13 Best Cleansers For Dry And Dehydrated Skin (2024)
Gently formulated cleansers that are revitalizing and suitable for drier skin types.
Dr. Anna H. ChaconMD, FAAD
Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with over 9 years of experience. She enjoys practicing all aspects of dermatology and is licensed to practice in 49 states. She i... 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
If dirt and oil residues in your skin are troubling you, what you need is to look at some of the best oil cleansers for dry skin. Yes, a cleansing oil can eliminate them from the skin and prevent dryness and dehydration. It is basically a mix of oils that are formulated without emulsifiers or surfactants. It is an essential product for your skin since it can offer you a soothing effect while fully moisturizing your skin. As a result, your skin gets a radiant glow too. To this end, we have made a list of the 13 most effective oil cleansers that are worth trying. We are sure that you will achieve excellent results with the listed products. As the market is brimming with endless options, take this article as your buying guide. So, go ahead and check it out.
In This Article
Top 13 Best Oil Cleansers For Dry And Dehydrated Skin
1. Best Anti-Oxidizing Property:DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
A water-soluble formula that rinses dirt and impurities from your face thoroughly, the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is rich in vitamins and has anti-oxidizing property due to the presence of antioxidants such as vitamin E, rosemary extracts, and olive oil. Olive oil helps break down dirt and removes waterproof makeup to clean your face, while unclogging pores. It also helps in preventing the harmful effects of environmental aggressors that cause premature aging of the skin. Rosemary leaf oil present in the cleansing oil soothes the inflamed skin, while imparting a refreshing scent. This highly-rated product cleans your skin without making it dry or causing any irritation and protects your skin from free radicals with the essence of vitamin E. Cherish your softer, smoother, and clean your congested skin using one of the best natural oil cleansers for dry skin. You can quickly rinse it off and have no buildup left on the skin. Look at this video for a demo and view the reviewer’s experience of DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Removes stubborn makeup
- No added fragrance
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Nourishes and hydrates skin
Cons
- Some may find it slightly greasy.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 5,397 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
2. Best Ultra-Nourishing:Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Anti-Irritation Shower Gel
When our skin becomes excessively dry, we like to blame it on the wintertime and chilly winds. But who do we blame on a hot, sunny day? You no longer have to look for a culprit because we have discovered the best solution for dry skin.Use the best-selling Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Anti-Irritation Shower Gel to bless your skin with hydration and softness. Vitamin B3 in this cult-favorite cleansing oil helps in repairing your skin’s natural barrier, prevents dryness. The coco and flower bio lipids infused in this cleansing product enhances the hydration effect on your skin. The product’s smooth consistency allows it to spread easily without leaving a greasy film. Check out this video to learn more about the Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Anti-Irritation Shower Gel.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Suitable for dry skin, eczema, and chafing
- Non-greasy
- All-day moisture
Cons
- Some may find the scent too intense.
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 18,081 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
3. Best Lightweight:THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Light Oil
We’ve all heard about the numerous skin and hair benefits that rice offers, so why not use products that are formulated with them? This top-rated cleansing oil helps brighten and moisturize the skin and is formulated without mineral oil. This lightweight, daily cleansing oil dissolves all the impurities from your skin with a little help from jojoba oil. It also contains vitamin A, B, and E, ceramide and minerals that help nourish and brighten your dry skin. It has an infusion of moringa oil that helps remove makeup and purifies your skin by getting rid of impurities and residues. This product is very gentle on the skin and can also be used if you have sensitive skin.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Removes impurities
- Makes skin soft and supple
- Evens out skin tone
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Some may find the floral smell overpowering.
