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Top 8 Best Oil Cleansers for Dry Skin

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedOctober 23, 2024

Oil cleansers are now appreciated by many people, and it is not surprising, since such products are quite helpful. They are not harsh on the skin, can cleanly wash off makeup and dirt and can be used on all skin types. Nonetheless, the right oil cleanser for dry skin is not easy to find out. For dry skin, it is essential to find a gentle cleanser that is gentle on the skin and will not make the skin feel tight and rough after washing.

We dedicated considerable time to trying to find and analyze the best oil cleansers suitable for dry skin. Here are our choices along with the reasons for selecting them in the subsequent sections.

Loved01 Face & Body Oil, John Legend Skincare

The Editor's Choice

Experience the hydrating magic of John Legend Skincare's Face & Body Oil, specially crafted for dry skin. Packed with Rosehip and Sea Buckthorn Oils, it nourishes and revitalizes, leaving skin radiant. While perfect for full-body hydration, those with sensitive skin should proceed with caution. Its luxurious feel and efficacy make it worth the investment for those seeking premium hydration.

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For those with dry skin who are searching for that perfect oil cleanser, you need look no further than the John Legend Skincare Daily Deep Hydration Face & Body Oil. This optimal concoction of only Rosehip and Sea Buckthorn Oils creates a very rich essence that is perfect for face and body pampering.

Pros

  • Intensely hydrating formula ideal for dry skin
  • Rich blend of Rosehip and Sea Buckthorn Oils for deep nourishment
  • Multipurpose application for both face and body

Cons

  • May not be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin
  • Some users may find the scent too strong
  • Pricier compared to other oil cleansers on the market

The best aspect of this Face & Body Oil is its enriching texture that is perfect for moisturizing dry skin. Rosehip and Sea Buckthorn Oils provide rich vitamin and antioxidant content for soft, supple skin that looks naturally beautiful.

Furthermore, it is not limited to the face, where its benefits can be experienced by applying it to the entire body. Whether it’s the flaky bits on your face that you need to attend to or you’re just out to moisturize your skin in general, this one will do the job fine.

However, it is important to point out that this formula may be unsuitable for persons with delicate complexion since it may cause some skin reactions. However, the perfume has a smell that augments the experience; to others, the smell is too strong for their liking. Finally, some people, due to its expensive nature relative to other scrapers, may not afford it, yet its performance is something worth paying for.

Consequently, if you are looking for a luxurious oil cleanser to fight dryness and apply lasting hydration, it’s hard to discuss John Legend Skincare’s Daily Deep Hydration Face & Body Oil with Rosehip and Sea Buckthorn Oils.

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For dry skin, the best product for the first step of skincare is the CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser. It does not have that fresh-fresh smell of a normal cleaner yet it is gentle enough for the face, suitable for acne-prone skin, eczema skin, and baby skin.

Pros

  • Provides lasting hydration and leaves soothed and comfortable, non-greasy feel
  • Removes face makeup, dirt, and excess oil with a soft lathering foam
  • Suitable to use as facial cleanser & body wash

Cons

  • Doesn't foam as much as some users may like
  • Burns eyes a little
  • Doesn't work as well as an actual oil cleanser

The CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser contains squalane oil, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid that will assist in keeping the skin barrier intact, which will not make the skin feel drawn. It also collaborates with dermatologists and has a range of skin cleansers for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, and others.

It is non-drying and does not leave the skin greasy and uncomfortable after washing it with the cleanser. It is safe for use for 3+ months, and it can be used for the face and body.

All in all, anybody in search of a rather mild and efficient oil cleanser for dry skin should give CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser a try.

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For those with very dry and sensitive skin, there is one product that we highly recommend – Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil.

Pros

  • Gentle on skin
  • Moisturizes skin
  • Soothes discomfort

Cons

  • Takes a lot of product to lather
  • May not be effective for makeup removal
  • Pump may malfunction

Initially, we had certain doubts about this product, but to our surprise, this product was much better as it is nontoxic, fragrance-free and very moisturizing. It gently cleanses our skin without leaving it dry or with no natural oils on the skin’s surface. We also like how it relieves any discomfort that we might be suffering from.

Nevertheless, we did realize that a lot of product is required for lathering, which also means it could be rather expensive. Also, it is not the most suitable choice for make-up removal. We also had some problems connected with pump failure.

All in all, if you are seeking mild and nourishing cleansing oil for dry and sensitive skin, we fully endorse Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil.

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We highly recommend purchasing THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Face Wash for a gentle and hydrating daily cleansing experience.

Pros

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

Cons

  • May be a little pricey for some
  • Some may not like the rice scent
  • May not work well for those with extremely oily skin

This cleansing oil has been our go-to for the past few weeks and I love how it effectively removes makeup and dirt without being too stripping on the skin. The texture is very lightweight and it is very moisturizing, good for sensitive skin, and refreshing.

