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.
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.
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.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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
Here are some key points to consider:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From ₱1,900
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!
Size | 175mL |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Packaging | Pump Bottle |
Oil Type | Mineral, Ester, Natural |
From ₱1,144
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!
Size | 200mL |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Packaging | Pump Bottle |
Oil Type | Natural |
From ₱4,432
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!
Size | 450mL |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types (Especially Dry and Oily Skin) |
Packaging | Pump Bottle |
Oil Type | Ester, Natural |
From ₱2,300
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.
Size | 200mL |
---|---|
Skin Type | Acne-Prone, Combination, and Sensitive Skin |
Packaging | Pump Bottle |
Oil Type | Ester, Natural |
From ₱1,060
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.
Size | 150mL |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types (Especially Oily, Combination, or Sensitive Skin) |
Packaging | Pump Bottle |
Oil Type | Natural |
From ₱659
Size | 200mL |
---|---|
Skin Type | Sensitive Skin |
Packaging | Pump Bottle |
Oil Type | Ester, Natural |
From ₱420
Size | 150mL |
---|---|
Skin Type | Normal and Dry Skin |
Packaging | Pump Bottle |
Oil Type | Mineral, Natural |
From ₱275
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.
Size | 95mL |
---|---|
Skin Type | Sensitive Skin |
Packaging | Spray Bottle |
Oil Type | Natural |
From ₱375
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.
Size | 150mL |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Packaging | Pump Bottle |
Oil Type | Mineral, Ester |
From ₱2,246
Size | 150mL |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Packaging | Pump Bottle |
Oil Type | Natural |
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you do a 3-step, 7-step, or even 15-step nightly skincare routine, here are some products worth checking to get that glow.
Author: Laura Mercado
Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia
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.
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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