Cleansing Oil 101: Why You Need it in Your Skincare Routine?

The oil cleansing method involves using certain oils to cleanse the skin and help remove makeup. However, it might have more benefits, especially for dry skin. Cleansing oils contain specific oils that are an alternative to regular water-based face washes. Cleansing oils may be a gentler method of facial washing for some people, particularly those with dry or sensitive skin.

What Is The Cleansing Oil Method?

Oil cleansing sounds like a big misstep when it comes to effective skincare. After all, most people have been advised to avoid oil on their faces—and maybe you should believe all that and think that only oil-free products will provide you with the beautiful skin you’ve always dreamed of but some oils may help the skin. Oil cleansing is something that many have turned to over an oil cleaner that gently:

• • remove makeup 
• • soothe sensitive skin
• • reduce breakouts 

Why Use Cleansing Oil?

For many people, cleansing involves a deeply foamy lather. If oil cleansing involves products that lather, then oil cleansing does, but often, you pour oil on and then rinse it with a damp washcloth. However, if you follow ABC skincare routine or K- beauty routine, some people follow an oil cleanse with a gentle water face wash designed to remove any oil residue.

Benefits Of Oil Cleansing

Slathering your face in oils in the name of cleansing is based on the idea that ‘like dissolves like.’

So, in other words, using the clean, nourishing oils on your skin is to help:

• • The method helps move sebum away from skin areas that produce oil naturally through the skin glands.
• • The procedure unclogs pores to expose whitehead and blackhead blockages on the skin.
• • Refreshes skin surface by taking out old cells and external particles

Several makeup remover products contain oil because of this property. You can use oil to scrub off different makeup products, such as natural oil and waterproof makeup. Regular soap-based cleansers can harm the skin while making acne and dryness worse.

How To Choose A Cleansing Oil

Oil cleansers are widely available in most retail stores and easy to find through online shopping options. You can select from mixed products that suit your skin type or prepare your oil cleanser. The best choice for people with acne is to buy non-clogging products that do not block skin pores effectively.

Oil Cleansing Ingredients

The two oils most commonly used in DIY recipes are olive oil and castor oil.

According to most recipes, you should begin with a one-to-one ratio of these two oils and then increase the olive oil for dry skin or the castor oil for oily or acne-prone skin.

• • Olive oil moisturizes dry skin. It contains vitamins and antioxidants that keep the skin hydrated. Coconut or avocado oil can add additional moisture.
• • Avoid castor oil for sensitive skin. This oil has antibacterial properties and is an astringent cleaner that causes dry skin. Instead, use jojoba or rosehip oil.
• • Jojoba oil may be an option for oily or acne-prone skin, as it may reduce acne and control oil production. Argan oil may also help prevent sebum production and oily skin. Non-greasy marula oil is another good option.

It doesn’t matter which oils you use; getting good oils and avoiding adding scents or dyes to cleansers are essential. Switch food-grade oils out whenever possible with cold-pressed, unrefined virgin oils formulated for skin use.

How to use Cleansing Oil Correctly

Oil cleansing can be done in two ways.

Basic oil cleanse

1- Put 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure cleanser oil in the palm of your hand. If your skin is drying, use 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon castor oil. For oily or acne-prone skin, use 1/2 teaspoon jojoba and 1/2 teaspoon castor oil.

2- Before wetting your face, apply the oil. Massage this oil with your fingertips for several seconds to a minute to eliminate impurities, such as makeup and dead skin cells, that make it difficult for the oil to penetrate.

3- The oil is gently wiped away with a damp, warm washcloth. Be not too hard when washing, nor scrub your skin, which may cause you to become irritated and have breakouts. If you want oil on your skin, rinse with warm water, not a cloth. Your face should be hydrated when you’re done, neither greasy nor overly irritated from wiping it down.

4- Dry yourself with a towel and apply moisturizer if necessary.

K-Beauty Double Ceanse

What is double cleansing? this is the question that came to you m ind when you heard this word. The double cleansing involves an oil and gentle water-based cleanser to eliminate any remaining root product. 

However, if you have acne or oily skin, you may want to try this method. The oil cleanse will still clean and hydrate your skin, but the oil will have a chance to be washed out of your pores.

• • For an essential oil cleanse, follow the first three steps above.
• • Wash your face gently with water. Avoid using water- or alcohol-based cleansers, which can strip your skin of hydration.
• • Then, pat dry with the towel and apply moisturizer.

Some cleansing oils contain surfactants in their formulas. When you add water, the mixture will foam, helping it rinse off cleanly.

When Should You Use Oil Cleanser?

So rather than cleaning your face every time, it’s best to oil cleanse only once daily. In short, you can also do it less frequently as a special treatment. So, what is the best time of day to perform this step? An oiling cleanse at night will help moisturize your skin before bed.

What To Expect After Oil Cleansing

Once oil-cleansed, your skin will likely feel supple and makeup—and other product-free. You might not need to moisturize afterward, depending on your skin type and the oil you select. However, when oil cleansing, some people might experience allergic reactions, irritation, or clogged pores. Consider a patch test before using oil cleanser on your face.

Conclusion

The oil cleansing method is worth trying if you want to change how you wash your face. It may not work on others, so you should watch how your skin reacts. If breakouts become more pronounced after oil cleansing for a couple of weeks, gently cleanse afterward, try a different oil, or stop oil cleansing.

FAQs: Why You Need It in Your Skincare Routine

1. Why is it important to have a skincare routine?
A skincare routine helps maintain the health of your skin by cleansing, hydrating, and protecting it from environmental stressors. Regular care prevents issues like acne, dullness, and premature aging while keeping your skin radiant and balanced.

2. How does this product benefit my daily skincare routine?
Incorporating this product can target specific skin concerns such as dryness, pigmentation, fine lines, or uneven texture. It works synergistically with other products to improve your skin’s overall appearance and health over time.

3. When should I apply it during my skincare routine?
The best time to apply it depends on the product type. Generally, lightweight formulas like serums should go on before thicker creams or oils. Always follow the “thinnest to thickest” rule for maximum absorption and effectiveness.

4. Can I use it if I already have other skincare products?
Yes! This product complements most skincare routines. Just make sure to layer it correctly and avoid combining it with ingredients that may cause irritation, such as retinol or strong acids, unless recommended by a dermatologist.

5. How soon will I see results after adding it to my routine?
Results vary depending on your skin type and consistency of use. Some people notice visible improvements in as little as two weeks, while deeper benefits like skin tone balance or wrinkle reduction may take a few months.

6. Is it suitable for all skin types?
Most products are formulated to suit all skin types—whether oily, dry, sensitive, or combination. However, it’s always best to check the ingredients list or do a patch test before using it regularly.

7. Can I skip this step in my routine?
Skipping it occasionally won’t harm your skin, but consistent use is key to achieving long-term results. Think of it as an essential step that strengthens your skin barrier and enhances the performance of other products.

8. Should I use it in the morning or at night?
That depends on the product’s formulation. Hydrating and protective formulas are ideal for daytime use, while restorative or anti-aging products often work best at night when your skin’s repair process is most active.

9. Will it cause breakouts or irritation?
If used correctly and chosen according to your skin type, it shouldn’t cause breakouts. However, introducing new products gradually and monitoring your skin’s response can help prevent irritation or purging.

10. How do I know if it’s working for me?
You’ll start noticing smoother texture, fewer breakouts, and a natural glow over time. Keep track of changes through weekly photos or skin journals to see how your complexion improves with consistent use.