It can be used by any skin type because it does not cause any irritation; therefore, appropriate for people with sensitive skin, normal skin, oily skin, and dry skin as well. But, there are individuals who only need to once tap their face, and that ranges from those people with very oily skin to those with normal skin.

A rather minus aspect is that the product may cost a lot for some people, but they will not regret a purchase, as they will get real value and high-quality product. Also, some people may not like the smell of rice, but the smell we experienced was nice and not strong at all.

In conclusion, it is a worthwhile recommendation for anyone that is seeking or currently using a daily cleansing oil for THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Face Wash.

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If you’re in search of an oil cleanser that is not too harsh on the skin but will help to eliminate dirt, Julep Vitamin E Hydrating Cleansing Oil could be the solution for you.

Pros

  • The lightweight and non-greasy formula cleans away makeup and impurities without over-cleansing, so skin feels and looks clean and healthy.
  • It evens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines, scars, and hyperpigmentation.
  • The ingredient list is full of VIPs like Rosehip Seed Oil, Green Coffee Bean Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Olive Oil, and Vitamin E.

Cons

  • It's a bit pricey compared to other oil cleansers on the market.
  • It may not be suitable for those with extremely oily skin.
  • It may leave a slight residue on the skin, which some people may not like.

From our point of view, this oil cleaner is perfect for people who have dry or sensitive skin and want to use an effective product for the removal of makeup and other types of impurities. It is a water-based formula that is not oily and does not over-cleanse the skin, so the skin feels soft, smooth, and moisturized.

This particular oil cleanser is one that we can really appreciate because of such additives, which actually go a long way in moisturizing, hydrating, calming, and protecting the skin while, at the same time, they do not clog the pores. These ingredients, such as Rosehip Seed Oil, Green Coffee Bean Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Olive Oil, and Vitamin E all have skin-care benefits and contribute to the efficiency of cleansing the skin and also nourishing the skin.

The other good thing about this oil cleanser is that it removes waterproof makeup, which is quite a task for most forms of cleansers. It eliminates grime, dead skin cells, and sealable cosmetics while not robbing the skin of natural moisture; it is gentle and can be washed off with warm water.

In a nutshell, Julep Vitamin E Hydrating Cleansing Oil is a very effective oil cleanser that can effectively cleanse the skin while hydrating it at the same time, of course, if you follow the instructions for usage. It is costly a little bit, but in our view, it can be worth it depending on the outcome that the user can achieve.

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Without any doubt, the Curel Japanese Skin Care Facial Cleansing Oil for Face is our favorite oil cleanser for dry skin!

Pros

  • This oil-based makeup remover is gentle on the skin and effectively removes makeup, dirt, and oil from deep within the pores.
  • The cleansing facial oil protects the skin's natural ceramides, keeping it moisturized and soft.
  • It is fragrance-free, colorant-free, and free of drying alcohols, making it perfect for dry, sensitive skin.

Cons

  • The price may be a bit steep for some users.
  • The packaging may not be travel-friendly due to the size of the bottle.
  • It may not work as effectively on waterproof makeup as some other oil cleansers.

It has been some time since we started using this makeup removing oil and it is now a regular part of our skincare. This oil becomes very light and turns into almost a milky substance when mixed with water and the makeup comes off very easily without having to apply much pressure. It makes my skin feel soft and moist but doesn’t eliminate the healthy nutrients from skin called ceramides.

For people with dry and sensitive skin, the Curel Japanese Skin Care Facial Cleansing Oil for the Face is the best option because it is mild and leaves no residues. We appreciate the fact that it is specifically developed not to harm the skin and the entire formulation excludes any negative elements. It also works as a perfect double cleansing product in combination with the Curel Foaming Face Wash for protective gentle cleansing and brighter skin.

All in all, if you want to try an oil cleanser for the face that will not strip your skin, then the Curel Japanese Skin Care Facial Cleansing Oil for Face is a great option for dry skin.

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If you are in need of a natural facial cleansing oil and your skin wants to be smooth, clean, and nourished without the oily finish, then the Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil with Coconut & Argan Oils is a possible pick for you.

Pros

  • Provides instant hydration leaving the surface soft & smooth
  • Gently dissolves dirt and makeup without stripping your skin’s naturally protective moisture barriers
  • 100% natural origin facial cleanser oil cleanses skin for a healthy-looking, smooth complexion

Cons

  • May not be effective for removing heavy or waterproof makeup
  • Some users may not like the scent
  • May not be suitable for those with oily skin

We have been using this facial cleansing oil for the past few weeks, and it has worked wonders for us. It is mild to the skin and does not cause skin greasiness. We used it, and our skin felt so soft and clean as if it had been nourished.

