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  4. 10 Best Cleansing Oils in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
  • 10 Best Cleansing Oils in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist 1
  • 10 Best Cleansing Oils in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist 2
  • 10 Best Cleansing Oils in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist 3
  • 10 Best Cleansing Oils in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist 4
  • 10 Best Cleansing Oils in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist 5

10 Best Cleansing Oils in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Taking off your makeup at the end of a long day can be as taxing as applying it. You want it to be gentle yet effective in removing every trace of foundation, mascara, eyeliner, and more. This is where a cleansing oil comes in handy!


Using cleansing oil is an easy way to remove makeup, dirt, and other debris that might be clinging to your skin. Now if you're interested in getting the best cleansing oil, this article is for you! We have buying guide, top 10 list, and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison.

Last updated 04/04/2023
Dr. Meg Sison
Expert
Dermatologist
Dr. Meg Sison

Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.

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Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.

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The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 03-31-2023).

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Cleansing Oil - Buying Guide

Here are some key points to consider:


  1. Read the label to see what's best for your skin.
  2. Non-comedogenic cleansing oils are best for acne-prone skin.
  3. Natural antioxidants work best for those with dry skin.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.


With the popularity of cleansing oils soaring, it is best to clear away the noise and look for what best suits your skin. Remember what works for others might not work for you.

① Read the Label to See What's Best for Your Skin

The main ingredients for oil cleansers are usually mineral oils, esters, naturally occurring oils, or a combination of all these three. Checking the type of oil present in your cleanser can help you determine which one is best for your skin.

Mineral Oils Are Best in Removing Heavy Makeup

Mineral Oils Are Best in Removing Heavy Makeup

While waterproof eyeliners and mascaras keep us looking pretty all day long, we know what a pain these could be to remove. If you want to make sure that no trace of today's makeup will be left on your skin by bedtime, it is best to choose an oil cleanser with mineral oils. These are the oiliest of all the options and the best in removing stubborn makeup.


Check for mineral oil, isohexadecane, hydrogenated polyisobutene, and squalene in the ingredients if this is your choice. This option is best for those who want to double cleanse, meaning you follow up your oil cleanser with washing your face with a cleanser. Note that this can strip off your skin's essential oil and moisture, so it is best to use toner, serum, and moisturizer afterward. 

Dr. Meg Sison
DermatologistDr. Meg Sison

Mineral oil is one of the most commonly used ingredients in cleansing oils. It is inert, non-toxic, and generally regarded as safe. Mineral oil does not penetrate the skin because of its large molecular size. It also functions as an emollient, imparting softness and smoothness to the skin.

No Need to Double Cleanse if You Choose an Ester

No Need to Double Cleanse if You Choose an Ester

If your usual makeup routine is quite simple and does not include hard-to-remove makeup, you can go for an ester. These are not as oily as your mineral oils. They easily lift the gunk from your skin and are a time-saver for those who want to skip the facial wash.


If this seems to fit your routine, then check for cleansing oils that have Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Palmitate, or Triethylhexanoin.

Dr. Meg Sison
DermatologistDr. Meg Sison

Cetyl ethylhexanoate is an odorless and colorless emollient ester (cetyl alcohol + ethylhexanoic acid) that imparts a velvety and silky feel to the skin. It has great spreadability and a non-oily feel. 


Meanwhile, isopropyl palmitate is a combination of isopropyl alcohol + palmitic acid. It has very good spreading properties and also gives a silky touch to the products making it another popular ingredient in cleansing oils.


Triethylhexanoin is a colorless to pale yellow liquid ester that functions as an emollient, making the skin nice and smooth. It has a pleasant non-sticky, non-greasy feel that gives formulas smooth application properties and also helps moisture retention.

Choose a Cleanser With Naturally Occurring Oils for Sensitive Skin

Choose a Cleanser With Naturally Occurring Oils for Sensitive Skin

Go natural with these oil cleansers that have naturally occurring oils and fats. These are usually from plants and animals like sunflower oil or horse oil. While these may be more expensive than your mineral or ester cleansers, these surely are the most gentle on your skin.


The most common ones include sunflower seed oil, macadamia nut oil, and avocado oil. These options are best for those with dry and sensitive skin. Meanwhile, olive oil, although natural, may not impart the best benefits for sensitive skin because it can cause some irritation.

