Is cleansing oil good for oily skin?

Why would oil help remove oil?

Oil based cleansers remove oily residue and sebum, the oil your skin produces. Water based cleansers remove water soluble material such as sweat and dirt. Cleansers contain surfactants, ingredients with an oil attracting part that loosens dirt and a water attracting part that lets it rinse away. Removing oil does not require every product involved to be oil free, despite the apparent contradiction on the bathroom shelf.12

Do you actually need a cleansing oil?

A cleansing oil is most useful for removing waterproof makeup or sunscreen. If one gentle cleanser cleans your face thoroughly, keep that routine. Acne prone skin needs extra care: an oil based cleanser can cause breakouts, especially when used alone.1

What should you look for?

Choose a gentle cleanser labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Avoid harsh, excessively drying or fragranced cleansers. The whole formula matters: some cleansers cause clogged pores, while others irritate through their fragrance, preservatives or cleansing ingredients.123

How to use cleansing oil

1. 1Put the oil cleanser in your palm and gently massage it over your face to loosen makeup, sunscreen and excess oil.
2. 2Rinse with lukewarm water using your hands. Avoid hot water.
3. 3Leave your face damp, then gently massage in a water based cleanser.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry with a soft towel.

Cleanse oily skin morning and evening. If you use cleansing oil to remove the day's makeup or sunscreen, put that extra step in the evening rather than automatically repeating it every morning. Wash gently after exercise too. Do not scrub to chase a less oily finish: scrubbing irritates skin, and inflammation can make pores more noticeable.23

What if your skin is sensitive or acne prone?

Introduce the cleansing oil without adding several other new products at the same time. That makes it easier to identify what helps and what causes trouble. If your skin is sensitive, patch test a new product on your inner arm before using it on your face. Skin that feels tight or dry after a product needs a gentler choice, not more cleansing.4

Be careful with an acne cleanser if you already use an acne treatment that stays on your skin: combining them can cause excessive dryness and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, prescription retinoids and isotretinoin can dry skin. If your skin feels dry, apply an acne friendly moisturizer after washing, while some water remains on your skin.25

Do not confuse a rinse off cleansing oil with a heavy moisturizer left on the face. Occlusive moisturizers form a layer that reduces water loss, but can aggravate acne. For acne prone skin, choose a moisturizer labelled oil free, noncomedogenic or "won't clog pores."56

When should you stop?

Stop using a cleanser that causes redness, itching, swelling or persistent irritation. Overwashing can remove the protective surface oil and increase water loss, leaving skin dry and irritated. If acne continues, a dermatologist can help choose a treatment plan; changing how you remove makeup is not a substitute for treating acne.25