Ensuring our skin is properly cleansed at the end of each day is super important, not only to fight blemishes and unwanted shine but to also leave your complexion looking fresh and dewy. It can be hard to decide on the best cleanserfor you as there are so many options out there that all promise to fight dirt and grime better than any other. While we are fans of traditional face washes and hot clothcleansers, the beauty desk at Closer HQ, all swear by an oil-based product to rinse away the day’s make-up and general grub.
We would always recommend including an oil cleanser in your routine, but don’t just take our word for it! We spoke to the Head of Education at Caudalie, Abigail Williams, who gave us the low down on all things oil-based.
Abigail explains “All skin types including oily will benefit from using an oil cleanser. As oil is attracted to oil, they work great on oily skins as they help to dissolve the oil that’s trapped in pores and if your skin is dry sensitive or dehydrated, you will adore the nourishing and moisturising properties of the oils.”
When it comes to looking for certain ingredients, expert Abigail goes on to say “Personally, I would look for natural oils that are non-comedogenic, meaning that there is no chance to block pores and cause future breakouts. Grape seed, Almond and Sunflower Oil are a few to look out for and a formula with Castor Oil is an extra bonus as Castor Oil is known to strengthen and condition your lashes.”
Closer’s Best Oil Cleansers
In a hurry? Check out our top three oil-based buys
Editor’s Choice: Caudalie Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil, £22
Best bargain buy: The Body Shop Chamomile Oil Cleanser £12
Best luxury buy: BareMinerals Smoothness Hydrating Cleansing Oil £28
Whichever product you go for, it's always best to apply your chosen oil to dry skin and massage all over before adding any water. Oils emulsify when they come in contact with water, so use your fingers to gently rub all over and melt away products and dirt before rinsing away.
SHOP: The best oil cleansers for clearer skin
Editors choice
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
This much-loved cleanser contains a luxe mix of plant oils including sunflower, grape seed, and sweet almond. Just one pump transforms into a milky texture when applied to damp skin and will gently remove even the most stubborn make-up. Products to leave cheeks fresh and clear.
Review:
"I use this every night to remove my makeup, will always repurchase!"
Pros
- Gentle botanical ingredients
- Removes even waterproof mascara
Cons
- None!
Best for dry skin
www.lookfantastic.com
This foaming oil is infused with Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate while removing dirt and grime. It boosts the skin’s natural barrier to protect and soften too.
Review:
"Used this for the first time for a couple of days and it’s so foaming it works wonders for my dry skin! I will be purchasing this again!"
Pros
- Great for normal to very dry skin
- Quickly fixes rough skin
Cons
- None!
Best nourishing formula
www.sephora.co.uk
Just a little of this nourishing product goes a long way to effortlessly dissolve makeup and other impurities to leave your face squeaky clean. It contains a mix of olive and moringa seed oils as well as squalane.
Review:
"Let me start off by saying that this product is really great. I’ve tested it out as a makeup remover, and it worked so well. It removed my very stubborn waterproof mascara without irritating my eyes or causing my contacts to get cloudy. Afterwards, my skin felt very soft and clean."
Pros
- Doesn't leave any stickiness
- Leave skin soft
Cons
- Quite a strong scent
Long lasting bottle
www.superdrug.com
Removing all traces of makeup, including tricky mascara is a total doddle with this silky smooth oil. Massage into dry skin for a minute before rinsing away to leave your complexion deeply cleansed and dewy. Just a pea sized amount goes a long way so a bottle lasts for months and months.
Review
"This one feels so soft on skin and has a gorgeous calming scent."
Pros
- Easy to rinse away
- Removes makeup easily
Cons
- None!
Best for sensitive skin
www.lookfantastic.com
Skincare fans adore this brand and that’s because the products genuinely work while being super gentle on even the most sensitive skin types. The super light texture is a joy to use and doesn’t leave behind any stickiness.
**Review:
**"I really like this oil. Removes even waterproof makeup easily. Highly recommend "
Pros
- Gentle on all skin types
Cons
- None!
Best luxury oil
www.lookfantastic.com
A rich mix of sunflower and cucumber oil as well as revitalising sea salt banishes products as well as grease brilliantly. It works wonders to keep breakouts at bay as well as moisturising any rough wintery skin.
Review:
"Cleanse very well, does not leave the skin oily or dry, it moisturizes. Have not found a better option then this cleansing oil!"
Pros
- Leaves skin soft and clean
Cons
- A little pricey
Best bargain buy
www.thebodyshop.com
There are only 12 ingredients in this cleanser but each of those work brilliantly to swipe away dirt and heavy-duty lipsticks to leave a supple and fresh face minus any sting or tightness.
Review:
"A lovely cleansing oil. Leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated."
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- None!