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Top 7 Best Oil Face Washes

UpdatedJuly 23, 2024

Oil face washes have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among those with dry or sensitive skin. These cleansers are designed to gently remove dirt, makeup, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Unlike traditional foam or gel cleansers, oil face washes work by attracting and dissolving oil-based impurities on the skin's surface, leaving the skin feeling clean and hydrated.

When it comes to choosing the best oil face wash, there are a few critical things to consider. First, it's important to look for a product that is formulated for your skin type. While most oil cleansers are suitable for all skin types, some may be better suited for oily or acne-prone skin, while others may be better for dry or sensitive skin.

Another important factor to consider is the ingredients in the product. Look for oil face washes that contain natural and nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, or rosehip oil. These ingredients can help to hydrate and soothe the skin, while also providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

We spent hours researching and testing various oil face washes to identify the best options on the market. In the next section, we'll share our top picks for the best oil face washes and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Top 3 Best Oil Face Washes

  1. Paula's Choice Perfect Cleansing Oil with Jojoba, Sunflower & Coconut Oil
  2. CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser Wash
  3. Olay Retinol 24 + Peptide Face Wash

Looking for a gentle and effective way to cleanse your skin? Look no further than oil face washes. These cleansers use natural oils to gently remove dirt, makeup, and impurities from the skin without leaving it feeling stripped or dry. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which oil face wash is right for you? We've done the research and testing to bring you our top picks for the best oil face washes available. Keep reading to find your perfect match.


Paula's Choice Perfect Cleansing Oil with Jojoba, Sunflower & Coconut Oil

Editor's Choice

Paula's Choice Perfect Cleansing Oil with Jojoba, Sunflower & Coconut Oil

For effective oil, makeup removal, and gentle cleansing, Paula's Choice Perfect Cleansing Oil excels. Its fragrance-free formula is ideal for sensitive skin, leaving it soft and clean. This cleansing oil is a reliable choice for effective and gentle oil and makeup removal.

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If you're looking for a gentle yet effective cleansing oil, Paula's Choice Perfect Cleansing Oil is worth trying.

Pros

  • This luxurious blend of five plant oils removes even the most stubborn long-wear and waterproof makeup, as well as dirt, sweat, and impurities, while protecting and nurturing the skin's natural moisture barrier.
  • The fragrance-free formula combines sunflower, coconut, meadowfoam, jojoba, and grape seed oils to simultaneously cleanse and replenish skin's moisture. It leaves skin soft, smooth, and thoroughly cleansed with no greasy residue or tight, dry feel.
  • Perfect Cleansing Oil is an excellent first step in your morning and evening skincare routines. Follow with your favorite Paula's Choice toner, exfoliant, serums, spot treatments, and moisturizer.

Cons

  • Some users may find that they need to use several pumps of the product to remove all of their makeup, especially around the eyes.
  • The smell of the product may not be appealing to everyone.
  • While the product is marketed for dry skin, some users with dry skin have reported that it can be drying.

In our experience, Paula's Choice Perfect Cleansing Oil effectively removes makeup and leaves skin feeling soft and clean. The formula is gentle and fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. However, some users may find that they need to use more product than expected to remove all of their makeup, and the smell of the product may not be to everyone's liking. Overall, we would recommend this product to anyone looking for a gentle and effective cleansing oil.


CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser Wash

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser Wash

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We highly recommend CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser Wash for those with dry to very dry skin, sensitive skin, atopic-prone skin, and baby skin.

Pros

  • Provides lasting hydration and leaves a comfortable, non-greasy feel.
  • Suitable to use as facial cleanser & body wash.
  • Contains three essential ceramides that help maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

Cons

  • May not be suitable for those with oily skin.
  • May not effectively remove heavy makeup.
  • Some users report a burning sensation in their eyes.

This oil cleanser transforms from an oil into a soft lathering foam, making it easy to use and gentle on the skin. It effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and face makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

The fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula ensures that it won't clog pores, leaving skin feeling soothed and comfortable. It is suitable for all ages starting from 3+ months and can be used on both the face and body.

