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?
Great article thanks!! I remember when oil cleansers first became popular but for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out which products were oil cleansers. They didn’t often just have the words “oil cleanser” in the name back then.
Yep, it can be so so confusing
Must try an oil cleanser some time – bit shy as I have oily skin!
I haven’t tried any of these at all.
I haven’t tried any of these, but have a few cleansers that don’t do the job efficiently enough so resort to my Manicare micro fibre cleansing cloth to finish off the job.
I’ve never even heard of a cleansing oil, so I’m keep to try one… or two.
I haven’t used a cleansing oil but do use cream or gel cleansers.
I’ve got the Neutrogena to try! I love a good cleansing oil as I wear a full face daily for work.
I love using pure grape seed oil!
Nice selection of oil cleansers featured!
Yes quite a good selection featured and prices as well.
I have read good reviews about the Simple hydrating cleansing oil. That’s a product I would like to try.
I’m using one from Mecca at the moment, I love cleansing oils but cleansing balms are my favourite.
I use it when double cleansing
I wanted to get the Bioderma one when I did my last Rewards Room order but it was out of stock. Maybe next time.
That is a shame.
Wouldn’t mind giving some of these a go
The Body Shop has a really good one, great for stubborn mascara.
I love anything done by the Jojoba Company – such great quality products
I am hearing more and more about Joboba and all good.
I think so as well, but they are inclined to be a bit expensive, but I suppose you get what you pay for. Maybe this could be a birthday present.
I haven’t tried an oil cleanser yet.
I am using the Bioderma in my routine right now! Should write a review…
I havnt used one in a while, would be nourishing in these cooler months especially.
I don’t have a favourite cleanser but like one that also moisturizers my skin.
I’ve tried some of these. I really liked the Bioderma and will have to buy more when my current oil cleanser runs out.