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 2,691 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
| DHC Deep Cleansing Oil | Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Anti-Irritation Shower Gel | THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Light Oil | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | Dry sensitive skin, very dry to irritated with itching skin | Oily, Sensitive, Dry, Normal |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 2 x 7.6 inches | 4.41 x 2.83 x 9.25 inches | 1.77 x 1.77 x 6.89 inches |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 2.54 Pounds | 5.29 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,397 | 18,081 | 2,691 |
| Price | $16 | $8.99 | $15 |
4. Best Creamy Cocoa Butter:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil
If you haven’t tried this cleansing oil, let us tell you that you’re missing out on a lot. It is gentle on your skin and deeply cleanses it too. This dermatologist-tested product is formulated with creamy cocoa butter and a natural moisturizer for your skin as it softens your skin. It is infused with vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that improves the appearance of scars, imperfections, and marks on your skin, and evens out skin tone. On the other hand, the sesame oil in this product helps deeply moisturize and hydrate your skin. It also contains rosehip oil that improves the overall health of the skin by rejuvenating cells. Check out the detailed review of the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil in this video. More than a thousand public reviewers tested this product and their positive feedback advocates for the product’s visible results.
Pros
- Deep cleans and brightens the skin.
- No mineral oil
- Paraben-free
- Ideal for all skin types
- Prevents dryness
- Removes makeup and product buildup
- Affordable
Cons
- It may take a few rinses to wash off.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,247 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
5. Best For Soft And Smooth Skin:Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil
The Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil is formulated to hydrate your skin to make it look healthy and supple. It does not leave an oily residue; instead, it makes your skin soft and smooth. This dermatologist-recommended product helps dissolve dirt and makeup and keeps the skin’s natural protective barrier protected. Formulated with coconut and argan oils, this lightweight face cleansing oil allows your skin to glow and does not clog any pores. It also helps in removing fine lines and smells great too! This is the best opportunity you can grab to get supple and silky skin.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- 100% natural
- Paraben, phthalate, petrolatum, and SLS-free
- Dermatologist-approved
Cons
- It may irritate sensitive eyes when removing waterproof eye makeup.
6. Best Low-Lathering:Organys Cleansing Oil
Are you looking for a new cleansing oil? If yes, you should give the Organys Cleansing Oil a shot. Made primarily as a makeup removal oil, it cleanses your face by getting rid of dirt and impurities. This product is gentle on the skin and penetrates the pores to unclog it and remove product buildup. It also helps in getting rid of blackheads, hence providing you a flawless look. This product is infused with olive oil and vitamin E that melts away the impurities from your skin to keep it soft and healthy. With its antioxidizing property, this antioxidant-rich product protects your skin from environmental damage as well. Its low-lathering and non-irritating formula is what makes this product a desirable one. Additionally, no animal testing was done in the making of this product.
Pros
- Vegan
- No parabens, sulfates, or other harmful chemicals
- Hydrates skin
- For all age groups and skin types
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might not be suitable for sensitive skin.
7. Best Ultra-Hydrating Formula:Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil
Have you tried this face cleansing oil that not only removes makeup but also hydrates and softens your skin? The Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil effortlessly attracts impurities and oil and helps in getting rid of it. This easy-to-find product helps to dissolve other oils and does not strip your skin of its natural oils. You can now easily cleanse your skin with this ultra-hydrating formula enriched with rosemary and glycerin, which also soothes your skin. The product is dermatologist-recommended.
Pros
- Non-greasy residue
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-stripping formula
- Lightweight
- Makes skin healthy
- Dermatologically-tested
Cons
- Some may find the consistency runny.
Quick Tip8. Best Fatty Acids Moisturize:Era Organics Lavender Vanilla Cleansing Oil Cleansing Oil
As we all know, vitamin E is said to have numerous benefits and is known to combat the effects of free radicals, thus protecting your skin from damage. The Era Organics cleansing oil contains vitamin E, fatty acids, and argan oil that moisturize the skin and restore the skin’s barrier to improve skin elasticity. It is also enriched with rosemary that smells great and eliminates eczema, oily skin, dermatitis, and acne. Sunflower oil is rich in fatty acids and is present in this product helps prevent water loss and dryness. This product also jojoba oil that stimulates collagen production and prevents wrinkles and fine lines. This cleansing oil for dehydrated skin helps in removing makeup and provides anti-inflammatory properties. This product makes your skin look plump and provides protection from damage by maintaining the natural barrier of the skin.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- No mineral oils, parabens, or toxins
- For dry and sensitive skin
- Treats acne
- Provides softness
Cons
- Might be challenging to wash off.
