12 Best Cleansing Oils, Tested & Reviewed for 2024

Expert-approved formulas for all skin types.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Applying oil onto your skin to remove makeup might seem counterintuitive at first, especially if you’ve even tried to “wash” your face with something like coconut oil. Sure, it melts everything away, but actually removing traces of oil from your face afterward without ending up with a greasy, oily feeling on your skin can be a daunting task. Luckily, beauty brands have developed a solution: cleansing oils. These formulas contain, feel, and act like oils but wash off easily when activated by water.

There are countless benefits to adding a cleansing oil to your routine. First of all, they can remove pretty much everything, from waterproof mascara to the toughest of matte lipsticks. Also, because they’re so moisturizing, they won’t strip your skin and cause that unpleasant tight feeling you might get from a harsh foaming cleanser. Finally, oil cleansers have a secret superpower: they go beyond cleansing the surface and help degunk your pores.

“Cleansing oils gently draw out or loosen oil-based debris, such as sebum, makeup, SPF, and pollutants. Water-based cleansers don’t remove oil-based debris as effectively because water repels oil. Most oil cleansers can remove oil debris more effectively without drying out the skin,” says Charlotte Cho, licensed esthetician and founder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam.

Whether you have oily, acne-prone skin or the driest of skin, there’s an oil cleanser out there you’re bound to fall in love with. We peered into ELLE editors’ routines, scoured customer reviews, and spoke to Cho to investigate a variety of options and locate the 12 best cleansing oils for all skin times. Find them below!

Waterproof makeup, heavy sunscreens, and matte products don’t stand a chance against this oil-rich formula. Manyo’s cleansing oil is supercharged by 14 oils that coat the skin to cleanse away tough formulas. The oil evolves into a milky consistency and imparts nourishment to dry skin. “This is a popular option for dry skin types because this is made with rice bran oils that nourish the skin while cleansing it,” explains Cho.

Key ingredients: Grape seed oil, olive fruit oil, evening primrose oil, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, rice bran oil, lavender oil

Size: 6.76 oz

Soko Glam rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “This year, I’ve gotten to the point where I can’t cleanse my face (when I have makeup on) without an oil cleanser. Sometimes, I only clean with this cleansing oil and move on. Because it emulsifies so well, everything washes off quickly and easily. However, since I have dryer skin, I appreciate how nourishing the oils in the formula are and don’t want to wash them away with a water-based face wash. My skin appreciates double cleansing, but it also seems to love my oil-cleansing-only method, too. Another thing: My nose’s pores are prone to clogging, but gently rubbing this oil into my skin somehow draws everything out, leaving me with ultra-smooth and clean-looking skin. If you feel like your pores need some heavy-duty help, I highly recommend the Deep Clean version of Manyo’s cleansing oil.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

Most cleansing oils are formulated for facial use. However, La Roche-Posay entered the fold with a moisturizing formula meant for use from head to toe. With an oil-to-foam lather, this cleansing oil buffs away impurities and restores nourishment via emollient-rich ingredients.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter, vitamin B3

Size: 13.52 oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “I used this at a friend’s house and was so impressed by the formula. It takes away the need for you to double cleanse, which, let’s be honest, many of us may skip after a long work day. Now your skin doesn’t have to suffer. You can use this on your entire body and I recommend you do! It leaves your skin so soft and smooth and an extra dose of hydration before you moisturize.”—Danielle James, beauty expert

Conversations around aging always mention loss of elasticity. Peach and Lily’s Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser is built around the star ingredient in its name to help restore that bounce and suppleness that fades over time. There’s also exfoliating pineapple and nourishing sunflower seed and grapeseed oil in this composition.

Key ingredients: Ginger, pineapple extract, sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil

Size: 5.07 oz

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I received this cleansing oil in a gift bag following a customized Peace & Lily facial and immediately put it to use. What I remembered from the facial was how soft and silky the oil felt on my skin, and how moisturized—not greasy—my skin felt afterward. As I used it myself, I loved watching the day melt off my face without stripping it bare—and I am a bit rough with cleansing (we're working on it!).”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE beauty commerce editor

This cleansing oil is formulated to remove makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants while simultaneously boosting the skin barrier with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and safflower oil. Once you add water, the oil washes away without a trace. All that’s left behind is hydrated, glowing, and clean skin.

Key ingredients: Vitamin E-rich essential fatty acids, omega-6, safflower oil

Size: 4.7 oz

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Medik8 stands out to me because of its dedication to creating simple, ingredient-forward formulas that do exactly what they promise. This lipid-rich cleansing oil is no different, and I liked it so much that I blew through an entire bottle this year. I wear a lot of mascara (I’m talking four coats on average), and the oil had no problem breaking it and the rest of my makeup and sunscreen down before I washed it all down the drain.”—Carol Lee

For daily luxury indulgence, reach for this cleansing oil by Sulwhasoo. The creamy, breathable formula unclogs pores and removes dirt to leave your skin feeling fresh and clean without the squeaky, stripped feeling other formulas give.

Key ingredients: Hydra Capture Complex

Size: 6.76 oz

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “My travel cosmetics bag isn’t complete until this is added. I love to double cleanse, so I don’t need a cleansing oil that completely strips my skin bare. This does the job and leaves my skin feeling comfortable and nourished so its sister product, the Cleansing Foam, can swoop in and gently finish the job.”—Nerisha Penrose

The name alone gives way to this cleansing oil’s best feature: vacuum cleansing. This formula is thick yet emulsifies to a thinner, milkier texture and completely removes all traces of makeup. When you’re done, your skin doesn’t feel tight, but nourished and smooth.

