The 14 Best Cleansing Oils We've Tried for Soft, Truly Clean Skin

Best Overall

Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil

$50 at Amazon $50 at Sephora View on Tatcha.com

Key Ingredients: Japanese camellia oil (tsubaki), hadasei-3 | Skin Type: Dry, mature, combination | Size: 1.7 or 5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The star of the show here is Japanese camellia oil, which may be higher in omega fatty acids than even olive oil. Translation: It’s a really good skincare ingredient and super hydrating for even the most parched complexions. Stacey appreciated how well it removed her makeup and cleansed her skin while remaining gentle and hydrating. Though she didn't experience breakouts, it's worth mentioning that the formula contains apricot kernel oil and jojoba oil, both of which can be pore-clogging for those with acne-prone skin. The formula and packaging feel so high-quality, making it a perfect luxury addition to any skincare routine.

Read Full Review: Reviewed: Tatcha Pure One-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Best Budget

ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

$14 at Amazon

Key Ingredients: Heartleaf extract, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, jojoba oil | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With a laundry list of botanical oils like sunflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and moringa oil, it's safe to say that this formula is nourishing. And, shockingly, it doesn't leave behind a trace of residue. The formula has an earthy-floral scent that Michelle enjoyed while cleansing. Similarly to a few other options on this list, it could be potentially pore-clogging for some individuals prone to breakouts due to the thick oils. If you have very acne-prone skin you might want to skip this one.

Best Splurge

Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil

$36 at Sephora $58 at Revolve View on Credo Beauty

Key Ingredients: Fruit enzymes, squalane, chia, moringa, spirulina | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This pick does an excellent job of breaking down SPF, makeup, and grime from the day, making it a perfect first step in your makeup removal and cleansing routine (otherwise known as double cleansing). It contains a blend of fruit enzymes that gently exfoliate the skin, so you can expect the formula to slough away dead skin while illuminating the complexion in the process. The product does leave behind a subtle residue, so you'll likely have to follow up with a regular cleanser.

Best Vessel

Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil

$23 at Verishop.com View on Credo Beauty View on Paiskincare.us

Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, orange peel oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

People with sensitive skin know that harsh cleansers can cause irritation. If you struggle to find a cleanser that's gentle enough for your skin while still adequately cleaning it, we recommend trying this one. The formula contains a blend of nourishing oils, like olive oil, sunflower seed oil, rosehip oil, and more to break down grease, SPF, and makeup without stripping the skin. Shecquana said the oil left her skin soft and balanced, but it's not ideal for removing face makeup. The light mascara she had on was smeared around, so she had to wipe her eyes for a bit longer than she'd have liked. Despite that, she still loved the formula and the pump bottle which never failed her during the testing period.

Best for Evening

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil

$38 at Sephora $38 at Nordstrom $27 at Bloomingdales

Key Ingredients: Lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil, squalene | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.9 or 5.9 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

You could totally use this cleanser in the morning, but we like reserving it for the evening for several reasons. One, it’s awesome at taking off makeup (Shecquana says one pump is all you need to take everything, including mascara, off) and is gentle enough to use around your eyes. Two, it pulls double duty as aromatherapy, thanks to the addition of lavender essential oil; one whiff is instantly calming and relaxing. Shecquana's only gripe was that the formula was a bit too lightweight for her liking (veering on slippery territory).

Best for Everyday

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil

$20 at Amazon

Key Ingredients: Ginseng root oil, soybean oil, rice bran oil, sunflower seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This formulation from Korean skincare brand Beauty of Joseon is among the best on the market. With a silky yet thin texture, it feels like a dream on the face—Stephanie almost forgot to wash it off. It's a true oil cleanser (so it doesn't get soapy or sudsy the more you rub it) and is a nice addition to any daily routine. It's not the deepest clean, so those who wear lots of makeup or sunscreen (or have very oily skin) will likely need to follow up with a separate face wash to feel completely clean.

Best for Sensitive Skin

DAMDAM Silk Rice Makeup-Removing Cleansing Oil

$46 at Sephora

Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, silk amino acids, fragrance oils | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Rich in rice bran oil (an ingredient rich in antioxidants that helps the skin retain moisture) and amino acids, this cleanser is a treat. Plus, as Lee shares, it didn't require much effort to visibly remove makeup. The formula has a milky, semi-translucent consistency that's lovely to work with (aka not messy). Lee was able to get a sufficient amount of product with one pump and it rinsed off quickly sans residue.

