Oil cleansers have gained popularity as a gentle yet effective way to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil from the skin. But if you have oily skin, it’s understandable to question whether applying more oil will help or hurt. Surprisingly, oil cleansers can actually be a great addition to an oily skin routine. That’s if you choose the right formula and use it correctly.
The Benefits of Oil Cleansers for Oily Skin
Oily skin tends to produce more sebum than necessary, leading to a shiny complexion and often contributing to clogged pores and breakouts. While it might seem counterintuitive to apply oil to already oily skin, using an oil cleanser can actually offer the following benefits:
1. Deep Cleansing Without Stripping the Skin
Oil attracts oil, so an oil cleanser works by bonding with the excess sebum, sunscreen, and oil-based makeup on your skin. It lifts these impurities away without disrupting the skin barrier. Many traditional cleansers can leave oily skin feeling tight or dry, often triggering more oil production. Oil cleansers provide a thorough cleanse while maintaining skin comfort.
2. Balancing Sebum Production
When harsh foaming cleansers strip oily skin, it often overcorrects by producing even more oil. An oil cleanser supports your skin’s natural balance, helping it feel less stressed and hydrated. This approach can gradually reduce the overproduction of sebum and improve skin texture over time.
3. Hydration and Nourishment
Oil cleansers formulated with non-comedogenic oils (meaning they won’t clog pores) can help replenish your skin’s moisture without contributing to breakouts. Oils like jojoba, grapeseed, and sunflower seed oil mimic your skin’s natural sebum, delivering hydration and nutrients while still feeling lightweight on the skin.
4. Effective Makeup and Sunscreen Removal
Oily skin types often use long-wearing or mattifying makeup and daily sunscreen. These products are formulated to stay put, so removing them requires more than just a splash of water and cleanser. Oil cleansers break down these resilient layers, helping to avoid build-up and clogged pores while saving you from tugging at your skin.
What to Look for in an Oil Cleanser if You Have Oily Skin
Not all oil cleansers are created equal. Here are some features to prioritise when choosing one that suits oily or acne-prone skin:
1. Non-Comedogenic Formulas
This means the product is designed not to clog pores. Avoid oil cleansers with heavy or pore-clogging oils like coconut oil. Instead, look for those specifically labelled as non-comedogenic or suitable for acne-prone skin.
2. Lightweight Oils
Choose oil cleansers made with lighter oils such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, safflower oil, or sunflower seed oil. These oils mimic the skin’s natural oils and are less likely to feel greasy or cause congestion.
3. Antimicrobial Ingredients
If your oily skin is prone to breakouts, it can help to use oil cleansers that contain ingredients with gentle antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil, witch hazel, and salicylic acid are great additions that support clearer skin while cleansing.
4. Gentle Formulas
Oily skin can still be sensitive. Look for fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and sulfate-free cleansers to avoid irritation. Simple, well-balanced formulas will get the job done without disturbing your skin barrier.
5. pH-Balanced
Oil cleansers that support your skin’s natural pH (around 5.5) will help maintain a healthy microbiome and skin barrier. A balanced pH can help regulate oil production and reduce the risk of irritation.
6. Reviews and Recommendations
Reviews from others with oily skin can be a great resource when shopping for an oil cleanser. Look for feedback on texture, residue, and whether it caused any breakouts. You can also consult a dermatologist or skincare professional if you’re unsure where to start.
Suitable Oil Cleansers Available in Australia
If you’re based in Australia and looking for oil cleansers that suit oily skin, here are a few well-reviewed options:
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
This creamy, balm-to-oil cleanser is ideal for beginners and minimal routines. It uses squalane as its key ingredient, which is known for mimicking the skin’s natural oils without clogging pores. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and extremely gentle, making it perfect for oily skin types that are also sensitive or prone to dehydration. It’s not a traditional liquid oil, which makes it feel less greasy than other options and easier to rinse off.
Go-To Fancy Face Nourishing Oil Cleanser
Go-To’s Fancy Face is a favourite among skincare lovers who want something effective but indulgent. It’s packed with nourishing oils like sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, and camellia seed oil. While it sounds rich, it’s surprisingly lightweight and emulsifies beautifully with water. It’s great for oily skin that needs hydration and antioxidant support. The added vitamin E helps soothe inflammation and support skin barrier health.
Jurlique Nourishing Cleansing Oil
Jurlique is known for its botanical approach, and this cleansing oil blends safflower and jojoba seed oils with natural plant extracts to cleanse without stripping. It has a slightly more luxurious feel and a light natural scent from botanical ingredients, which is ideal if you want your cleansing step to double as a calming ritual. It’s suitable for oily skin that can tolerate light fragrance and enjoys sensorial skincare experiences.
Dermalogica Precleanse
This iconic pre-cleanser is a staple in double cleansing routines for a reason. Its lightweight formula melts away everything from waterproof mascara to thick sunscreen without leaving behind a film. It uses a mix of olive, apricot kernel, and kukui nut oils that dissolve surface debris effectively. It’s especially good for oily or congested skin that needs a deep clean without irritation. It also rinses away cleanly, which is ideal if you dislike any leftover residue.
Simplifying Oil Cleansers and Oily Skin
Despite common misconceptions, oil cleansers are not the enemy of oily skin. In fact, they can be one of the best ways to clean your skin without triggering more oil production or breakouts. The key is choosing the right formula – one that is gentle, lightweight, and designed for oily or acne-prone skin.
Using an oil cleanser as the first step in your evening routine (especially if you wear sunscreen or makeup) can lead to clearer, calmer skin over time. Just make sure to follow up with a water-based cleanser to complete the double cleanse process.
If you’ve been hesitant to try oil cleansers because of your oily skin, now might be the time to reconsider. With the right approach, oil cleansing can leave your skin clean, balanced, and healthy-looking.
FAQs – Oil Cleansers and Oily Skin
Will using an oil cleanser make my skin even oilier?
No. A well-formulated oil cleanser will actually help regulate your skin’s natural oil production by cleansing without stripping. This can reduce rebound oiliness over time.
How often should I use an oil cleanser for oily skin?
Once a day, typically in the evening, is usually enough. If you wear makeup or SPF daily, cleansing at night with an oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser is ideal. You can rinse with water or use a simple morning cleanser in the morning if needed.
Should I follow up with a regular cleanser after using an oil cleanser?
Yes. Following your oil cleanse with a gentle, water-based cleanser (a method called double cleansing) ensures that all residue is removed and your skin is completely clean without feeling dry.
Are there any specific techniques for using oil cleansers on oily skin?
Apply the oil cleanser to dry skin and massage for 30-60 seconds to break down makeup and excess oil. Add a splash of water to emulsify the oil (it should turn milky), then rinse thoroughly. Follow with your second cleanse, and then continue with the rest of your routine.
