In this article, I’m sharing top picks for oil cleansers that work wonders for acne-prone skin. Whether you’re looking to soothe sensitive skin or effectively manage sebaceous filaments, this guide covers a variety of options to suit different skin types.
Table of Contents
- The Best Oil Cleanser for Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
- The Best Oil Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin
- The Best Oil Cleanser for Sebaceous Filaments
- The Best Oil Cleanser for Combination Acne Prone Skin
- The Best Oil Cleanser for Dry Acne Prone Skin
- Do Oil Cleansers Clog Pores?
- Do Oil Cleansers Cause Purging?
- Can You Use a Cleansing Oil for Oily Skin?
- Olive Oil vs. Oil-Based Cleansers
- What Makes an Acne-Safe Cleansing Oil?
- How to Emulsify Your Oil-Based Face Cleanser
- Benefits of Double Cleansing for Acne Prone Skin
Please note: None of these recommendations are sponsored. Some links below are affiliate links, which may earn me a small commission if you make a purchase—but you are under no obligation to use them.
The Best Oil Cleanser for Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
Dermatica Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser
Shop Dermatica Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser
Dermatica’s line is known for its simplicity and avoidance of harsh, irritating ingredients. This Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser is an excellent option for oily, acne-prone skin.
- Key Features:
- Formulated with squalane— a skin-identical oil that’s well-tolerated.
- Enriched with glycerin, another skin-identical moisturizer.
- Contains just 14 ingredients.
- Free from essential oils and synthetic fragrance.
It’s a great starting point if you’re building a routine around a gentle, effective oil cleanser.
The Best Oil Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin
The Ordinary Squalane Oil Cleanser
An old standby in my routine, The Ordinary’s Squalane Oil Cleanser reliably cleanses without exacerbating acne.
- Highlights:
- A dependable, uncomplicated formula.
- Suitable for those worried about oil cleansers triggering breakouts.
- Available in two sizes—ideal for travel or trial.
- Contains no added fragrance or essential oils.
- Provides excellent hydration, thanks to its glycerin content.
One potential drawback is that the texture can take a bit longer to warm up in your hands. This can vary depending on whether you’re in a colder or warmer environment.
The Best Oil Cleanser for Sebaceous Filaments
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil (Fragrance Free)
Shop Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil (Fragrance Free)
For those battling sebaceous filaments, Haruharu Wonder’s cleanser is a standout.
- Highlights:
- Fragrance and essential oil free.
- Contains only nine ingredients—keeping it minimal is usually a good sign.
- A blend of low-comedogenic oils that efficiently cleanses without clogging pores.
- Easily available on Amazon for fast delivery.
Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin, it effectively tackles excess sebum while keeping the skin clear.
The Best Oil Cleanser for Combination Acne Prone Skin
Nip & Fab Ceramide Fix Cleansing Balm
The Nip & Fab Ceramide Fix Cleansing Balm works impressively for combination skin. Even if you’re not typically loyal to Nip & Fab, this product stands out.
- Key Benefits:
- Removes makeup luxuriously while gently cleansing.
- Contains ceramides, squalane, and glycerin to keep skin hydrated.
- Free from both fragrance and essential oils.
- Avoids common irritants like ethylhexyl palmitate typically found in cleansing balms.
This cleansing balm is an excellent option for combination skin dealing with acne, as it supports the skin’s hydration without compromising on cleansing power.
The Best Oil Cleanser for Dry Acne Prone Skin
Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser
This product is a hit among my U.S. readers. The Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser is a fun and effective option that avoids the irritating additives often found in trendy products.
- Key Benefits:
- Infused with soothing centella and licorice root extract.
- Free from synthetic fragrance and essential oils.
- Cleanses makeup away thoroughly without needing a pre-cleanse with micellar water.
- Uses a balanced mix of emollient oils to gently remove impurities.
If you live in the States and have dry, acne-prone skin, this cleanser is worth trying.
Do Oil Cleansers Clog Pores?
There’s a common misconception that oil cleansers clog pores. However, my own experience (as well as clinical insights) shows that a well-formulated oil cleanser can effectively remove makeup and SPF without causing pore blockages.
