11 Best Cleansing Oils We Tested to Gently Remove Makeup, Dermatologist-Approved
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The best cleansing oils do more than just melt off every trace of your makeup (goodbye, pesky concealer). They also act as a first step to wash away oil-based impurities like sunscreen and excess sebum. This clears the way for your traditional facial cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and any other lingering residue—leaving skin truly clean. The best part? They won’t break you out (take it from someone with oily, pimple-prone skin), and are typically packed with barrier-protecting ingredients like niacinamide and antioxidants that leave your skin silky smooth and calm post-wash.
To find the best of the best, we asked Glamour editors and dermatologists to share their favorites, then we put them to the test. TL;DR: Our top pick was the Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, because it’s dermatologist-approved, extremely lightweight, noncomedogenic, and effective at removing every last bit of makeup. We found it to be the easiest option to incorporate into a routine, requiring just two pumps of the formula for full-face makeup removal, and we love the price point at under $40 for a hefty amount of product. We also uncovered options that users with specific concerns—like dryness or acne—might find to be transformative additions to their skin care routines.
The best cleansing oils, at a glance
- Best Overall: Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, $32
- 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 Korean Beauty: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean, $21
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, $13
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 foundation, concealer, mascara, and more, 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.
Best Overall: Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
This oil emerged as our overall favorite thanks to its do-it-all capabilities that erased every trace of makeup while improving the condition of skin both immediately and over time. Dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, loves this pick 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.
Testing notes: 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 is so gentle it received the National Eczema Association’s seal of acceptance. “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 option 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.
Testing notes: Glamour’s Kilkeary has been using this 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,” says Kilkeary. “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.
Testing notes: “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,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “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.”
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
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Dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, says that this rich oil cleanser is a favorite. “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.
Testing notes: “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 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.
Testing notes: “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 is super gentle and 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
This shimmery golden bottle looks more like your favorite liquid illuminator than a makeup remover, but it’s actually a dermatologist-approved choice. “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.
Testing notes: “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 collection—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 pick 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.
Testing notes: “A lot of cleansing oils feel like they leave behind some oiliness, but this Tatcha one left my face squeaky clean,” says Glamour’s Calle. “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.”
Best Luxury: Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser
Truly worth the splurge, Khayutin 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.”
Testing notes: “I regret to inform you that this vitamin-C-based 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 Korean Beauty: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean
If you’re looking for a top-rated Korean cleanser, this antiaging Korean skin care pick is another favorite of Dr. Chang’s. “It’s formulated with noncomedogenic oils to hydrate the skin without clogging the pores,” she notes. It helps remove dirt, makeup and sunscreen, and contains grape-seed, lavender and sunflower-seed oils.
Testing notes: It’s also a go-to for Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “This vegan cleansing oil is fragrance-free and pairs well with all skin types, making it a safe bet for just about anyone. Simply dispense a few pumps onto your face, gently massage the oil into the skin, and watch all the impurities melt away,” she says.
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser
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If you’re in a pinch and need an oil-based cleanser and makeup remover, stat, we love this pick that’s well under $20 and available at your local drugstore. It has squalane, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to deeply hydrate and remove impurities, makeup, dirt, and more.
Testing notes: “Although my skin skews toward being combination, I really liked this oil cleanser,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s extremely lightweight and easy to lather, and makes makeup literally disappear with just a few massages. Although it’s fragrance-free, it definitely smelled very fresh and clean to me, and did a great job at completely removing my makeup and sunscreen. My skin after the fact was soft and totally residue-free.”
Best for Sensitive Skin: Dieux Ethereal Instant Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
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If you have sensitive skin, you’ll love this soothing blend that has castor oil and an emulsifier complex to help wash out makeup, SPF, buildup, and more. A little goes a long way with this one, and it only takes one to two pumps to clean the whole face.
Testing notes: “This cleansing oil is probably one of the most gentle I’ve ever tried. It’s light as a feather, and quickly and effectively sweeps away makeup and dirt. It’s noncomedogenic and suitable for sensitive and easily-prone-to-acne skin types (like mine), and I’m pleased to report that it hasn’t broken me out once. In fact, my blackheads were less apparent after a few washes with this,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Frequently asked questions
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. They 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 suggests them for dry skin because they can help “clear out pores without being excessively harsh or irritating.” If you have sensitive skin, choose an option 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 grape-seed, rose-hip, and sunflower oils, as well as squalane, for acne-prone skin.
It’s also important to completely wash off the product 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.
What’s the difference between cleansing balm and oil?
“Both cleansing balms and oils work on the same principle—using oils to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum—but they differ mainly in texture,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. Oils are liquids that come right out of the bottle, while a balm is a solid or semi-solid that melts into an oil as you massage it into the skin. “Balms can feel a bit richer and are wonderful for drier skin types, or if you enjoy a more indulgent cleansing ritual,” she notes.
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
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC
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