Dr. Meg Sison
DermatologistDr. Meg Sison

Plant oils such as sunflower seed oil have skin barrier repair and anti-inflammatory properties, making them suitable for those with dry skin. 


Sunflower seed oil has been shown to preserve the integrity of the skin's outermost layer and improve hydration of the adult skin without inducing redness. Meanwhile, avocado oil is an excellent source of enrichment for dry, damaged, or chapped skin.

② Non-comedogenic Cleansing Oils Are Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Non-comedogenic Cleansing Oils Are Best for Acne-Prone Skin

If your skin is prone to acne breakouts, you should find a cleansing oil that does not clog your pores. Finding the right oil cleanser for you, however, can help remove the bad oils that develop acne. 


A non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested cleanser is your best bet. Make it a habit and take time to read the labels or product descriptions to check if these words are indicated.

Dr. Meg Sison
DermatologistDr. Meg Sison

Cleansing oils are composed of oils as well as surfactants. For those with acne-prone skin, it is best to use lightweight oils such as mineral oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil


Some oils to avoid include coconut oil, as it can clog pores, and olive oil because it can cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

③ Natural Antioxidants Work Best for Those With Dry Skin

Natural Antioxidants Work Best for Those With Dry Skin

Having dry skin means your skin's baseline moisture is low. Giving it a moisture boost with oils that are infused with antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C is best. These have fatty acids that will hydrate your thirsty skin, leaving it moisturized and smooth.

Dr. Meg Sison
DermatologistDr. Meg Sison

For those with dry skin, look for cleansing oils containing plant oils. Examples are avocado oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. These were found to have skin barrier repair properties (functioning as emollients and occlusives) as well as antioxidants. 


It is best to avoid vitamin E because this was found to cause increased breakouts in some people.

10 Best Cleansing Oils to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Points
Details
Size
Skin Type
Packaging
Oil Type
1

Kiehl's

Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil	 1枚目

Dissolves Dirt and Makeup As It Moisturizes

175mL

All Skin Types

Pump Bottle

Mineral, Ester, Natural

2

DHC

Deep Cleansing Oil

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil 1枚目

Infused With Botanical Oils to Cleanse, Smoothen, and Protect the Skin

200mL

All Skin Types

Pump Bottle

Natural

3

Shu Uemura

Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil 1枚目

Removes Thick Makeup While Nourishing the Skin From Within

450mL

All Skin Types (Especially Dry and Oily Skin)

Pump Bottle

Ester, Natural

4

Clinique

Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil  1枚目

The Best Cleansing Oil for Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin

200mL

Acne-Prone, Combination, and Sensitive Skin

Pump Bottle

Ester, Natural

5

Dear Klairs

Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil

Dear Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil 1枚目

Gently Removes Makeup and Reduces Oiliness

150mL

All Skin Types (Especially Oily, Combination, or Sensitive Skin)

Pump Bottle

Natural

6

Skin1004

Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil 1枚目

A Mild and Effective Cleanser to Achieve That K-drama Glow

200mL

Sensitive Skin

Pump Bottle

Ester, Natural

7

The Face Shop

Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil 1枚目

The Secret to Youthful, Glowing Skin

150mL

Normal and Dry Skin

Pump Bottle

Mineral, Natural

8

Human Nature

Gentle Cleansing Oil

Human Nature Gentle Cleansing Oil 1枚目

A Trusted Local Brand for Your Natural Skin Care Needs

95mL

Sensitive Skin

Spray Bottle

Natural

9

Biore

Cleansing Oil

Biore Cleansing Oil 1枚目

A Hypoallergenic Cleansing Oil That Melts Away Makeup

150mL

All Skin Types

Pump Bottle

Mineral, Ester

10

Tatcha

The Camellia Cleansing Oil

Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil	 1枚目

Made With Natural Ingredients for Clean, Bright, and Younger-Looking Skin

150mL

All Skin Types

Pump Bottle

Natural

Product details
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No.1

Kiehl'sMidnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

From ₱1,900

Dissolves Dirt and Makeup As It Moisturizes

From one of the most trusted brands in skincare, Kiehl's cleansing oil lives up to all the hype. The blend of botanical oils, such as squalene, lavender essential oil, and evening primrose oil, is your best bet in removing all the gunk and dirt from your face while keeping it hydrated. It also comes with a sweet, relaxing scent to kickstart your nightly skincare routine.