Key ingredients: Rice bran oil, B vitamins, vitamin E, castor oil

Size: 4 oz

Sabbatical Beauty rating: 4.8/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “A friend of mine introduced me to this cleansing oil, and I was hooked ever since. As a full-beat, matte-finish makeup girl, I need a formula that effectively removes my makeup without me having to do extra cleansing steps. After using this cleansing oil, all that’s left to do is one final cleanse and I’m set.”—Nerisha Penrose

Buy for the spa-like trance the heavenly aroma casts, stay for the supple, nourished skin you see after each use. This feather-light cleansing oil takes squalane, vitamin E, and alfalfa to melt away makeup, sunscreen, and other hard-to-cleanse formulas and imparts a healthy sheen and hydration.

Key ingredients: Squalane, vitamin E,

Size: 4.1 oz

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our expert says: “The scent of this oil instantly puts me in a tranquil state and helps me decompress from a busy day. It quickly removed my stubborn eye makeup and worked wonders for my nightly double cleansing routine. Highly recommend!”—Danielle James

If you’re someone who enjoys seeing someone on TikTok use an oil cleanser to unplug clogged pores and show the evidence on their fingertips at the end, here’s a cleanser that will proffer similar results. The soothing, lightweight formula helps to remove dirt and debris from the skin—even stubborn waterproof mascara.

Key ingredients: Rice bran oil, sunflower seed oil

Size: 5.1 oz

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I ran through this bottle faster than anticipated because it’s just that good. I absolutely hate when a cleaner gets into my eyes and burns, so I enjoy that this cleanser gently washes away my eye makeup without any mishaps.”—Nerisha Penrose

The gentler the exfoliant, the better it is for your skin. Mara’s cleansing oil uses fruit enzymes, chia seeds, and squalane to softly buff away impurities to reveal brighter, hydrated, and smoother skin.

Key ingredients: Squalane, fruit (pumpkin, pineapple, papaya, and grapefruit) enzymes, chia, moringa

Size: 4 oz

Sephora rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “The best oil cleanser I’ve tried. Truly removes everything and leaves my skin feeling amazing. I also massage it onto my face in the morning, leave on for a few mins then rinse off in the shower. Will def be repurchasing!”

Nemohamo’s Cleansing Oil is a multitasking wonder that brightens and firms skin as it gently cleanses and exfoliates. Ginseng root and plant extracts offer a boost in elasticity; rice bran oil, Japanese Yuzu oil, and japonica seed oil support barrier strength and hydration.

Key ingredients: Japanese Yuzu, ginseng root extract, rice bran oil

Size: 4 oz

Shiko Beauty rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Shiko Beauty reviewer says: “I wear tinted sunscreen plus makeup everyday. Cleansing oil is the first step in my routine. This cleansing oil beats everything else I’ve used. It’s super lightweight and [emulsifies] really well when [you] add water. It doesn’t have the heavy, greasy feeling and washes off easily. Love that a little product can take off all of my makeup. My skin looks brighter and softer after the wash, which never happened with other products.”

With all your favorite skin care ingredients packed into this unassuming bottle, this cleansing oil basically does all the work for you. Packed with vitamins E and C and rice bran oil, the Dermalogica PreCleanse removes build-up and arms your skin with enough nourishment for the next step.

Key ingredients: Vitamins E and C, rice bran oil

Size: 5.1 oz

Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “Someone in my dermatologist office turned me on to this about a year ago, and I’ve been using it ever since. I feel like it adds some moisturizing to my dry skin and melts my makeup before using a cleanser. Amazing how nicely it rinses off—and smells good too! Love this.”

If you’re seeking hydration, look no further than Biossance’s cleansing oil. The antioxidant-rich formula imparts radiance and hydration to leave your skin in better shape than before.

Key ingredients: Squalane, plant extracts

Size: 6.76 oz

Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “My go-to cleanser for five years now. It removes mineral sunscreen and makeup so well that there’s never [any] residual dirt or make up when I use my toner. It has made my eyes burn a couple of times when I don’t rinse well enough. But otherwise, I love it. I have hormonal breakouts, and this has significantly reduced the odd occurrence since I started using it.”

Charlotte Cho is a licensed esthetician and the founder of Then I Met You and of Soko Glam.

Despite what oily-skinned folks might think, oil cleansers actually work great for everyone. “For sensitive, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types, they will gently remove sebum that can clog pores and cause breakouts. It’s especially great for dry skin because it will clean the skin without stripping your skin,” Charlotte Cho, licensed esthetician and co-founder of Soko Glam says.

Oil cleansers are best used as the first step in your skin care routine. “You scoop just a dime-sized amount of the cleansing oil and massage it into your face in gentle, upward circular motions. Add a splash of water to your face to emulsify and further break down the oil-based debris. Lastly, rinse off the oil cleanser with lukewarm water,” Cho explains. From there, depending on the oil cleanser formula used, you can opt for a double cleanse with a different, water-based cleanser for a thorough wash.

“As an esthetician, I am an advocate for ‘double cleansing’ being a key part of a skin care routine. Double cleansing means washing with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. It sets the foundation for clear, dewy skin by thoroughly removing any debris that may be causing build-up on your skin and helps your skin absorb other skin care products more effectively,” she adds. While not every skin type needs to double-cleanse daily, those who are oilier or wear tons of makeup and heavy sunscreens could benefit from extra reinforcement.

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose tested a slew of cleansing oils to find the best formulas and interviewed an expert to learn about the benefits of cleansing oil and best practices.

Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.

Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.

Karan Lal, D.O., F.A.A.D., is a double fellowship-trained pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist practicing in both Scottsdale, Arizona and New York. He is a key opinion leader and international speaker with interests including social media medicine, LGBTQ skin health, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, laser surgery, melasma, cosmeceuticals and soft tissue augmentation. He is the chair of the social media committee for the Society of Pediatric dermatology and is on the ASDS DEI committee.

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