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Top 8 Best Oil Based Cleanser for Acne

UpdatedJuly 23, 2024

Oil-based cleansers are becoming increasingly popular in the world of skincare due to their ability to remove impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin's natural oils. For those with acne-prone skin, finding the right oil-based cleanser can be a game-changer. Not only can it help to control excess oil production, but it can also prevent breakouts and soothe inflammation.

When it comes to choosing the best oil-based cleanser for acne, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's essential to choose a cleanser that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores and cause further breakouts. Additionally, opting for a cleanser that contains ingredients such as salicylic acid or tea tree oil can be beneficial for those with acne-prone skin.

After researching and testing various oil-based cleansers, we have identified the top products that effectively cleanse the skin without causing irritation or breakouts.

Top 3 Best Oil Based Cleansers for Acne

1. ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Korean Facial Cleanser

2. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

3. CeraVe Foaming Oil Cleanser

We know how frustrating it can be to deal with acne-prone skin. That's why we've compiled a list of the best oil-based cleansers to help you combat those pesky breakouts. Oil-based cleansers are great for acne-prone skin because they help to dissolve excess sebum and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Below you'll find our top picks for the best oil-based cleansers for acne.


ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Korean Facial Cleanser

Editor's Choice

ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Korean Facial Cleanser

Discover the ultimate remedy for stubborn blackheads! Unveiling the Best Cleansing Oil: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control; a game-changer in banishing impurities and restoring your skin's natural radiance. Gently dissolving grime and unclogging pores, this wonder elixir effortlessly removes blackheads while nourishing your skin. Say hello to a smoother, clearer complexion with every use.

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If you're looking for a gentle oil-based cleanser that is safe to use for acne-prone, sensitive skin, then ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil might be a good choice for you.

Pros

  • Mild ingredients with Heartleaf extract: gently remove blackheads, makeup & sebum without any pore clogging
  • Non-comedogenic tested: safe to use for acne-prone, sensitive skin
  • Provide a refreshing finish through emulsification process that dissolves sebum by mixing water & oil

Cons

  • May not remove all makeup, especially eye makeup
  • May cause dryness, so it is recommended to follow up with a foam cleanser or water-based toner
  • May not be effective for removing heavy makeup

After using ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, we found that it did a good job of removing dirt, oil, and makeup without irritating our skin. The mild ingredients with Heartleaf extract provided a refreshing finish and didn't clog our pores. However, it did not completely remove all of our eye makeup and caused some dryness, so we followed up with a foam cleanser or water-based toner.

Overall, ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is a good option for those with acne-prone, sensitive skin who are looking for a gentle oil-based cleanser. However, it may not be the best choice for those who wear heavy makeup or those who need a cleanser that can remove all types of makeup.


DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

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We highly recommend purchasing the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil for its effective and gentle cleansing abilities.

Pros

  • The water-soluble formula rinses thoroughly, leaving no oily residue.
  • Nourishes and hydrates for younger-looking skin.
  • Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it ideal for all skin types.

Cons

  • The product is a bit pricey compared to other oil-based cleansers.
  • The fragrance-free formula may not be appealing to those who prefer scented products.
  • Some users may not like the oily texture of the product.

We've tried many oil-based cleansers, but the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil stands out from the rest. Its unique water-soluble formula makes it easy to rinse off, leaving no oily residue behind. The product nourishes and hydrates the skin, making it look and feel younger. The cleanser is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which makes it perfect for all skin types.

The only downside is that the product is a bit pricey compared to other oil-based cleansers. Additionally, the fragrance-free formula may not be appealing to those who prefer scented products. Some users may also not like the oily texture of the product.

Overall, we highly recommend the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil for anyone looking for an effective and gentle oil-based cleanser that leaves the skin feeling soft and nurtured.


CeraVe Foaming Oil Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Oil Cleanser

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If you're looking for a gentle oil-based cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils, CeraVe Foaming Oil Cleanser might be the right choice for you.