A little goes a long way, as it emulsifies with water to form a cleansing milk. Customers describe this as their go-to cleansing oil—they love how it feels soft on the skin while washing away makeup and other impurities. Wake up to moisturized, supple skin with Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil!

Size175mL
Skin TypeAll Skin Types
PackagingPump Bottle
Oil TypeMineral, Ester, Natural
No.2

DHCDeep Cleansing Oil

From ₱1,144

Infused With Botanical Oils to Cleanse, Smoothen, and Protect the Skin

DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil has been hailed as the holy grail of cleansing oils, as it can easily remove even the most stubborn makeup. Aside from that, it has many benefits for the skin. It contains olive fruit oil and rosemary leaf oil which are rich in antioxidants, thereby preventing free-radical damage. It's also infused with licorice, which calms inflamed skin.

You just need a few pumps of the product, as it emulsifies quite quickly. Users noted that it has a thick consistency and minimal fragrance, but they particularly love how it's gentle and glides smoothly on the face. This is popular for a good reason and is definitely worth the purchase!

Size200mL
Skin TypeAll Skin Types
PackagingPump Bottle
Oil TypeNatural
No.3

Shu UemuraUltime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

From ₱4,432

Removes Thick Makeup While Nourishing the Skin From Within

If you are looking to hydrate your skin from the first step of your skincare routine, this is your best bet. Shu Uemura's Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil is made with eight botanical oils to ensure that it truly nourishes as it cleanses. It promises silky smooth skin with every use.

According to reviews, it has a very light scent that is not overpowering. And, you only need a little product to remove thick foundation, mascara, and other types of makeup. For soft and radiant skin, indulge in this cleanser from Shu Uemura!

Size450mL
Skin TypeAll Skin Types (Especially Dry and Oily Skin)
PackagingPump Bottle
Oil TypeEster, Natural
No.4

CliniqueTake The Day Off Cleansing Oil

From ₱2,300

The Best Cleansing Oil for Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin

This cleanser from Clinique is made with oil-like ingredients that act as an emollient, making it extremely hydrating for the skin. It is enhanced with glycerin to increase moisture in the skin. Additionally, it works great for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types because it has no fragrance or alcohol and is non-comedogenic.

It is reliable against stubborn eyeliners and mascara, as it can gently remove them with just a few pumps. But the best thing about it is its water-gel consistency that feels light and smooth on the face—and customers can vouch for this! Plus, it's easy to rinse off, so you wouldn't get that malagkit feeling after use.

Size200mL
Skin TypeAcne-Prone, Combination, and Sensitive Skin
PackagingPump Bottle
Oil TypeEster, Natural
No.5

Gently Removes Makeup and Reduces Oiliness

This ever-so-gentle product is composed of 85% plant-based ingredients, specifically sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil. These refreshing oils are light on the skin but do an amazing job of melting makeup, excess sebum, and other impurities on the skin. It also has black currant seed oil that delivers a boost of antioxidants.

This is an easy choice for all skin types, especially for sensitive and oily skin, since it contains natural ingredients and has no fragrance. Besides these qualities, users like that you only need to use a few pumps to cleanse your whole face.

Size150mL
Skin TypeAll Skin Types (Especially Oily, Combination, or Sensitive Skin)
PackagingPump Bottle
Oil TypeNatural
No.6

Skin1004Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

From ₱659

A Mild and Effective Cleanser to Achieve That K-drama Glow

It helps to turn to Korean brands when it comes to oil cleansers, as they are gentle yet effective. This cleansing oil from Skin 1004 is infused with Centella asiatica extract and other botanical oils, which remove deep-seated dirt, excess oil, and heavy makeup from your face without irritating it.

It also has a calming effect and feels light on the skin, making it perfect for the Philippine climate. People who have oily or sensitive skin swear by this product since it's mild and doesn't cause breakouts—and it smells great! If you want to get that K-drama glow, this is a good place to start!
Size200mL
Skin TypeSensitive Skin
PackagingPump Bottle
Oil TypeEster, Natural
No.7

The Secret to Youthful, Glowing Skin

If you're looking for a cleansing oil that won't strip moisture from your skin, this is a great product to try! It combines the power of rice water, Kukui seed oil, and canola oil for nourished and younger-looking skin. This oil cleanser will surely keep your skin feeling soft and smooth as you cleanse!

