Before you freak at the sight of the word "oil," allow us to debunk this beauty myth once and for all: oil-based skincare products aren't going to make your skin more oily. In fact, it's quite the contrary. Unlike oil and water—which repel one another—oil and oil are actually attracted to each other. This is why cleansing oils are so effective when it comes to cutting through all the not-so-nice oils in your makeup, sunscreen, and skin. They leave you with a soft, supple, ultra-clean feel, and unlike harsh, soapy face washes, they do it without stripping and over-drying your skin in the process. So if your skin is dry, sensitive, or—yes—even oily, a good cleansing oil could be the one thing you really need to kick your skincare routine up a notch. That's why we've rounded up an algorithm-backed list of the best cleansing oils on the market, all of which come at a super affordable drugstore price for those of you who are still afraid to commit. Whether you're looking to use one on its own or as a first step in a double-cleansing routine, the list that follows features a cleansing oil for every skin type and budget. From under-the-radar K-beauty finds to the fan-favorite Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil, keep scrolling to shop the Top 10 drugstore cleansing oils on the market and say goodbye to those pesky, post-cleanse traces of makeup for good. Opening image: fourthraybeauty.com
Love our 10 Best Drugstore Cleansing Oils? Check out our 10 Best Drugstore Toners for more top-ranked finds!
September 1, 2020
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil
BEST FOR: According to reviewers, this K-beauty gem is an excellent cleanser for acne-prone skin. Thanks to apricot seed oil, it deeply moisturizes while removing dead skin cells and wiping away every last bit of makeup for an ultra-clean feel and fewer blemishes in the long run.
USERS SAID: "I have tried many cleansing oils from Misha to DHC, and I gotta say, this one is my favorite. It does a great job of removing all my makeup and it smells great! I already finished my first bottle and ordered it again. The shipping is also super fast and the packaging is unique!"
Fourth Ray Beauty BFD Cleansing Oil
WHAT IT DOES: This cleansing oil can do way more than just look pretty on your bathroom shelf. It's also packed with camellia to soften the skin, juniper berry to promote a clearer complexion and pores, and meadowfoam seed oil to moisturize.
ABOUT THE BRAND: Sister brand to ColourPop, Fourth Ray Beauty's products tick a ton of boxes when it comes to the preferences of clean beauty fans—they're vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and formulated without parabens.
No7 Radiant Results Nourishing Micellar Cleansing Oil
LOVED FOR: Despite its name, this cleanser feels far from oily. It transforms into a lovely, milky texture that instantly removes makeup and impurities, leaving you with a soft, smooth, and grease-free face when it's rinsed away.
HELPFUL TIP: Looking for something that can take on that waterproof mascara of yours? Consider this your fix.
Era Organics Facial Cleansing Oil
WHY YOU NEED IT: Including only five ingredients—argan oil, apricot oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and rosemary extract—this is pretty much the cleanest cleansing oil you can get your hands on. It's also a serious multitasker since it can cleanse, remove makeup, and moisturize, so it's really a no-brainer buy.
HELPFUL TIP: Because Era Organics uses ethically sourced natural and organic ingredients, each bottle may slightly vary in scent and color.
Organys Cleansing Oil And Makeup Remover Face Wash
BEST FOR: Dry skin, this one is for you. Organys Cleansing Oil is formulated to remove all that gunk and grime from your pores without stripping the skin in the process, so it will leave you with a super clean complexion sans the dry and tight feeling.
USERS SAID: "I had been searching for a new cleansing product, but I was dubious about a cleansing oil. It seemed counterproductive. I have combination skin and this stuff is amazing. It leaves my face feeling clean, smooth, and hydrated. My biggest skin concern has been dullness, but after using this, my face looks brighter and more youthful! Try it!"
Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash
WHAT IT DOES: This gentle cleanser not only tackles oil and beats blemishes thanks to tea tree oil, but it also helps soothe irritation with mineral-rich bladderwrack. From rosacea to insect bites, it can calm and heal any skin issue in the book.
HELPFUL TIP: If you're struggling with body acne, try using this as an allover cleanser in the shower, too.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil
LOVED FOR: In case the cocoa butter part didn't already give it away, this stuff smells phenomenal. But on top of the to-die-for scent, it also contains vitamin C for a serious brightness boost and some added sun protection.
USERS SAID: "This is the holy grail of skin cleansing. It doesn't feel like it's actually doing anything when you wash your face, but let me tell you: I have never seen my skin look so glowing and toned."
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Light Oil
WHY YOU NEED IT: Regardless of your skin type, this skin-perfecting cleansing oil is a top-notch choice. It's one of Amazon's best-sellers in the facial cleansing category, and many reviewers reported that after a few days of using it to remove their makeup, they stopped wanting to wear makeup in the first place.
HELPFUL TIP: A small pump makes a huge difference, so one bottle should last a while.
Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil
LOVED FOR: Formulated with coconut and argan oils, this cleanser is intensely hydrating but doesn't leave any icky residue behind. It's a win-win.
AS SEEN ON: Grown-ish actress Yara Shahidi swears by this affordable cleansing oil.
Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil
WHAT IT DOES: Just like the brand's fan-favorite makeup-remover wipes, Neutrogena's cleansing oil acts like a magnet to provide clean skin and unclogged pores in one fell swoop—no harsh rubbing or scrubbing required. Even better? It's one of the most affordable finds on the list at about $9 a pop.
USERS SAID: "I literally couldn’t believe how easy this was to wash off. I followed it with my CeraVe foaming cleanser, and my skin felt clean and soft—not stripped at all. This was a great introduction to cleansing oils. I’m so happy I tried it."
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