Best Oil Cleansers (2026) Reviewed
Oil cleansers dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum without stripping your skin. Whether you’re starting a double-cleansing routine or replacing harsh foaming washes, these are the best options across every budget and skin type.
What to Look For
- Base oils — Look for non-comedogenic options like soybean, grapeseed, or jojoba that won’t clog pores
- Emulsification — Quality oil cleansers turn milky with water and rinse clean without residue
- Skin type match — Lightweight formulas suit oily skin; richer oils work better for dry or mature skin
- Added actives — Some include gentle acids (PHA, BHA) for light exfoliation or centella for calming
- Fragrance — Sensitive skin benefits from fragrance-free formulas; others may include natural essential oils
Product Recommendations
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil — Best Overall
- Binds with sebum, dissolves impurities and breaks down makeup - even stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner
- Deeply cleanses with no oily residue
- Hydrates and softens skin with Flor de Aceite (flower of the virgin oil), the essence of organic olive oil captured from its first crush before the olives are pressed
- Antioxidant-rich organic olive oil and vitamin E moisturize, soften and protect skin
- Rosemary leaf oil to invigorate and refresh
The original Japanese oil cleanser that set the standard for the entire category.
DHC built this cleanser around organic olive oil, which binds to sebum and dissolves waterproof makeup without clogging pores. The formula includes rosemary leaf oil and vitamin E for antioxidant protection. It emulsifies cleanly and rinses without leaving a greasy film.
- Pros:
- Removes waterproof mascara effortlessly
- Fragrance-free and colorant-free
- Works on all skin types
- Proven formula with decades of use
- Cons:
- Olive oil base may not suit everyone
- Simple formula lacks added actives
Best for: Anyone wanting a reliable, no-frills oil cleanser that simply works.
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil — Best for Sensitive Skin
- [GENTLE YET POTENT CLEANSING OIL] Effective in eliminating makeup residue, blackheads and sebum, whilst preventing pore congestion. Essential step for double cleansing, with glowy glass skin results.
- [MILD INGREDIENTS ONLY] Formulated with Heartleaf extract for soothing effects on the skin
- [FOR ALL SKIN TYPES] Hypoallergenic & Non-Irritation Test completed, making it suitable for all skin types and especially Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin.
- [GENTLE ON THE EYES] No eye stinging experiences when used around eyes, Eye Irritation Test (Cruelty Free HET-CAM Test) completed
- [HOW TO DOUBLE CLEANSE] ① Apply the cleansing oil to dry skin and gently massage for 1-2 minutes. ② Emulsify with water to effectively remove sebum. ③ Wash off all oil residues by using a water based cleanser.
A K-beauty favorite formulated with soothing heartleaf extract for reactive skin.
Anua uses heartleaf (houttuynia cordata) throughout their line for its calming properties. This oil cleanser passed hypoallergenic and eye irritation tests, making it safe for use around the eyes. It targets blackheads and sebum while keeping inflammation in check.
- Pros:
- Hypoallergenic formula
- No eye stinging
- Effective blackhead removal
- Lightweight texture
- Cons:
- Contains light fragrance
- May need thorough rinsing
Best for: Sensitive or acne-prone skin that reacts to harsh cleansers.
MANYO Pure Cleansing Oil — Best for Blackheads
- [Korea’s No.1 Cleansing Oil] 20M+ bottles sold worldwide, trusted for makeup removal and pore care
- [14 Plant-Based Oils] A nutrient-rich blend that deeply cleanses while nourishing and hydrating skin
- [Effective Deep Cleanse] Removes waterproof makeup, sunscreen, blackheads, and excess oil without stripping
- [Safe for All Skin Types] Dermatologist-tested, non-irritating formula safe for sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin
- [Double Cleansing Essential] Perfect first step in double cleansing routine to prep skin for toner, serum, and moisturizer
Korea’s top-selling cleansing oil with over 20 million bottles sold worldwide.
MANYO packed this formula with argan, rice bran, camellia, and jojoba oils that melt into pores and dissolve blackheads during massage. The blend transforms into a milky emulsion that lifts away debris. Lab-tested to remove 99.74% of surface pollutants.
- Pros:
- Excellent for dissolving blackheads
- Rich blend of nourishing plant oils
- Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic
- Natural scent from botanical oils
- Cons:
- Thicker texture takes longer to rinse
- Essential oils may irritate very sensitive skin
Best for: Those dealing with congested pores and stubborn blackheads.
