11 Best Cleansing Oils to Gently Remove Makeup, Tester & Dermatologist Approved
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The best cleansing oils do more than just melt off every trace of your makeup (hello, pesky concealer). They can also help hydrate and cleanse pores. Meant to be used before your water-based face washes, this first step helps to wash away oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. This clears the way for your traditional facial cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and any other residue. Probably the best part about cleansing oils is that they won’t break you out, and are typically packed with barrier-protecting ingredients like niacinamide and antioxidants that will leave your skin silky smooth and calm post-wash.
Below, Glamour editors and dermatologists review their top picks and answer all your cleansing-oil questions. TL;DR: Our top pick was Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil because it’s dermatologist-approved, extremely lightweight, noncomedogenic, and effective at removing every last bit of makeup. We also found it to be the easiest one to incorporate into a routine with just two pumps of the formula for full-face removal, and we love the price point at under $40 for a hefty amount of product.
The best cleansing oils, at a glance
- Best Overall: Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, $29
- Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil , $18
- Best for Oily Skin: Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil, $49
- Best for Acne Prone Skin: Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil, $20
- Best for Combination Skin: YSE Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser, $45
- Best for Blackheads: Drmtlgy Pre-Cleansing Oil, $30
How we chose the best cleansing oils
How we tested
We tested cleansing oils by evaluating texture (were they overly greasy or just subtly slippery?), how our skin felt post-cleanse, and whether they removed every bit of makeup. We looked for formulas that were lightweight yet able to sweep up all of our makeup without having to aggressively scrub. We also judged formulas based on how they left our skin feeling, whether it felt stripped or hydrated. Spoiler alert: The following picks did these qualities justice and more.
Meet the experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell-New York Presbyterian Medical Center
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York
- Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University
All your cleansing oil questions answered here
Best Overall: Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
Dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, loves this cleansing oil because it’s great for all skin types, including sensitive skin. “This formula contains squalane, which helps replenish hydration and gently breaks down dirt and makeup, without disrupting the skin barrier,” she says. Katya Khayutin, a master esthetician and owner of BelVer Studio, is a massive fan of this cleansing oil because of its texture. “The formula is so light that it feels almost weightless, but don’t let that fool you—it’s incredibly effective at taking off everything from makeup to sunscreen,” she says.
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary, who has combination skin, echoes the sentiment. “This cleanser is suitable enough to calm and clean my dry patches, but also doesn’t break me out in my oily areas. It’s so gentle and really soaks up layers of foundation, concealer, and heavy lipstick, but never leaves my skin feeling tight or stripped. Pro editor tip: I like to take a little bit on a spoolie and run it through my lashes to get rid of any excess mascara too.”
Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
Dry, dehydrated complexions will soak up this French pharmacy favorite, which was designed to be so gentle, it’s been accepted by the National Eczema Association. “It’s a hydrating cleanser that removes skin’s impurities while moisturizing the skin at the same time,” says dermatologist Claire Chang, MD, who calls out the inclusion of hydrating ingredients like glycerin and shea butter. “It also contains niacinamide to repair and brighten,” she says. “It can be used on all skin types but is particularly great for dry skin.” Dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, MD, also loves this cleanser because it’s suitable for thoroughly cleansing off dirt and other facial products. “This cleansing oil is a great choice for sensitive skin types and will do a great job of removing waterproof mascara, heavy makeup, and even water-resistant sunscreen products,” she says.
Glamour’s Kilkeary has been using this cleansing oil for years and relies on it during the winter months when dry spots crop up on her face. “I have combination skin, so sometimes I’ll get dry patches in my eyebrow area so bad that my skin will flake right off. If I use a typical makeup wipe or regular cleanser to remove my makeup on these areas, they’ll get super dried out and irritated, so it’s important I use something hydrating. Enter this oil cleanser that sucks up all the makeup on my skin but doesn’t strip the area in the slightest. Instead, my skin feels moisturized and fresh, and never irritated, so I’d recommend this to anyone with similarly flaky patches who’s in need of a gentle makeup remover.”
Best for Oily Skin: Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil
Dr. Chang recommends Dermalogica’s cult-classic formula “for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.” It comes in an easy-to-use pump bottle and has a thin, runny texture that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy. Dr. Chang loves the inclusion of apricot kernel oil and sunflower seed oil, which she says “help melt away impurities while retaining a low comedogenic profile,” meaning it uses oils that are less likely to clog your pores.