The cleanser contains squalane oil, known to help retain moisture, and ceramides, essential for healthy skin. The addition of hyaluronic acid attracts hydration to the skin's surface and helps the skin retain moisture.

Overall, CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser Wash is an excellent choice for those with dry to very dry skin looking for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't leave their skin feeling tight or stripped.


Olay Retinol 24 + Peptide Face Wash

Olay Retinol 24 + Peptide Face Wash

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If you're looking for a sulfate-free face wash that hydrates and nourishes your skin, Olay Retinol 24 + Peptide Face Wash is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Sulfate-free daily facial cleanser that hydrates to nourish skin’s surface
  • Lightly scented cream cleanser hydrates while cleansing to remove dirt, oil, and impurities without drying skin out
  • Formulated with Retinol, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Peptides, hydrates while cleansing for soft, smooth skin

Cons

  • May not be as effective at removing heavy makeup as other cleansers
  • The scent may be too strong for some people
  • The creamy formula may not be suitable for those with oily skin

After using this face wash, your skin will feel clean, hydrated, and nourished. The creamy texture of the cleanser is gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. The Retinol, Niacinamide, and Peptides in the formula help to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

One of the best things about this face wash is that it is sulfate-free, which means it won't dry out your skin or cause irritation. The lightly scented formula is also gentle on the skin and won't leave it feeling tight or uncomfortable.

Overall, if you're looking for a gentle, hydrating face wash that will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, Olay Retinol 24 + Peptide Face Wash is definitely worth considering.


THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Face Wash

THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Face Wash

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We highly recommend THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Face Wash for anyone looking for a gentle, hydrating daily face cleansing oil that works well for sensitive, normal, and oily skin.

Pros

  • Effectively removes makeup and impurities
  • Lightweight and gentle on the skin
  • Suitable for sensitive, normal, and oily skin

Cons

  • May be a bit pricey for some
  • Some users may not like the scent of rice
  • May not work well for those with extremely dry skin

This cleansing oil is perfect for those who want to remove makeup and impurities without stripping their skin of its natural oils. It is lightweight and gentle on the skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive, normal, and oily skin types. However, some users may find the price a bit steep, and the scent of rice may not be everyone's cup of tea. Additionally, those with extremely dry skin may not find this cleansing oil moisturizing enough.

Overall, we think THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Face Wash is a great option for those looking for a gentle and effective cleansing oil that leaves skin feeling clean and hydrated.


Julep Vitamin E Hydrating Cleansing Oil and Makeup Remover

Julep Vitamin E Hydrating Cleansing Oil and Makeup Remover

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If you are looking for a gentle and effective oil face wash that removes makeup and hydrates your skin, you should definitely consider Julep Vitamin E Hydrating Cleansing Oil and Makeup Remover.

Pros

  • It cleanses and moisturizes the skin without leaving it greasy.
  • It evens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines, scars, and hyperpigmentation.
  • It is made with natural and effective ingredients such as Rosehip Seed Oil, Green Coffee Been Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Olive Oil, and Vitamin E.

Cons

  • It may not be suitable for oily skin types.
  • It is a bit pricey compared to other oil face wash products.
  • The scent may not be appealing to everyone.

We have tried Julep Vitamin E Hydrating Cleansing Oil and Makeup Remover, and we were impressed with its effectiveness in removing makeup and leaving our skin feeling clean and moisturized. We appreciated the fact that it did not leave our skin feeling greasy or oily, and it did not cause any irritation or breakouts.

The natural ingredients in this product also make it stand out from other oil face wash products. We noticed that it evened out our skin tone and reduced the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation over time.

However, we do want to note that this product may not be suitable for those with oily skin types as it may leave their skin feeling too moisturized. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for some people, especially if they are used to more affordable oil face wash options. Lastly, the scent may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Overall, we highly recommend Julep Vitamin E Hydrating Cleansing Oil and Makeup Remover for those who are looking for a gentle and effective oil face wash that cleanses and moisturizes the skin.


Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash

Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash

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If you're looking for a gentle yet effective oil face wash, Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash is a great choice.

Pros

  • The pH-balanced formula is clinically proven to manage oily, combination skin.
  • It cleanses without stripping or overdrying the skin.
  • The innovative Zinc technology reduces surface oil and shine, leaving skin feeling balanced.

Cons

  • It may not be as effective on extremely oily skin.
  • It may not remove heavy makeup.
  • The fragrance-free formula may not be appealing to those who prefer scented products.

We've been using Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash for a few weeks now and we're impressed with its ability to remove excess oil and impurities without leaving our skin feeling dry or tight. The light foam is easy to apply and rinses off easily, leaving our skin feeling clean and refreshed.

We appreciate that it's hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin. We also like that it's formulated without parabens, which can be irritating to some people.

Overall, we would recommend Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash to anyone looking for a gentle yet effective oil face wash that won't leave their skin feeling dry or tight.


Paula's Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser

Paula's Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser

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We highly recommend purchasing Paula's Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser for anyone looking for an effective oil face wash.

Pros

  • Leaves skin feeling refreshed and hydrated
  • Helps visibly reduce enlarged pores
  • Contains replenishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides

Cons

  • May not be suitable for very dry skin
  • May not remove heavy makeup effectively
  • Texture and scent may not be appealing to some users

This balancing face wash is formulated to gently remove excess oil and makeup without over-drying the skin. Its combination of rich surfactants and balanced cleansing can help minimize the appearance of pore congestion over time, providing a noticeably smoother skin texture and more even skin tone. The cleanser also contains other hydrating and skin-restoring ingredients such as sunflower seed oil and aloe to keep skin supple but never greasy.

We found that the cleanser left our skin feeling exceptionally smooth and clear, and we noticed a visible reduction in the appearance of enlarged pores. However, the product may not be suitable for very dry skin as it can be slightly drying. Additionally, it may not remove heavy makeup effectively. Some users may also find the texture and scent of the product unappealing.

Overall, we highly recommend Paula's Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser for anyone looking for an effective oil face wash that leaves skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best oil face wash, there are certain factors that you should consider. Here are some of the key features to look for:

Skin Type

It's important to choose an oil face wash that is suitable for your skin type. If you have oily skin, you may want to look for a product that is specifically designed to control oil production. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, you may want to choose a product that is moisturizing.

Ingredients

The ingredients in an oil face wash can have a big impact on its effectiveness. Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals such as sulfates and parabens.

Texture

The texture of an oil face wash can also be an important consideration. Some products have a thicker, creamier texture, while others are more lightweight and watery. Consider your personal preference and what works best for your skin.

Price

Oil face washes can vary in price, so it's important to consider your budget. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn't always mean a better product. Look for products that offer good value for money and that fit within your budget.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best oil face wash for your skin type and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some recommended oil cleansers for dry skin?

For dry skin, we recommend oil cleansers that are formulated with nourishing ingredients such as avocado oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil. Some of our top picks include the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil, and the Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil.

Which oil is most effective for cleansing the face?

There are many effective oils for cleansing the face, including coconut oil, olive oil, and grapeseed oil. However, it's important to choose an oil that is suited for your skin type and concerns. For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to avoid coconut oil as it can be comedogenic.

Are oil cleansers suitable for all skin types?

Yes, oil cleansers can be suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, and sensitive skin. However, it's important to choose an oil cleanser that is formulated for your specific skin type and concerns. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to choose an oil cleanser that is lightweight and non-comedogenic.

What are some popular Korean oil cleansers?

Korean skincare is known for its innovative and effective products, and oil cleansers are no exception. Some popular Korean oil cleansers include Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm, Heimish All Clean Balm, and the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil.

What are some dermatologist-recommended oil cleansers?

If you're looking for an oil cleanser that is recommended by dermatologists, we suggest trying the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, or the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water.

What are some oil-based cleansers for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, we recommend oil-based cleansers that are gentle and free from irritants. Some of our top picks include the Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil, The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, and the Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil.

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