Blog
These Cleansing Oils Won’t Leave a Trace of Makeup Behind

Even if you’re wary of oil-based products, the best cleansing oil might change your mind and skin. Why? These gentle cleansers are perfect for all skin types—including oily and acne-prone—and can melt away stubborn makeup without stripping your skin or compromising your moisture barrier.
How they work: The oil base pairs with a surfactant, so the formula binds itself to dirt and shows grime the way out. Massage thoroughly to dry skin, emulsify with water, and rinse. If you’re oily or wear makeup, follow up with a water-based cleanser to reveal a soft, smooth canvas for the rest of your skin-care routine. Ready for the gentlest cleanse of your life? Keep reading to discover our favorites of all we’ve tested.
Our Top Cleansing Oils
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Man:yo Cleansing Oil
Why this is our top pick: Brought to you by the magic of Korean skin care, Man:yo’s Cleansing Oil transforms from a silky oil into a luxe, cleansing milk that targets blackheads and whiteheads without clogging your precious pores. Packed with 14 plant oils, the formula hydrates the skin, while argan kernel oil regulates sebum (a.k.a. oil production) and supports cell regeneration for your smoothest complexion yet. It’s great for all skin types, including acne-prone, so it deeply cleanses without irritating your skin like acid-infused exfoliating options might. Pro tip: When applying, spend extra time on your nose and its nooks and crannies—prime real estate for blackhead buildup.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
“Oil cleansing for a few minutes every single night has taken my skin from good to great, and Man:yo’s Pure Cleansing Oil has been my go-to. When my pores are particularly clogged, I can physically feel the sebum and dirt coming out after rubbing a couple of pumps of this gentle formula into my skin. It’s the only reason my facialists are always telling me there’s no need for extractions.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
- Key ingredients: argan kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil
- Who it’s for: people with blackheads
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: makeup-removing
- Size: 6.7 oz.
- How often to use: daily
Best for Face and Body: La-Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: Can we get an “oh la la” for the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil? This oil from the beloved French pharmacy brand is deeply hydrating, non-stripping, and leaves your skin feeling soothed and smoothed for up to 24 hours. It’s gentle enough to use on babies as young as two weeks and is accepted by the National Eczema Association.
This foaming cleanser can also be used on your body, making it an ideal two-in-one shower routine staple. Take it from Divya Shokeen, MD, a California-based, board-certified dermatologist, who referred to this pick as a “gentle, nourishing shower oil [that] is free from soap, sulfate[s], and parabens.”
Tester feedback from contributing editor Deanna Pai
“I’m pretty low-maintenance, so my gripe with most cleansers is that I need a separate micellar water to remove my waterproof mascara. Two steps? With a toddler? I prefer this oil-based cleanser, which not only rinses away my more stubborn makeup and sunscreen with ease but also has a really nice, satisfying lather. And it just works: Even when I’ve got a full-eye look, I never have to go back in to swipe away residue from my lashes.”—Deanna Pai, contributing editor
- Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin
- Who it’s for: people with dry skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: can be used on body
- Size: 13.5 oz.
- How often to use: daily
Best for Clogged Pores: Hanskin AHA Pore Cleansing Oil with PHA
Why it’s worth it: When your skin’s feeling seriously congested, Hanskin’s PHA Pore Cleansing Oil is the kind of product you’ll want on standby. It lightly exfoliates to slough away dead skin cells and blackheads, but thanks to polyhydroxy acid (which penetrates the skin more slowly than its sister acid, alpha hydroxy acid), the formula is still gentle enough for sensitive skin. It also includes breakout-fighting tea tree oil, balanced by jojoba oil and camellia japonica flower extract to keep skin smooth and soothed.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“Hanskin has a corresponding cleansing oil for every acid, but I prefer the PHA for my nighttime routine because it’s the gentlest of the bunch. I’ve been trying to up my exfoliating game, and incorporating a cleanser that helps unclog congested pores and reduce the look of my plentiful blackheads is a super easy way to do just that. (I use a cleansing oil every day after all!) It truly melts all of my makeup and sunscreen off, and my skin feels clean but not tight and ready for its second cleanse, and all that follows.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
- Key ingredients: PHA, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, camellia japonica flower extract
- Who it’s for: all skin types, but especially people with blackheads and sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: removes makeup without causing eye irritation, fights breakouts, hydrating
- Size: 10 oz.
- How often to use: daily
Best For Waterproof Makeup: Dieux Ethereal Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: All the cleansing oils on this list can melt down makeup, but this one goes extra hard on your waterproof looks, so you spend less time scrubbing your glam off and more time on the rest of your skin-care steps. Its power comes from a double emulsifier complex that melts makeup off in seconds, no harsh rubbing required. During testing, our editors found that it removed every trace of makeup without leaving behind an oily residue. So, you’re in luck if there’s a time crunch. However, if you’re the acne-prone type, we recommend going in with your fave cleanser as a second step to make sure your skin is extra clean.
