As someone with oily skin, the thought of using a cleansing oil used to make me shudder. I know that cleansing oils are considered some of the best cleansers on the market, but the idea of adding more oil to my skin seemed crazy to me.
Then I became a beauty editor, and suddenly had so much more information at my fingertips about how to cleanse your face, and whether to use cleansing balms, foaming cleansers, water-based cleansers or cleansing oils. As it turns out, oily skin types can really benefit from using a cleansing oil as part of their skincare routine. Why, I hear you ask? These products can attract excess oil on the skin's surface and also help to regulate your skin’s oil production. Pretty cool, right?
Since learning this, I've tested some of the most popular cleansing oils on the market, so keep on scrolling to shop my edit and to learn more about my new skincare staple.
I've tested a wide range of cleansing oils.
What Is a Cleansing Oil?
First things first, what is a cleansing oil and what does it do? "A cleansing oil is designed to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum and impurities on the skin," explains expert facialist Charlotte Connoley. "It’s especially effective at removing oil-based products that water-based cleansers might not be able to dissolve."
As mentioned above, cleansing oils can also draw excess oil out of the skin, so although the nourishing texture is ideal for dry skin types, this product is a great option for oily skin types, too.
Since adding a cleansing oil into my routine my skin has improved dramatically.
How to Use a Cleansing Oil
If you're thinking about adding one of the best cleansing oils into your routine, it's important to know how to use it correctly. "With dry hands, pump a small amount of cleansing oil and massage it onto the skin," advises Connoley. "Take your time to massage the cleansing oil in to ensure makeup, sunscreens and impurities are broken down. Adding water to the oil once it is massaged in will emulsify the oil into a milky consistency. Make sure you remove thoroughly with warm water."
In order to get the most out of your cleansing oil, Connoley recommends starting off your evening skincare routine with an oil cleanser before following up with a second cleanser that has been designed with your specific skin type in mind.
Do Cleansing Oils Clog Pores?
One thing people often ask me is whether a cleansing oil can clog your pores. Connoley assures me that if removed correctly with a cloth or flannel, an oil cleanser shouldn't clog the pores.
That being said, I always recommend opting for a lightweight formula at first to see how your skin reacts. Try to avoid comedogenic oils and look for non-comedogenic options. You also want to ensure that you're not using an oil-based cleanser as your second cleanse, as you want to try and minimise any oily residue left on the skin.
Below, I've included my tried-and-tested edit of the best cleansing oils on the market...
The Best Cleansing Oils, Tried & Tested
- Best lightweight cleansing oil: Naturium Fermented Camellia Creamy Cleansing Oil
- Best affordable cleansing oil: Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil
- Best hydrating cleansing oil: Biossance Squalane and Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
- Best luxury cleansing oil: Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil
- Best cleansing oil for sensitive skin: Curél Makeup Cleansing Oil
1. Naturium Fermented Camellia Creamy Cleansing Oil
Key ingredients: Fermented camellia oil, camellia extract and a nourishing mixture of linoleic oils.
First up is my current go-to cleansing oil from Naturium. I'm a big fan of this skincare brand and the cleansing oil doesn't disappoint. Harnessing a blend of fermented camellia oil and camellia extract, the product leaves your skin feeling hydrated and clean.
This product is a little different than other cleansing oils I have tried, as it has a gel-like consistency that transforms into a lightweight oil when applied to the skin. I like to massage it in for one to two minutes before washing it away with warm water.
It makes light work of removing stubborn makeup (even mascara) and never irritates my complexion or leaves it feeling greasy or sticky.
Pros
- Lightweight gel/oil texture
- Removes makeup without stripping the skin
Cons
- Some people may prefer a traditional oil texture
2. Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil
Best for: Affordability
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, olive oil, rosemary oil and cucumber oil.
Next up is my favourite affordable cleansing oil from Super Facialist. This clever product features a nourishing blend of oils alongside vitamin C to leave your skin practically glowing.
This cleanser has a typical oil consistency that transforms into a lightweight, milky texture when combined with water. I love using this to remove my makeup at the end of the day as it has a citrusy, spa-like scent that makes my evening routine feel so luxurious. Especially considering that it's only £8.
Pros
- Affordable
- Vitamin C leaves skin glowing
- Removes makeup without stripping the skin
Cons
- Bulky packaging can be hard to travel with
3. Dermalogica Precleanse
Key ingredients: Rice bran, olive oil and kukui oils.
Possibly one of the best cleansing oils I have ever tried, Dermalogica's formula has been designed to be used as part of a double cleansing regime to leave your skin squeaky clean but never stripped.
Offering a deep cleansing experience, it works to melt away sebum, sunscreen and makeup (including waterproof mascara). I love this stuff as the gentle formula is sensitive enough to use around the eye area, so I really feel like I can get all of my makeup off in one go.