Hanskin PHA Pore Cleansing Oil — Best for Gentle Exfoliation
- 🌟 DEEP PORE CLEANSING POWERHOUSE: Korean PHA pore cleansing oil that gently exfoliates while delivering deep pore cleansing action to remove stubborn blackheads, makeup, sebum, and sunscreen. XL 10.14oz size provides 3+ months of effective pore care - 50% more than standard 6.76oz cleansing oils. Perfect first step for your double cleansing routine. Lightly exfoliates and banishes blackheads so-so-smoothly with jojoba, olive, grape seed oils, and aloe vera extract to keep your skin hydrated all day long.
- 💧 GENTLE PHA FORMULA FOR SENSITIVE AND DRY SKIN TYPES: Unlike harsh BHA/AHA cleansers, our PHA pore cleansing oil is dermatologist-tested and formulated with polyhydroxy acids (PHA), perfect for sensitive skin types. This 2-in-1 cleansing oil and blackhead treatment delivers deep pore cleansing WITHOUT irritation - gently exfoliates while removing makeup, unclogs large pores, and dissolves blackheads while maintaining your skin's moisture barrier. No burning, no redness, just clean, soft, balanced skin.
- 🎯 WATERPROOF MAKEUP REMOVER & NON-IRRITATION CLEANSING: This lightweight pore cleansing oil effortlessly dissolves even the most stubborn waterproof makeup, long-wear foundation, and excess sebum without causing eye irritation in 30 seconds. Our plant-based formula purifies pores without stripping and transforms into a milky emulsion upon contact with water for thorough pore cleansing with NO greasy residue. Leaves skin feeling refreshed and balanced, never tight. Lavender-scented for a soothing cleansing experience.
- 🌿 NATURALLY DERIVED PLANT-BASED PORE CARE SOLUTION: Enriched with 100% natural plant-derived oils including jojoba, olive, grape seed oils, and aloe vera extract plus hydrating Hyaluronic Acid for deep pore cleansing while protecting and repairing skin barrier. Our cleansing oils are free of Artificial Fragrances, Parabens, Sulphates, Artificial Colors, Animal Products. Cruelty-Free & Animal Testing Free & Vegan-Friendly Korean pore cleansing oil trusted by thousands worldwide. So feel free with our effective and gentle cleansing oil!
- ✨ HOW TO ACHIEVE PERFECT DOUBLE CLEANSING: Pump 1-2 times of PHA pore cleansing oil onto dry face, massage 30-60 seconds in circular motions focusing on blackhead-prone areas and large pores (watch makeup and sebum dissolve!). Add water to emulsify into milky texture, rinse with warm water. Follow with foam cleanser for complete double cleansing routine. Use morning and night for optimal pore care results and visibly refined skin texture.
Combines cleansing power with polyhydroxy acids for light daily exfoliation.
Hanskin’s formula includes PHA (gluconolactone), a gentler alternative to AHA that exfoliates without irritation. Tea tree, jojoba, olive, and grapeseed oils dissolve makeup while the acid works on dead skin cells. The gel-oil texture spreads easily and emulsifies cleanly.
- Pros:
- Built-in gentle exfoliation
- Large 10 oz bottle
- Free from parabens and artificial fragrance
- Won’t sting eyes
- Cons:
- May be too active for very sensitive skin
- Gel texture differs from traditional oils
Best for: Those who want cleansing and exfoliation in one step.
Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil — Best Budget
No products found.
A Japanese drugstore staple that delivers quality cleansing at a fraction of the price.
Kose designed this for fast, effective cleansing without residue. Five oils (olive, jojoba, sesame, safflower, and shea butter) remove makeup and rinse so cleanly that some users skip the second cleanse entirely. The lightweight formula works quickly, living up to its “Speedy” name.
- Pros:
- Exceptional value
- Rinses completely clean
- Removes stubborn mascara
- Works on wet or dry skin
- Cons:
- Basic formula without added skincare benefits
- Packaging varies by seller
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want effective, no-nonsense cleansing.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser — Best for Dry Skin
- MOISTURIZING ALL-IN-ONE CLEANSER: Squalane Cleanser removes makeup and dirt while supporting your skin’s moisture barrier through hydration.
- GENTLE & NON-COMEDOGENIC: Soap-free formula that is gentle enough for daily use, suitable for all skin types, and won’t clog pores. Accepted by the National Eczema Association.
- PLANT-DERIVED SQUALANE: Contains plant-derived squalane and lipophilic esters to leave skin feeling smooth and soft while dissolving makeup.
- APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Dispense into hands, rub to warm the product, and massage onto dry face. Rinse with warm water. Patch test before use.
- FREE FROM: Cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, alcohol-free, oil-free, and silicone-free formulation.
A balm-to-oil cleanser built around moisture-locking squalane.
