Have you ever wondered how people achieve that dewy, glass skin complexion? The secret might lie in their first cleansing step: cleansing oils. It's no wonder why this K-Beauty technique has become so popular—it's a game-changer for removing makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities. What's more, it ensures your skin feels both clean and refreshed, all while preserving its natural oils.
We’ve consulted with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Angelie Chua, to provide insights on what to look for in a cleansing oil, considering factors like the different types of oils suitable for each skin type. We’ll also highlight popular options readily available on Lazada and Shopee, making it easier than ever to find your perfect match.
Quick List - Top Cleansing Oils
Dr. Angelie Chua is a dedicated Thomasian physician specializing in dermatology, with board certification from the Philippine Dermatological Society. She completed her residency at UST Hospital and is currently pursuing a fellowship in Trichology (hair disorders). Passionate about beauty, health, history, music, and travel, she fosters continuous learning and expertise in diverse fields. Dr. Chua is committed to providing exceptional care and staying at the forefront of dermatological advancements for the benefit of her patients.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
With the rising popularity of cleansing oils, it’s best to look carefully through your options and find what works best for your skin. Keep in mind that what works for someone else might not be the right fit for you. For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Ester oils' cleansing properties complement mineral oils' moisturizing effects, resulting in a cleansing oil that removes impurities while maintaining skin moisture.
When dealing with the humid weather in the Philippines, most Filipinas know that sweat-proof makeup that can last all day is key. But even the most stubborn mascara needs to come off gently! That’s where cleansing oils step in: choose ones that combine ester oil and mineral oil, for gentle yet effective makeup removal. Common ones include:
Ester Oils Cleanse Without Stripping Your Skin
Mineral Oils Are Best in Removing Heavy Makeup
This potent blend of ingredients works wonders by gently dissolving impurities without disrupting your skin's natural moisture balance, leaving it feeling clean, refreshed, and revitalized.
Although mineral oil is effective at makeup removal, it may feel too heavy for acne-prone and oily skin types. Opt for lightweight oils to ensure similar benefits without the risk of pore-clogging.
Choosing the correct cleansing oil relies on understanding your skin type. Depending on your skin type, the ideal cleansing oil for you could change.
Lightweight oils are ideal for thorough cleansing because their small molecular size enables them to effectively dissolve excess oil and debris deep within the skin.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might be surprised to learn that cleansing oils can be your new best friend! Contrary to popular belief, oil dissolves oil, and lightweight cleansing oils with small molecular weights can easily absorb into the skin, effectively removing excess sebum and makeup without leaving a heavy feeling.
Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil, which are known to gently unclog your pores and remove dead skin cells, helping to prevent breakouts. On the other hand, it’s best to avoid heavy, comedogenic oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil, and palm oil. While these oils are effective at removing stubborn makeup, they also have a higher chance of causing breakouts.
Use a water-based cleanser after an oil cleanser to ensure thorough removal of products, including any residue left by the oil cleanser, and to rebalance the skin's pH level.
Mildly formulated oils feature gentle, nourishing ingredients that hydrate and protect the skin barrier without causing irritation.
Using cleansing oils might seem intimidating, especially for those with easily reactive skin. Thankfully, there are gentle options available that won’t leave your skin feeling stripped. Choose calming oils like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and squalene to help calm any signs of irritation caused by pollutants and stressors, as these natural oils boast soothing properties ideal for those prone to discomfort.
However, for those with sensitive skin prone to irritation when exposed to new products, it’s recommended to conduct a patch test before integrating it into your daily routine, especially if you tend to experience redness, itching, or stinging sensations.
Opt for oils with simple ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation from fragrances and preservatives, making it easier to identify ingredients your skin may not tolerate well.
Heavier, more emollient oils form a protective layer on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and locking in hydration, thanks to their larger molecular sizes.
Sebum production in our skin is a clever balancing act. When skin feels dry and irritated, the skin will respond by increasing oil production. This sebum acts like a natural moisturizer, soothing the irritation and creating a protective barrier to lock in moisture. Conversely, if your skin feels overly oily, sebum production slows down to prevent further greasiness.
This is why richer oils, like those derived from avocados, almonds, or olives, can actually benefit the skin. These oils are rich in fatty acids like oleic acid that mimic the skin's natural sebum. This allows them to deeply penetrate the skin to dissolve impurities and create a natural protective moisture barrier.
After using a cleansing oil, it may be necessary to use a moisturizer, especially if you're using other products such as AHAs, BHAs, or retinol that have drying properties. A cleansing oil alone may not provide enough moisture for your skin.
As skin ages, it loses elasticity due to reduced collagen and elastin. Antioxidant-rich oils protect against oxidative damage and may boost collagen, improving elasticity.
