Oil Based Cleanser: How Cleansing Oils Work for Every Skin Type

An oil based cleanser is one of the most effective ways to dissolve makeup, remove excess sebum, and keep you feeling fresh without stripping the skin's natural moisture. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, or blemish prone skin, a cleansing oil can transform your skincare routine. Oil based cleansers work by attracting oil soluble impurities on the skin's surface and lifting them away. In this guide, we cover how to choose the best oil based cleanser and water based cleanser for a double cleansing routine, which cleansing oil suits different skin types, and why a personalised prescription formula delivers the best results after a proper cleanse. Find out how a personalised prescription formula could work for you at Prescription Skin.

Key Takeaways

• An oil based cleanser dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and oil soluble impurities without leaving you feeling stripped. A cleansing oil is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, dry skin, and acne prone skin.[4]
• Double cleansing with an oil based cleanser followed by a water based cleanser gives thorough cleansing that prepares you for serums and prescription actives. This double cleansing method removes stubborn makeup and excess sebum effectively.
• The best cleansing oil for your skin types contains nourishing oils like rice bran oil and grape seed oil that protect the barrier and leave skin feeling soft.
• A board certified dermatologist will tell you that gentle cleansing is essential before applying prescription skincare. Using the right oil based cleanser and water based cleanser in your skincare routine ensures active ingredients penetrate properly.

What Is an Oil Based Cleanser?

An oil based cleanser is a cleansing oil that uses natural oils and a food grade emulsifier to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and oil soluble impurities sitting on the skin's surface. Unlike a water based cleanser, an oil based cleanser attracts and binds to excess sebum and stubborn makeup that water alone cannot shift. When you add warm water, the cleansing oil turns into a milky consistency that rinses clean without leaving a greasy residue. A good oil based cleanser leaves you with skin feeling soft, not skin feeling stripped. Research shows that oil cleansing with the right formula helps preserve the skin's natural balance and protective moisture barrier.[3]

How a Cleansing Oil Works

A cleansing oil works on a simple principle: like dissolves like. The oil in your oil based cleanser binds to oil soluble impurities, including excess sebum, waterproof makeup, heavy makeup, and sunscreen. When you apply a cleansing oil to a dry face and give it a gentle massage for 30 to 60 seconds, the cleansing oil breaks down stubborn mascara, waterproof mascara, eye makeup, and long wear makeup. Adding warm water emulsifies the cleansing oil into a milky consistency, and the oil cleanser removed everything lifts away. This is thorough removal while maintaining hydration and the protective moisture barrier. A cleansing oil leaves skin feeling soft and clean.[4]

Oil Based Cleanser vs Water Based Cleanser

Understanding the difference between an oil based cleanser and a water based cleanser is key to building the right skincare routine. An oil based cleanser excels at makeup removal and dissolving oil soluble impurities like excess sebum and sunscreen. A water based cleanser is better at removing water soluble particles like sweat and dirt for a deep cleanse. For most skin types, the best approach is using both: an oil based cleanser first, then a water based cleanser second. This is the foundation of double cleansing. A water based cleanser with salicylic acid provides a deep cleanse for acne prone and blemish prone skin after an oil based cleanser has cleared the surface.[5] A water based cleanser alone may not dissolve makeup or excess oil as effectively as an oil based cleanser. Each based cleanser type has its role: the oil based cleanser removes what sits on the surface, while a water based cleanser removes what remains in the pores.

Double Cleansing: Why It Works

Double cleansing means using an oil based cleanser as the first step followed by a water based cleanser as the second. This double cleansing method ensures both oil soluble impurities and water soluble debris are gone. The oil based cleanser handles makeup removal, excess sebum, and sunscreen. The water based cleanser then provides a deep cleanse. Double cleansing is especially important if you wear waterproof makeup or use SPF daily. A double cleanse routine keeps things clear and prepares for prescription actives. Board certified dermatologist advice supports double cleansing as the best way to cleanse skin without damaging the barrier.[6] Your double cleanse routine should use a gentle cleansing oil first, then a gentle formula water based cleanser. Double cleansing works for all skin types. Every oil cleanser in a double cleansing routine should be followed by the right water based cleanser. Double cleansing is the gold standard for an effective skincare routine, whether you have oily skin, combination skin, or sensitive skin.

Best Oil Cleanser for Different Skin Types

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin types need a gentle cleansing oil free from synthetic fragrances and harsh surfactants. A cleansing oil with sunflower seed oil or rice bran oil is ideal because these nourishing oils contain natural vitamin e and linoleic acid that calm inflammation. Sensitive skin types should choose an oil based cleanser with a gentle formula. After your cleansing oil, follow with a water based cleanser. Oil cleansing for sensitive skin leaves skin feeling soft without irritation.[7] An oil cleanser removes makeup gently, which is why many board certified dermatologist recommendations favour a cleansing oil for this type.

