifiers to effectively draw out impurities.
Is cleansing oil good for oily skin?
The emulsification of a cleansing oil with water makes it easy to draw out oil-soluble dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. This, in turn, speeds up the treatment of oily skin concerns while preventing comedones and acne.
Is oil cleansing good for sensitive skin?
Oil cleansing is a gentle way to get rid of makeup, dirt, and residue while also being soothing and healing for sensitive skin.
Should I use a cleansing balm or oil?
Both cleansing balm and oil can be used interchangeably. However, if you have oily skin, you may lean more towards the balm as it is comparatively lighter in texture than a cleansing oil.
How often should you use cleansing oils?
Cleansing oils can be used daily as the first step of your skin care routine. It is recommended to be used at nighttime for completely removing the grime that gets accumulated on your face throughout the day along with makeup residue.
How do cleansing oils work?
Cleansing oils are designed on the principle of “like dissolves like.” Most oil-based makeup or skin care like SPF doesn’t dissolve with a water-based cleanser, so an oil-based cleanser can prove more effective in such cases.
Is cleansing oil better than cleanser?
Cleansing oils are more hydrating than regular cleansers. This is because cleansing oils are devoid of surfactants that can be harsh to your skin.
What is the best oil to use as a cleanser?
Most DIY skin care recipes contain olive oil and castor oil as natural cleansers. Sunflower oil, coconut oil, argan oil, and grapeseed oil also work wonders.
How long does it take oil cleansing to work?
You may witness visible results after two to three weeks of oil cleansing. While many wait for a month or two to receive the results.
Do I have to wash my face after using cleansing oil?
Yes, cleansing oils can be greasy and clog pores. It is recommended to follow a double cleansing method wherein, you remove dirt, impurities, and makeup remnants once with the oil and then opt for a regular cleanser to remove the oil and excess sebum.
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