Oil cleansers provide one of the most gentle and effective ways of removing waterproof and stubborn makeup. With their gloriously gentle formulas offering a seriously good first cleanse (we’re doubling down on removing dirt), this is basically your reminder that it’s a must for your skin care routine.
And don’t worry, slathering yourself in oil won’t result in a ridiculously oily face (although hydration is basically guaranteed). It still works wonders to cleanse away excess sebum and keep your skin oh-so-balanced.
So, let’s see what gloriously glossy goodness these oil cleansers have in store…
2024’s Top 3 Oil Cleansers
- The Jojoba Company Jojoba Activating Cleansing Oil, $39.95, The Jojoba Company
- BIODERMA Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil, $33.99, Priceline
- Natio Aromatherapy Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil, $21.95, Healthy Life
The Jojoba Company Jojoba Activating Cleansing Oil
From $39.95 at The Jojoba Company
Are we playing favourites? No, we swear we’re not. But when an ethically sourced, Aussie-made, nourishing cleansing oil comes across your path, you’ve just got to be a little excited, right? Right! This cleansing oil is naturally antioxidant rich and it’s even enriched with mandarin known for its brightening vitamin C effects.
Want to read more? Read The Jojoba Company Jojoba Activating Cleansing Oil Reviews here…
Key features:
- Ethically-sourced
- Made in Australia
- Naturally antioxidant rich formula
Available at:
- $39.95 from The Jojoba Company
- $31.99 (usually $39.99) from Priceline
- $29.96 (usually $39.95) from Look Fantastic
BIODERMA Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
From $33.99 at Priceline
This French beauty pick has a certain je ne sais quoi about it. Powered by micellar technology (yep, the very same ‘magnetic’ micelles you know and love), the oil-to-milk formula is not only good at the whole cleansing thing, but it’s also totally hydrating, and it’s even been developed with a sensitive skin-friendly formula. Wins all round, really.
Want to read more? Read BIODERMA Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil Reviews here…
Key features:
- Developed with micellar technology
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Oil-to-milk texture
Available at:
- $33.99 from Priceline
- $33.99 from Oz Hair and Beauty
- $34 from Sephora
Natio Aromatherapy Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil
From $21.95 at Healthy Life
If you’re looking to turn your nightly cleanse into a totally zen ritual, then this is your pick. Sure, it’s going to remove your makeup, but with sweet almond, chamomile and lavender this luscious oil offers aromatherapeutic properties too, and we’ll take that every day of the week.
Want to read more? Read Natio Aromatherapy Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil Reviews here…
Key features:
- Formulated with plant oils
- Enriched with vitamins A and E
- Harness the calming power of aromatherapy
Available at:
- $15.56 (usually $21.95) from Healthy Life
- $21.95 from Priceline
- $14 (usually $19.95) from Amazon Australia
Palmer’s® Skin Therapy Facial Cleansing Oil
From $23.13 at iHerb
Palmer’s might be one of the older skin care brands, but the nourishing products are using all those years of expertise to create 10/10 products that are formulated to nourish your skin. With a dermatologist-approved formula that’s packed (we’re talking grapeseed, jojoba and rosehip oils) with hydrating, skin-benefiting ingredients.
Want to read more? Read Palmer’s® Skin Therapy Facial Cleansing Oil Reviews here…
Key features:
- Enriched with hydrating cocoa butter
- Rosehip scented
- Ophthalmologically-tested
Available at:
- $23.13 from iHerb
- $20 from Woolworths
- $16.99 (usually $19.99) from Chemist Warehouse
SKIN1004 – Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
From $39 at Myer
If you aren’t aware already, the K-beauty skin care routine is intense. We’re talking a nightly 10-step routine. Yep, it’s a lot. And we’re by no means suggesting that you actually need to incorporate each and every one of those steps. But the most important, which you’ve probably already gleaned, is the oil cleanse. So, why not leave it to K-beauty to give you the best smooth, lightweight oil cleanse you can have? We think it’s a fantastic idea.
Key features:
- Formulated with six different plant-based oils
- Smooth, lightweight texture
- Enriched with Centella Asiatica
Available at:
- $39 from Myer
- $19.15 (usually $23.76) from Beauty Amora
- $25.67 (usually $35) from Amazon Australia
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser
From $24.99 at Adore Beauty
If you’ve never tried this cleanser, we bet you’ve used (and loved) another pick from CeraVe. But if you haven’t, we’re more than happy to introduce you to this unique oil-to-foam formula. With a barrier-strengthening ingredient list, this cleanser easily picks up build up from your day and washes it away. However, what it doesn’t wash away, are the skin-hydrating benefits of the formula’s essential ceramides. Hydrating, cleansing and transforming, it’s a triple threat.
Want to read more? Read CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser Reviews here…
Key features:
- Unique oil-to-foam formula
- pH balanced
- Enriched with three essential ceramides
Available at:
- $24.99 from Adore Beauty
- $24.99 from Priceline
- $21.99 (usually $24.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Skinstitut Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil
From $54 at Adore Beauty
It’s pretty rare that your cleanser also forms a protective barrier across your skin, but here we are. This squalane-based formula is enriched with nourishing essential oils that work to slough away dead skin build up, forming a nourishing protective barrier. We’ll take several, thanks!
Want to read more? Read Skinstitut Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil Reviews here…
Key features:
- Enriched with botanical oils and squalane
- Removes dead skin and environmental pollutants
- Designed to act as a form of barrier protection
Available at:
- $54 from Adore Beauty
- $54 from Look Fantastic
- $54 from Oz Hair and Beauty
Can you use a cleansing oil every day?
