12 Best Oil Cleansers For Oily Skin, According To An Expert– 2024
Keep your oily skin woes at bay and befriend these life-altering cleansers.
Shawnda DorantesMSN, APRN, FNP-C
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse. Dorantes began her career as a Beaut... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
medha debIntegrated MA
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
Image: Shutterstock
Although old notions say that oils are not suitable for oily skin, recent developments in the industry of cosmetics have proved it otherwise. As the ‘double cleansing’ method has taken a significant shift from being an oriental niche to a worldwide rage, skincare experts now just can’t stop loving oil-containing products. As a result of this understanding, we will acquaint you with the best oil cleansers for oily skin that are available in the market. Studies have also shown that the oil cleansing method can keep your skin hydrated apart from cleaning the face and makeup, sunscreen, or dirt. This keeps the original body oil intact too. Compared to its soapy, sudsy counterparts with which you run the risk of over-drying the face and stripping it off all the essential oils, the features mentioned above give facial cleansing oils major significance in the market. This is why we bring to you the 12 most amazing options that are worth trying.
In This Article
12 Best Oil Cleansers For Oily Skin You Need to Get Right Now!
1. Best For Oily Skin:DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
The DHC Deep Oil Cleanser is a classic Japanese product that has been a market favorite for years. The brand also claims that this product has been the company’s best-selling item. To understand why it is such a cult classic, we need to look into its formula. The DHC oil cleanser for oily skin efficiently removes even the most stubborn, waterproof cosmetics due to emollient olive oil’s goodness. The antioxidant-rich formula protects your skin from environmental, free-radical damage. This vitamin-rich foaming cleanser guarantees you refreshed and younger-looking skin. If you want to know more about the benefits of this effective cleanser, check out this quick review on YouTube featuring the reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Cleanses efficiently
- Prevents dullness
- Protects your skin
- Contains vitamins E and K
- Also good for dry skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 5,397 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. Best Plant-Based Ingredients:The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Bundle
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil is a cool non-stripping facial cleansing oil with plant-based ingredients such as rice bran and jojoba oil. The product’s light, watery texture effectively removes impurities and heavy cosmetics from the skin. The mineral oil formula keeps the skin looking clean and bright, providing the required moisture and nourishment. The chief component is rice water, which is naturally rich in vitamins, amino acids, and other healthy ingredients. These nutrients gently moisturize and brighten your skin, leaving a fresh, natural glow on your face. Here’s an honest review of the product. Check it out to learn about the reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Apt for oily and combination skin
- Enriched with rice extracts, rice bran, and jojoba oil
- Dissolves and eliminates make-up, dirt, and impurities
- Skin feels softer, smoother and looks bright and refreshed
- Easy to use and gentle on the eyes
Cons
- Contains sulfate
3. Best For Anti-Aging And Damaged Skin:Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil
This multitasking facial cleanser targets aging skin and repairs damage, including unpleasant lines and wrinkles. It is a facial cleansing oil for those belonging to the oily skin type that moisturizes dry patches, lightens dark spots, and rejuvenates the skin. It is a non-staining formula that spreads like a dream and is gently absorbed by the skin. It heals old scars, offers anti-aging properties, and repairs damaged skin. This non-drying formula is dermatologically-tested and contains the richness of vitamin E, cetesomate-E complex, rosehip, sesame, natural oils, and canola oil. This skin therapy is the best solution for all your skin concerns. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product. Check it out to learn about the reviewer’s experience with this cleansing oil.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Removes waterproof makeup
- Deep cleans and brightens your face
Cons
- Some may not prefer the fragrance
- May irritate if it enters the eye.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,247 rave reviews on Amazon.
4. Best For Removing Makeup:Simple Sensitive Skin Experts Hydrating Cleansing Oil
Concocted using 100% natural grapeseed oil, the Simple Sensitive Skin Experts Hydrating Cleansing Oil gently removes makeup without having to rub your skin over and over. This formula is light and leaves your skin feeling soft, clean, and moisturized. It does not contain any colors or dyes, thus eliminating all chances of issues to you or your skin. It is rich in a hero ingredient, oleic acid, which gets it a thumbs up from doctors. Dermatologists and ophthalmologists speak for its safety.
