The 14 Best Cleansing Oils to Melt Away Makeup with Ease, Tested by Editors

Your ticket to dewy, glass-like skin.

best cleansing oils
(Image credit: Courtesy U Beauty/Getty/Dam Dam)

I'll admit, I once thought cleansing balms and oils were a step too extra. Why overcomplicate things when I could just swipe on a makeup remover, follow with a face wash, and call it a night? But, oh, how wrong I was. The best cleansing oils can transform your skincare routine. These powerhouse cleansers attract and break down oil—be it makeup, sunscreen, or excess sebum—leaving my skin clean, balanced, and moisturized without that stripped, tight feeling.

"Cleansing oils are especially great for makeup wearers," says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, M.D., who highlights their ability to dissolve trapped oils without compromising your skin barrier. Even if you have acne or oily skin, board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., assures that a well-formulated cleansing oil can actually help balance your natural oils, giving you a healthy, radiant skin barrier.

Want to go next level? Cleansing oils and balms are also the cornerstone of double-cleansing, a Korean skincare technique that, like all of K-beauty, prioritizes the health of your skin. Step one: Use an oil cleanser to lift makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based gunk. Step two: Follow with a water-based cleanser to nix leftover grime. "It's all about starting with a clean slate for that dewy, soft skin," says esthetician and K-beauty expert Charlotte Cho. While the practice is not essential for everyone or for every cleansing oil, double-cleansing is a great option for makeup wearers and those with oily skin. Just be sure to use the technique at night only—doing so in the morning, when your skin is still relatively clean from the evening before, can dry out your skin.

After rigorously testing dozens of cleansing oils, a few beauty experts and I handpicked the true game-changers. These oils cleanse away the most stubborn products, prioritize high-quality ingredients that support your skin barrier, and ultimately leave me with glowing, supple skin. Whether you're new to cleansing oils, a double-cleanse devotee, or a makeup wearer in general, you'll wonder how you ever washed your face without them.

Best Cleansing Oils

Siena Gagliano applies a cleansing oil over makeup

Siena Gagliano applies the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover on top of lipstick, cream eyeshadow, and waterproof liquid eyeliner.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Siena Gagliano)

Siena Gagliano applies a cleansing oil over makeup

Siena Gagliano applies the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover on top of lipstick, cream eyeshadow, and waterproof liquid eyeliner.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Siena Gagliano)

Siena Gagliano applies a cleansing oil over makeup

Siena Gagliano applies the Eve Lom Cleansing Oil Capsules on top of lipstick, cream eyeshadow, and waterproof liquid eyeliner.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Siena Gagliano)

Siena Gagliano applies a cleansing oil over makeup

Siena Gagliano applies the Avène Xeracalm A.d Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil on top of lipstick, cream eyeshadow, and waterproof liquid eyeliner.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Siena Gagliano)

Siena Gagliano applies a cleansing oil over makeup

Siena Gagliano applies the Elemis Pro-Collagen Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm on top of lipstick, cream eyeshadow, and waterproof liquid eyeliner.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Siena Gagliano)

Siena Gagliano applies a cleansing oil over makeup

Siena Gagliano applies The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Facial Cleansing Oil on top of lipstick, cream eyeshadow, and waterproof liquid eyeliner.

(Image credit: Siena Gagliano)

Other Cleansing Oils I Love

What is a Cleansing Oil?

Cleansing oils are gentle yet effective face washes that dissolve makeup, dirt, sebum, and sunscreen without stripping your skin's natural moisture. Dr. Lal explains that they work on the principle of "like dissolves like," using oils to lift impurities without drying out your skin. Dr. Azi adds that these cleansers typically combine oils and emulsifiers to break down oil-based debris while preserving your skin barrier. When water is added, the oil transforms into a milky texture, allowing surfactants—ingredients that help oils rinse away—to lift off grime, makeup, and excess sebum.

Cleansing oils are also key to double cleansing, a popular two-step K-beauty routine. Charlotte Cho describes it as "an essential skincare step," starting with an oil-based cleanser to break down oil-based products like makeup and SPF, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove leftover residue. While not everyone needs to double cleanse, this method is a great option for makeup wearers.

Should I Use a Cleansing Oil?

Generally speaking, all skin types can benefit from a cleansing oil—provided you're choosing the right ingredients for your goals and concerns (more on that below). They're particularly effective for makeup wearers, as they dissolve oil-based products, including makeup. Cleansing oils are also ideal for dry and sensitive skin, thanks to their moisturizing properties. Just note: For a cleansing oil to work, massage it onto dry skin for about 60 seconds. This gives it enough time to properly bond with and break down the oil-based debris and product.

Do Oil Cleansers Clog Pores?

It might seem counterintuitive to add more oil to your face in an effort to get rid of the oil already there. However, oily, congested skin can actually benefit. As Dr. Gohara explains, cleansing oils "help balance natural oils without over-drying." However, to be on the safe side and avoid any chance of clogged pores, it's best to steer clear of heavier oils like mineral, coconut, and olive oils in skincare.

