Shop the 6 best oil cleansers I reviewed for a gentle yet deep clean

New York Post

27-05-2025

For anyone serious about skincare, the first step in your routine can make or break everything that follows. That's why having the best oil cleanser is important.
These rich, nourishing formulas have become a cult favorite among skincare enthusiasts, and for good reason. They're nothing like foaming or gel cleansers, as oil-based cleansers are designed to melt away makeup, sunscreen and daily grime without stripping the skin. They use the principle of 'like dissolves like,' meaning oils attract and dissolve other oils, leaving your skin balanced instead of squeaky or tight.
Advertisement
Oil cleansing might sound counterintuitive, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin, but it's often a game-changer. When formulated correctly, oil cleansers can actually help regulate sebum production and reduce breakouts. They're also a godsend for dry and sensitive skin types (aka, me), offering a gentle, hydrating cleanse that doesn't disrupt the skin barrier.
From luxurious balms to lightweight liquid oils, there's truly a formula for everyone, regardless of skin type or concern.
As someone who's been testing and reviewing beauty products professionally for over four years, I've tried more oil cleansers than I can count, ranging from drugstore staples to high-end splurges. This experience has given me a unique perspective on what really works, and more importantly, what's worth your money. I've paid close attention to texture, performance, ingredient lists and how these products play with the rest of a skincare routine.
Oil cleansers are often misunderstood, reduced to being 'just makeup removers,' when in fact, the best ones go beyond basic cleansing. A good oil cleanser can double as a skin-softening treatment, an aromatherapy ritual or even the foundation of a double-cleansing method that leaves skin truly refreshed. When you find one that checks all the boxes, it becomes an indispensable part of your routine — not just an extra step.
In this review, I've narrowed down the most effective oil cleansers across a range of skin types, price points and ingredient preferences. Whether you're a first-time user or looking to upgrade your current go-to, you'll find options that are not only gentle and efficient but also leave skin feeling nourished and clean. Never greasy or tight.
Best Oil Cleanser Overall: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Amazon
Pros: Impurities *visibly* slip away onto your fingertips!
Budget-friendly price point
Nurturing for sensitive skin, all while leaving a healthy glow Cons: May not be the best for acne-prone skin
The ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is a lightweight, hydrophilic cleansing oil designed to effectively remove makeup, sunscreen and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture. Infused with heartleaf extract, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, this cleanser is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
The inclusion of plant-based oils such as jojoba, olive, and grape seed oils further supports skin hydration and balances sebum production. Its gentle yet thorough cleansing action makes it suitable for daily use, even for individuals with rosacea or who are eczema-prone.
As soon as I tried this cleanser, I was floored at its ability to clear clogged pores and reduce the appearance of pesky blemishes. What was extremely revolutionary is how I felt the impurities on my fingertips as they were ridded off my skin. Amazing!
This Korean skincare staple offers a cost-effective solution for those seeking a gentle yet effective cleansing oil. Its non-comedogenic formula ensures it won't clog pores (its key factor), making it a reliable choice for individuals concerned about breakouts. So, whether you'd like to integrate this formula as part of a double cleansing routine or as a standalone cleanser, this product delivers on its promise to cleanse, soothe and balance.
Key ingredients: Heartleaf extract | Fragrance: Has a herbaceous scent from the heartleaf | Who it's good for: Dry or sensitive skin
Best Drugstore Oil Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser
Amazon
Pros: Formulated with ceramides to help support the skin barrier
Incredible value
No harsh, stripping feeling Cons: Not as lightweight as some others tested, though not a dealbreaker
The CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser is a unique facial and body cleanser that effectively and gently removes dirt, oil and impurities without disrupting the skin's natural barrier. Like the majority of the brand's class of derm-recommended products, it's formulated with a blend of three essential ceramides, squalane and hyaluronic acid. As a result, this cleanser helps retain moisture on my skin and reinforces my skin's protective layer.
I love this oil-to-foam formula, and it always offers a soothing, non-stripping cleanse that does my sensitive, combination and mostly dry-ish skin good. Upon contact with water, the cleanser transforms from a silky oil into a lightweight, creamy foam and delivers a luxurious yet gentle washing experience. It effectively cleanses the skin — removing all makeup — while leaving it soft and nourished.
The addition of triglycerides and glycerin ups the ante on its hydration levels, making it ideal for when my skin is having *really dry* moments.
To top off this best drugstore oil cleanser, it's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and pH-balanced. This ensures that it works well even for those with eczema-prone or reactive skin, and this is further proven by its seal from the National Eczema Association. Its thoughtful formulation makes me recommend it to nearly everyone IRL who's looking to try an oil cleanser on a budget.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides | Fragrance: No | Who it's good for: Sensitive or combination skin
Best Korean Oil Cleanser: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil
Sephora
Pros: Offers a spa-grade experience
Leaves the skin with a healthy glow
Lathers well Cons: Higher than average price point
Sulwhasoo's Gentle Cleansing Oil is more than just the first step in your skincare routine — it's a luxurious ritual in itself.
With a silky, lightweight formula, this Korean oil cleanser effortlessly melts away makeup, sunscreen and daily grime without disrupting the skin's delicate balance. True to Sulwhasoo's heritage, it's infused with a blend of traditional Korean herbal ingredients, including Coix Lacryma-Jobi seed, antioxidant-rich apricot kernel oil and brightening tangerine peel extract. The result? A cleanser that purifies with precision while nourishing the skin with every sweep.
What sets this cleansing oil apart is its grounding in hanbang, the philosophy of traditional Korean medicine that guides Sulwhasoo's approach to beauty. It's not just about what the product removes, but what it leaves behind: supple, radiant skin with a soft, velvety finish. The apricot kernel oil smooths and conditions, while the citrus elements subtly awaken tired complexions.