“The combo of sunscreen, bb cream, liquid blush, and water-resistant eye makeup makes taking my face off at the end of the day challenging without a cleansing oil. This unscented formula melts all of the above down in seconds—thoroughly sweeping them away and leaving behind a silky finish. I appreciate its pump nozzle, which makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of oil I need for my face and neck.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
- Key ingredients: instant dissolve complex, double cleanse emulsifier complex
- Who it’s for: all skin types, people who wear full-glam makeup looks
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: softening, great for sensitive skin
- Size: 3 oz.
- How often to use: daily
Best Korean Cleansing Oil: Erborian Centella Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: Erborian’s Centella Cleansing Oil is powered by skin-care lifesavers like Centella asiatica extract, bisabolol, and sunflower seed oil to create a soothing, nourishing formula that leaves skin looking fresh and clean. Centella asiatica (also known as cicia), a popular ingredient in Korean skin care, is known for its healing and hydrating properties, making it a go-to for sensitive skin types. Along with the other oils in the formula, it cleanses the day off without stripping the skin, leaving it soft, hydrated, and bouncy.
“This light yet effective cleansing oil was so good, I used it down to the very last drop! It’s great at removing makeup (both tubing mascara and crunchy brow gel), doubles as a base for my nightly gua sha routine, and leaves skin feeling silky—never stripped. Erborian, I think I’m gonna need another bottle…” —Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director
- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, bisabolol, sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil
- Who it’s for: all skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: removes makeup without irritating the eyes
- Size: 6 oz.
- How often to use: twice daily
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: With Tatcha’s signature blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients like rice bran oil, green tea, and algae, along with Japanese camellia oil, the Best of Beauty-winning Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil offers a gentle yet thorough cleanse, leaving skin feeling dewy and smooth. “This ultralight oil cleanser did my skin good each and every morning, not only leaving it clean but noticeably less red, too,” said one Allure tester while trying this product in her Japanese skin-care routine—no wonder it’s a major beauty editor (and celeb) favorite.
“If I’m wearing foundation, then I’m rinsing it off with this cleansing oil. The pump format makes it mess-free, and the formula itself melts away even my waterproof mascara without stripping my skin or, worse, leaving it feeling greasy.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: camellia oil, rice bran oil, rice ferment
- Who it’s for: all skin types, but especially people with dry skin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Additional benefits: hydrating
- Size: 5 oz.
- How often to use: twice daily
More cleansing oils we love
Best for Dry Skin: Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: The Best of Beauty-winning Ginger Melt Cleansing Oil is a powerhouse on dry skin thanks to sunflower seed oil, which sinks directly into the skin for that nourished, never stripped, feeling you crave after cleansing. Other additions? Anti-inflammatory sunflower seed oil, an ingredient backed by Chesahna Kindred, MD, a Maryland-based board-certified dermatologist. She tells Allure it’s an “essential oil that repairs the skin barrier.” There are also two antioxidants present in the formula, grapeseed oil and ginger root extract, to soften skin and guard it from free radicals.
- Key ingredients: ginger root extract, grapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil
- Who it’s for: people who want the best of both worlds
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: gentle exfoliation
- Size: 5 oz.
- How often to use: twice daily
Best for Sensitive Skin: Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: Eau Thermale Avène’s XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil is a favorite of New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Claire Chang, MD, who says that the product leaves skin feeling restored and soft. She shouts out the brand’s mineral-rich Thermal Spring Water, as well as glycerin and omega-6 (a fatty acid found in linoleic acid that promotes a healthy barrier), which work together to calm and nourish your complexion after a long day of melty sunscreen and makeup. This gentle cleansing oil can be safely used on newborns, so it’s a worthwhile purchase for the whole family.
“My daughter’s pediatrician does not like to recommend products, but this is one she told us to try out—and it’s helped both of us manage our crazy-itchy skin and eczema flare-ups for years! Oil-based washes are great for super sensitive people who don’t do well with harsh surfactants (which create fun but often skin-stripping foamy lathers) and skin that can’t be in the water for too long (I see you, dermatitis friends!). The nice thing is, when your barrier is highly compromised, you can follow up with Avène’s XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream out of the shower, which helps further reset your skin’s microbiome and replenish its skin barrier.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
- Key ingredients: Avène thermal spring water, postbiotics, glycerin
- Who it’s for: sensitive skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: safe on babies
- Size: 14 oz., 25 oz.