Good news, you can definitely use an oil cleanser every day! Heck, we actually encourage it as the first step of your double cleansing routine. The nourishing, lightweight oils work to gently buff away the day while ensuring your skin still keeps its maximum levels of hydration.
Main Image Credit: @sarahjessicaparker / @justlikethatmax
Do you use oil cleansers? Do you have a favourite cleanser?
Avene would be great I’m sure, would really like to try the Ipsum or L”Occitane.
I have the L’Occitane one in the gorgeous yellow pot – so fancy looking and a treat for the skin whilst giving it a good cleanse. I like to use it as a precleanse to my gel cleanser. It’s a solidified oily cleanser.
My favorite is the Palmers Cleansing Oil but Im also happy to use the Neutrogena Cleansing oil.
I really do like oil cleansers. I find that they are great for removing makeup. At the moment I’m using a Kiehl’s one, but it’s almost finished and I won’t repurchase because there’s plenty of alternatives available that are just as good for a fraction of the price. I’ve got the Bioderma one that I got with my Rewards Room package, which I will open next. I have tried the Simple, and I was quite impressed. I’m actually quite impressed with all of their skincare. It’s great value for money if you are on a budget, and their cleansers work just as well as a lot of the the expensive ones I’ve used.
Love cleansing balms
I remember when these were hard to find and made by luxe brands, I prefer a balm but I’m using a oil cleanser by Natio that I got from the rewards room right now.
So many good Oil Cleansers have never used an Oil Cleanser before would like to try the L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Cleansing Oil and Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Oil.
Love Loctaine cleansing oil .Love their products. It really is such a good product.
My skin is oily & blemish-prone, & I reckon oil cleansers are FANTASTIC!
I’ve never tried an oil cleanser, must try it out next time I am shopping for a new cleanser.
I like them! And would try every one on the market. Atm used up ella bache, using The Ordinary squalane balm, have Clinique balm in stash somewhere and want Ipsum to try, Neutrogena and Avene. Down the road.
Love oil cleansers. I loved the one from Burt’s Bees but unfortunately they discontinued. The one from Palmers is similar and fab. The Simple one is great too.
I like to use cleansing oils when removing makeup
I must try these!
I’m trying the Bioderma oil from the Rewards Room and I don’t think its doing a good enough job of removing my make up. The Bioderma is the first one I have tried.
I would like to try out a cleansing oil but I checked out a couple in Chemist Warehouse and didn’t like the fragrance.
Id like to try the Avene one.
I have two brands in my cupboard & I really don’t like either of them. They are used very infrequently.
I’m not an oil person but I’m open to persuasion! I think a lot is due to an obsession with not getting oils on my hands and transferring it to my contact lenses.
Love, love, LOVE oil cleansers! The L’Occitaine and Ipsum ones here sounds good.
I’m enjoying my Bioderma sample at the moment and will give the Nutrogena cleansing oil a try next.
I have tried the Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Oil before and it removed my makeup well.
Sort of. I’m currently using The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser (don’t have any strong feelings about it), which is like a creamy balm to oil cleanser I guess. Used to use Trilogy’s oil cleanser until my skin decided to hate it…I miss it. :o(
I am really happy with Bioderma oil I received at the last RR.
I have been using the Go to Fancy Face Cleansing Oil. Absolutely love it!
So impressed with the Simple cleansing oil, especially for that price point!
At present I’m using Trilogy cleansing oil,
I’ll have to try the Avene. I’m in a jojoba oil phase atm. Jojoba oil for everything, including cleansing.
I prefer a cream or gel cleanser but I do like an oil serum
I’m using an Eve Lom one, I got in the Look Fantastic Beauty Egg at Easter time, its lovely, so much better than micella, don’t think i will use micella again, i use to get regular breakoiuts, now since i have strated the oil, my skin has cleared up
I have heard a lot about Simple cleansing oil. Keen to try it one day
I have never tried an oil cleanser, although I do use oil at nighttime.
Have a few oil cleansers which I’ve received not bought but I haven’t really used them yet.
I LOVE Trilogy products too great NZ brand
I LOVE my Natio cleansing oil it’s amazing.
I double cleanse anyway and find i get far less breakouts and lovely soft skin.
Not tried any of the above but highly recommend Natio
I love the Simple Oil Cleanser!
I really liked the Trilogy Rosehip Transformation Cleansing Oil. I have been trying cleansing oils from other brands, but I might go back to it one day.
After using creamy cleansers for most of my adult life, then a brief stint with cleansing balms, I’m now trying a variety of cleansing oils. I don’t have a favourite cleansing oil yet.
I have not tried any of these.
I have tried the L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Cleansing Oil and love it.
I’m not overly keen on oil cleansers, I prefer a cream cleanser.
Not a fan of oil cleansers…
I don’t use oil cleansers. I really don’t like any products with oil in them.
Maybe I should double cleanse too!
As an oily skin, acne prone gal, oil cleansers are THE BEST! Removes make up so easily and doesn’t cause breakouts if you rinse well and double cleanse.
Love Bioderma
Not sure about trying oil cleansers. Would be worried it would cause my skin to be too oily
Loove oil cleansers ♡♡ faves are dermalogica precleanse, trilogy cleansing oil, jurlique cleansing oil, the neutrogena one is pretty good as well
I got combo skin and I love cleansing oil to remove makeup! Interesting suggestions and I will definitely give Simple and Neutrogena a go
I definitely need to try an oil cleanser – I’ve got so many cleansers on the go at the moment that I need to use some up before I try something new!