Oil cleansers are commonly used as the first step in a double-cleansing routine, where you wash your face with an oil-based cleanser before following up with a water-based cleanser. Why? Because oil is highly effective at breaking down makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil on the face and can often serve as a multitasking product—removing eye makeup with ease, for example, instead of requiring a separate product for that task.
This is why we think oil cleansers are well-suited for people with busy work lives and people who prioritize performance. Because if you can get an excellent cleanser that both performs well and saves time, why not go for the product that’s both effective and efficient? To find the best oil cleansers available today, we researched available options and asked our testing team to try them. Here are our favorites.
Best Oil Cleansers of 2026
- Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
- Best Oil Cleanser for Oily Skin: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
- Best Oil Cleanser for Dry Skin: Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
- Best Oil Cleanser for Blackheads: Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil
- Best Budget Oil Cleanser: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Best Oil Cleansers Comparison Table
Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
| Fortune score | 5/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved everything about this product, from its nice packaging to the thorough cleansing it offered
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want a spa-like experience when doing their skin care routine, and who are committed to double cleansing
- What makes it different: The premium feel and excellent cleansing ability
Pros
- Resulted in clearer skin
- Removed makeup very well
- Pregnancy-friendly formula
Cons
- Scented, which some may dislike
- Not meant to be a standalone cleanser
Our Thoughts on Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
This cleansing oil is made with ginseng and “micellar technology” to create a product that purportedly deep cleans, supports the moisture barrier, and promotes skin clarity. The product has a “subtly calming scent” and is also pregnancy-friendly; to use, add one or two pumps of oil to dry skin, wet it to emulsify, then massage into the skin before rinsing with lukewarm water. The company instructs people to then use a water-based cleanser as well, noting this routine should be done twice daily.
Emily, our tester (distinct from our staff writer of the same name), used this cleansing oil on what she described as oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin and reported an excellent experience. She first noticed the “super nice packaging” and said it was easy to use. “I really like how it spreads across the skin and makes your skin feel good while cleansing,” said Emily, rating the application experience a 5 out of 5.
After trying it, Emily said, “It removes makeup effortlessly. My skin feels clean, and this cleanser is very gentle—it doesn’t dry out your skin at all.” She rated the cleansing performance a 5 out of 5.
“I feel like this product has helped my skin clear up by introducing a second cleansing step into my routine,” said Emily, explaining, “It does a great job removing my makeup at night and fits reasonably well into a nighttime skincare routine if you require a double cleanse.” She rated the long-term results a 5 out of 5.
We rated this as our best overall oil cleanser for its effective cleansing and overall luxurious feel, from the packaging to the application experience. We recommend this product for professionals willing to spend a few additional minutes doing a double cleanse—with this oil cleanser as the first step—in exchange for a relaxing, spa-like experience that results in a fully cleansed face.
Specs:
- Key ingredients: Ginseng seed oil, soybean oil
- Oil type: Ginseng seed oil, soybean oil, olive oil, coconut oil, hazelnut seed oil, nigella sativa seed oil
- Cost per ounce: $2.82
Best Oil Cleanser for Oily Skin: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
| Fortune score | 5/5 |
at Skin1004
- Our thoughts: We loved how effectively this cleansed oily skin, leaving it moisturized but not greasy
- Who it’s for: Professionals with oily skin who want an oil cleanser that removes dirt, sunscreen, and makeup but doesn’t leave skin greasy
- What makes it different: The silky, smooth texture that spreads easily
Pros
- Very nice texture that spread easily
- Skin felt noticeably cleaner and more moisturized after using
- Worked well on oily skin
Cons
- Took a little time to massage into skin
Our Thoughts on Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil is a lightweight cleanser that dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil and suits all skin types. To use it, add a few pumps of oil to dry hands and apply it to dry skin—you don’t need to wet your face beforehand. Then massage your skin with the oil and rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Our tester, Meredith, said she has oily, acne-prone skin with uneven texture, and she tried this product. She said this cleansing oil “spreads across my face really easily and nicely,” adding, “Overall, it’s exactly what you would expect from an oil cleanser, but leveled up just a bit.” She rated the application a 5 out of 5.