Pros

  • Provides lasting hydration and leaves skin feeling comfortable
  • Suitable for use on face and body
  • Contains 3 essential ceramides to help maintain the skin's natural barrier

Cons

  • Might not be suitable for oily skin types
  • Some users may experience burning or stinging around the eyes
  • May not remove heavy makeup or waterproof mascara

We've been using CeraVe Foaming Oil Cleanser for a few weeks now, and we've noticed a significant improvement in our skin's hydration levels. The cleanser transforms from an oil into a soft lathering foam, making it easy to apply and rinse off. It's also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores or irritate sensitive skin.

One of the best things about this cleanser is that it's suitable for use on both the face and body. We've been using it as a daily face wash, and it leaves our skin feeling clean and refreshed without any tightness or dryness. We've also used it as a body wash, and it's gentle enough to use on areas prone to dryness, such as the elbows and knees.

The cleanser contains 3 essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), which help maintain the skin's natural barrier. This is important because a compromised skin barrier can lead to dryness, irritation, and even acne. The formula also includes squalane oil, which helps retain moisture and keep skin comfortable without feeling greasy.

However, if you have oily skin, this cleanser might not be the best choice for you. It's designed for dry to very dry skin types, and it might leave oily skin feeling greasy or congested. Additionally, some users have reported experiencing burning or stinging around the eyes, so be careful when using it in that area.

Overall, we think CeraVe Foaming Oil Cleanser is a great option for anyone looking for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't strip the skin's natural oils. It's suitable for all ages starting from 3+ months, and it's developed with dermatologists. If you're looking for a new oil-based cleanser to add to your skincare routine, give this one a try.


AcneFree Sulfur Acne Foaming Cleanser

AcneFree Sulfur Acne Foaming Cleanser

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If you're looking for a daily acne treatment that's designed to treat and minimize breakouts, the AcneFree Sulfur Acne Foaming Cleanser might be just what you need. This clinically formulated cleanser contains a 3.5% sulfur acne treatment that destroys impurities that cause stubborn acne. It's also enhanced with antioxidant-rich lemon oil and oat extract to soothe and calm inflamed skin, clear redness, and leave your skin looking clear and radiant.

Pros

  • Foaming Acne Cleanser: This cleanser is designed to treat and minimize acne breakouts, featuring sulfur to destroy impurities that cause stubborn acne and tackle harsh breakouts.
  • Hydrate and Soothe: Formulated to help retain moisture, oat extract soothes and calms inflamed skin and clears redness that breakouts can cause, plus antioxidant-rich lemon oil to leave your skin looking clear and radiant.
  • Dermatology Inspired Care: Our products offer hydration, soothing, detoxifying, and mattifying benefits to help ensure your skin looks and feels healthy and help maintain your skin's balance with consistent use.

Cons

  • Drying: Some users find this cleanser to be drying, especially if they have sensitive or dry skin.
  • Overpowering scent: The lemon scent in this cleanser can be overpowering for some users.
  • Not effective for everyone: While many users see a significant improvement in their acne after using this cleanser, it may not work for everyone.

Overall, we recommend the AcneFree Sulfur Acne Foaming Cleanser for those looking for a daily acne treatment that's designed to treat and minimize breakouts. Its sulfur acne treatment destroys impurities that cause stubborn acne, while oat extract and lemon oil soothe and calm inflamed skin, clear redness, and leave your skin looking clear and radiant. However, it may not be suitable for those with sensitive or dry skin, and its overpowering scent may be off-putting for some users.


MDacne Hydrating Facial Cleanser

MDacne Hydrating Facial Cleanser

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If you're looking for an oil-based cleanser that can help you fight acne, you might want to consider the MDacne Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

Pros

  • The cleanser contains a special form of 0.5% Salicylic Acid that helps unclog pores, remove oil & dirt from the skin, and prevent new breakouts from forming without irritation.
  • The cleanser is enhanced with ingredients that help reduce inflammation and support hydration like Vitamin E and Green Tea Extract.
  • The cleanser is all-natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, silicone, and gluten.