Similar to the product above, this oil transforms into a milky texture when combined with water, meaning your skin is left feeling silky soft at the end of the day.
Pros
- Offers a very deep cleanse
- Gentle enough to use on the eye area
Cons
- Quite expensive
4. Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil
Best for: A multi-purpose product
Key ingredients: Coconut and sunflower extracts.
I would never normally recommend using the same product on both your face and body, but this Bioderma oil is an exception to the rule. If you're travelling and you want a do-it-all cleansing oil, this is the product for you.
Designed for the face, body and hands, in true Bioderma style, this product is ultra soothing thanks to coconut and sunflower extracts, so it is perfect for dry, irritated or sensitive skin. The nourishing formula cleanses the complexion and strengthens the skin barrier, ensuring that your skin is left feeling smooth and protected.
This product has an oily texture and doesn't transform into a milky emulsion like other cleansing oils; however, it never leaves my skin feeling greasy either. Bioderma, I don't know how you do it, but you've created another staple in my daily routine.
Pros
- Can be used on both the face and body
- Soothing formula
Cons
- Very bulky packaging
- A little oilier than other products in this roundup
5. Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil
Key ingredients: Japanese camellia oil and Hadesai-3, a proprietary fermented complex of rice, algae and green tea.
Designed with all skin types in mind, Tatcha's cleansing oil offers a luxurious experience that will leave your complexion looking (and feeling) incredible. Like most cleansing oils, this product works to remove sunscreen and makeup without stripping the skin, thanks to a nourishing formula of Japanese camellia oil. It completely emulsifies when applied to the skin, so you can trust that no oily residue will be left behind.
"Tatcha is renowned for its luxurious textures that are a joy to use, and this oil cleanser is no exception," says beauty editor Eleanor Vousden. "I love this so much that I actually look forward to taking my makeup off in the evening. The silky oil removes everything (even waterproof mascara and heavy makeup), emulsifying into a milky texture upon contact with water that leaves skin perfectly clean and ready for a second cleanse. It’s by far the best oil cleanser I’ve tried."
Pros
- Silky, lightweight texture
- Removes stubborn makeup
Cons
- Expensive
6. Curél Makeup Cleansing Oil
Best for: Sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Ceramides.
Another great option for dry or sensitive skin comes in the form of Curél Makeup Cleansing Oil. This is one of my favourite skincare brands at the moment, and my sensitive complexion can't get enough of the gentle yet nourishing formulas.
Similar to Tatcha's cleansing oil, this product has a silky texture that transforms into a creamy, milky emulsion on the skin. Although it's gentle, it does a good job at removing makeup, and the formula is packed with ceramides, which means my skin always feels soft and plump after using. Oh, and the pump format gets a big plus from me.
Pros
- Great for senstive skin types
- Leaves skin feeling plump
Cons
- Formula is a little oiler than other products in this roundup
7. 111SKIN Deep Cleansing Oil
Key ingredients: Plant oils, ceramides, prebiotics and the brand's signature NAC Y2 complex.
If you want a cleansing oil that delivers an effective cleanse while also offering a range of skincare benefits, then look no further; 111SKIN's impressive formula is packed with ingredients to help deliver your best skin yet. This product has an incredibly lightweight oil texture that also transforms into a milky emulsion, and it has a subtle yet fresh fragrance that I can't get enough of.
It features ceramides, prebiotics and plant oils to nourish the skin, alongside the brand's impressive NAC Y2 complex. This complex includes a trio of actives, such as vitamin C, that work to boost elasticity and leave your skin looking plump and glowing.
Pros
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- Very expensive
8. Biossance Squalane and Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
Key ingredients: Antioxidants and sugarcane-derived squalane oil.
Featuring sugarcane-derived squalane oil, this clever cleansing oil from Biossance works to mimic the skin's natural oils to leave your skin incredibly hydrated.
"This is a great basic cleansing oil that I think every single skin type would benefit from," says freelance beauty editor Mica Ricketts. "The star ingredient is squalane (derived from sugarcane, so it's vegan), which mimics the skin's natural oils to hydrate without feeling heavy. Not only does it always leave my skin looking fresh and healthy, but it rinses clean away without leaving any hint of residue on the skin's surface."
Pros
- Leaves skin hydrated
- Doesn't leave any residue
Cons
- Struggling to think of any!
How I Tested the Best Cleansing Oils
As mentioned above, when starting out my career as a beauty journalist, I quickly learned that a cleansing oil was a key part of an effective skincare routine. Since trying my first cleansing oil out many years ago, I have tested so many brands, and I am always on the lookout for a product that gently removes any traces of makeup without leaving a greasy residue.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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