4 of the Best Hydrating Cleansing Oils I’ve Ever Tried for Melting off Makeup and SPF


best cleaning oils best cleaning oils

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.

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.

This coterie of high-performing cleansing oils leave my skin softer, cleaner and 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.

Keep scrolling for my personal facial cleansing oil faves. But first…


What Are the Benefits of Cleansing Oils?

cleansing oil benefits cleansing oil benefits

I see you typing ‘Cleansing Oil Benefits’ into your phone. Let me save you the time.

Here’s a quick 411 on why you should use a cleansing oil 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.

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 face halo or a muslin cloth before going in with your second cleanse (if needed).


Best Cleansing Oils.


1. Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil.

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oi Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oi

What: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil 150ml

Fast facts:

  • 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.

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

What: CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 236ml

Fast facts:

  • 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 cleanser slash oil.


3. Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil.

Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil

What: 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.

Aesthetics Rx Anti Pollution Cleansing Oil Aesthetics Rx Anti Pollution Cleansing Oil

What: 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).


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.


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; I refuse to do my skincare routine without one.


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