- How often to use: daily
Best Exfoliating: Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: Mara’s Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil took home a 2024 Best of Beauty Award in the “Clean” category. Editors loved its fruit-powered exfoliating abilities and squalane’s makeup- and SPF-residue-melting power. Plus, it’s super hydrating, with spirulina and kelp to lock in moisture. Shout out to pumpkin, pineapple, papaya, and grapefruit enzymes for all the soothing and brightening goodness.
Tester feedback from Kinonen
“I may be a big cleansing balm fan, but I will always make an exception for this exfoliating cleansing oil. I love everything about it: its gritty texture, earthy scent, luxe-looking blue bottle, and obviously its sensitive skin-friendly ingredient list.”
- Key ingredients: pumpkin, pineapple, papaya, and grapefruit enzymes, squalane, chia, moringa, spirulina, kelp
- Who it’s for: people who want light exfoliation
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Additional benefits: brightening, soothing
- Size: 4 oz.
- How often to use: twice daily
More cleansing oils we love
Best for Mature Skin: Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: According to Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, Tata Harper’s Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser is one of the best facial cleansing oils on the market for mature skin. Why? It offers a healthy-looking complexion thanks to high-quality ingredients like camellia oil, vitamins A, C, E, omega 3s, and squalane. Together, these heavy hitters smooth texture and add a much-needed moisture boost for dry skin. A cool fact: The cleansing oil is formulated and packaged on Harper’s 1,200 acre Vermont farm—no outsourcing needed.
- Key ingredients: squalane, jojoba oil, green tea oil
- Who it’s for: those dealing with age-related dryness and laxity
- Fragrance-free: no
- Additional benefits: skin-evening
- Size: 4 oz.
- How often to use: twice daily
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cleansing oil?
“Cleansing oil” refers to oil-based face washes that replenish moisture and gently remove makeup, excess sebum, and sunscreen. According to Shereene Idriss, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, cleansing oils don’t strip your skin of its natural moisture, which is essential for a plump, smooth, and fine line-free complexion. “Cleansing oils usually contain an oil base, along with a traditional skin-cleansing ingredient called a surfactant, which helps bind to dirt on the skin and remove it without disrupting the skin barrier,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, explains further.
Who can use cleansing oils?
In short, everyone! If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the concept of slathering on any oil-based products like cleansing oils might seem counterintuitive—but think again. “Because makeup and sebum are lipophilic [meaning they dissolve in oil], using an oil-based cleanser can be more effective,” says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
While oil-based cleansers—or any cleansers, for that matter—don’t stay on your face for too long, it doesn’t hurt that most are infused with moisturizing ingredients, like jojoba seed oil, apricot kernel oil, and Centella asiatica extract, which actively nourish skin while giving it a deep clean. If you have sensitive skin, just check the label’s ingredients list to ensure the formula doesn’t contain any irritants like synthetic fragrances.
How do I use a cleansing oil?
Make sure you work your cleansing oil onto dry skin so it breaks down waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and dirt before emulsifying and rinsing off with lukewarm water, or gently wiping it away with a soft muslin cloth. Plus, since cleansing oil dissolves makeup, it’s a great first step if you have product residue on your face. “Use it as a first step to remove all the makeup. Rub it in and massage it in circular motions for two to three minutes to get all the makeup off the skin,” Dr. Kim advises.
How often should I use a cleansing oil?
Each product bears different usage instructions, so read the back of the bottle for details on how often to use your cleanser. Still, most cleansing oils are fine to use twice daily, but start once daily to see how your skin reacts to your new pick.
Is double-cleansing worth it?
Like with all skin care, whether you double-cleanse or not depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. In case you need a refresher, double-cleansing—that is, starting your routine with a remove-it-all cleansing oil (or cleansing balm) to dissolve makeup, sebum, and sunscreen before going in with a water-based cleanser to remove remaining impurities—has gone from a niche Korean skin-care step to a mainstream practice over the past decade or so.
However, it’s worth noting that double cleansing isn’t for everyone’s skin-care routines. If you have oily skin and/or wear makeup daily, you might find double cleansing every evening works just fine for you. However, Dr. Kim says that if your skin is normal to dry, or you’re only an occasional makeup wearer, double cleansing daily isn’t necessary. “Double cleansing [can be] very, very stripping to the skin,” Rita V. Linkner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at RVL Skincare in New York City, previously told Allure. “[Double cleansing always] needs to be followed up with a proper moisturizer to reinstall hydration immediately,” she added.
Meet the experts
- Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Shereene Idriss, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City
- Chesahna Kindred, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Maryland
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City
- Rita V. Linkner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at RVL Skincare in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best cleansing oils, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
More content for your ideal cleansing routine:
Done reading? Now, watch behind the scenes of Madelyn Cline’s Allure cover shoot:
Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! And don’t forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok—or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.