Cons

  • Some customers have reported that the cleanser caused irritation or dryness.
  • The cleanser might not work for severe acne cases.
  • The price might be higher than other acne cleansers on the market.

In our experience, the MDacne Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a good choice for those who want to use an oil-based cleanser to fight acne. The special form of Salicylic Acid is effective at unclogging pores and preventing new acne blemishes with significantly less skin irritation compared to regular Salicylic Acid. The cleanser also contains ingredients that help reduce inflammation and support hydration, making it a good choice for those with sensitive or dry skin.

However, we did notice that the cleanser might cause irritation or dryness in some cases, so it's important to test it on a small area of your skin before using it on your entire face. Additionally, the cleanser might not work for severe acne cases, so it's important to consult with a dermatologist if you have persistent or severe acne.

Overall, we think the MDacne Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a good option for those who want a natural, vegan, and cruelty-free acne cleanser that can help them fight breakouts and keep their skin hydrated.


CRUDE Cleanse Deep Face Oil Cleanser

CRUDE Cleanse Deep Face Oil Cleanser

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If you're looking for an organic and microbiome-friendly oil-based cleanser that can effectively clear acne and improve your skin's overall health, then CRUDE Cleanse Deep Face Oil Cleanser is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

  • CRUDE Cleanse Deep Face Oil Cleanser is an all-in-one oil that not only cleanses but also nourishes and moisturizes the skin using potent plant extracts like sunflower seed and bergamot oil.
  • The product comes with a plush, microfiber cloth that can draw out dirt and makeup from your skin.
  • CRUDE Cleanse Deep Face Oil Cleanser is a multi-use product that can also work as a moisturizer and heavy-duty makeup remover.

Cons

  • Some users might find the product a bit pricey compared to other oil-based cleansers in the market.
  • The oil-based texture might not be suitable for people with oily skin.
  • The product might not work for everyone, as every skin type is different.

We've been using CRUDE Cleanse Deep Face Oil Cleanser for a while now, and we're impressed with its ability to cleanse and moisturize our skin without stripping away its natural oils. The product feels light on the skin and doesn't leave any greasy residue behind.

One of the best things about this product is that it's microbiome-friendly and 100% organic, which means it supports the skin and its microbiome instead of trying to outsmart them. Moreover, the product is safe and effective for all ages, skin types, and genders, including those with inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and more.

The product comes with a plush, microfiber cloth that can draw out dirt and makeup from your skin. We found that using the cloth with the product 1-2x daily, using our skintuition as a guide, helped us achieve a deeper cleanse and remove all impurities from our skin.

Another great thing about CRUDE Cleanse Deep Face Oil Cleanser is that it's a multi-use product that can also work as a moisturizer and heavy-duty makeup remover. After cleansing, we used a few drops of the product as a moisturizer, and it gave us the perfect dewy glow without making us look greasy.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an organic, microbiome-friendly, and effective oil-based cleanser that can clear acne and improve your skin's overall health, then CRUDE Cleanse Deep Face Oil Cleanser is definitely worth trying out.


La Roche-Posay NEW Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil

La Roche-Posay NEW Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil

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If you're looking for an oil-based cleanser that's gentle on the skin, La Roche-Posay NEW Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil is worth considering. It is formulated with niacinamide and provides long-lasting hydration for up to 24 hours. This product is fragrance-free and soap-free, which makes it ideal for people with sensitive skin.

Pros

  • Provides long-lasting hydration for up to 24 hours
  • Fragrance-free and soap-free
  • Gentle on the skin

Cons

  • May not remove all makeup
  • Can be a little drying
  • Foaming cleanser may not be suitable for everyone

We've been using this product for a few weeks now, and we're impressed with how gentle it is on the skin. It doesn't leave our skin feeling tight or dry, and it provides a good level of hydration. We also appreciate that it's fragrance-free and soap-free, which makes it ideal for people with sensitive skin.

