what is a cleansing oil?

A cleansing oil is a type of facial cleaner that is formulated using oil. It is designed to dissolve and lift away dirt, makeup, and impurities from the skin in a way that also provides hydration. When water is added to the oil cleanser, it emulsifies, allowing it to be easily rinsed off without leaving a greasy residue.

what does an oil cleanser do?

As chemistry tells us, “like attracts like,” so oil-based cleansers can deconstruct oil-soluble substances like make-up, environmental pollutants, excess sebum (oil), and residual product build-up. To get a full deep clean, the best way to wash your face is by using an oil-based cleanser to break down the day and follow with a cleanser that accommodates for your skin type. We call this gentle cleansing technique the Dermalogica Double Cleanse.

Using an oil cleanser before you regular cleanse helps to:

• Gently dissolve and remove built-up residue and makeup
• Smooth, calm, and nourish skin without clogging pores
• Enables your regular cleanser and other skin care products to work more effectively
• Dissolve and remove mascara (even waterproof), heavy foundation, firm leftover from physical sunscreen, lipstick, hard-to-remove lip stains, false eyelashes and eyelash extensions

is an oil cleanser necessary?

Even if you don’t wear make-up, oil-based cleansers remove any SPF residue and daily pollutants. If you have an oily skin type, your skin is more likely to attract surface debris and bacteria, leading to redness and breakouts. Oil cleansing gently lifts and breaks down this excess oil and surface debris to give oily skin a more thorough and gentle cleansing option. Alternatively, those with dry skin or sensitive skin have an impaired moisture barrier that can be improved by using an oil face cleanser before moving on to a gentle cleanser and exfoliant.

Oil cleansers soften skin, allowing targeted ingredients from moisturisers and serums to penetrate your skin better. Oil-based cleansers also help you avoid damaging your skin from scrubbing too hard. So, again, it doesn’t matter if you’re removing a full face of glamorous make-up or just a day out and about; an oil face cleanser is your best friend because it gently melts it all away.

can a cleanser be used as a makeup remover?

Regular foaming, water, gel, or even cream-based cleansers alone don’t typically have enough oil-based ingredients to effectively remove make-up. This can result in heavy scrubbing or pulling on the skin, leading to damage. Oil cleansers have the power to properly remove a full face of makeup while improving the skin barrier – not stripping it.

can you use an oil cleanser by itself?

While using an oil cleanser by itself is possible, the cleanser would have to have surfactants to remove the leftover oil residue properly. Even if you do a double cleansing routine with an oil cleanser alone, it means that you will not be using a cleanser with targeted ingredients for your specific skin type. It’s always best to do a Dermalogica double cleanse for your most thorough, ultimate clean

what skin type is a cleansing oil best for?

Oil-based cleaners can benefit all skin types, especially when followed by a second cleanser. In the end, using cleansing oil or doing a Double Cleanse is up to personal preference, but if you are a fan of stay-all-day make-up products, water-resistant SPF products, have problematic skin issues, or need a gentler cleansing routine, using a cleansing oil can be a game-changer for your skin.

how to use an oil cleanser

At Dermalogica, we believe that the best way to use an oil cleanser is to follow oil cleansing with the best cleanser for your skin type:

1. Gently dissolve and remove built-up residue and makeup
2. Smooth, calm, and nourish skin without clogging pores
3. Enables your regular cleanser and other skin care products to work more effectively
4. Dissolve and remove mascara (even waterproof), heavy foundation, film leftover from physical sunscreen, lipstick, hard-to-remove lip stains, false eyelashes and eyelash extensions

how to choose a cleansing oil

Always use products that avoid synthetic fragrance or problematic essential oils to avoid reactivity on dry skin or sensitive skin conditions. Many oily and acne-prone skin conditions don’t realise that there are oils out there that help benefit their skin concerns and that using products with a fatty acid like linoleic acid helps balance surface lipids. Using cleansing oils containing Grapeseed Oil, Primrose Oil, or other non-pore-clogging oils like Argan Oil is excellent for oily and acne-prone skin types, and especially for dry and sensitive skin. Those with mature skin can address signs of skin ageing using oil face cleansers containing Apricot Kernel Oil, a skin-softening oil that leaves skin feeling clean, looking brighter, and more supple.

oil to foam total cleanser

If you are short on time or have a busy lifestyle our Oil to Foam Total Cleanser is an all-in-one cleanser that removes makeup, sunscreen, debris, excess sebum, and pollutants with one wash, while leaving skin instantly soft and smooth. The formula starts as a golden gel-oil infused with Sea Buckthorn Oil. A splash of water then transforms the gel-oil into a rich, cloud-like foam to wash away any remaining impurities. A perfect option for late nights, after a workout or when you don't have time for a full double cleanse.