Aside from hydrating dry skin, several reviewers mentioned that it's also hiyang for oily skin. Plus, they love how it melts away makeup and impurities with just a few swipes.
Size150mL
Skin TypeNormal and Dry Skin
PackagingPump Bottle
Oil TypeMineral, Natural
No.8

A Trusted Local Brand for Your Natural Skin Care Needs

Human Nature's sunflower oil has become a cult favorite for good reasons—it is affordable and works miraculously. They have since expanded their sunflower oil line to include elixirs, hair oils, and of course, this cleansing oil. This sunflower cleansing oil is rich in antioxidants, which help regenerate damaged cells.

It also nourishes and conditions the skin while lifting dirt and makeup. Best of all, it's 100% natural and hypoallergenic, so you wouldn't experience any irritation. Loyal users commended the product, saying that it doesn't dry the skin and is effective in removing makeup—though some noted that you need to do a few more pumps for eyeliner and matte lipstick.

Size95mL
Skin TypeSensitive Skin
PackagingSpray Bottle
Oil TypeNatural
No.9

A Hypoallergenic Cleansing Oil That Melts Away Makeup

Looking for a daily oil cleanser that's not too harsh on the skin? Biore's got the solution! Their cleansing oil does not emulsify with water, so you only get a concentrated dose of the product to get rid of waterproof makeup. Despite that, it goes on smoothly and leaves behind a fresh feeling on your face. Plus, it has a soft, fruity fragrance that people love!

Moreover, this Japanese cleansing oil is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, making it safe to use for people with sensitive skin. It's also matipid since it comes in a big bottle, and you need just a few pumps to cleanse your face.

Size150mL
Skin TypeAll Skin Types
PackagingPump Bottle
Oil TypeMineral, Ester
No.10

Made With Natural Ingredients for Clean, Bright, and Younger-Looking Skin

Feel luxurious with this calming cleansing oil from Tatcha. It's enriched with Japanese camelia oil, which addresses oiliness and gives you a youthful complexion. But its core ingredient is the patented Hadasei-3 ™ complex that's easily absorbed by the skin—it also has hydrating and brightening properties.

It emulsifies pretty well, too, so it can remove even the most stubborn waterproof makeup in a few swipes. And it's free from mineral oils and synthetic ingredients, which means you only get the best for your skin!
Size150mL
Skin TypeAll Skin Types
PackagingPump Bottle
Oil TypeNatural

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Meg Sison

Now that you already know the basics about cleansing oils, we move on to answering the most asked questions about this skincare product. Time to clarify not just your skin, but your doubts as well!

Can You Use Cleansing Oil Even if You Have Oily Skin?

Cleansing oils are great for removing waterproof sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day. It can be used by those with oily skin and all other skin types as well.


Cleansing oils are based on the principle of "like dissolves like," wherein oil-based cleansers are used to dissolve oil-based makeup and sunscreen that are hard to remove with water and soap.

Can Cleansing Oil Cause Breakouts?

Cleansing oils can cause breakouts if they have vitamin E (tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate), olive oil, or coconut oil, which can cause clogged pores in some individuals. Make sure to check the ingredients list first and consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance.

Should You Still Cleanse With Cleansing Oil Even if You Don’t Wear Makeup?

If you don't wear makeup, oil cleansing is not required since there are also water-based cleansers that can remove sunscreen with just one cleansing.

Can You Use Cleansing Oil As Face Oil?

Cleansing oils contain one or more different kinds of oils as well as surfactants. These surfactants make the oil cleanser easier to rinse with water because they aid in removing excess sebum, sweat, dirt, and makeup at the end of the day. For this reason, cleansing oils are not meant to be applied in your skincare routine as a replacement for face oils.

More Tips From Dr. Meg Sison!

The essential steps in a skincare routine consist of cleansing, moisturizing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen. All other steps like the application of toners, essences, serums, and sheet masks, are completely optional.


Choose skincare products based on your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive), skin concerns, and budget. When in doubt, always consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance.

Author: Laura Mercado

Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.

Top 5 Cleansing Oils

No. 1Kiehl'sMidnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

No. 2DHCDeep Cleansing Oil

No. 3Shu UemuraUltime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

No. 4CliniqueTake The Day Off Cleansing Oil

No. 5Dear KlairsGentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil

View Full Ranking

When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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