Why You Need A Cleansing Oil In Your Skincare Routine
The most gentle way to cleanse your skin
By Smita DeSouza -
Cleansing is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. It is essential to remove any makeup (including waterproof mascara) and sunscreen, as well as accumulated sebum, dirt and impurities from the day to maintain calm, clear and healthy skin. And cleansing oils are ideal for this.
Not to be confused with oils that are used to cleanse, cleansing oils usually have an oil base with another traditional cleansing ingredient called a surfactant. What makes cleansing oils such a good option is the fact that oils are lipophilic which means they easily combine with other oils. And together with the surfactant they bind with and dissolve sebum, as well as the oils in your skincare and makeup for a gentle yet effective cleanse.
All you need to do is gently massage a couple of pumps onto dry skin (or as instructed on the label) and your cleansing oil will do all the work to break down waterproof makeup including waterproof mascara, foundation, sunscreen, dirt and sebum without the need for tugging or pulling. And once washed off, your skin doesn’t feel tight or stripped. This makes cleansing oils extremely easy on the skin and a great first cleanse. For a more thorough cleanse, repeat the above or use a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining dirt and sweat. We’ve rounded up a few cleansing oils that suit every skin type to help you get started on your cleansing routine.
This rich, golden-hued cleansing oil has achieved cult status—there’s one sold every 10 seconds—and with good reason. It acts as a one-step cleanser for everything from sunscreen to waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Packed with organic olive oil, rosemary leaf oil and vitamin E, which condition, nourish and hydrate skin, it is ideal for dry skin that requires the extra nourishment even at the cleansing step.
A sumptuous blend of 100 per cent plant oils, this lightweight cleansing oil is great for those who have combination to dry skin. Apricot oil nourishes and hydrates the areas that are dry while balancing out parts of the skin that are oily leaving skin feeling smooth, soft and comfortable. It also has jojoba oil that thoroughly cleanses the skin of everything including environmental impurities. Antioxidant rich sunflower oil helps tackle free radical damage and minimises inflammation. It’s the ideal way to end your day.
Rich in antioxidants, this cleansing oil works to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental aggressors, while also cleansing away makeup and sebum. Deeply purifying, it removes any impurities while preserving the skin’s natural moisture barrier, and plant-derived squalane oil provides hydration without feeling heavy or sticky. It’s the perfect addition to a city girl’s skincare routine.
A blend of oriental herb oils, it cleanses while brightening and smoothing dull, rough skin. Coix seed oil, coix seed extract and Melothria extract brighten, even out skin tone, moisturise and tackle any rough texture. Sesame and safflower oil condition skin so skin is plump, soft and smooth after.
Mature skin will love this cleansing oil that does the job while conditioning and hydrating skin for up to 12 hours after. Each biodegradable capsule—which holds the exact amount of oil for a single cleanse—is packed with skin nourishing omega fatty acids as well as the signature Eve Lom blend of botanical oils which include Egyptian chamomile, hops, clove, eucalyptus. Bonus: the capsules are easy to add to your travel skincare routine.
Not only will this cleansing oil lift off makeup and impurities, it will also deep clean your pores and help balance sebum making it the ideal choice for those with oily skin. Corn mint leaf extract helps control sebum while centella asiatica extract and micro sized blue hyaluronic acid keep skin calm and moisturised so the skin’s natural barrier is not disturbed during cleansing.
Thanks to a non-emulsifying formula, this cleansing oil maintains its optimal cleansing properties throughout. A couple of pumps massaged into dry skin will remove makeup, sebum and other impurities without feeling heavy or leaving a greasy residue when washed off with water.
Create your own little relaxing ritual as you cleanse off dirt, makeup and other impurities with this luxurious oil that has herbaceous citrus scent that helps you unwind and forget about the day’s stresses. A blend of nine essence oils and Japanese yuzu extract, this cleansing oil maintains the skin’s natural moisture while leaving it refreshed and refined.