“This cleanser is super gentle and has a lovely herbal scent. It instantly melts away my liquid eyeliner and mascara, which is the trickiest to remove. After rubbing the oil and feeling like a total greaseball, it only takes a little bit of splashing water to get everything cleared off my skin. Best of all, I don’t feel any tightness. It is very slippery though, so be careful when pumping from the bottle, says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Best for Acne Prone Skin: Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
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This rich oil cleanser is a favorite of dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD. “This is a great option if you want a more luxurious feel at a drugstore price point. I love the coconut esters and calming niacinamide,” he says.
“I use this cleansing oil if I’m looking to remove stubborn makeup or self-tanner on my face,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s great for sensitive areas because it also does a great job of soothing the redness around my nose. I love that it doesn’t break me out and that it has niacinamide—I already see a difference in the areas of my skin that are often dull and uneven toned. Bonus points, it can be used as a body wash too.”
Best Budget: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Dr. Garshick highly recommends this budget-friendly cleanser that turns from a cleansing balm into an oil during application. It’ll also “keep the skin hydrated and balanced thanks to squalane and lipids in the formula,” she says.
“As a rule, I’ve found that anything with squalane leaves my skin feeling plumped and moisturized,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins. “This face wash was no exception. At a good price point, it was super gentle and it comes recommended by dermatologists. That said, if you’re looking to truly slough away mascara and hard-to-remove eye makeup, you may have to be diligent about double-cleansing with this one. It left a little eye makeup residue behind; however, it was easily removed with another once-over of the face wash. Overall, I’d definitely purchase again if only for the skin-cleaning component.”
Best for Combination Skin: YSE Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser
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This shimmery liquid gold looks more like your favorite liquid illuminator than a makeup remover, but it’s actually a dermatologist-approved cleansing oil. “This effectively removes makeup and impurities while leaving the skin hydrated and soft,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s especially good for dry and combination skin types.” Formulated with squalane, a moisturizing ingredient proven safe for sensitive skin, as well as meadowfoam and camellia seed oils, it has a cushy gel-oil texture that melts into your skin. “My personal experience has been great, as it leaves my skin feeling clean but not tight,” she says.
“I’ll be honest, I was pretty floored that this shimmery formula would actually take my makeup off,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It looks nothing like any of the other oil cleansers in my collectio—in fact, it looks more like a highlighter product. Despite its jarring consistency, it actually did its job in effectively removing all my makeup, and my skin felt super hydrated and glowy after I washed everything off. It didn’t even leave a trace of stubborn eyeliner or mascara; everything melted away. And the best part? It didn’t burn my eyes either.”
Best for Mature Skin: Tatcha The Camellia Oil 2-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser
This rich cleansing oil is a favorite of Dr. Garshick’s. “This luxurious formula contains camellia oil, which is packed with omega fatty acids and vitamins to soften and protect the skin while providing a deep cleanse,” she says. It also has green tea and algae, plus amino acids which can help reduce redness and calm the skin.
“A lot of cleansing oils feel like they leave behind some oiliness, but this Tatcha one left my face squeaky clean. I didn’t have to scrub my face raw either, which is great in the winter when my face feels more sensitive to the dry air. It’s extremely gentle and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and glowy,” says Glamour’s Calle.
Best Luxury: Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser
If you’re already an avid user of cleansing oils and want to splurge on your next remover, Khayutin also loves this rich formula. “It’s packed with 100% natural botanical oils, and it doesn’t just cleanse, it literally pampers your skin the way skin care serums would. The heavier texture feels luxurious and is especially great for dry or dehydrated skin. It’s the perfect choice if you love the feeling of a truly nourishing cleanser that leaves skin ultrasoft.”
“I regret to inform you that this cleanser was everything I’d hoped and more—and my regret comes, obviously, from the price,” says Loggins. “That said, it was so thick and luxurious, and it helped makeup slide right off. It also left my skin feeling incredibly nourished and almost bouncy. I applied about a pump and a half; however, I think I could have made it with just one pump. I rubbed it into my skin before applying water, which helps break down eye makeup like mascara. I was pretty amazed by how quickly it rinsed off, as I was a little worried it’d feel like I was removing, well, oil. I would definitely buy this time and again.”