Over time, my skin has appeared more even, luminous and undeniably healthier, which is proof that cleansing can be more than just ridding away impurities.
Beyond performance, the Gentle Cleansing Oil is designed to be savored, everything from its herbaceous, almost spa-like scent to the way it emulsifies into a milky lather with water. It's an invitation to slow down, breathe in and truly care for your skin. This Korean skincare beauty splurge is truly worth it.
Key Ingredients: Apricot extract, Squalene | Fragrance: Light and herbaceous | Who it's good for: All skin types
Best Oil Cleanser for Oily SkinNeogen Dermatology Calming Cicatree Micellar Cleansing Oil
Amazon
Pros: Lightweight and great for lovers of micellar water
Helps reduce the risk of breakouts, thanks to tea tree extract
Leaves the skin clear and mitigates the appearance of pores Cons: Those with very dry skin may not be a fan of this one
The Neogen Dermatology Calming Cica Tree Micellar Cleansing Oil is a lightweight, effective and budget-friendly cleansing oil that's an excellent choice if micellar water is your go-to makeup remover of choice. Its unique micellar formula emulsifies upon contact with water, allowing it to transform into a milky texture that rinses clean. There's never greasy residue, which the oilier parts of my skin appreciate.
Because of this full-circle cleansing experience, I'd recommend the product most for oily skin types — for people who seek a thorough cleanse without the heaviness often associated with traditional cleansing oils.
This best oil cleanser for acne-prone skin is infused with a blend of soothing and skin-balancing ingredients and addresses the specific needs of oily and acne-prone skin. Centella Asiatica (Cica) extract, known for its healing properties, calms inflammation and supports the skin's barrier function. Another key ingredient, Zinc PCA, regulates sebum production and exhibits antimicrobial activity to reduce the risk of breakouts.
However, the active ingredient you likely recognize is tea tree leaf extract that provides natural antiseptic benefits, further aiding in the prevention of acne. These components work together to maintain a clear and balanced complexion. It's one of my most-used, especially in the heat, sweat and humidity. Plus, you receive a big bang for your buck with its bottle size.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree extract, Zinc PCA | Fragrance: No | Who it's good for: Acne-prone skin
Best Oil Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser
Ulta Beauty
Pros: Leaves the skin dewy and quenched
Makes skin bouncier
Vegan and cruelty-free Cons: Slightly higher price point
The Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser is a standout in the realm of oil cleansers. I've been obsessed with the brand's Glass Skin Serum ($39) for quite some time, and it's evident that this formulation follows in the same legendary steps: luxurious texture, powerhouse ingredients and radiant skin each time.
Its silky blend of sunflower and grapeseed oils works double duty to effectively remove makeup and any impurities. What truly elevates this cleanser is the infusion of ginger root extract, which lends both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support, helping to soothe stressed skin and promote a bouncier complexion.
It's tailored specifically with sensitive skin in mind and is essentially a masterclass in gentle care. Ingredients like Centella Asiatica, widely praised for its calming and reparative properties, offer visible relief for irritation and redness, while the pineapple extract provides subtle exfoliation without any sting.
Crucially (and likely the kicker for anyone struggling with finding the right products for sensitive skin), the cleanser is formulated without PEGs, sulfates or synthetic fragrances, all of which are common triggers for sensitivity. It emulsifies effortlessly on contact with water when I use it, rinsing off clean without any greasy after-feel. I love how it almost serves as a preventative treatment for clogged pores, which is something I've been prone to near the apples of my cheeks.
In a market saturated with aggressive cleansers that often do more harm than good, the Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser sets a new standard for balance and intention. It's a bit pricey, but well worth the cost.
Key Ingredients: Ginger root extract | Fragrance: Yes | Who it's good for: Sensitive skin
Best Oil Cleanser for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
Amazon
Pros: Incredibly hydrating and feels 'pure'
Less than $20
Foams well Cons: Doesn't help mitigate pores as well as some other picks
Few skincare products balance clinical efficacy with a nourishing feel quite like La Roche-Posay's Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil. It makes sense that it was formulated by one of France's most trusted dermatological brands, at that.
This gentle cleanser is designed for those with dry to very dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin, which is nearly my skin type to a T. At the heart of the formula is a trio of hydrating powerhouses: nourishing shea butter, soothing niacinamide and the brand's proprietary prebiotic thermal water. All together, they cleanse without stripping and reinforce the skin barrier, which is a critical factor for those who suffer from chronic dryness.
What makes the Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil stand apart is its unique texture and performance. It's one of the most lightweight oil cleansers I've tried while being one of the best for foaming. Once in contact with water, it delivers a wonderfully pleasant experience that rinses clean sans greasy residue.
For those whose skin demands more than a basic wash, it's a formulation that hydrates while it heals, restoring suppleness from the very first step of your skincare routine. For less than $20, your dry skin will thank you.
Key Ingredients: Ginger root extract | Fragrance: No | Who it's good for: Dry or eczema-prone skin
How I tested
After rotating oil cleansers for at least three months to up to four years, here's what I've been keeping in mind for each product:
Formulation : Is it hydrating? Is it effective at cleansing away impurities? These factors were taken into account.
: Is it hydrating? Is it effective at cleansing away impurities? These factors were taken into account. Irritation levels : I have combination skin that's also sensitive, so I made a note if any product broke me out in any way (spoiler alert: thankfully, they didn't).
: I have combination skin that's also sensitive, so I made a note if any product broke me out in any way (spoiler alert: thankfully, they didn't). Versatility: Depending on the consistency, some are better to layer serums and moisturizers on top of, while others feel like a cleanser-moisturizer hybrid. This was taken into account for each cleanser tested.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.