The use of coconut and argan oil ensures that tricks of the skin keep it moist, making the surface look soft and sponge-like. It also does not contain parabens, phthalates petrolatum, and SLS, which make it very suitable for natural skincare products.

Also, it might be helpful to understand that it cannot efficiently clean the skin from thick or waterproof makeup. This facial cleansing oil is gentle, but if one wears a lot of makeup, one will need to use another product to cleanse the skin before using this product.

In conclusion, a warm response toward Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil can be stated for those people with normal to dry skin type in search of a natural facial cleanser with a moisturizing effect.

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Paula’s Choice Perfect Cleaning Oil is our top choice of makeup remover and facial cleanser for people with dry skin.

Pros

  • This cleansing oil is perfect for removing stubborn longwear and waterproof makeup, as well as dirt, sweat, and impurities, without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
  • The combination of sunflower, coconut, meadowfoam, jojoba, and grape seed oils simultaneously cleanses and replenishes the skin's moisture, leaving it soft, smooth, and thoroughly cleansed with no greasy residue or tight, dry feel.
  • The fragrance-free formula is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Cons

  • Some users may find that they need to use quite a few pumps to remove all of their makeup, especially around the eyes.
  • The smell of the product may not be pleasant for some users.
  • The container may be small for some users who use the product daily.

We have been trying Paula’s Choice Perfect Cleansing Oil for a few weeks now and are happy to report that the formula effectively eliminates the most persistent makeup without excessive skin drying. The oil becomes a watery solution when mingled with water and hence can be easily washed away.

This formula has no fragrance at all, which is great for those with sensitive skin, and is gentle on the skin. The blend of sunflower, coconut, meadowfoam, jojoba, and grape seed oils nourishes our skin without making it feel oily or congested at the end of the day.

Despite the fact that there are some complaints that one has to pump rather actively to get rid of all the makeup, including the area around the eyes, we need just two pumps a day for the makeup removal. Some users may find the smell of the product unpleasant to some extent, but it is not very strong.

All in all, Paula’s Choice Perfect Cleansing Oil gets our green light for anyone with dry skin seeking a gentle but effective makeup remover and face wash.

Buying Guide

Ingredients

When selecting oil cleansers, ensure that they contain moisturizing properties such as jojoba oil, avocado oil, or argan oil. These oils contain fatty acids and could be useful for bringing back skin moisture to the skin. Do not use oil cleansing that has other additives, such as alcohol or added fragrance, as this will also dry the skin.

Texture

Facial oils are available in many forms ranging from light oil to heavy balms. Think of your skin type and your own preference for a particular texture that you prefer. Heavier balms could work for sensitive, dry skin, and lighter oils possibly for normal to dry skin.

Cleansing Power

When selecting the oil cleanser, make sure it is able to remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities on the skin. Some of the best oil cleansers are those that are capable of being washed out with some water so that one is sure they have clean skin.

Skin Type

Oil cleansers may help some skin types more than others; it is important to take skin type into account. For people with sensitive skin, it is recommended to use oil cleansers that do not contain a fragrance. If you are an oily-skinned lady, you should go for lightweight oil cleansers which are non-comedogenic in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some oil cleansers that work well for dry skin?

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, and Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil are recommended for dry skin.

What should I look for when choosing an oil cleanser for dry skin?

If you have a dry skin type, ensure the oil cleanser has oils such as jojoba oil, argan oil and avocado oil in its formula. These oils are used basically for moisturizing and can thus aid in beautifying dry skin. It is advisable to exclude such substances as alcohol and sulfates because they dry the skin out.

Can oil cleansing help improve dry skin?

Yes, oil cleansing can assist in making the skin dry. Oil washes can effectively reduce the amount of dirt and other particles on the skin's surface without causing dryness of the face. It may also be useful in restoring skin function and maintaining skin hydration because the skin’s barrier layer is compromised in atopic skin.

Are there any oil cleansers that are specifically formulated for dry skin?

Yes, there are companies that manufacture oil cleansers that are suitable for use on dry skin. Search for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for skin hydration and ceramides for increased barrier capacity when replenishing your skin’s L-Glutathione.

How often should I use an oil cleanser on dry skin?

Oil cleanser can be applied on dry skin, preferably in the morning or at night when the skin requires more cleansing. If you have very dry skin, you may apply an oil cleanser once a day just to prevent it from getting too dry.

Can oil cleansing cause dryness or irritation on dry skin?

Even for people with dry skin, oil cleansing should not lead to dryness or skin irritation if the right product is selected and used appropriately. Do not apply hot water on your skin as it tends to remove all the natural oils of the skin, and make sure that you wash off all the soap thoroughly. If you feel any redness or dryness after using the product, you should stop using it and consult a skin specialist.

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