This cleanser starts as a balm that melts into an oil when warmed between your hands. Plant-derived squalane mimics your skin’s natural lipids, so it cleanses without disrupting the moisture barrier. Accepted by the National Eczema Association for gentle, non-irritating formulation.
- Pros:
- Supports moisture barrier
- Soap-free and non-comedogenic
- Eczema-friendly
- Affordable for the quality
- Cons:
- Balm texture requires warming up
- May feel heavy for oily skin
Best for: Dry, dehydrated, or eczema-prone skin that needs gentle cleansing.
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm — Best Premium Balm
- Award-Winning Makeup Cleansing Balm - Clinically proven to remove over 99% of longwear foundation, waterproof mascara + SPF, while improving skin texture + hydration. This gentle face balm is 3x more gentle on skin than makeup wipes.*
- Plant-Powered Formula - This make up remover features a farm-grown super greens blend of moringa extract, holy basil + arugula. These natural antioxidants promote healthier-looking skin.
- Purifying Papaya Extract - This makeup melting balm is packed with papaya extract to lift away dirt + impurities without stripping skin, leaving it fresh, soft + smoother-feeling after just one cleanse.
- Melts Makeup, Nourishes Skin - Made with sunflower oil to act as a waterproof mascara + eye makeup remover, Green Clean leaves skin nourished + hydrated.
- How to Use - Massage the balm cleanser onto dry skin. Add warm water to emulsify the makeup remover oil into a milky texture, then rinse or wipe with a damp washcloth. Follow with your favorite Farmacy cleanser for the ultimate double cleanse.
An award-winning balm cleanser with farm-sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging.
Farmacy’s balm transforms from solid to silky oil to milky lather as you massage. Sunflower oil dissolves makeup while papaya enzymes provide gentle exfoliation. The formula includes upcycled moringa, holy basil, and arugula for antioxidant benefits. Clinically proven to remove 99% of long-wear foundation and waterproof mascara.
- Pros:
- Three-phase texture transformation
- Natural papaya exfoliation
- 100% recycled packaging
- Pleasant citrus scent
- Cons:
- Higher price point
- Requires spatula for hygienic use
Best for: Those willing to invest in a luxurious cleansing experience.
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil — Best for Anti-Aging
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Traditional Korean ginseng meets modern micellar technology for deep, nourishing cleansing.
Beauty of Joseon infuses this cleanser with ginseng seed oil, prized in Korean skincare for its revitalizing properties. The micellar technology lifts impurities like a magnet without scrubbing. Soybean oil base dissolves makeup while keeping skin soft and bouncy.
- Pros:
- Ginseng provides antioxidant benefits
- Gentle micellar cleansing action
- Subtle calming herbal scent
- Works for all skin types
- Cons:
- Light makeup removal only
- Best paired with foam cleanser
Best for: Those wanting cleansing with anti-aging benefits.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil — Best Lightweight Formula
- GENTLE CENTELLA CLEANSING OIL - Formulated with 6 plant-based oils and Madagascar Centella extract, this centella cleansing oil melts away makeup and impurities while leaving the skin soft and refreshed.
- LIGHTWEIGHT KOREAN OIL CLEANSER - Designed as a lightweight Korean oil cleanser, it spreads smoothly, rinses off easily, and removes excess sebum without leaving heavy residue.
- FACE CLEANSER WITH COMFORTING CARE - As a daily Korean skincare cleanser, this centella cleanser provides a soothing face cleanser experience that supports clear, comfortable, and balanced skin.
- HOW TO USE - Apply to dry skin with dry hands and massage gently to dissolve makeup and impurities, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- THE UNTOUCHED NATURE FROM MADAGASCAR - Inspired by the pure lands of Madagascar, SKIN1004 delivers calm and comfort with ingredients that capture nature’s untouched beauty, bringing gentle balance to your skin.
A watery-light oil cleanser featuring calming centella asiatica from Madagascar.
SKIN1004 sources centella from Madagascar for maximum potency. This cleansing oil has a notably thin, watery texture that spreads easily and rinses without residue. Six plant-derived oils (including jojoba, olive, and sunflower) dissolve sunscreen and makeup while centella calms the skin.
- Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight texture
- Dermatologically tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Ideal for oily skin
- Cons:
- May need more product for heavy makeup
- Contains bergamot oil (photosensitizing)
Best for: Oily or combination skin that dislikes heavy oil cleansers.
Verdict
For most people, the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil delivers reliable performance across all skin types and makeup levels. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, the Anua Heartleaf provides gentler cleansing with soothing benefits. Budget shoppers should grab the Kose Softymo Speedy—it punches well above its price point.
