The 11 Best Cleansing Oils for Every Skin Type

Cleanser and oil aren't exactly two things you'd expect to go together. After all, isn't the whole point of cleansing to wash away dirt and oil? Well, yes...and no. One of the main goals of washing your face is to remove excess sebum. Sebum is a specific type of oil produced by your skin that can also clog your pores, but it’s also key to keeping your skin nourished. This is why harsh cleansers can leave your skin feeling dry and tight. They’ve completely stripped your skin of the natural oils it needs. 

Cleansing oils, on the other hand, are able to cut through the oil in your makeup, sunscreen, and sebum (oil attracts oil), but because they’re made from non-comedogenic oils, like coconut, olive, and grapeseed, they hydrate, too. The best cleansing oils can remove your makeup (work it over dry skin to break everything up) and gently cleanse your skin (add a little water to emulsify the oil) all in one step.

Whether you have oily skin, sensitive skin, or you're acne-prone, there's a cleansing oil for you. Ready to incorporate this product into your everyday skincare routine? Here are our 11 favorite cleansing oils.

1. SKIN&CO ROMA Truffle Therapy Cleansing Oil

This ultra-luxe cleansing oil came straight from the hills of Umbria, Italy (where it’s made) to the top shelf of your bathroom cabinet. It is formulated with sweet almond oil, which is high in fatty acids, can boost collagen production, and protects skin against free radicals. It also contains hydrating argan oil and soothing aloe vera. But the key ingredient here is black winter truffle extract, which contains a high concentration of powerful antioxidants to keep your skin protected and healthy.

2. NIU BODY Clarify Cleansing Oil

NIU BODY's cleansing oil is an ideal pick for those with acne-prone or oily skin. This formula uses a base of antifungal coconut oil, which regulates sebum production while also providing hydration. Also in the mix: cedarwood oil and tea tree oil. Together they provide antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and redness-reducing benefits. All ideal for stubborn, painful breakouts.

3. TULA Replenishing Cleansing Oil

This gentle oil cleanser will leave all skin types feeling rejuvenated, super clean, and makeup-free. The primary ingredient used to cleanse is rice bran oil, which is packed with vitamin E and fatty acids. It also contains four powerful probiotic strains (found in kefir extract) to moisturize and balance your skin. Finally, a ceramide complex offers anti-aging benefits by keeping moisture in and pollution out.

4. LATHER Chia Seed & Passion Fruit Cleansing Oil

This facial cleansing oil is a top-notch pick for any skin type. The base is of this formula is antioxidant- and vitamin-rich grapeseed oil. Linoleic acid-packed passion fruit (AKA maracuja oil) and chia seed oils hydrate and keeps the skin feeling soft and smooth, and citrus essential oils provide a refreshing scent and boost of vitamin C for radiance.

5. SOO’AE Refining Rose Petal Cleansing Oil

Here is another face oil for those with oily skin. The key ingredient is rosehip oil, which is a super effective oil for regulating sebum production. It's also rich in vitamin A, which is known to provide anti-aging benefits by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also found in this formula are avocado and camellia oils, both of which are praised for a high ability to retain moisture.

6. LEADERS COSMETICS USA Daily Wonders What Happened Last Night? Refreshing Cleansing Oil

After a long night, sometimes you need a facial cleanser that will provide a total reset. This cleansing oil can do just that. Argan oil prevents dry skin, grapefruit extract and malic acid lightly exfoliate and brighten skin, and tea tree oil acts as an antibacterial agent, taming any existing breakouts and keeping future ones at bay.

7. FRANK BODY Anti-Makeup Cleansing Oil

FRANK BODY stays true to its coffee background with this cleansing oil. The base is grapeseed oil (a skincare favorite for its vitamin-rich and moisturizing benefits), but the star of the show is the coffee seed oil. It helps firm and soften skin, and like the kind you drink, will perk up tired skin fast. The formula also contains beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which will help keep your skin clear of breakouts and uneven texture.

8. MAC COSMETICS Cleanse Off Oil

All of the best cleansing oils should double as a makeup remover, but if you are looking for something that can tackle even the toughest waterproof mascaras, opt for this face oil by MAC COSMETICS. This dermatologist-tested formula features a wide range of botanical oils, like olive flower, chamomile flower, lavender, evening primrose, and rosehip. When combined, these will all leave the skin looking super clean and feeling extra soft.

9. ORIGINS Clean Energy™ Gentle Cleansing Oil

This gentle cleanser is an ideal pick for sensitive skin types. The lightweight formula uses sunflower, olive, sesame, and safflower oils along with a couple of lesser-known oils like kukui nut and macadamia oils. These two provide deep moisturization and anti-aging benefits.

10. BOBBI BROWN Soothing Cleansing Oil

BOBBI BROWN’s hydrating cleansing oil also is packed with kukui nut oil and jasmine flower extract for a luxurious-feeling (and smelling!) experience. Jasmine provides moisture and protects the skin against environmental stressors. A handful of other organic oils, like sunflower, olive, and jojoba, also work to cleanse and hydrate the skin. 

11. JUICE BEAUTY Stem Cellular Cleansing Oil

You can always count on the skincare products by JUICE BEAUTY to be made with both nature and science in mind. This formula uses grapeseed oil, a popular foundation for oil cleansers, as its base. However, it strays from the pack by using may chang oil, ho wood oil, and a blend of fruit stem cells. These three unique ingredients work together to improve cell turnover, provide antioxidants, and prevent acne.

Are you a cleansing oil devotee? Take our fun beauty quiz to receive your fave products (like cleansing oils) every month. And remember, if you've received any of the products mentioned here in your Glam Bag, be sure to leave a review so we know which products you loved.