You’ve double-cleansed, toned, moisturized, and layered on your serums like a skincare scholar. You’ve even gua sha’d at 7 a.m. before a coffee. But if oil cleansing isn’t part of your routine yet—you’re missing a transformative step that could change everything about your skin.
Yes, even if you have oily, acne-prone, or ultra-sensitive skin. Especially then.
What Is Oil Cleansing, Really?
Before you panic at the idea of rubbing oil on your face, let’s break the myth: oil cleansing doesn’t mean clogging your pores with coconut oil and hoping for the best.
The Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) uses non-comedogenic botanical oils—like jojoba, squalane, or grapeseed—to dissolve excess sebum, remove SPF and makeup, melt down pollution, and deeply detox pores. It’s chemistry, not magic: oil attracts oil, lifting away the gunk without stripping your skin barrier.
Why It Works for Every Skin Type
Here’s where the skincare gospel shifts. The oils used in oil cleansers are carefully chosen to balance—not suffocate—your skin.
- Oily skin? Oil cleansing can actually reduce oil production by keeping your skin from overcompensating.
- Dry or sensitive skin? Skip the tight, squeaky feeling from foam cleansers. Oil nourishes while it cleanses.
- Acne-prone? Oil removes pore-blocking impurities without disrupting your microbiome. Many who suffer from breakouts report fewer flare-ups and smoother texture with consistent oil cleansing.
🌿 “Oil cleansing is now the cornerstone of my skincare routine,” says beauty editor and facialist Anisa K. “It preps the skin better than anything else, and my clients can see the difference almost immediately.”
Dermatologists agree: your skin barrier is everything, and most conventional cleansers damage it. Oil-based cleansing respects it.
How to Oil Cleanse the Right Way
- Start with dry hands and a dry face.
- Pump or scoop a quarter-sized amount of oil cleanser.
- Massage gently in circular motions for at least 60 seconds (this matters!).
- Emulsify with a bit of warm water if it’s a rinse-off formula.
- Wipe away with a damp, warm cloth or rinse thoroughly.
For a deeper clean, follow with a gentle second cleanser—especially if you’re removing makeup or SPF-heavy products. (Yes, that’s the famous double cleanse.)
The Real Glow-Up? Consistency.
In a world obsessed with 10-step routines, the best-kept skincare secret might be this quiet, effective ritual that protects your moisture barrier, prevents breakouts, and preps your skin to absorb all the good stuff that follows.
Still Not Convinced?
Here’s what you’re risking by skipping this step:
- Chronically dehydrated skin, even if it feels oily
- Incomplete makeup/SPF removal (which accelerates aging)
- Inflammation caused by harsh surfactants or over-cleansing
And here’s what you gain:
- Better texture
- Healthier skin barrier
- That “I just got a facial” kind of glow
Final Word: Skincare Isn’t About More Steps—It’s About the Right Ones.
Oil cleansing isn’t new. But it is underrated. In a beauty culture that sometimes confuses complexity with efficacy, this one simple switch could be your biggest game-changer.
Don’t let the word “oil” scare you. Let it save your skin. Now go ahead. Wash your face with oil—and watch the magic happen.
Editor-Approved Oil Cleansers to Try
Here are a few that deserve a permanent spot on your top shelf:
- Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
K-beauty holy grail, melts like butter, smells like a spa.
Shop here - DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Japanese cult-favorite that cuts through waterproof makeup like a dream.
Shop here - The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Budget-friendly, minimalist, and great for beginners.
Shop here - Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil
Luxurious, lightweight, and packed with Japanese camellia oil.
Shop here - ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Infused with a trio of nourishing plant oils, very luxurious.
Shop here
image: freepik.com