Best for Blackheads: Drmtlgy Pre-Cleansing Oil
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Plenty of our top cleansing-oil picks are safe for acne-prone skin, but Dr. Garshick especially recommends this “gentle yet effective” formula for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with a blend of jojoba and sunflower seed oils, which she says “help dissolve makeup and impurities without causing breakouts” due to their noncomedogenic properties. It’s also made with ingredients with proven antioxidant benefits, such as rosemary leaf extract. “I’ve found it leaves the skin feeling refreshed and balanced,” she says.
Best for Clogged Pores: Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
For a premium cleansing oil infused with a blend of botanical oils, look to this cleansing oil that Dr. Garshick loves. “I like that this one not only cleanses but also nourishes and refines the skin, making it feel incredibly smooth,” she says.
Khayutin is a fan too. “This is the gold standard of cleansing oils, beloved by skin care enthusiasts for good reason,” she says. “It effortlessly removes even the most stubborn makeup, including waterproof eye makeup, and leaves your skin feeling silky soft. With a blend of eight botanical oils, it cleanses while delivering hydration and antiaging benefits. Plus, its silky texture makes every cleanse feel like a spa moment.”
Best for Waterproof Makeup: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
“I first came across this iconic Japanese cleansing oil on a trip back to Taiwan more than 15 years ago, where it was already a bestseller at every single 7/11,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “This is the formula that convinced me to double-cleanse for the rest of my life, and it still holds up.” Dr. Garshick also nominates this as one of her top picks. “It’s well-known for its benefits to help remove buildup and makeup without leaving the skin feeling stripped or irritated,” she says. “Containing olive oil, it also delivers antioxidant benefits to the skin. The formula feels a little thicker than other cleansing oils in my rotation, but it still rinses off without leaving any greasy residue. I’ve always been obsessed with how soft and smooth this leaves my skin, and how it dissolves even the most stubborn waterproof mascara without stinging my eyes.”
Your cleansing oil questions, answered
What exactly is a cleansing oil?
Cleansing oils are a specific category of cleanser made with oil. Part makeup remover, part face wash, they’re designed to do the heavy lifting of breaking down sunscreen, waterproof makeup, grime, and debris before you go in with a water-based cleanser. “Unlike traditional cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils, cleansing oils effectively dissolve and lift away other oils and substances that are adherent to the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Cleansing oils should always be applied on dry skin and massaged in thoroughly. To activate them, simply wet them with a splash of warm water, which allows them to emulsify and melt off your makeup. Some people like to wipe off oil cleansers with a washcloth for added gentle exfoliation, but you can also easily rinse them off without one.
Do dermatologists recommend cleansing oils?
In a word: yes. It’s just a matter of finding the right formula for your skin type, just as you would with the rest of your skin care products. “Double-cleansing can work for all skin types, including oily skin and dry skin,” says Dr. Chang. “While it may seem counterintuitive, oil cleansing can help balance the skin’s natural oil production. It can also thoroughly clean the pores to avoid clogged pores and acne breakouts.”
Dr. Chang recommends paying attention to your skin type for best results. “For those with acne-prone skin, use oil cleansers that are noncomedogenic to avoid breakouts,” she says. She also recommends oil cleansers for dry skin because they can help “clear out pores without being excessively harsh or irritating.” If you have sensitive skin, choose a cleansing oil that’s fragrance-free and contains hydrating ingredients. “Those with sensitive skin may want to do test spots of the cleansers, as they should with any new product, to make sure it doesn’t cause any skin reactions,” says Dr. Chang.
Do cleansing oils clog pores?
No, your oil cleanser won’t clog your pores if you choose a noncomedogenic formula. “Oil cleansers may clog pores if comedogenic oils are used,” says Dr. Chang. “If you’re prone to acne, it is important to choose oil cleansers that are noncomedogenic, such as those with jojoba oil or argan oil.” Dr. Chang also likes formulas with pore-friendly plant oils like grapeseed, rosehip, and sunflower oils, as well as squalane, for acne-prone skin.
It’s also important to completely wash off the cleansing oil after using it to remove makeup, according to Dr. Saedi. “The biggest disadvantage is the risk of not cleansing off all of the oils left behind on your skin. The best way to mitigate this is to follow up with a traditional cleanser,” she says. This is where double cleansing comes into play, and why it’s so important. If done correctly, you’ll remove built up dirt, oils and sweat which will improve the overall appearance and health of your skin.