- Oil dissolves oil – meaning it can actually be more effective at cleaning deeply than water-based cleansers alone.
- Individual reactions vary, so while some may experience breakouts, many find their pores stay clean and clear.
For more detailed info, be sure to check out my post on pore clogging ingredients.
Do Oil Cleansers Cause Purging?
Purging is when your skin seems to worsen before it improves with a new skincare product. Rest assured, oil cleansers do not inherently cause purging.
- If you experience breakouts after switching, it’s likely that the product isn’t suited for your specific skin chemistry.
- The only exception may be if the cleanser includes exfoliating agents like salicylic acid, which might cause temporary flare-ups—but these should be mild and short-lived.
Can You Use a Cleansing Oil for Oily Skin?
It might seem counterintuitive to use an oil cleanser if you have oily skin, but here’s the truth:
- The stripping power of oil cleansers isn’t determined by your skin type; it’s more about the formulation.
- The ideal oil cleanser for oily skin is simply the one that feels most effective and comfortable on your skin.
- In many cases, oil cleansers can actually remove excess sebum better than some water-based options.
Oil cleansers, when chosen wisely, are a beneficial component of an acne-prone skincare routine for all skin types.
Olive Oil vs. Oil-Based Cleansers
Natural oils like olive, jojoba, or coconut are popular on social media for DIY cleansing routines. However, there’s a key difference:
- Oil cleansers, as formulated for skincare, include surfactants (emulsifiers) that help rinse away impurities effectively.
- Pure natural oils might struggle to remove makeup or SPF without leaving residue, increasing the risk of breakouts.
- I recommend opting for a professionally formulated oil cleanser to ensure thorough cleansing without compromising on skin clarity.
What Makes an Acne-Safe Cleansing Oil?
The term “acne safe” can be misleading since no product can guarantee zero breakouts. However, when selecting an oil cleanser for acne, consider the following criteria:
- Must be free of both natural and synthetic fragrances.
- Should not contain denatured alcohol.
- Avoid coconut oil if you know your skin reacts poorly to it.
- I also steer clear of products with ethylhexyl palmitate, as it’s commonly found in many cleansing balms.
Remember, while some products are marketed as “non-comedogenic,” every skin is unique. I discuss pore-clogging ingredients in depth on another post, which might be helpful to review.
How to Emulsify Your Oil-Based Face Cleanser
Getting the most out of your oil cleanser means knowing how to properly emulsify it. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial:
- Apply to a Dry Face:
Start by massaging the oil cleanser onto a dry face. Unlike foam cleansers, oil cleansers work best when applied to dry skin. - Cleanse for One Minute:
Use gentle, circular motions to massage the cleanser into your skin for about one minute. This step helps break down makeup and impurities. - Emulsify with Water:
Add a small amount of warm (not hot) water to your face. You should see the cleanser transform into a milky, watery consistency. - Massage and Rinse:
Continue massaging for another 10–15 seconds to ensure the milky cleanser covers your face thoroughly, then rinse off. - Follow with a Water-Based Cleanser:
Complete your double cleanse by applying a small amount of your water-based cleanser to remove any residual oil. Massage for about a minute before rinsing off completely.
Benefits of Double Cleansing for Acne Prone Skin
Double cleansing isn’t just a trend—it has proven benefits for acne-prone skin:
- Deep Cleansing: Using an oil cleanser first helps dissolve makeup and sunscreen, while the water-based cleanser removes any remaining impurities.
- Prevents Clogged Pores: A thorough cleanse reduces the likelihood of pore blockages, leading to clearer skin.
- Enhances Absorption: Fully cleansed skin allows serums and treatments to work more effectively.
- Suitable for All Skin Types: Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, double cleansing can be adapted to suit your routine.
- Reduces Breakouts: Regular double cleansing can minimize acne flare-ups by ensuring that all residual impurities are removed.
This guide on oil cleansers for acne-prone skin (and effective double cleansing) is continuously updated as I discover new products that perform exceptionally well.
If you have any questions or need further tweaks, let me know. Happy cleansing, and here’s to clearer, healthier skin!