“I really like the feeling of this cleanser,” said Meredith, explaining, “Some oil cleansers are slightly gritty, but that wasn’t the case with this one. It has such a nice, viscous texture that spreads easily and feels so nice on the skin. I feel like I’m moisturizing while also cleaning off makeup, dirt, and oil from my skin.” She rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5.
She also remarked on this product’s impressive cleansing ability, noting, “This cleanser does a fantastic job of cleaning all the excess dirt, oil, and makeup off my skin. It doesn’t leave me feeling overly greasy after I rinse it off, and I can tell that my skin is cleaner after adding this to my routine.” She rated the cleansing performance a 5 out of 5.
Meredith said, “I’ve noticed that when I use this product as the first step in my routine, my skin overall feels much cleaner and a lot more moisturized. I don’t get overly greasy afterward, either, which is something I struggle with in general.”
Our tester said she’s added this product to her regular routine, even though it takes a little time to massage into the skin, but it’s worth it because of how well this oil removes makeup. We’d recommend it for professionals with oily skin who want an oil cleanser that won’t make skin feel greasy, and those who wear makeup and want to ensure it’s completely removed.
Specs:
- Key ingredients: Centella Asiatica extract, bergamot fruit oil, sunflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, jojoba seed oil
- Oil type: Bergamot fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, olive fruit oil, sunflower seed oil, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, fosa damascena flower oil
- Cost per ounce: $3.70
Best Oil Cleanser for Dry Skin: Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: Our tester found this product both effective and enjoyable to use
- Who it’s for: People with packed schedules who want a thorough, hydrating cleanse in a short amount of time
- What makes it different: Can be used on its own, without being paired with a second cleanser
Pros
- Removed waterproof eye makeup especially well
- Light, easily spreadable texture
- Skin felt noticeably more balanced after using
Cons
- Gentle scent, which some may not prefer
Our Thoughts on Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
This lightweight cleansing oil from Shiseido is meant to dissolve sunscreen, makeup, and other impurities, all while keeping skin hydrated. Unlike some other cleansing oils we tested, this one works on wet or dry skin: apply a couple of pumps to your face, massage, then rinse with cold or lukewarm water. This cleansing oil can be used as a solo cleanser or as the first step of a double-cleansing routine, and it’s also dermatologist-tested.
A member of our testing team, Jane, said she has dry skin with occasional breakouts, and she tested Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil. Jane noted, “The pump works smoothly and dispenses the right amount of oil to thoroughly cover the face, and the oil itself performs really well in terms of application. It spreads really easily on skin and feels great to massage into the face.” She rated the application process a 5 out of 5.
Jane really liked the texture and feel as well, rating it a 5 out of 5 and saying, “The cleansing oil has a really light texture and a gentle, pleasant scent. It has replaced my old cleanser in my routine because it’s so enjoyable to use.”
As for how well it worked, Jane explained, “It removes my makeup pretty easily and does especially well at removing my waterproof liner and mascara without irritating my eyes. My skin felt clean afterward, especially after using a wet rag to remove excess oil. I didn’t need to scrub my face heavily at all, and found the process of using this cleansing oil to be very easy.” She rated the cleansing and performance a 5 out of 5.
Jane said this cleanser was gentle and moisturizing, and said that after using it, “My skin does feel noticeably more balanced; I don’t have as many periods of dryness as I usually do, and it does a great job of keeping my skin a little more moisturized.” She also said this cleanser is quick and easy to use and would fit well into a busy morning or evening routine—making it ideal for busy professionals who want the thoroughness of an oil cleanser with the efficiency of a water-based cleanser.
Specs:
- Key ingredients: Squalane, grape seed oil
- Oil type: Squalane, grape seed oil
- Cost per ounce: $6.39
Best Oil Cleanser for Blackheads: Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: We liked the ease of application and no-scrubbing-required cleansing properties of this product
- Who it’s for: Professionals with excessive blackheads and clogged pores looking for a reliable cleanser
- What makes it different: It’s suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin
- Removed makeup well
- Skin felt clean after using
Cons
- Skin was slightly oily afterward
Our Thoughts on Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Manyo Pure Soybean Cleansing Oil “melts away blackheads and whiteheads without clogging pores,” according to the company. It’s suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin, and the company says it also balances pH levels. To use, you massage the oil into the skin, add water until it turns milky, then rinse with lukewarm water. The company doesn’t specify whether to use it on wet or dry skin.
