The oil cleansing method uses selected oils to gently clean the skin and remove makeup. It can offer extra advantages, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Oil cleansing consists of applying particular oils to the face instead of relying on water-based cleansers. For some individuals — notably those with dry or easily irritated skin — cleansing oils can be a milder approach to washing the face.
Read on to learn about the advantages of oil cleansing and get practical tips for incorporating it into your skincare routine.
What is the oil cleansing method?
At first glance, oil cleansing may seem counterintuitive. You’ve likely seen warnings about avoiding oil on the face, and it may seem logical that only oil-free products lead to clear, healthy skin.
Yet certain oils can be beneficial. Time-honored, soothing ingredients that have been used around the world are regaining popularity as oil-based face cleansing becomes more mainstream.
Many well-known brands now offer oil cleansers, and numerous people use oil cleansing to gently:
- remove makeup
- calm sensitive skin
- help reduce breakouts
Why use oil cleansing?
For a lot of people, “cleansing” conjures images of foamy lather.
Oil cleansing can include products that foam, but it often simply involves applying pure oils and wiping them away with a damp cloth.
Some individuals, particularly followers of K-beauty routines, pair the oil cleanse with a mild water-based cleanser to eliminate any remaining oil.
K-beauty refers to Korean beauty, a broad term for Korean skincare products and techniques that have gained popularity in the United States.
Benefits of oil cleansing
The logic behind coating your face in oils for cleansing comes from the principle of “like dissolves like.”
In practice, applying clean, nourishing oils aims to:
- lift excess sebum, the oily substance produced by glands in your skin
- clear clogged pores, such as blackheads and whiteheads
- remove dead skin cells, environmental pollutants, and makeup
This is why many makeup removers are oil-based — oil can dissolve oil-free, oil-based, and waterproof products on your skin and lashes.
Conventional cleansers can sometimes irritate skin, cause over-drying, and trigger increased oil production after washing. Oil cleansing, in contrast, can help balance the skin and retain moisture.
Using oils instead of soap- or detergent-based cleansers can also help preserve the skin’s natural lipid barrier and the beneficial microbes that live there.
Research from 2023 indicated that certain bacteria on the skin may help defend against acne and infections.
Oils used for cleansing may have other skin-supporting qualities, though direct research on oil cleansing is still limited. For example:
- A study of 60 adults and children found that using bath oil every other day for a month appeared to improve skin barrier function and relieve dryness more effectively than oil-free cleansers.
- A 2023 test tube study suggests that components in virgin olive oil might support skin tissue regeneration and wound healing.
How to choose a cleansing oil
With many brands now selling oil cleansers, you can easily find options online and in most drugstores and beauty retailers.
You can purchase a ready-made formula tailored to your skin type or experiment with a homemade blend.
Tip: If you’re acne-prone, choose noncomedogenic products, meaning they’re less likely to block pores.
Oil cleansing ingredients
The oils most frequently used in DIY mixes are olive oil and castor oil.
Many recipes suggest starting with a one-to-one ratio of these two oils, then increasing the olive oil for drier skin or the castor oil for oilier, acne-prone skin.
- For dry skin: Use moisturizing olive oil, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants and supports hydration. Coconut or avocado oil can be added for extra nourishment.
- For sensitive skin: Skip castor oil. Though castor oil has antibacterial qualities and acts as an astringent cleanser, it can dry the skin. Consider jojoba oil or rosehip oil instead.
- For oily or acne-prone skin: Jojoba oil is a good choice, as it may help reduce acne and normalize oil production. Argan oil may also help regulate sebum and support clearer skin. Non-greasy marula oil is another suitable option.
Whatever oils you select, choose high-quality products and cleansers without added fragrances or colorants when possible.
Avoid food-grade oils and opt for cold-pressed, unrefined, virgin oils formulated for topical use.
How to oil cleanse
There are two main approaches to oil cleansing.
Basic oil cleanse
A basic oil cleanse means applying oil and removing it with warm water or a damp washcloth.
- Dispense 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil into your palm. For dry skin, begin with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon castor oil. For oily or acne-prone skin, start with 1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil and 1/2 teaspoon castor oil.
- Apply the oil to your face before wetting it. Use your fingertips to gently massage the oil into your skin for several seconds to a minute to break down makeup, dead skin, and impurities while letting the oil absorb.
- Use a warm, damp washcloth to gently wipe the oil away. Avoid pressing hard or scrubbing, as this can irritate skin and cause breakouts. Alternatively, you can rinse with warm water if you prefer some oil to remain. Afterward, your skin should feel hydrated but not greasy or over-irritated from wiping.
- Pat your face dry with a towel and apply moisturizer if desired.
K-beauty double cleanse
With this method, you follow the oil cleanse with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove any residue.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this approach may be helpful. It preserves the cleaning and hydrating effects of the oil cleanse without leaving excess oil that could clog pores.
- Complete the first three steps of the basic oil cleanse.
- Wash your face with a mild water-based cleanser that won’t strip away moisture.
- Pat dry and apply moisturizer.
Some cleansing oils include surfactants in their formulas that cause a slight foam when mixed with water, which helps them rinse off more completely.
How often should you oil cleanse?
It’s generally best to oil cleanse once daily rather than every time you wash your face. You can also use it less frequently as a special treatment.
The optimal time is usually at night to cleanse and hydrate your skin before sleep.
What to expect after you oil cleanse
After oil cleansing, your skin will probably feel soft and free of makeup and other products. Depending on your skin type and the oil used, you might not need an additional moisturizer.
Some people may experience an allergic reaction, irritation, or clogged pores, so perform a patch test before applying an oil cleanser to your entire face.
Keep in mind a patch test may not predict how your pores react long-term. It can take time to learn how your skin tolerates specific oils.
If you have cystic acne, consult a dermatologist before trying oil cleansing. They can advise you on how to try it safely without aggravating your skin.
What about purging?
There’s limited research on oil cleansing, but anecdotal evidence suggests it can take a week or two for skin to adjust. During that period, you may experience purging, which is an increase in pimples or areas of dryness and peeling.
Purging describes breakouts triggered by new products that bring underlying congestion to the skin’s surface. You’ll often see a mix of different kinds of spots in the areas where you typically break out.
Conversely, you might notice itchy, raw, or inflamed areas in places you don’t normally break out. That usually indicates a negative reaction to the oil or product rather than purging, and you should consult a dermatologist before continuing.
The bottom line
If you’re considering a change in your cleansing routine, the oil cleansing method may be worth trying. However, it isn’t a universal solution, so monitor how your skin responds.
If breakouts increase after a few weeks of oil cleansing, consider following up with a gentle wash, switching oils, or stopping oil cleansing altogether.
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