As the skin matures, it naturally loses elasticity and becomes more prone to wrinkles. Look for cleansing oils rich in antioxidants, such as jojoba oil, argan oil, or grape seed oil, to leverage their potent anti-aging benefits in your skincare regimen. These oils combat free radical damage, which can contribute to wrinkles and loss of firmness.
Furthermore, certain cleansing oils incorporate ingredients like vitamins C and E, renowned for their brightening properties, which can effectively address concerns such as age spots or uneven skin tone.
While antioxidants shield the skin from sun damage, relying on it alone might not be enough. Complement your routine with sunscreen to fight signs of aging.
It's important to remember that everyone's skin has different sensitivities. Even in small amounts, certain ingredients can still be irritating. Ideally, these ingredients should appear lower on the ingredients list and in small percentages.
When choosing a cleansing oil, it's important to always check the ingredients list. Keep an eye out for common culprits that can trigger adverse reactions, such as fragrances, often listed simply as "parfum", can be comprised of numerous undisclosed chemicals that may trigger allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.
Additionally, alcohols which are commonly included in skincare for their cleansing abilities, can dry out the skin and disrupt its natural moisture barrier that keeps irritants out. Similarly, sulfates, another common cleansing ingredient, can be too harsh and may strip away too much oil from the skin, leading to redness and discomfort.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||||
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Oil Types in Formula | Key Ingredients | Suitable Skin Types | Features | Artificial Fragrance-Free | Drying Alcohol-Free | Sulfate-free | Paraben-free | Phthalate-free | Net Content | |||||
1 | Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil | ![]() | Deep Cleanse with Heartleaf Infusion | Plant-Derived | Heartleaf extract, Jojoba Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Turmeric Root Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin | Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, All-Natural, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, Eye Irritation Tested, pH Balanced | 200 mL | ||||||
2 | Luxe Organix First Cleanse Cleansing Oil Pore Clarifying | ![]() | Clear Pores, Clear Skin | Plant-Derived、Ester | Rice Bran Oil、Green Tea Extract | Dry Skin、Normal Skin、Combination Skin、Oily Skin、Sensitive Skin | Dermatologically Tested、Lightweight、Cruelty-Free | 150 mL | ||||||
3 | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil | ![]() | Melt Away the Day with Centella Care | Ester、Plant-Derived | Cetyl Ethylhexanoate、Sunflower Oil、Olive Oil、Bergamot Oil、Jojoba Oil、Cica Extract | Sensitive Skin、Dry Skin、Normal Skin | Hypoallergenic、Non-Comedogenic、Vegan、Cruelty-Free | 200 mL | ||||||
4 | Human Nature Gentle Cleansing Oil | ![]() | Nourish Your Skin with Every Cleanse | Plant-Derived | Sunflower Oil | Dry Skin、Normal Skin、Combination Skin、Oily Skin、Sensitive Skin | All-Natural、Cruelty-Free | 95 mL | ||||||
5 | Biore Cleansing Oil | ![]() | Effortless Makeup Removal with Every Pump | Mineral、Ester | Mineral Oil、Isopropyl Palmitate | Dry Skin、Normal Skin、Combination Skin | Hypoallergenic、Dermatologically Tested | 150 mL | ||||||
6 | Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil | ![]() | Nourish Your Skin with Every Cleanse | Plant-Derived | Rice Bran Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ethylhexylglycerin | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin | Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, All-Natural, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, Eye Irritation Tested, pH Balanced | 150 mL | ||||||
7 | Isntree Mugwort Calming Deep Cleansing Oil | ![]() | Calm Your Skin with Mugwort Magic | Plant-Derived | Mugwort Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Squalane | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin | Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, All-Natural, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, Eye Irritation Tested, pH Balanced | 200 mL | ||||||
8 | MAKE PREM Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Oil | ![]() | Gentle Care for Sensitive Skin | Plant-Derived | Sunflower Seed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Black Willow Bark Extract, Boswellia Carterii Oil | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin | Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, All-Natural, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, Eye Irritation Tested, pH Balanced | 210 mL | ||||||
9 | Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil | ![]() | A Luxurious and Calming Cleansing Experience | Plant-Derived | Ginseng Root Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin | Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, pH Balanced | 150 mL | ||||||
10 | KOSE COSMEPORT Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil | ![]() | Powerful Deep Cleansing for Radiant Skin | Ester、Plant-Derived、Mineral | Mineral Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Tocopherol | Normal Skin, Sensitive Skin | Non-Comedogenic, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, Eye Irritation Tested, pH Balanced | 240 mL |
Oil Types in Formula | Plant-Derived |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Heartleaf extract, Jojoba Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Turmeric Root Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil |
Suitable Skin Types | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin |
Features | Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, All-Natural, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, Eye Irritation Tested, pH Balanced |
Artificial Fragrance-Free | |
Drying Alcohol-Free | |
Sulfate-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Phthalate-free | |
Net Content | 200 mL |
