Oils are solvents, meaning that they can absorb the oils found in our make-up and excess sebum produced by our skin to deeply cleanse the face without disrupting its natural protective barriers or leaving it stripped of moisture.
Another reason to opt for an oil-based cleansing method is because oil cleansers are more gentle on the skin than other make-up removal alternatives, like make-up removing wipes or micellar water, whilst still removing hard-to-budge make-up like waterproof mascara.
Which Oil Cleanser Suits Your Skin Type?
The idea of cleansing with oil can sound counter-intuitive for those with oily or combination skin, but there is an oil-based solution for every skin type.
Those with acne-prone or oily skin should be sticking to lighter natural oils like coconut oil, lavender oil and vitamin E-rich grapeseed oil, which won't weigh too heavily on the skin or cause breakouts.
This goes for sensitive skin, too – oil cleansers can provide a natural solution for those who flare up at harsh chemicals. Those combatting dry skin can opt for oils with richly hydrating properties like avocado oil and olive oil.
Here's a list for the best cleansing oils to adopt into your skincare routine.
The Best Oil Cleansers In Australia
Fancy Face Nourishing Oil Cleanser, $45 at Go-To Skincare
Formulated with five botanical plant oils (camellia, sunflower, sweet almond, argan, passionfruit seed oil), antioxidants (vitamin e), and essential fatty acids, this oil cleanser will nourish all skin types and leave your face feeling fresh and soft.
Shop here
Dermalogica PreCleanse Cleansing Oil 150ml, $59.40 at Adore Beauty
Watch the most stubborn make-up disappear with this plant-based cleanser. Using olive and kuki oils as well as rice bran and vitamin E, this formula dissolves sebum without disrupting your skin’s protective barriers to deliver a deeply penetrating clean.
Shop here
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Huile Lavante AP+ Cleansing Oil, $34.95 at Adore Beauty
Ideal for those with sensitive or dry to very dry skin, La Roche-Posay’s cleansing oil is formulated with prebiotic Aqua Posae Filiformis to blanace your skin’s microbiome, as well as soothing Niacinamide and lipid-replenishing Shea Butter.
Shop here
Bare Minerals Smoothness Hydrating Clenasing Oil, $48 at MECCA
Garnering stellar reviews from users, the Bare Minerals Oil Obsessed Cleansing Oil is lightweight and effortless, leaving skin smooth and silky without blocking pores. It uses a blend of sunflower, jojoba and cucumber oils to remove impurities and nourish the complexion.
Shop here
Medik-8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil, $52 at Adore Beauty
Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, this hydrating formula combines vitamin E, Omega-6 and Safflower Oil to balance the skin’s lipid levels and transforms into a milky emulsion when combined with water for a luxurious cleansing experience.
Shop here
La Mer The Cleansing Oil 200ml, $135 at MECCA
By using marine oils and ionizing sea salts, the La Mer Cleansing Oil is a detoxifying cleanser that simultaneously removes make-up and conditions skin. Users rave about its unique ability to soothe skin, minimising blemishes and acne.
Shop here
Avène Xeracalm Cleansing Oil, $35.95 at Adore Beauty
Carefully crafted for dull, dry or sensitive skin using minimal ingredients, this soap-free cleansing oil uses lipids to protect the complexion from external influences, and soothes and repairs dry skin.
Shop here
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Cleansing Oil, $54 at MECCA
This product stands out among the rest by boasting the ability to reduce wrinkles and fine lines by using fruit stem cells and resveratrol. On top of that, its organic and cruelty-free formula firms skin and smoothens the complexion, making it the perfect anti-ageing cleanser for mature or sensitive skin.
Shop here
Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil, $77 at MECCA
Making up the first half of Tatcha’s iconic double-cleanse technique, this award-winning product is renowned for its capacity to seamlessly melt off all make-up (even waterproof), and leave skin feeling fresh, clean and hydrated. Using a blend of Japanese camellia oil and rice bran oil, it will leave your skin feeling clean and luxuriously soft.
Shop here
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil 200 ml, $38.50 at Lila Beauty
This much-loved holy grail of cleansing oils is a water-soluble solution that uses an olive oil base to remove make-up and dirt. The formula also contains capric triglyceride and pentylene gloycol to moisturise and enrich skin. Recommended by dermatologists, it’s a deeply nourishing cleansing oil that poses benefits for every skin type.
Shop here
Lotion Bar Face Cleansing Oil, $55 at Hard to find
Formulated with natural oils, this cleanser will dissolve and dislodge impurities from the skin without stripping you rnatural sebum, leaving skin soft and supple.
Shop here
Sisley Triple-Oil Balm Make-Up Remover & Cleanser, $155 at David Jones
Creamy, nourishing and comforting, this oil-balm transforms with water and is enriched active ingredients to protect the skin while removing dirt, makeup (including waterproof formulas) and SPF.
Shop here
