4 Best Hydrating Cleansing Oils for Melting Off Makeup and SPF
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
Low on time? Check out our key takeaways below
Key Takeaways
- Cleansing oils are essential in my skincare routine for effectively removing makeup and impurities without harming my skin barrier.
- Cleansing oils contain nourishing ingredients that hydrate and soften the skin, making them ideal for all skin types, including dry skin.
- Using cleansing oils on dry skin enhances their effectiveness, helping to break down stubborn makeup and excess oil effortlessly.
- Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil is one of my top picks for its gentle formula that swiftly removes even waterproof makeup.
- CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser stands out for its ability to cleanse while adding hydration, thanks to its essential ceramides.
- Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil impressed me with its luxurious feel and ability to leave my skin radiant without needing a second cleanse.
- Aesthetics Rx Anti Pollution Cleansing Oil is fantastic for combating environmental pollutants while providing a refreshing cleansing experience.
- Skinstitut Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil is another worthy mention, though I found it required a second cleanse for best results.
Skincare-savvy pals, now that we’ve told you about the importance of double cleansing (hopefully after reading that article, you’re just as fastidious about your cleansing routine as us), it’s time to add a cleansing oil to your skincare regimen. Not to be a beauty goody-goody, but I am a consummate cleansing oil user.
What is cleansing oil? I rely on them heavily to break down all the makeup, SPF and impurities on my skin rather than using a makeup wipe (if you haven’t watched this orange peel analogy video already, please do so immediately).
But their biggest flex? Besides feeling heavenly on the skin (and super-satisfying when you see everything melting off), cleansing oils do all of the above without compromising or disrupting your skin barrier, as some harsh cleansers can do.
If you haven’t yet experienced the decadent experience that is a cleansing oil, your face is seriously missing out (especially if you have dry skin).
Below, I’ve rounded up four of the best cleansing oils my face can’t get enough of at the moment, including ones that can remove even the most stubborn of makeup (looking at you, MAC Locked Kiss Ink, you sexy but hard-to-get-off thing you).
P.S. Oily skin pals, don’t worry: I have an oily t-zone, and none of these cleansing oils feel heavy or like they’re clogging my skin.
What Are the Benefits of Cleansing Oils?
I see you typing ‘Cleansing Oil Benefits’ into your phone. Let me save you the time.
When to comes to the benefits of oil cleansers, here’s a quick 411 on why you should use one in your routine.
As the name suggests, cleansing oils are oil-based cleansers that often use surfactants (a substance that gently helps to trap dirt and debris on the surface level of the skin) to remove makeup and excess oil from the skin.
Because, oil attracts oil.
That’s why they're really good at breaking through and breaking down the oils in your makeup, SPF etc.
They also often contain plant oils which are rich in glycerides as well as added hydrating and moisturising ingredients to leave you your skin softer rather than tight, or dry.
How to Use a Cleansing Oil.
How to use an oil cleanser?
The best way to use a cleansing oil is usually on dry skin - I know, seems counterintuitive - but it works.
Some formulas you can emulsify with some water then wipe or rinse clean with a cleansing or a muslin cloth before going in with your second cleanse (if needed).
Best Cleansing Oils.
1. Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil.
Fast facts:
- The Bioderma oil cleanser is a gentle, dermatologically-tested formula that can be used by sensitive skin.
- Contains micellar technology that attracts and captures impurities and dirt from the skin.
- Infused with nourishing oils that help dissolve even the most stubborn makeup (including waterproof makeup).
- Vitamin E in the formula ensures skin is left feeling soft.
My Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil review:
The French pharmacy skincare experts have nailed their latest cleansing oil product.
A great follow up from their OG micellar water (also part of my daily cleansing routine), this silky, gentle and effective cleansing oil was an instant yes from me.
Why? Because I saw instant magic happening before my eyes.
The first time I tried the Bioderma cleansing oil, I had MAC locked kiss ink on and was shooketh when I saw it take the red lip off in one fell swoop.
Not to mention it feels so luxe (without the luxe price tag) on the skin. Like, you can’t stop massaging your face kind of vibe.
I made my cousin try this one too as she’s experiencing some sensitivity, her review: “Oh that is so good, yep Ok I'm getting one.”
