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13 Oil Cleansers That Don’t Leave a Greasy Residue
Learn how cleansing oils can benefit all skin types. Yes, even oily skin.
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.
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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:
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Moisturizing
Cons
- 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.
Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil
Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- 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.
Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser
Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser
Pros
- Very hydrating
- Easily breaks down makeup and SPF
Cons
- 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.
Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil
Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Soothing formula
- Protects skin
Cons
- 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.
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
Pros
- Milky emulsifying formula
Cons
- 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.
MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil
MAC Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Effectively removes makeup
Cons
- It's a little runny
This cleansing oil leaves skin feeling silky smooth and easily breaks down makeup and thick SPF.
Elcientials The Double Cleanser
Elcientials The Double Cleanser
Pros
- Milky lather
- Removes waterproof makeup
Cons
- 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.
Babor HY-ÖL
Pros
- Doesn't leave behind a greasy residue
Cons
- 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.
Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Softening
Cons
- 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.
Sahajan Essential Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Protects from environmental aggressors
Cons
- 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.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Nourishing
Cons
- 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.
MARA Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Gently exfoliates skin
Cons
- 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.
Erborian Black Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- 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.
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
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