Pros
- Contains 100 % pure grapeseed oil, vitamins A and E
- No artificial perfume, no color, no dye
- Leaves the skin instantly hydrated
- Packaging made from 100% recycled plastic
- No sticky residue left behind after a wash
Cons
- Some may not like the smell of grapeseed.
5. Best Vegan:Purito From Green Cleansing Oil
Purito From Green Cleansing Oil is a plant-based gentle cleanser. This natural oil cleanser for the oily skin type removes grime and make-up while hydrating and softening the skin. The sunflower oil and olive oil in the formula aids to efficiently nourish and moisturize the skin. Jojoba seed oil in the formula provides a profound cleansing effect that melts away impurities, prevents clogging, and minimizes the appearance of pores. The gentle formula claims to make you look more youthful and radiant from the inside out.
Pros
- Removes all traces of heavy makeup
- Zero oil residue and lightweight texture
- Vegan
- Safe for pregnant women
Cons
- It may be slightly inconvenient to those with sensitive skin.
Remember6. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil
The Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil is lauded as the merchandise suitable for daily use due to its purifying and clarifying properties. This cleansing oil for oily acne-prone skin is rich in organic goodness, does not block pores, and efficiently tackles blackheads and clears acne. Ideal for every skin type, its wholesome complex comprises amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins. Its texture allows the oil to seep deep into the pores, removing impurities and invigorating the skin barrier. It effectively smoothes out wrinkles and moisturizes the skin. It is also clinically tested by the Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences Co. Further, the product also has a 100% positive tester’s experience according to the brand.
Pros
- Formulated using natural ingredients
- No synthetic oils
- Contains aroma oils that strengthen the skin
- Includes rice extracts that maintain water-oil balance
- Nourishes apart from cleansing the skin
- Supported by clinical data
Cons
- Users with sensitive skin may want to use it with caution.
7. Best Non-Greasy: Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Cleansing Oil
The Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Cleansing Oil is the ideal standalone cleanser and the first step in a double-cleanse routine due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The hydrating sunflower and jojoba oils in this formula eliminate impurities and revive balance in your skin. Its brightening stone crop and supercharged microgreens gently remove your make-up resulting in dewier, softer-looking skin. While you are messaging the oil on your face, your man could also well be smoothening and adding a shine to his coveted beard.
Pros
- Removes excess oils, makeup, and dirt
- Contains UV-ray protectors
- Cheers and elevates the look of the skin
- Reduces the drying effects of environmental stressors
Cons
- Slightly expensive
8. Best Alcohol And Dye-Free:Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil
This 2-in-1 cleansing oil not only eliminates impurities and makeup but also aids in improving skin texture. The fabulous cleanser contains PHA (polyhydroxy acids) that efficiently scares away your blackheads and dead skin cells through gentle exfoliation. Thanks to the tea tree leaf oil, jojoba, grapeseed oil, and aloe vera extract, it keeps your skin free from breakouts, happy, and hydrated. Its lavender oil soothes redness and skin irritation. The one-stop solution to your skin problems is right here!
Pros
- Removes make-up and prevents breakouts
- Gently exfoliates dry and dead skin cells
- Keeps external irritants at bay
- Paraben-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Alcohol and dye-free
Cons
- The scent may be overpowering for some.
Quick Tip9. Best For Smoothing Wrinkles:Manyo Factory Herbgreen Cleansing Oil
Another of our favorites from the Manyo Factory! This herbal formula provides a deep clean as it rids the skin of make-up, contamination, blackheads, and acne. Its texture enables the oil to penetrate deep into the pores, dissolve and push the contamination outward. The product then activates the deep cells of the skin and strengthens its protective layer. The cleansing oil also excels in smoothing wrinkles and improving tone. Greasy residue and any sort of artificial ingredients is a big no-no for this one.
Pros
- Best suited for those who wear make-up regularly
- Doesn’t block the pores
- Removes and prevents acne and blackheads
- Devoid of chemicals, PEGs, and synthetic oils
Cons
- Some may not like its smell.