Oily Skin, Acne Prone Skin, and Blemish Prone Skin

If you have oily skin or acne prone skin, an oil based cleanser might sound counterintuitive, but it actually helps. A cleansing oil removes excess oil without triggering more production. For acne prone skin and blemish prone skin, choose a cleansing oil with lighter botanical oils and a gentle formula. An oil cleanser for very oily skin helps rebalance. Follow your oil based cleanser with a water based cleanser containing salicylic acid for a deep cleanse. This double cleansing approach keeps acne prone skin clear without skin feeling stripped.[10] Those with blemishes respond well to a non comedogenic cleansing oil.

Dry Skin and Mature Skin

Dry skin and mature skin benefit from a cleansing oil rich in nourishing oils and fatty acids. Look for an oil based cleanser with olive oil, rice bran oil, or seed oil blends. These contain vitamin e and help strengthen the protective moisture barrier. A gentle cleansing oil for dry skin dissolves makeup while leaving skin feeling soft and a soft complexion. For dry skin types, an oil based cleanser is often better than a foaming water based cleanser.[3]

Combination Skin

Combination skin needs a balanced cleansing oil that clears excess oil on the T zone without overdrying cheeks. A lightweight oil based cleanser with grape seed oil or sunflower seed oil works well for combination skin. Follow with a water based cleanser to finish. A cleansing oil for this type keeps things balanced across all zones. Many skin types benefit from oil cleansing as part of a double cleansing skincare routine.

Gentle Cleansing Oil Ingredients

The best cleansing oils contain seed oil blends and natural oils that nourish while they cleanse. Sunflower seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and fatty acids. Rice bran oil contains antioxidants. Grape seed oil is lightweight and suits all skin types. Olive oil is deeply moisturising. These oils give a cleansing oil the ability to dissolve makeup while leaving you feeling soft. A cleansing oil with these natural oils performs better than one loaded with mineral oil. A food grade emulsifier allows the cleansing oil to rinse clean with warm water. The best oil based cleanser will have a gentle formula with these ingredients. A cleansing oil removes makeup while an oil cleanser removed correctly leaves no residue.[8]

How to Use an Oil Based Cleanser for a Deep Cleanse

Using an oil based cleanser correctly makes all the difference. Start with dry hands and a dry face. Apply the cleansing oil and use a gentle massage in circular motions for 30 to 60 seconds. The oil based cleanser will dissolve makeup, stubborn mascara, and waterproof makeup from the surface. Then add water. The cleansing oil will emulsify into a milky consistency. Rinse. Follow with a water based cleanser for your double cleanse routine. This approach gives thorough cleansing. For skin concerns like pigmentation or fine lines, a clean base after your oil based cleanser allows prescription actives to work more effectively. For stubborn makeup that a single pass cannot shift, try a second application of your cleansing oil. A cleansing oil used twice ensures everything is lifted before your water based cleanser.

Gentle Cleansing for Acne Prone Skin

A careful approach is critical for acne prone skin. Harsh cleansers strip the barrier and trigger excess oil production, making breakouts worse.[6] An oil based cleanser with a gentle formula is the first step. It removes impurities without damage. Follow with a water based cleanser that contains salicylic acid to clear dead cells and prevent congestion. This approach in a double cleansing skincare routine helps keep you clear. Blemish prone skin and very oily skin also benefit from this oil based cleanser and water based cleanser pair. A board certified dermatologist may recommend oil cleansing even for acne prone skin types when paired with prescription treatment.[10]

Oil Cleansing in Your Skincare Routine

For the best results, use your oil based cleanser every evening to remove makeup, sunscreen, and the day's impurities. Your oil based cleanser and water based cleanser combination creates a clean canvas for retinoids, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and other active ingredients. Oil cleansing in the morning is optional but can help if you notice oily residue overnight. The tester's skin showed improved results when a consistent cleansing oil routine preceded prescription treatment.[9] Your skincare routine should start with a cleansing oil, then a water based cleanser, followed by prescription actives. This is how you get clear skin and a soft complexion. At Prescription Skin, your custom formula works on freshly cleansed skin after your oil based cleanser and water based cleanser double cleansing routine. An oil based cleanser in your skincare routine is the foundation for skin feeling soft, healthy, and ready for treatment. A cleansing oil removes makeup and excess oil so your skin concerns are addressed by what you apply next. Choose a cleansing oil that suits your type and pair it with the right water based cleanser for a complete cleansing oil routine.