Derms and Beauty Editors Agree—This Is the Most Effective Step in Your Skincare Routine

Just in case you want a clear, glowing complexion.

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Kit Kennan with clean skin in an Icelandic sauna

(Image credit: @kitkeenan)

While you're scrolling online for trending skincare products, it's tempting to jump on the bandwagon without considering which ingredients will work best for your skin type, and how different formulas can best address your unique concerns. For anyone just embarking on their skincare journey, cleansers are the natural place to begin as they're the basis upon which the rest of a skincare routine is built. The right cleanser can be used to help repair the skin barrier, play defense against environmental aggressors, prevent future damage, and encourage a graceful aging process.

But like with all helpful products, the power to do so is all in the formula (especially since some serve different purposes). Not all cleansers offer the same benefits, and there's one type in particular that's especially useful for the double-cleansing method: cleansing oils. Keep reading to learn more about these game-changing cleansers directly from skincare experts, then shop the 15 best ones according to recommendations from dermatologists, beauty editors, and five-star reviews.

What Are Cleansing Oils?

Since the double-cleansing method sparked interest in the more commonly overlooked steps of skincare routines, products that can be trusted to prep the skin for additional products have been on the rise. One of the most notable ones has been cleansing oils. While cleansing oils are definitely witnessing a renaissance at the moment, they also tend to be highly misunderstood despite their important role. "Cleansing oils are oil-based cleansers that help remove makeup and sunscreen better," says New York Dermatology Group's David Kim, MD, FAAD. According to Kim, they're a great option if you wear a lot of makeup, since they have thick formulas that can grab on to and melt away impurities.

Melanie Abeyta, Master Injector NP and Owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center agrees, adding them because they're formulated with natural oils, as the first step of a two-step cleansing process, they can be massaged into the skin to help lift impurities and, when emulsified with water, transform into a milk-like texture that rinses clean and provides a gentle, yet effective cleanse. "They are ideal for both morning and night routines, especially when you’re looking to thoroughly cleanse while maintaining the skin's natural moisture balance," she explains.

Luckily, they're also easy to use and add to your skincare routine, no matter your skin type. "To incorporate a cleansing oil into your skincare routine, it’s best used in the evening. Start by applying the oil to dry skin and gently massaging it in to break down makeup and oil-based buildup. Then, add warm water to emulsify the oil into a milky texture, which rinses off easily," says Kseniya Kobets, MD, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care. For best results, she recommends following with a gentle second cleanser, as the double cleanse method helps remove any residual oil while preserving hydration.

Amaka Hamelijnck with dewy, glowing skin

(Image credit: @amaka_hamelijnck)

How Are Cleansing Oils Formulated?

Cleansing oils can be formulated in a number of different ways, but often share similar ingredients to deeply cleanse the skin barrier while providing protection against environmental aggressors and boosting moisture levels. "Cleansing oils typically have a blend of different oils (jojoba oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E, etc)," says Kim. "There isn't any specific oils that work better than others. I recommend ones without fragrance especially if you have sensitive skin,"

Below, Abeyta offers a deep dive into some of the most popular ingredients used in these products and their benefits.

  • Jojoba Oil: "Known for its moisturizing properties and its ability to mimic the skin's natural oils, making it a great choice for most skin types, including oily and acne-prone."
  • Coconut Oil: "Packed with antioxidants, it helps to nourish the skin and maintain its natural barrier, though it may be too heavy for sensitive or acne-prone skin."
  • Grapeseed Oil: "Rich in vitamins C and E, it provides a lightweight, hydrating cleanse while being non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive and oily skin."
  • Argan Oil: "A highly moisturizing oil that helps balance the skin’s natural oils, promoting elasticity and smoothness, perfect for dry or aging skin."
  • Olive Oil: "Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it offers a deep cleansing effect while also nourishing and protecting the skin."

The La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil and Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil

(Image credit: Courtesy of Maya Thomas)

How Do They Compare to Other Cleansers?

With thousands of cleansers within reach at the tap of a button, it can be tough to know the difference between them beyond packaging, texture, or even fragrance. So, what separates oil cleansers from the rest? "They do not strip the skin of its natural oils and do not leave the skin squeaky clean," explains Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, of Medical Director Dermatology Physicians Chicago/Kenilworth. Adisa's top pick for a cleansing oil is The Seaweed Bath Co.'s Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser ($19). "Not only does it do a great job at removing makeup, but it also thoroughly removes mineral and even waterproof sunscreen, which a lot of cleansers don’t," she says.

They also differ from other cleansers in their textures and lasting effect on the health of your skin. "In many ways, oil-based cleansers are similar to micellar water in that they offer a gentle method of removing makeup and product buildup. However, micellar water is a water-based, synthetic product, whereas cleansing oils tend to be richer and more emollient," adds Kobets. Knowing how different ingredients work (and which ones are better for the skin) is also helpful. Kobets tells us that gel and foaming cleansers, while often helpful for oily and acne-prone skin, can sometimes be drying due to their surfactants. Other cleansing oils are formulated with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, "to counteract potential dryness."

What Skin Type Are They Best For?

If you're wondering if cleansing oils can work for your skin type, you're in luck—they're great for all, but particularly helpful for individuals with dry, mature, and sensitive skin. "They help to cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils. They also work well for those who wear makeup, as they effectively remove heavy makeup without the need for harsh scrubbing," says Abeyta. Kobets warns that those with oily and acne-prone skin should use caution and follow with a second, water-based cleanser to remove any residual residue. "Choosing non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formulas is especially important for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, she adds.

The Best Cleansing Oils, Listed

Megan Adelaide with bronzed, glowy skin and a button-detailed headband

(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

Best for Sensitive Skin: Dieux Ethereal Facial Cleansing oil

Best for Supporting Lash Growth: Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil

Best for Extra Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil

(Image credit: Courtesy of Maya Thomas)

Best for Visibly Clarifying Skin: Peach Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser

Best for Soothing Irritated Skin: Damdam Silk Rice Cleansing Oil

Mary L. Jean with dewy skin and wet hair

(Image credit: @maryljean)

Best for Softening the Skin: Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil

Best for Combating Blackheads: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil

(Image credit: Courtesy of Maya Thomas)

Best for Double Cleansing: Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil

Best for Purifying Pores: PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil

Best for Removing Waterproof Makeup: Eve Lom Cleansing Oil

Ana Rivera shows off her even-toned complexion and bouncy curls

(Image credit: @anaasmood)

Best for Balancing the Skin Barrier: 111Skin Deep Cleansing Oil

Best for Brightening the Complexion: Ogee Liquid Gold Cleansing Oil

Best for Evening Skin Tone and Texture: Epicutis Oil Cleanser

Best for Rejuvenating the Skin: SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil

Best for Moisturizing the Skin Barrier: Cléde de Peau Beauté Cleansing Oil

How We Chose

As with all of our expert-led beauty product roundups, we strive to provide the best recommendations through first-hand testing from our editors. For this story, I scanned through the cleansing oils in my skincare collection to identify the ones that have continued to support the health of my normal-to-dry skin type from those that have failed to meet my expectations. Next, I reached out to my fellow beauty editors and asked them which cleansing oils they're using at the moment, or have previously enjoyed. After identifying the stand-outs for the Beauty Team, I compared their top picks to the best-selling cleansing oils with the highest ratings, as well as to the products recommended by the dermatologists we tapped for input.

Why TrustBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ?

AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

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Maya Thomas
Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is an Associate Beauty Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.

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