10. Best Fragrance-Free:Tula Skincare #Nomakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil
This fragrance-free, lightweight facial oil formula instilled with probiotics and natural oils promptly melts makeup and debris, thus hydrating without clogging the pores. Ceramides and arctic winged kelp (a type of algae) preserve moisture and comfort skin—leaving it refreshed and silky smooth. These probiotic strains lock moisture, which makes it suitable for all skin types—including oily skin type! Formerly known as Kefir Replenishing Cleansing Oil, this skin care product improves skin elasticity, and firmness, making it soft and velvety.
Pros
- Cleans skin gently
- It makes skin fresh and hydrated without oily residue
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Cruelty-free
- Clinically proven formula
Cons
- Slightly expensive.
11. Best Water-Like Cleansing:Shu Uemura Skin Purifier
The Shu Uemura porefinist anti-shine fresh cleansing oil is incredibly lightweight and keeps the skin clean, fresh, and refined. After reigning in the cosmetic industry for almost half a century, it was reinvented to meet our oily skin needs and to control shine. Ideal for nearly all types of skin, this new formula brightens dull complexion. The water-like cleansing oil also removes and cleans away excess sebum and blackheads that stick inside pores. The new formula, with cinnamon bark and cherry extracts, regulates natural sebum secretion day after day. You would also love the aroma that will leave your senses mesmerized.
Pros
- Hydrating, refreshing, and soothing cleanser
- Best product for double-cleansing
- A small amount of oil would do the work
- Doesn’t irritate the skin on application
Cons
- It may be comedogenic.
12. Best For All Skin Types:Isntree Micellar Melting Cleansing Oil
Love micellar water? Try the Isntree Micellar Melting Cleansing Oil. A classic amalgamation of cleansing oil and micellar water, this cleansing oil gives you the best of both worlds. It provides all the moisturizing, cleansing, calming, and soothing effects of micellar water and simultaneously eliminates waterproof makeup and excess sebum to effectively wash away impurities, leaving your skin hydrated and invigorated. It is considered an effective coconut oil cleanser for oily skin which reduces the appearance of blackheads. This lightweight cleansing oil is suitable for all skin types. However, this skin care product is primarily suggested for oily or acne-prone skin due to its efficiency in removing excess sebum and clearing out the pores.
Pros
- Cleanses pores and blackheads
- Eliminates make-up, sebum, and skin impurities
- Retains skin moisture
- Non-greasy
- It contains safe and natural ingredients
Cons
- Some may find the smell too strong
Now that we’ve looked at the 12 best oil cleansers for oily skin, let’s take a look at a few things you should keep in mind when buying one for yourself.
How To Buy The Right Oil Cleanser For Oily Skin
- Lightweight formula
It is always preferable if the cleansing oil is lightweight. Lightweight cleansers do not clog pores and let your skin breathe. Hence, it is best to ensure that you look for the following criteria before selecting one. Look for ones with plant-based oils like camellia oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil. These oils are said to contain anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant attributes that deep-cleanse and hydrate your skin. Avoid cleansing oils that use essential oils for the base. These are known to potentially cause an allergic reaction and irritate your skin.
- Check the label
A lot of people do not appreciate any powerful smell. Some cannot even stand any sort of fragrance at all. It may cause them irritation or even a headache. If you are one of them, here’s a tip! Always check the label. Verify the fragrance of the product. Also, watch out for words such as ‘hypoallergenic,’ ‘dermatologically tested,’ and ‘non-comedogenic.’ With a little bit of tact and caution, you can quickly get yourself what you want. Also, you’d save yourself the consequences of using unsuitable formulas. If you prefer products that are not tested on animals, look for the ‘cruelty-free’ label on the product.
- Verify your skin type
This is a crucial point. Besides knowing whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination, it is essential that you know whether your skin is normal or sensitive and vulnerable to breakouts and allergies. On several occasions, even though the product may be made of natural ingredients and avoid using any chemicals, your skin would still be distressed. That is usually the case with the sensitive skin type. In case of sensitive skin, it is advised that you first consult your dermatologist and peruse the details of a potential product before purchasing it.