9. Best Rich In Minerals And Vitamins:bareMinerals Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil
Try this bareMinerals Oil with the best cleansing ability that helps dissolve makeup and dirt. It nourishes the skin and provides it with the care it truly needs. This product is rich in minerals and vitamins that allow your skin to feel rejuvenated. It is blended with cucumber, sunflower oil, and mineral-rich sea salts that hydrate and purify the skin. Borage oil infused in this product allows you to fight against environmental stresses as it offers an antioxidant defence system to protect your skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all skin types
- Makes skin smooth and healthy
- Prevents dryness
- Pleasant fragrance
- Brightens the skin
Cons
- Some may find it greasy.
10. Best Acne-Causing Bacteria Kill:Vera Botanics Oil Cleanser And Makeup Remover
Bless your skin with hydration and nourish it with one of the best facial oil cleansers for dry skin. Vera Botanics Oil Cleanser And Makeup Remover is made of essential ingredients that are gentle to the skin and provide numerous benefits. This product helps remove waterproof makeup and deeply penetrate the pores and clean oil residues and buildup. It helps clean and hydrate your skin with the goodness of olive oil that also kills acne-causing bacteria found on the skin. This product deeply penetrates the pores and helps in getting rid of blackheads too. No harsh chemicals are added in this product, which makes it absolutely safe to use.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- For all skin types
- Geranium oil for scent
- No harsh chemicals
Cons
- It may not effectively remove waterproof eye makeup.
Quick Tip11. Best Sunflower Seed Oil:Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil
Do you know the benefits of sunflower seed oil on your skin? This hero ingredient is an excellent source of vitamin E. This formula has antioxidant properties that help combat skin issues such as inflammation, redness, acne, and skin irritation. It also helps in retaining the moisture of your skin. Formulated with sunflower seed oil, this product smells great, has no synthetic fragrance, and aids in melting away impurities and purifying the skin without drying it. Argan oil, along with sunflower seed oil, olive oil and pomelo grapefruit, allow your skin to replenish its natural oils and offer it optimum moisture levels.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Mineral-oil free
- Paraben, phthalate, sulfate and gluten-free
- PEG and formaldehyde-free
- Vegan
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Might not remove sunscreen/ might be too thick to spread.
12. Best For Dead Skin Cells:Badger Seabuckthorn Cleansing Oil
Restore your skin’s natural beauty and health with this oil helps restore your skin’s natural balance and makes it glow. This unscented cleansing oil, made with natural ingredients, works gently on the skin and soothes it. It helps eliminate dead skin cells, impurities, grease buildup and dirt accumulated on your skin. Get deeply nourished and clear skin without the fear of drying. This product has the formulation of castor oil and apricot that reduces irritation and fights impurities. Whereas, the sunflower and olive oil in this product play an important role in making your skin look clean and balanced. It is also enriched with organic jojoba oil, sea buckthorn extract, and organic baobab oil that enhance this product’s nourishing power.
Pros
- No artificial ingredients
- Petroleum-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Good for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Might be a bit greasy.
13. Best Radical Free:Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil
The Camellia Cleansing Oil from Tatcha deep cleanses and nourishes the skin. It is infused with Japanese camellia oil that moisturizes your skin and protects it against free radical damage. This product is formulated with a rich complex of rice, green tea, and algae that improve skin texture. It also contains lactic acid and essential amino acids that hydrate the skin and strengthen its barrier. The non-comedogenic formula also works as a makeup remover. This cleanser absorbs excess oils and removes waterproof makeup from your skin. It is free of mineral oil, so the product emulsifies without oily residue. Moreover, it is not tested on animals.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Leaves no residue
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Cruelty-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Sulfate-free
- DEA-free
- TEA-free
- Urea-free
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 319 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Here is a buying guide that will help you make the best selection when buying an oil cleanser for dry skin. These tips will help you understand what different cleansers do and which one is most suitable for you to add to your cleansing routine.