Alyssa, who’s part of our testing team, said she has sensitive, combination skin with both occasional acne and dryness. She used Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil, noting that it was easy to dispense. “The oil is easy to spread, and feels pleasant during and after cleansing,” said Alyssa. She rated the application process a 4.5 out of 5, and the texture and feel of the product a 4 out of 5.
As for how well the product worked, Alyssa said, “It removes light makeup, and my skin feels clean after, with no excessive scrubbing required.” She rated the cleansing performance a 5 out of 5.
Alyssa said that while her skin did feel more hydrated, it was also “still a little oily,” so she considers this product better for nighttime use. We think it’s a good option for professionals looking for a reliable, oil-based nighttime cleanser to remove makeup at the end of the workday.
Specs:
- Key ingredients: Argan kernel oil, jojoba seed oil
- Oil type: Soybean oil, hazel seed oil, grape seed oil, olive fruit oil, squalane, Camellia japonica seed oil, evening primrose oil, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Orbignya oleifera seed oil, rice bran oil
- Cost per ounce: $4.33
Best Budget Oil Cleanser: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved this oil cleanser, saying it’s not only effective but also gentler than other dirt and makeup removers, like micellar water
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want a gentle cleanser, or those who want a low-cost way to try out an oil cleanser for the first time
- What makes it different: A remarkably effective, gentle cleanser for just a few dollars per ounce
Pros
- Removed dirt, sunscreen, and makeup very well
- Felt gentle on skin and didn’t require scrubbing
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Skin didn’t feel completely clean afterward
Our Thoughts on Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is marketed as “one-step cleansing,” with a non-comedogenic formula that removes makeup, oil, impurities, and sunscreen simultaneously. The product also purportedly creates a smooth base for a “glass skin” look—a beauty trend in which people aim for an extremely smooth, clear, even complexion that reflects deep hydration and an almost translucent appearance.
Usage instructions for this oil are similar to others in the lineup: Add a few pumps of oil to your hands, gently massage the oil into your dry face in circular motions, add a little water to emulsify the oil, then rinse off with warm water. The company website notes that you can then do a second cleanse with a water-based cleanser if you’re doing a double-cleansing routine.
A member of our testing team, Gwen, has combination skin that changes with the season, including some eczema in the winter. She tested this product and first noted, “This is an oil cleanser that dispenses easily, but it doesn’t lather or foam—it truly feels like an oil.”
She said, “This oil spreads easily, and I love how it feels during cleansing. It glides smoothly and really helps me break down the products on my face.” She rated the application process a 5 out of 5, and the texture and feel of the product another 5 out of 5.
Gwen rated this product’s cleansing performance a 4.5 out of 5, explaining, “It does achieve the intended goal, though my skin doesn’t feel super clean after.” However, she added, “Oil cleansers generally aren’t meant to be used alone; you use them in tandem with a gel cleanser. So that being said, this did an excellent job of removing anything on my face, whether sweat or dirt or makeup.”
Gwen also said she no longer uses makeup wipes or micellar water to remove makeup because this oil does a better job and doesn’t require a lot of scrubbing, so it’s gentler on her skin. “This is the least irritating cleanser I’ve ever used,” said Gwen, adding, “It leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. While I usually follow this up with a gel cleanser, I’ve used it solo, too, when I don’t have any other products on my face, and it does the job beautifully.”
We’d recommend it for professionals with sensitive skin who want a gentle but effective cleanser that removes all traces of dirt, makeup, and sunscreen, and who might be trying oil cleansing for the first time and don’t want to splurge on a pricier product just yet.
Specs:
- Key ingredients: Not specified
- Oil type: Sunflower seed oil, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, olive fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, grape seed oil, moringa oleifera seed oil
- Cost per ounce: $3.25
Why the Right Cleanser Matters to Professionals
Professionals benefit from having a great core skincare routine, including a skin cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, because healthy skin is a confidence booster—and it’s especially important if your career requires a lot of face-to-face interactions with employees or clients.