Few affordable cleansing oils can rival my beloved CeraVe one below but this one is definitely on par.
2. CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser.
Fast facts:
- A good oil cleanser that's also budget-friendly.
- This oil cleanser gently cleanses skin while also providing hydration thanks to the 3 essential ceramides in its formula.
- Replenishes skin’s moisture and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
- Hero ingredients (besides the 3 essential ceramides) include niacinamide, triglycerides and plant-derived squalane oils.
My CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser review:
CeraVe cleansers are like a thing. Their cult status comes from being adorable, effective and budget-friendly.
After the Clinique Even Better All Over Concealer, the CeraVe hydrating foaming oil cleanser is one of the beauty products I talk about (and recommend) most.
No other cleanser has produced the same results as this one in effectively removing all my makeup without having to do a second cleanse.
I also find it offers the most generous application out of all the cleansers in the mix.
Their biggest draw card is that they contain ceramides, which you can read about here to find out why this is such a skin-loving ingredient (particularly if you have dry skin).
If you want one of the BEST cleansing oils, or cleansers just in life, get yourself this CeraVe oil cleanser.
3. Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil.
Fast facts:
- Has over 60 five star reviews.
- An oil-to-milk formula that’s suited to all skin types.
- Promotes a more radiant complexion.
- Contains vitamin E, Omega-6 (ebalances skin’s lipid levels) and safflower oil (nourishes and smoothes skin).
My Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil review:
As a first time user of this popular cleansing oil, I was super impressed.
Not all surprising because Medik8 are a trusted, science-backed skincare brand that are incapable of getting any product or formula wrong.
Even a cleanser.
This Grade A cleansing oil feels so nourishing and decadent on the skin - it’s like you're giving yourself an in-house spa experience in the comfort of your own home.
Melting beautifully on the skin, the silky emulsion didn’t feel grippy or slip around too much.
My skin was left soft, radiant and I also noticed a subtle luminosity.
I also didn't need to do much of a second cleanse with this one either.
I’m not at all shocked that so many would spend their money on a luxe, cosmeceutical cleansing oil like this one.
4. Aesthetics Rx Anti Pollution Cleansing Oil.
Fast facts:
- A scientifically-formulated cosmeceutical cleansing oil that strengthens and brightens.
- Helps to rid skin of dirt, grease, makeup and pollution from the day.
- Reduces transepidermal water loss.
- Its velvety oil texture transforms into a silky milk upon contact & gives you a luxe cleansing experience.
- Balances sebum and excess oil on the surface of the skin.
- Formulated with Biome Oleoactif® (beneficial bacteria that supports the skin microbiome), Lipochroman® molecule (protects against free radical damage) and kakadu plum seed oil (has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties).
My Aesthetics Rx Anti Pollution Cleansing Oil review:
I would say this is the cleansing oil that's most compatible with dry and mature skins.
Though my skin isn't really ‘mature’ I’ve had this cleansing oil on rotation for about a year and love it.
I really rate its performance and how quickly and nicely it whisks away makeup leaving the face refreshed and revitalised.
I even influenced my aunty who has really dry skin and says it "feels so beautiful" on her parched, ageing skin to buy it (Ok she actually she bought two. She's bougie).
More top cleansing oils:
I know I said four but I’m like the queen of sneaking more reccos in.
The Skinstitut Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil is one I also think is worth mentioning and feel it deserves a spot in this best cleansing oils list.
I did find I needed a second cleanse with this one but I still loved it as a first step cleanser as it left my skin soft and supple.
You can see it in action in this Instagram video.
And, if you’re looking for a good Korean oil cleanser, the centella cleansing oil from SKIN1004 is also a great choice. It’s both affordable ($37) and users have praised its lightweight formula while still effectively removing their makeup.
Finally...
We have a bunch of *really* good cleansing oils and we don't have time to list them all, but you can peruse at your own pleasure here.
I personally love how cleansing oils work and feel on my skin; The best cleansing oil for you will be the one that doesn't leave your skin stripped afterwards.
I refuse to do my skincare routine without one.
For more skincare reviews and product recommendations, check out these BIQ articles:
