Derms and Beauty Editors Agree—This Is the Most Effective Step in Your Skincare Routine
Just in case you want a clear, glowing complexion.
While you're scrolling online for trending skincare products, it's tempting to jump on the bandwagon without considering which ingredients will work best for your skin type and how different formulas can best address your unique concerns. For anyone just embarking on their skincare journey, cleanser is the natural place to begin, as it's the basis upon which the rest of a skincare routine is built. The right cleanser can be used to repair the skin barrier, play defense against environmental aggressors, prevent future damage, and encourage a graceful aging process.
As with all helpful products, the power is all in the formula, especially since ingredients serve different purposes. Not all cleansers offer the same benefits, and there's one type that's especially useful for the double-cleansing method: cleansing oil. Keep reading to learn more about these game-changing cleansers directly from skincare experts and shop the 15 best ones, according to recommendations from dermatologists, beauty editors, and five-star reviews.
The Best Cleansing Oils, at a Glance
- Best for Extra-Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
- Best for Visibly Clarifying Skin: Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser
- Best for Removing Waterproof Makeup: Eve Lom Cleansing Oil
- Best for Evening Skin Tone and Texture: Epicutis Oil Cleanser
- Best for Balancing the Skin Barrier: 111Skin Deep Cleansing Oil
The Best Cleansing Oils of 2026
Best for Sensitive Skin: Dieux Ethereal Facial Cleansing Oil
A favorite of beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock is the Ethereal Facial Cleansing Oil by Dieux, which is one you won't want to miss. This lightweight oil cuts through makeup and SPF with two impurity-dissolving emollient oils and a double emulsifier complex to rinse away the heavy oils found in cosmetics. It's especially ideal for use on sensitive skin like mine, as it leaves the skin feeling calm and clean with what the brand refers to as a no-tug formula.
Product Size: 3.38-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Its fragrance-free formula is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin
Cons: May not remove all makeup (like lip stain) on the first go
Customer Review: "Absolutely love this cleansing oil! It effortlessly melts away makeup and sunscreen without leaving any residue. My skin feels soft, clean, and nourished after every use. It’s gentle on my sensitive skin and has a luxurious texture that makes my skincare routine feel like a treat."
Best for Supporting Lash Growth: Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
One of my go-tos is the Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil by Caudalie. It has quickly become the cornerstone of my morning and nightly skincare routine. Its vegan formula melts away SPF and makeup with antioxidant-rich natural plant oils. In addition to removing base makeup in one step, it supports the health of lashes with castor oil without leaving a greasy finish.
Product Size: 5.0-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Normal and dry skin
Pros: Formula is infused with castor oil to enhance lash growth
Cons: Does not quickly and effectively remove waterproof mascara
Customer Review: "Holy grail product for me. I have tried so many oil cleansers, balms and removers and this is my tried and true 100%. It removes my makeup, keeps blackheads and congestion away, and it even helps my lashes [be] healthy. My skin just loves it!"
Best for Extra-Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
Designed with dry, sensitive skin in mind, this La Roche-Posay cleansing oil sloughs through dirt and debris while providing 24-hour hydration. Its formula includes sustainably sourced shea butter to soothe and restore the skin's hydrolipidic film, niacinamide supports the skin barrier, and glycerin absorbs and locks in moisture. It also features the brand's signature spring water packed with minerals, trace elements, and selenium (a natural antioxidant).
Product Size: 13.52-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Dry and sensitive skin
Pros: None
Cons: Cleanses and protects skin from the drying effects of water
Customer Review: "This cleanser is perfect for my nighttime skincare routine. It's gentle on my sensitive skin and has cleared up my complexion. It foams lightly and doesn't dry out my skin. This is definitely my favorite La Roche-Posay product!"
Best for Visibly Clarifying Skin: Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser
Did you know ginger can support the health of your skin barrier? Well, Peach & Lily's Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser harnesses the benefits of ginger by pairing the ingredient with pineapple, sunflower-seed oil, and grape-seed oil to remove impurities. While the addition of ginger supports the skin's elasticity and bounce, pineapple works behind the scenes for exfoliation, and oils offer hydration and encourage an even skin tone. No wonder McLintock always has this makeup-melting cleansing oil in her arsenal.
Product Size: 5.0-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Formula is infused with ginger, supporting elasticity and suppleness
Cons: Has a thick texture and can feel heavy on the skin
Customer Review: "I bought this to use for double cleansing because sunscreen makes me feel like I have bugs on my face, and I never feel like I can wash it all off. I tried this once and it is now my one and only cleanser. My skin is red, dry and sensitive. This product melts into my face and gets all the grime off without creating dryness, tightness or flaking. I use this with the dry skin trio and it’s perfection. My skin is bright and glowing."
Best for Soothing Irritated Skin: Damdam Silk Rice Cleansing Oil
If you have dry and combination skin, the lightweight Silk Rice Cleansing Oil can restore hydration levels. Inspired by the Japanese ritual of purifying the skin with the soothing water from washed rice, this cleanser melts away dirt, grime, and waterproof makeup for a luminous glow. Its formula uses rice bran oil to prevent pore buildup and tighten skin and vitamin E–rich sunflower-seed oil to promote moisture retention.
Product Size: 5.1-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Dry and combination skin
Pros: Uses a lightweight formula that's gentle on the delicate eye area
Cons: None
Customer Review: "I have tried numerous cleansing oils, and this is one of the best. Since it's lightweight in texture, I didn't expect it to melt even the stubborn waterproof mascaras and long-lasting lip tints. It's not only that it doesn't strip the natural moisture, but it also leaves my skin soft and hydrated. The best of all, there's no eye irritation."
Best for Softening the Skin: Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
"Perfect" is right—this cleaning oil uses a lightweight, hydration-boosting formula to thoroughly remove makeup, SPF, and other pesky impurities, including waterproof products, while maintaining its moisture levels. Its grape-seed oil–powered formula can be used on wet or dry skin and rinses clean to reveal a soft finish without any residue. While it can be used on its own, I recommend adding it to a double-cleansing routine for maximum benefits.
Product Size: 6.0-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Formula improves roughness and dullness with grape-seed oil
Cons: Not ideal for use on and around sensitive eyes
Customer Review: "I have super acne prone combo skin and this has worked amazingly to take my makeup off without stripping the moisture from my face and it’s so silky soft after! I haven’t broken out from it and don’t really foresee it being an issue. This will literally take every trace of makeup off and leave your skin glowing! BUY IT."
Best for Combating Blackheads: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil
McLintock swears by using Round Lab's lightweight and refreshing cleansing oil to melt away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities from the skin. This unique formula is infused with a blend of skin-loving oils (meadowfoam seed, grape seed, primrose, and avocado), which not only dissolve makeup to clarify and calm the skin but also protect its barrier.
Product Size: 6.76-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Formula is enriched with skin-loving plant oils to soothe and condition
Cons: Does not quickly and effectively remove waterproof mascara
Customer Review: "By just the first wash my pores had shrunk instantly! I know that could sound unbelievable, but truly I was in shock! It doesn't clog your pores whatsoever and is really light, and leaves no makeup residue at all! This is truly the best cleansing oil! Highly, highly recommend!"
Best for Double Cleansing: Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil
Dermalogica's Precleanse Cleansing Oil has a lightweight formula of antioxidant-rich ingredients and plant-based oils that melt away layers of oil, SPF, waterproof makeup, and other impurities. I love how it's gentle enough for daily use for all skin types and is especially effective on eye makeup. Trust me when I say that waterproof eyeliner, lash glue, and caked-on mascara don't stand a chance against this one.
Product Size: 5.1-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Formula is gentle enough for use on the eyes
Cons: Not ideal for those sensitive to somewhat medicinal fragrances
Customer Review: "I have been using the pre-cleanse and special cleanser combo for about one year now. I use both twice daily and it still feels luxurious each time I use. The combination of the two makes my skin extremely clean and soft. Over the last year I have experienced a notable difference in the appearance and texture of my skin, it has really helped with decreasing regular blackheads."
Best for Purifying Pores: PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil
Your hunt for a fast-working and effective daily cleansing oil ends here. This one was designed with all skin types in mind and addresses skin concerns like a damaged moisture barrier and dryness with emollient moisturizers and potent antioxidants (grape-seed oil, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E). It's also fragrance-free, making this a smart pick for individuals with sensitive skin.
Product Size: 5.0-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Formulated to purify pores without stripping them of natural oils
Cons: The pump can be tricky to use—has a tendency to stick in place
Customer Review: "I never thought I would say that I look forward to washing my face until now. This daily cleaning oil is luxurious. The way it feels on the skin is wonderful and gentle, and the smell is incredible and the more you work it into your skin the more wonderful and soft your skin. It's an unbelievable product and a great price point."
Best for Removing Waterproof Makeup: Eve Lom Cleansing Oil
Beauty Director Erin Jahns often touts the benefits of Eve Lom's Cleansing Oil, and I'll always be thankful for the introduction. Powered by the brand's Biomimetic Barrier System, squalane, biolipids, and coriander-seed oil, the product effectively removes waterproof makeup, SPF, and impurities while hydrating and supporting the skin barrier. A little goes a long way with this one, but it's made a huge impact on my overall skin health.
Product Size: 5.0-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Formula supports the skin's microbiome with skin-loving ingredients
Cons: None
Customer Review: "Silky, lightweight (watery) texture. Love the packaging and pump easily dispenses just the right amount of product. Completely removed my stubborn waterproof mascara with no effort at all and left my skin feeling smooth and glowy. I have sensitive eyes and it didn’t sting them at all, but I did notice some very slight irritation after rinsing completely."
Best for Balancing the Skin Barrier: 111Skin Deep Cleansing Oil
111Skin's Deep Cleansing Oil, which was developed by Yannis Alexandrides, dissolves dirt, makeup, and impurities with soothing and revitalizing essential plant oils that emulsify into a light milk. Packed with ceramides and prebiotics, the formula enhances the skin's texture while providing nourishment and restoring balance to the skin barrier. The result? Smaller pores, a hydrated skin barrier, and a radiant finish.
Product Size: 3.4-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Has a nongreasy formula that sloughs through waterproof makeup
Cons: Offered at a high price point
Customer Review: "I've been using this cleanser for a couple of weeks now, and I’m obsessed with how effortlessly it removes makeup after a long day. I love to unwind as efficiently as possible, and this cleanser works wonders. Applying it to dry skin lets it melt away makeup in the most luxurious, sensorial way—and it smells.... absolutely divine! It's definitely going to be a staple in my routine moving forward."
Best for Brightening the Complexion: Ogee Liquid Gold Cleansing Oil
If you're going to begin paying the big bucks for a cleansing oil, make sure it's one that not only makes a difference minutes after its initial application but also improves the health of your skin for days to come. Ogee's Liquid Gold Cleansing Oil, for example, promotes a brighter and more even complexion with cold-pressed jojoba oil, brown sea kelp, elderberry extract, and boswella extract. I've noticed how much more hydrated and glowy my skin looks since adding this to the lineup.
Product Size: 4.9-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Formula is enhanced with frankincense extract to calm inflammation
Cons: None
Customer Review: "This cleanser gives my skin the right amount of hydration and glow without any residue or oily feel. It's like my skin knows exactly what to do with it and says thank you! This is a must have in my skincare arsenal from here on out. The clean ingredients are why I tried it and was worried it would be greasy. Not the case at all!"
Best for Evening Skin Tone and Texture: Epicutis Oil Cleanser
Knowing how to promote an even skin tone and texture can be tricky if you don't have the right products on hand, but this cleanser is one of the easiest first steps to make toward victory. A favorite of Jahns, the Epicutis Oil Cleanser preserves natural skin oils without stripping them away during the cleansing process. It uses two botanical-based fatty acids that will leave the skin feeling soft and cleansed, plus meadowfoam- and sunflower-seed oils to unclog pores.
Product Size: 4.0-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Has a blend of oils to unclog pores and melt away makeup, dirt, and SPF
Cons: Offered at a high price point
Customer Review: "This is my second purchase of the Epicutis Oil Cleanser and I’ve been very pleased with the first bottle and exfoliating powder. Love the glass bottle as it feels so luxe to use daily and the oil is so comforting on the skin as removes sunscreen and makeup well and doesn't sting the eyes. Very pleased. I also feel it's helped to improve my texture of my skin and abate breakouts. I truly look forward to using the Epicutis Oil Cleanser every night."
Best for Rejuvenating the Skin: SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
When it comes to my luxury skincare products, I'm picky about which ones I love enough to stock up on. SK-II's cleansing oil is one of the few that has landed back in my skincare lineup. Developed to neutralize impurities and oiliness of the skin, the Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil effectively melts away makeup without drying out or irritating the skin. This formula uses the brand's patented Pitera ingredient, which supports the rejuvenation process.
Product Size: 8.45-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: High-powered formula lifts out hidden sebum and impurities
Cons: None
Customer Review: "This cleansing oil dissolved makeup quite easily, and smelled nice too. I followed it with a gentle gel cleanser, as I didn't feel completely done with just the oil. My skin does feel more nourished when I use it, which is throughout the [drier] months in winter. I'll keep buying this, and am considering the essence and serum next."
Best for Moisturizing the Skin Barrier: Clé de Peau Beauté Cleansing Oil
Admittedly, I was first drawn to this one because of its stunning packaging but stayed for the incredibly cleansing oil formula stored within. The deeply purifying Clé de Peau Beauté Cleansing Oil removes stubborn makeup and oil, including waterproof products, with moisturizing botanical oils for higher moisture levels. Its formula also uses the brand's patented Skin-Empowering Illuminator to combat internal and external stressors.
Product Size: 6.7-ounce bottle
Skin Types: Ideal for all
Pros: Formulated with moisturizing botanical oils to nourish the skin
Cons: Offered at a high price point
Customer Review: "This is a cleanser unlike any I've used before. Of course I love beautiful radiant clean skin. But I also have dry skin. I felt an oil cleanser might work but there's a fine line between not having breakouts and having them appear overnight. This oil cleanser is the perfect balance. No breakouts outs, glowing clean skin and super soft not tight feeling! It's magic in my opinion."
What is cleansing oil?
Since the double-cleansing method sparked interest as a commonly overlooked step of a skincare routine, products that can be trusted to prep the skin have been on the rise. One of the most notable ones has been cleansing oil. While cleansing oil is definitely having a renaissance at the moment, it tends to be highly misunderstood despite its important role. "Cleansing oils are oil-based cleansers that help remove makeup and sunscreen better," says SoHo Dermatology's David Kim, MD, FAAD. According to Kim, it's a great option if you wear a lot of makeup, since it has a thick formula that can grab on to and melt away impurities.
Melanie Abeyta, master injector NP and owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center, agrees. Since oil cleanser is formulated with natural oils, she says it can be massaged into the skin to lift impurities and, when emulsified with water, transform into a milk-like texture that rinses clean and provides a gentle yet effective cleanse as the first step of a two-step cleansing process. "They are ideal for both morning and night routines, especially when you're looking to thoroughly cleanse while maintaining the skin's natural moisture balance," she explains.
Luckily, it's easy to use and add to your skincare routine, no matter your skin type. "To incorporate a cleansing oil into your skincare routine, it's best used in the evening. Start by applying the oil to dry skin and gently massaging it in to break down makeup and oil-based buildup. Then add warm water to emulsify the oil into a milky texture, which rinses off easily," says Kseniya Kobets, MD, FAAD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. For best results, she recommends following with a gentle second cleanser, as the double-cleanse method removes any residual oil while preserving hydration.
How is cleansing oil formulated?
Cleansing oils can be formulated in different ways but often share similar ingredients to deeply cleanse the skin barrier while providing protection against environmental aggressors and boosting moisture levels. "Cleansing oils typically have a blend of different oils (jojoba oil, grape-seed oil, vitamin E, etc)," says Kim. "There aren't any specific oils that work better than others. I recommend ones without fragrance, especially if you have sensitive skin."
Below, Abeyta offers a deep dive into the most popular ingredients used in these products and their benefits.
- Jojoba Oil: "Known for its moisturizing properties and its ability to mimic the skin's natural oils, [it's] a great choice for most skin types, including oily and acne prone."
- Coconut Oil: "Packed with antioxidants, it helps to nourish the skin and maintain its natural barrier, though it may be too heavy for sensitive or acne-prone skin."
- Grape-Seed Oil: "Rich in vitamins C and E, it provides a lightweight, hydrating cleanse while being noncomedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive and oily skin."
- Argan Oil: "A highly moisturizing oil that helps balance the skin's natural oils, promoting elasticity and smoothness, perfect for dry or aging skin."
- Olive Oil: "Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it offers a deep cleansing effect while also nourishing and protecting the skin."
How does it compare to other cleansers?
With thousands of cleansers within reach at the tap of a button, it can be tough to know the difference between them beyond packaging, texture, and even fragrance. So what separates oil cleansers from the rest? "They do not strip the skin of its natural oils and do not leave the skin squeaky clean," explains Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, medical director of Dermatology Physicians Chicago/Kenilworth. Adisa's top pick for a cleansing oil is the Seaweed Bath Co.'s Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser ($19). "Not only does it do a great job at removing makeup, but it also thoroughly removes mineral and even waterproof sunscreen, which a lot of cleansers don't," she says.
They also differ from other cleansers in their textures and lasting effect on the health of your skin. "In many ways, oil-based cleansers are similar to micellar water, in that they offer a gentle method of removing makeup and product buildup. However, micellar water is a water-based, synthetic product, whereas cleansing oils tend to be richer and more emollient," adds Kobets. Knowing how different ingredients work and which ones are better for the skin is also helpful. Kobets tells us that gel and foaming cleansers, while often helpful for oily and acne-prone skin, can sometimes be drying due to their surfactants. Other cleansing oils are formulated with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid "to counteract potential dryness."
What skin type is it best for?
If you're wondering if cleansing oil can work for your skin type, you're in luck. It's great for all, but it's particularly helpful for individuals with dry, mature, and sensitive skin. "They help to cleanse without stripping the skin's natural oils. They also work well for those who wear makeup, as they effectively remove heavy makeup without the need for harsh scrubbing," says Abeyta. Kobets warns that those with oily and acne-prone skin should use caution and follow with a water-based cleanser to remove any residual residue. "Choosing noncomedogenic, fragrance-free formulas is especially important for sensitive or eczema-prone skin," she adds.
How We Chose
As with all of our expert-led beauty product roundups, we strive to provide the best recommendations through firsthand testing from our editors. For this story, I scanned through the cleansing oils in my skincare collection to identify the ones that have continued to support the health of my normal-to-dry skin type and those that have failed to meet my expectations. Next, I reached out to my fellow beauty editors and asked them which cleansing oils they're using at the moment or have previously enjoyed. After identifying the standouts for the beauty team, I compared their top picks to the best-selling cleansing oils with the highest ratings, as well as the products recommended by the dermatologists we tapped for input.
Why Trust Who What Wear
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