How To Choose The Best Cleansing Oil For Dry Skin
Read the label
Not all cleansing oils have the same ingredients. Hence, you must understand the role each element plays and identify any harmful chemicals added to the product to avert any sort of skin infection. You must look for products with botanical extracts such as olive oil, coconut oil, rosemary etc. Avoid products with parabens, sulfates, phthalates and other toxic ingredients. It is essential to read the label as it will help you know which oil is lighter in consistency and is suitable for your skin.
Non-comedogenic
Ensure that the cleansing oil does not clog the pores. Instead, it should help stretch the pores to make it larger to remove all the dirt trapped in it.
Type of skin
For those with oily skin, avoid products with coconut oil, olive oil and avocado oil added to it as these can make the skin more oily by further clogging the pores. Instead, you must look for oil-based cleansers that have peppermint oil and tea tree oil present in it. If you have dry skin, you must look for nourishing ingredients such as argan, shea, or camellia oil. These help to hydrate the skin and moisturize it too. You must avoid lemon and tea tree oils as these can cause dryness of the skin. For acne-prone skin, use products that don’t have any irritants, here too, you must look for a non-comedogenic product.
How To Use An Oil-Based Cleanser
Here are a few steps you must follow to use the oil-based cleansers effectively:
Step 1: Wash your hands and face and allow it to dry.
Step 2: Take a few drops of oil and apply it to your skin.
Step 3: Massage your dry skin in a circular motion; it improves blood circulation.
Step 4: You can now wet your hands and continue massaging it on your face; the product will turn creamy and remove impurities.
Step 5: Rinse your skin with warm water and pat dry.
However, keep in mind that overusing oil cleansers may not be the right way to go. Dr. Anna H. Chacon, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, says, “If you use an oil cleanser too often, you’ll remove too much of the skin’s natural sebum, which can put your sebaceous glands in a panic and make them feel like they need to produce more sebum.”
Infographic: Cleansing Oil For Dry Skin: Factors To Consider
If you have dry skin, soapy cleansers with harsh surfactants are your biggest enemies. They rob the skin’s natural moisture and make it appear dull. This is where cleansing oils come in. Check out the infographic below to learn about the factors you must consider while buying a cleansing oil and know how to use it for the best results. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Your dry skin might result from the usage of soap bars that strip off natural oils due to moisture loss, or sometimes due to the dryness in the surrounding environment. And these deep pore oil cleansers come as a great savior for such conditions. If you are looking for a fragrance-free cleansing oil that is gentle yet effective, then the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is the perfect option. The Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Anti-Irritation Shower Gel helps hydrates the skin and prevents dryness, while the FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Light Oil brightens and nourishes the skin. Besides removing all the impurities from your skin, the oil cleansers can prevent dryness and dullness on the skin. In addition, these cleansers keep the skin fully moisturized without altering the skin. So it would be best to invest in oil cleansers that are enriched with vitamin E, essential oils, and other herbal extracts to keep the skin clear, smooth, and hydrated. And steer clear of cleansers that make your skin greasy and sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oil cleansers good for dry skin?
Yes, oil cleansers are great for dry skin as these don’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, these oils can hydrate your skin. These cleansers can help in making your skin moisturized and soft.
Should you double cleanse If you have dry skin?
If you use a good oil cleanser, you don’t need to double cleanse. However, there is no harm in using a double cleanser. You need to keep your skin type and the ingredients you use in mind.
Do oil cleansers clog pores?
It depends on the ingredients of your cleanser. It is also essential to conduct a patch test before using the product to ensure that it suits you well. You should look for argan oil, grape seed oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, pumpkin seed oil and sweet almond oil.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Krati Darak, who authored this article, is a skincare aficionado and loves to provide assistance to her readers in picking the right skincare products. To this end, she went ahead and read many product details and customer reviews to compile a list of the best oil cleansers for dry skin. These items that have been listed can remove dirt and oil residues from your skin.
