Our Roundup of the Best Cleansing Oils To Try in 2026
I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.
Most people don’t really get the point of oil cleansing, let alone it’s role in the trendy Korean technique that is double cleansing.
And honestly, I get it. The idea of adding another step into your skincare routine sounds like a bit of a gimmick to prod you to buy yet another product.
Isn’t one bloody cleanser enough? Well, maybe not.
Keep scrolling to read all about the benefits of double cleansing for different skin types, and why it's something to make part of your routine ASAP.
But first, here's our round up of best oil cleansers you're going to want to try next...
The Best Oil Cleansers in NZ 2026
Cruelty-free and with no artificial fragrances, Cosmedix Purity Solution Deep Cleansing Oil deeply cleanses the skin without drying it out. Argan, Olive, and Moringa oils keep the skin clear and supple. Melia azadirachta Extract (Neem Extract) removes excess oil, makeup, and sunscreen. If you wear heavily pigmented makeup, this facial cleansing oil could be the perfect formula for you. Protecting the skin’s natural barrier, this cleansing oil is the best cleansing oil for oily skin and those who have a lot of blackheads and blemishes. Hands down the best cleansing oil for acne prone skin.
Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil is a gentle cleansing oil Australian's love. Helping remove even waterproof makeup, the luxurious facial cleansing oil lathers into a milky emulsion when mixed with water and rinses away for a soft and supple skin finish. With Vitamin E to fight free radical damage, Safflower Oil to nourish, and Omega-6 to help rebalance the skin, it cares for skin while it cleans. Perfect for morning and evening use, this oil cleanser leaves the skin looking restored. The optimised ratio of lipids included helps restore the skin and prevent the signs of premature ageing.
Protecting your skin from the drying effects of water, Avène Xeracalm Cleansing Oil is a soap-free oil based face cleanser that cleanses skin gently. With a caring combination of ingredients, this oil cleanser for dry skin is artificial fragrance-free and sulphate-free. The I-Modulia Complex reduces itching caused by dryness. And the Cer-Omega lipids form a film to help protect the skin from aggressors. Use morning and night to cleanse away any debris on the skin. Hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, it’s the perfect facial cleansing oil for those who have trouble with irritated skin, redness, and atopic dermatitis.
The CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser is an affordable oil cleanser, that doesn't sacrifice on quality. Quickly transforming from oil to foam when on the skin, this cleanser is a delight to use. Triglycerides, ceramides and squalane help to maintain hydration in the skin, while removing dirt and impurities. Vitamin B3 then works to brighten and maintain a brilliant complexion.
Developed with the finest blend of botanicals from South Australia, Jurlique Nourishing Cleansing Oil contains a thoughtful combination of Rosemary, Birch, Calendula, Lemon Balm, Liquorice, and Spilanthes oils and extracts. Adding an antioxidant boost, each ingredient works to nourish the complexion while melting away makeup and excess oil. For a youthful, more radiant appearance, apply the brightening cleansing oil to dry skin and gently massage it around the face. It has a lightweight texture, making it perfect for all skin types—especially dry skin. Use 2 to 3 pumps morning and night to reap the botanical benefits.
To Fight the Effects of Water
Surprisingly, water can have a drying effect on the skin. Though you need to wash your face every day, too much water on dehydrated or very dry skin will cause irritation. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Huile Lavante AP+ Cleansing Oil is a nourishing cleansing oil that works to make irritated skin a thing of the past. This is an affordable cleansing oil, suitable for all. Rich in protective fatty acids, this oil based face cleanser doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Acting powerfully but gently, the oil based cleanser will remove stubborn makeup, sunscreen, and other stubborn products. Use daily to maximise the results. You can even add a capful to the bath to soothe your entire body.
A great brightening cleansing oil, Ella Baché Botanical Cleansing Oil reinforces the skin’s natural barrier and helps you say goodbye to imperfections. Versatile and plant-based, this oil based cleanser lets your skin enjoy a deep cleanse without any harsh, damaging effects. Made in Australia, this cleansing oil features Hemp Oil sourced from Byron Bay and Sweet Almond Oil to help balance out the skin. Evening Primrose will help calm the mind and Kakadu Plum Seed Oil is a powerful antioxidant that helps defend the skin from free radicals.
A Cult Classic Reimagined
With protective Vitamin E and Omegas 3, 6, and 9, Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil is intensely nourishing oil based face cleanser. If you’re searching for the best cleansing oil for combination skin, give this one a try. The luxurious oils melt into the skin and leave it feeling hydrated and nourished, never greasy. Safe enough to use around the delicate eye area, the brightening cleansing oil always leaves skin feeling clean and comfortable. Massage into the skin gently and add water to make an effective milky emulsion. Use once or twice a day.
So, What Is Oil Cleansing and How Does It Work?
The oil cleansing method is the first step of a K-Beauty technique called double cleansing, which involves using two different cleansers to wash your skin successfully.
Oil cleansing is promoted as the first step of this diligent routine because of its incredible ability to break down the makeup, oil, sunscreen and other oil-soluble products on your skin because of the combination of oil and surfactants in cleansing oil formulas.
While oil cleansers are great at getting rid of the initial buildup left on your skin at the end of the day, it is important to go in with a second water-based cleanser to really clean your skin once the other products have been removed.
Okay, But Why Are Both Types of Cleansing Important?
If at this point you get why cleaning your skin twice might be important, you may still be wondering why not just clean it with the same cleanser twice?
And look, it’s not the worst idea in the world.
Oil cleansers are just particularly good at breaking that first layer of stuff down and doing it gently.
Water based cleansers may contain more effective surfactants, but this can mean that using them twice is a bit stripping and irritating for our delicate skin barriers.
Following up an oil based cleanser with a water based cleanser can also help remove any (oily) residue left behind on the skin from the first cleanse.
What Are the Benefits of Oil Cleansing?
- Works effectively to clean out pores
- Helps to balance sebum
- May soothe skin sensitive, as opposed to harsher surfactants found in regular cleansers
- Removes dead skin and pollutants
- Helps to keep skin hydrated
Who Should Use Oil Cleansers & How Often Should You Oil Cleanse?
If you have unbalanced or sensitive skin types and like the benefits listed above - give oil cleansing a shot.
However, if you have pretty normal skin and you don’t wear any makeup or other heavy skin care products like SPF or primer, you can certainly skip an oil cleanser.
You’re just missing out on the best cleanse of your life...
Oil cleansing can be done once a day, as part of your evening routine, or whenever you need to break down excessive build up, dirt or makeup.
For more info listen to Hannah as she explains her oily skincare routine...
Want to find out more about oil cleansing and other great ways to keep your skin clear of impurities? Check out some of our guides:
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