One thing to keep in mind is that it may not remove all makeup, so you may need to use a separate makeup remover if you wear heavy makeup. Additionally, the foaming cleanser may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have extremely dry skin.

Overall, we think La Roche-Posay NEW Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil is a great option for people who are looking for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that's suitable for sensitive skin. If you're in the market for an oil-based cleanser, we recommend giving this one a try.


THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Face Wash

THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Face Wash

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If you're looking for an oil-based cleanser that can help you fight acne, then you should consider THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Face Wash.

Pros

  • It's gentle and hydrating, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
  • It effectively removes makeup and impurities, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed.
  • It has a pleasant scent that's not overpowering.

Cons

  • It might be a bit pricey for some people.
  • The consistency is quite runny, so you might need more than one pump to get enough product.
  • The packaging isn't very travel-friendly.

We've been using this product for a while now, and we're quite impressed with its performance. The oil-based formula is gentle on the skin, making it perfect for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed.

The scent is pleasant and not overpowering, which is a plus. However, the consistency is quite runny, so you might need more than one pump to get enough product. Also, the packaging isn't very travel-friendly, so you might want to transfer some of the product to a smaller container if you're planning to take it with you on a trip.

Overall, we think that THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Face Wash is a great choice for those looking for an oil-based cleanser that can help them fight acne. It's gentle, hydrating, and effective, making it a great addition to any skincare routine.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best oil-based cleanser for acne, it's important to consider a few key factors. Here are some features to look for:

Ingredients

The first thing to consider is the ingredients. Look for a cleanser that contains ingredients that are known to be effective for acne-prone skin, such as salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients can help to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and kill acne-causing bacteria.

Skin Type

Consider your skin type when choosing an oil-based cleanser. If you have oily skin, look for a product that is specifically formulated for oily skin. If you have dry skin, look for a product that is hydrating and won't strip your skin of its natural oils.

Texture

The texture of the cleanser is also important. Look for a product that is lightweight and won't leave a greasy residue on your skin. A good oil-based cleanser should be able to dissolve dirt, makeup, and oil without leaving your skin feeling greasy.

Price

Price is also a consideration when choosing an oil-based cleanser. While it's important to invest in a quality product, you don't have to break the bank. Look for a product that fits your budget and still contains the key ingredients you need for acne-prone skin.

Packaging

Finally, consider the packaging of the cleanser. Look for a product that comes in a pump or squeeze bottle to prevent contamination and make it easy to dispense the product. Avoid products that come in jars, as these can introduce bacteria into the product and onto your skin.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best oil-based cleanser for your acne-prone skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some non-comedogenic oil cleansers for acne-prone skin?

For those with acne-prone skin, it's important to choose oil-based cleansers that are non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog your pores. Some popular non-comedogenic oil cleansers for acne-prone skin include The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, and Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil.

What are some dermatologist recommended oil cleansers for acne?

Dermatologists often recommend oil cleansers that contain ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil, which can help treat acne. Some dermatologist recommended oil cleansers for acne include Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleansing Oil, and Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil.

Can oil-based cleansers help with acne?

Yes, oil-based cleansers can actually help with acne. Oil-based cleansers work by dissolving the oil and impurities on your skin, which can help prevent breakouts. They can also help balance the skin's natural oil production, which can further prevent acne.

What is the best oil cleanser for combination skin?

For those with combination skin, it's important to choose an oil cleanser that won't leave your skin feeling too oily or too dry. Some of the best oil cleansers for combination skin include Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil, Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil, and Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil.

Is CeraVe's oil cleanser oil-based?

Yes, CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser Oil is an oil-based cleanser. It contains a blend of five different oils, including sunflower oil and coconut oil, to help dissolve makeup and impurities on the skin.

Which is better for acne-prone skin, micellar water or oil-based cleansers?

While both micellar water and oil-based cleansers can be effective for acne-prone skin, oil-based cleansers are generally better at dissolving oil and impurities on the skin. Micellar water, on the other hand, is better suited for those with sensitive skin or those who wear light makeup.

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