In addition to taking care of all this, check out the reviews of the cleansing oil you wish to buy on different e-commerce websites. This will give you an insight into the user’s and reviewer’s experience and help you make an informed decision.
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Using An Oil Cleanser For Oily Skin
Oil cleansers are ideal to remove stubborn makeup or excess grease from oily skin. They unclog the pores, pull out excess sebum, and make your skin look clean and matte. However, using them the wrong way can aggravate your skin’s oiliness and trigger itchiness. In the infographic below, we have listed a few dos and don’ts of using an oily cleanser. Scroll down to check it out.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Oil cleansers are a must-have for people with excessively oily skin. These products keep your skin nourished and hydrated while cleaning dirt, impurities, chemicals, and makeup from your face. You can choose from a variety of oil cleansers available in the market, but make sure to opt for those that release antioxidants in plenty and protect your skin from environmental damage. If you’re on a mission to get rid of premature signs of aging, these oil cleansers can help you look refreshed and guarantee younger-looking skin. Some of them prevent dullness, dark spots, and patches while also getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles. Some of them are also dermatologically tested, supported by clinical data, and not tested on animals. The DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has an antioxidant-rich formula that protects the skin from free radicals, while the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil heals acne scars and has anti-aging properties. The Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil doesn’t contain synthetic oils and is good for all types of skin. The nutrients in these products gently moisturize and brighten your skin while leaving a gorgeous and naturally radiant glow all over your face. However, you should avoid using oil cleansers that contain sulfate or leave a sticky residue after wash. Also, perform a patch test before adding any of these cleansers to your skin care routine to prevent irritation and allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cleansing oils good for oily skin?
Hard to believe, but yes. Oily cleansers are beneficial for oily skin. Traditional cleansers are only effective in removing dirt from the skin surface. But it so happens that scientifically the oil content in these cleansers attracts the oil and debris on your skin and effectively helps to remove them. Unlike its frothy or soapy counterparts, the oil also helps retain the natural oils in your skin. Thus, it guarantees a glow while hydrating your skin.
Is a cleansing oil beneficial for oily skin prone to blackheads?
Yes. A good oil cleanser for oily skin can help fight blackheads and even prevent them from reappearing if used regularly as per the instructions.
Is the DHC Cleansing Oil good for oily skin?
Yes, as per our research, the DHC Cleansing Oil adheres to oily skin and removes makeup. It also eliminates dead skin cells while also nourishing your skin. You can apply this beloved product and watch it work beautifully with water.
Can people with acne-prone skin use a cleansing oil?
Most of the oil-based cleansers work well against acne, moisturizing and conditioning it such that acne doesn’t keep showing up. However, it is advised that those with sensitive skin should use such products after consultation from their respective dermatologists. Also, we recommended a patch test before use to ensure the safety of the cleansing oil.
How often should you use an oil cleanser for oily skin?
If you have oily skin, use an oil cleanser to remove makeup at the end of the day. Before you start your morning beauty routine, you can use a gentle, water-based cleanser for balancing and mattifying the skin during the day.
How long does it take to see results after you start using an oil cleanser for oily skin?
You will start to see visible changes after two to three weeks.
Which is better – micellar water or oil cleanser?
Micellar water is good for oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin as it doesn’t leave any oil residue on the skin. Oil cleansers that are made for oily skin contain nourishing ingredients that preserve the integrity of dry skin. Both oil cleansers and micellar water are good for oily skin – choose the one that you like better.
Should I oil cleanse before or after showering?
It is best to oil cleanse before showering. It will remove all makeup and dirt and the following shower will ensure that the pores open up and cleanse out.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Author Krati Darak is always on the lookout for the most popular and current trends when it comes to skin care. She believes cleaning oils for oily skin may become the breakthrough that changes this industry. So, she has compiled a comprehensive and detailed list of the top products after surveying every product review available. Aside from cleansing the skin and removing makeup, sunscreen, and dirt, oil cleansers keep the skin hydrated.