Unlike harsh cleansers that disrupt your skin's acid mantle—i.e., the first line of defense against pollutants and free radicals—cleansing oils don't mess with this barrier, helping to reduce the risk of irritation, breakouts, and sensitivity. The key is to choose the right oils and actives that address your skin concerns.

What to Look for in a Cleansing Oil?

Ingredients

Dr. Lal recommends oils like sunflower seed, grapeseed, almond, and marula oil for cleansing. Dr. Gohara and Dr. Azi co-sign the grapeseed oil, adding that squalane, jojoba, rosehip, argan, and camellia also make excellent choices. On the flip side, it's best to avoid heavier oils like mineral, coconut, and olive oils, as well as products with heavy fragrances or essential oils, as these may lead to irritation.

In addition to oils, these cleansers also include actives to target alternative skin concerns. You can find cleansing oils that contain chemical exfoliants that are great for dull, textured, or acne-prone skin, as well as brighteners like niacinamide, skin-protecting antioxidants, and soothing ingredients for reactive skin types.

Texture

According to Dr. Gohara, "lighter textures work best for oily skin, while thicker oils feel more luxurious for dry skin." Dr. Azi agrees, emphasizing that a good cleansing oil should rinse off easily without leaving a greasy residue. Cleansing oils also come in a liquid and balm version, and sometimes I prefer the latter as it is less messy and easier to work with.

Should I Use a Cleansing Oil Morning and Night?

For those who wear makeup or follow a double cleansing routine, cleansing oils are best used at night, making them ideal for washing away the day's buildup of dirt, oil, and makeup. Dr. Lal advises nighttime use to "rid the skin of oils accumulated throughout the day," while Dr. Gohara agrees, calling evening "prime time for cleansing oils." In the morning, a gentle cleanser usually suffices, though dry skin types may enjoy the added moisture of a cleansing oil on an as-needed basis.

Why Trust Marie Claire?

Siena Gagliano is a New York-based beauty editor and writer specializing in digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. In her prior role, she was an editor at Cosmopolitan, focusing on beauty commerce and SEO-driven content. She spoke with board-certified dermatologists and experts about the newest and trendiest in the skincare space to compile this list of the best cleansing oils on the market.

When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.

How We Tested

Marie Claire beauty contributor, Siena Gagliano went through a vigorous testing period where she reviewed dozens of cleansing oils. After determining the top picks alongside dermatologists and skincare experts, she tested each cleanser with her most worn, and hardest-to-remove makeup products: A satin lipstick, cream eyeshadow, and waterproof liquid eyeliner.

Each cleansing oil was massaged on top of the product for 60 seconds, emulsified with a bit of water, and rinsed off. The results, along with the texture, ingredients, and post-cleanse feel determined this list of the 14 best cleansing oils. She also evaluated customer reviews and best-selling products across our favorite retailers.

Meet the Experts

cleansing oil expert
Charlotte Cho

Charlotte Cho is the founder of the skincare line Then I Met You and co-founder of the incredibly popular K-beauty site Soko Glam. After moving to South Korea after college, she discovered the skin-first philosophy of Korean beauty. After co-founding Soko Glam with her husband Dave in 2012, she later earned her esthetician license, blending the best of Western and Korean skincare. Cho's expertise has made her a trusted voice in the beauty industry where she continues to educate consumers about her passion for skincare rooted in K-beauty practices.

board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi

Internationally renowned board-certified Dermatologist in La Jolla, Dr. Azadeh Shirazi—or Dr. Azi, as her patients know her—specializes in a wide range of skincare and beauty treatments. As the founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, she embodies a strong passion for aesthetics and truly enjoys the art of cosmetic surgery. Dr. Azi has patented an under-eye treatment technique called EyeGlow® using a white opaque filler blend to lift and brighten dark circles.  She also enjoys delivering valuable information on health, beauty, and wellness to consumers through her podcast, More than a Pretty Face, as well as other media outlets. 

board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara
Dr. Mona Gohara

Dr. Mona Gohara, a Yale-trained board-certified dermatologist and former chief resident at Yale New Haven Hospital, is an associate clinical professor at Yale, where she continues to teach and mentor. As President of the Women's Dermatologic Society and chair of several committees for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Gohara is a recognized leader in her field. A trusted medical expert, she frequently contributes to Marie Claire, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, and more, and serves on the advisory board for Women's Health. Her clinical focus and interests include skin of color and both medical and surgical dermatology.

dermatologist headshot
Dr. Karan Lal

Dr. Karan Lal is a double board-certified dermatologist specializing in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, soft tissue filler augmentation, body sculpting, and pigmentary skin conditions. Dr. Lal treats patients of all ages, from infancy onward, and is an internationally renowned speaker. His expertise has been featured in top media outlets, including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire.

Siena Gagliano
Contributing Beauty Writer

Siena Gagliano is a New York-based beauty editor and writer specializing in digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. In her prior role, she was an editor at Cosmopolitan, focusing on beauty commerce and SEO-driven content. Her work has also appeared in ELLEBustle, and Women’s Health. Curious about the behind-the-scenes magazine life and her go-to beauty picks? Follow her on Instagram at @sienagagliano.