Oil cleansers can be great additions to any foundational skin-care routine because they serve as highly effective makeup removers. Oil cleansers remove dirt, oil, and sunscreen as well, which often results in people using an oil cleanser instead of things like eye makeup remover and micellar water. So for people who like multitasking products that improve efficiency, oil cleansers are frequently a favorite.
How We Tested and Selected the Oil Cleansers
Here’s how we chose the products in our lineup.
Texture and Feel
Oil cleansers are meant to feel oily, of course, but we paid attention to whether the products felt lightweight or heavy and were easy or difficult to spread on skin.
Cleansing Performance
We looked at how well each cleanser removed makeup, sunscreen, oil, and dirt, with testers noting whether their faces felt truly clean after cleansing.
Skin Comfort
While some makeup removers, like micellar waters or wipes, require rubbing rough cotton rounds or fibrous sheets on your face, we prioritized gentle cleansing and asked testers to note whether rigorous rubbing or scrubbing was required.
Long-Term Results
Another thing we paid attention to: long-term results. We asked testers to share their experiences with continued use of these oil cleansers to see how they fared over time.
Value
As always, we try to include a range of price points as we realize people have different budgets. For this lineup, prices ranged from $2.82 per ounce to $6.39 per ounce, but as a reminder, price isn’t necessarily synonymous with quality.
Benefits of Oil Cleansers
Here are some reasons we like oil cleansers. But as always, be sure to speak with a healthcare provider about what might work best for your skin’s needs.
- Gentle cleansing: Because oil is such an effective cleanser, you typically don’t have to scrub your skin to ensure all makeup, sunscreen, and dirt are removed.
- Often suitable for all skin types: Most of the products we tested were suitable for a range of skin types, including oily and even sensitive skin.
- Hydrating benefits: Most oil-based cleansers tend to be moisturizing, not drying—as some face cleansers tend to be.
What to Avoid in Oil Cleansers
If you’re considering purchasing an oil cleanser, here are some things to avoid.
- Added fragrance: While some of the products we tested include essential oils in the formula, some people may prefer formulas that are truly fragrance-free. At the very least, we recommend avoiding products with added fragrances in the ingredient list.
- Formulas not designed for your skin type: Many, but not all, oil cleansers are suitable for a wide variety of skin types, so we recommend making sure you choose a product designed to meet your skin’s needs.
How to Find the Best Oil Cleanser for You
When looking for an oil cleanser, here’s what to focus on.
Your Skin Type
Make sure that any product you’re considering was formulated with your skin type in mind, whether acne-prone, dry, combination, or something else.
Primary Skin Concerns
Consider what you need most in an oil cleanser, and look for a product designed to meet that need.
Formula
Read ingredient lists and take note of anything that could be potentially irritating for your skin, whether perfumes, certain types of oils, or other ingredients.
Cost
Choose a product that’s a good fit for your budget, keeping in mind that price isn’t a guarantee of performance or quality—so lower-priced options can be just as good, or better, than products with higher price points.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil was our clear favorite because it felt luxurious to use and made for a highly effective cleanser. We also appreciated that it made the daily task of face-washing feel downright spa-like, thanks in part to the gentle scent that we didn’t mind at all. We’d recommend this for busy professionals who want to take a second to slow down and have a little self-care time, but with a practical aim: removing all the dirt, makeup, and everything else that accumulated on their skin throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use a cleansing oil?
Most manufacturer instructions recommend a similar routine that involves adding two or three pumps of cleansing oil to the face—which is typically supposed to be dry, with no rinsing beforehand—and then massaging in the oil. Sometimes you then add water to help the oil emulsify, and ultimately the oil is rinsed off with lukewarm water. Many companies recommend following up with a second cleanser, typically a water-based one, if you’re using the oil cleanser as part of a double-cleansing routine.
Is an oil cleanser good for oily skin?
Yes, oil cleansers can be very useful for oily skin, helping break down excess sebum for easy removal. Be sure to read the product instructions for any oil cleanser you’re considering to ensure it’s suitable for your skin type.
Do you need to double-cleanse when using a cleansing oil?
Most of the products we reviewed recommend doing a double cleanse if using an oil cleanser, but not all companies make this recommendation. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether you use a second cleanser following an oil cleanser, but we do recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.