Best Makeup Remover

Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser

$34 at Sephora View on Harveynichols.com $34 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Kalahari melon seed oil, baobab seed oil, castor oil, essential oils, shea butter | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With a jelly-like texture, sleek packaging, and a nourishing formula featuring nine oils, this cleansing oil from Rihanna's Fenty Beauty is not to be missed. According to the brand, the formula is designed to break down the most long-wearing, waterproof makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. And it certainly delivers; Austin noted that his face felt fully clean after use. (So much so that he didn't need to follow up with a second cleanser.) As for application, it couldn't be easier; the sleek purple bottle is equipped with a flip top and a pump, so the formula comes out in a straight, vertical motion (making it nail-friendly).

Best with Minimal Ingredients

iUNIK Calendula Complete Deep Vegan Cleansing Oil

View on Iunikcos.com

Key Ingredients: Calendula extract, sunflower seed oils, jojoba oil, macadamia seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This cleansing oil is a great option for anyone seeking a gentle, effective cleanse with minimal, naturally-derived ingredients. It's easy to see why Sunita was such a fan. The formula consists of 94% plant oil and is light enough to spread easily across the skin. Her favorite part: It emulsified upon contact with water without turning foamy. The plastic top can get oily, slimy, and flimsy, so we suggest cleaning to off after a few uses.

Best Hydrating

Sulwhasoo Cleansing Oil

$40 at Amazon $13 at Sephora View on Sulwhasoo.com

Key Ingredients: Olive oil, rosemary leaf oil, tocopherol (vitamin E) | Skin Type: All | Size: 6.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

This oldie-but-goodie has been around for three decades and remains super popular. One of the OG cleansing oils to launch stateside, it uses hydrating vitamin E, organic olive oil, and rosemary oil to clean every last trace of gunk and grime while leaving the skin looking and feeling hydrated. (Keep in mind the thick oil could be comedogenic for some.) Aside from a nice-feeling formula, Nikki loved the pump bottle. A semi-transparent and soft-textured plastic, the bottle sits nicely in the hand and has a pump that allows for controlled dispensing. Two pumps of the product was a sufficient amount to spread over the entire face.

Best for Lathering

Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil

$46 at Sephora View on Koraorganics.com $46 at Revolve

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Papaya seed oil, pumpkin oil, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amy was a fan of this product and gave bonus points for the elegant packaging (the glass bottle shows off the different layers of oils in the formula) and how easy it was to use. Her only gripe was that a subtle oily residue was left behind after washing it off. This might not be ideal for some people (aka those with oily skin), however, for Amy and those with super dry skin, the smooth, hydrated finish only added radiance and suppleness.

Best for Very Dry Skin

Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Cleansing Oil

$35 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Ginger root extract, sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, pineapple extract, papaya extract | Skin Type: All, including oily and sensitive | Size: 0.17 and 5.07 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This cleanser is chock-full of plant-forward ingredients like ginger, pineapple, sunflower seed oil, and grapeseed oil. It has a peach-clear color and a light oil consistency that feels gentle on the skin, but the ginger and pineapple combo might be too much for the sensitive eye area (despite what the brand might say). Upon contact with water, it turns foamy and removes makeup—even long-wearing, waterproof kinds—with ease.

Best for Double Cleansing

Dermalogica Precleanse

$49 at Amazon $15 at Sephora $49 at Ulta

Active Ingredients: Capric triglyceride, capryloyl glycol, isopropyl palmitate | Skin Type: All | Size: 5, 8.4, 16.9, and 33.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Easy to use (thanks to a minimalist aesthetic bottle with a pump applicator) this no-nonsense oil removes makeup—even in the sensitive eye area—without irritation. While Meghan felt like she had to follow up with another cleanser, she didn't think that was too important given that this formula is intended to be used alongside another formula (hence the name). She used two pumps of the product (any more than that would have been a waste) and it easily removed waterproof makeup—she said it was the fastest she'd ever removed her makeup.

Best Lightweight

Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil

$50 at Amazon $35 at Ulta $35 at Target

Ket Ingredients: Jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, tamanu oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 5, 7.6, and 16 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This lightweight cleanser from Shiseido can melt away waterproof makeup and dirt without drying out the skin or making it feel tight. It's rich in several oils, including jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, and tamanu oil, and well tolerated by all skin types. Also nice: It comes in several size options to pick the option that suits you and your needs best. Amy's only gripe with this formula is that there was a bit of leftover eyeliner at the corner of one of her eyes after rinsing off the product, so she said next time, she'd opt for a separate eye makeup remover.