Cleansing Oils: What They Are and Whether You Should Use One
Cleansing oils are effective facial cleansers that can help maintain skin barrier function while removing makeup, dirt, and excess sebum without causing excessive dryness, and they are particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin. 1
What Are Cleansing Oils?
- Cleansing oils are oil-based facial cleansers that work on the principle that "like dissolves like," using oils to dissolve and remove oil-based impurities such as sebum, makeup, and environmental pollutants from the skin 2
- They typically contain a blend of oils (mineral oils, plant oils like sunflower seed oil, or synthetic oils) combined with emulsifiers that allow the product to rinse clean with water 3
- Unlike traditional surfactant-heavy cleansers, cleansing oils are formulated to cleanse without significantly disrupting the skin's natural barrier function 2
How Cleansing Oils Work
- Cleansing oils bind to oil-based impurities on the skin's surface through a process similar to oil emulsification 2
- When water is added during rinsing, the emulsifiers in the formula allow the oils (along with the dissolved impurities) to be washed away cleanly 3
- This cleansing mechanism is generally less disruptive to the skin barrier compared to traditional surfactant-based cleansers that can strip away natural oils 3
Benefits of Using Cleansing Oils
- Cleansing oils can effectively remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum while being gentler on the skin barrier compared to surfactant-heavy cleansers 3
- They may help maintain skin hydration by not stripping away as many natural oils as traditional cleansers 4
- Polar oils (like sunflower seed oil) have been shown to reduce surfactant-induced skin irritation by up to 20% by protecting proteins from surfactant binding 3
- Cleansing oils can be particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin conditions 1
Potential Drawbacks
- Some cleansing oils may contain fragrances or essential oils that could trigger allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals 5
- People with acne-prone skin should choose non-comedogenic cleansing oils to avoid potential pore clogging 6
- Some users may find the texture or residue of certain cleansing oils unpleasant, particularly if not properly rinsed 6
Who Should Consider Using Cleansing Oils?
- Individuals with dry or sensitive skin who find traditional cleansers too stripping or irritating 1
- Those who wear heavy or waterproof makeup that requires more effective removal 2
- People experiencing irritant contact dermatitis from traditional cleansers 5
- Individuals with mature skin that tends to be drier and benefits from gentler cleansing options 1
Who Should Exercise Caution
- Those with known allergies to specific oils or fragrances should carefully check ingredients 5
- Individuals with very oily or acne-prone skin may need to select cleansing oils specifically formulated for their skin type 6
Best Practices for Using Cleansing Oils
- Apply cleansing oil to dry skin (not wet) and massage gently to dissolve makeup and impurities 1
- Add a small amount of lukewarm water to emulsify the oil before rinsing thoroughly 5
- Follow with a gentle moisturizer to lock in hydration 5
- For those with sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free formulations to minimize potential irritation 7
- Consider using cleansing oils as part of a double-cleansing routine (oil cleanser followed by a gentle water-based cleanser) for thorough cleansing 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Using water that is too hot, which can further irritate sensitive skin 5
- Not rinsing thoroughly, which may leave residue that could potentially clog pores 6
- Choosing products with known irritants or allergens if you have sensitive skin 5
- Rubbing skin too vigorously during cleansing, which can cause irritation 5