Oil Types in Formula | Plant-Derived、Ester |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Rice Bran Oil、Green Tea Extract |
Suitable Skin Types | Dry Skin、Normal Skin、Combination Skin、Oily Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Features | Dermatologically Tested、Lightweight、Cruelty-Free |
Artificial Fragrance-Free | |
Drying Alcohol-Free | |
Sulfate-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Phthalate-free | |
Net Content | 150 mL |
Oil Types in Formula | Ester、Plant-Derived |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Cetyl Ethylhexanoate、Sunflower Oil、Olive Oil、Bergamot Oil、Jojoba Oil、Cica Extract |
Suitable Skin Types | Sensitive Skin、Dry Skin、Normal Skin |
Features | Hypoallergenic、Non-Comedogenic、Vegan、Cruelty-Free |
Artificial Fragrance-Free | |
Drying Alcohol-Free | |
Sulfate-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Phthalate-free | |
Net Content | 200 mL |
Features and benefits:
Oil Types in Formula | Plant-Derived |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Sunflower Oil |
Suitable Skin Types | Dry Skin、Normal Skin、Combination Skin、Oily Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Features | All-Natural、Cruelty-Free |
Artificial Fragrance-Free | |
Drying Alcohol-Free | |
Sulfate-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Phthalate-free | |
Net Content | 95 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
It is commonly praised for efficiently removing makeup, including stubborn mascara, while being lightweight and fast-acting. Many appreciate that it doesn't feel heavy or leave residue. However, a few have experienced minor breakouts or small bumps when used consistently, especially on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Oil Types in Formula | Mineral、Ester |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Mineral Oil、Isopropyl Palmitate |
Suitable Skin Types | Dry Skin、Normal Skin、Combination Skin |
Features | Hypoallergenic、Dermatologically Tested |
Artificial Fragrance-Free | |
Drying Alcohol-Free | |
Sulfate-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Phthalate-free | |
Net Content | 150 mL |
Oil Types in Formula | Plant-Derived |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Rice Bran Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ethylhexylglycerin |
Suitable Skin Types | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin |
Features | Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, All-Natural, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, Eye Irritation Tested, pH Balanced |
Artificial Fragrance-Free | |
Drying Alcohol-Free | |
Sulfate-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Phthalate-free | |
Net Content | 150 mL |
Oil Types in Formula | Plant-Derived |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Mugwort Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Squalane |
Suitable Skin Types | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin |
Features | Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, All-Natural, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, Eye Irritation Tested, pH Balanced |
Artificial Fragrance-Free | |
Drying Alcohol-Free | |
Sulfate-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Phthalate-free | |
Net Content | 200 mL |
Oil Types in Formula | Plant-Derived |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Sunflower Seed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Black Willow Bark Extract, Boswellia Carterii Oil |
Suitable Skin Types | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin |
Features | Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, All-Natural, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, Eye Irritation Tested, pH Balanced |
Artificial Fragrance-Free | |
Drying Alcohol-Free | |
Sulfate-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Phthalate-free | |
Net Content | 210 mL |
Oil Types in Formula | Plant-Derived |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Ginseng Root Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) |
Suitable Skin Types | Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin |
Features | Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, pH Balanced |
Artificial Fragrance-Free | |
Drying Alcohol-Free | |
Sulfate-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Phthalate-free | |
Net Content | 150 mL |
Oil Types in Formula | Ester、Plant-Derived、Mineral |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Mineral Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Tocopherol |
Suitable Skin Types | Normal Skin, Sensitive Skin |
Features | Non-Comedogenic, Dermatologically Tested, Lightweight, Eye Irritation Tested, pH Balanced |
Artificial Fragrance-Free | |
Drying Alcohol-Free | |
Sulfate-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Phthalate-free | |
Net Content | 240 mL |
Now that you already know the basics about cleansing oils, we move on to answering the most asked questions about this skincare product. Time to clarify not just your skin, but your doubts as well!
There's a common misconception that the solution to getting rid of oily skin is to use strong cleansers and avoid cleansing oils. However, harsh cleansers often strip the skin's natural oils, prompting it to produce more oil in response. For oily skin, lightweight, non-comedogenic oils rich in linoleic acid are best.
Cleansing oils can cause breakouts if they have vitamin E (tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate), or heavier oils like olive oil or coconut oil. Make sure to check the ingredients list first and consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance.
In general, the necessity of double cleansing depends on one's skin type, makeup use, and activities. For instance, for those who don't use makeup, washing the face with a mild water-based cleanser is sufficient. However, those who work outdoors or those who use sunscreen may incorporate double cleansing in their routine to remove dirt and excess product on their skin.
While many find oil cleansing helpful for removing blackheads or comedones by dissolving sebum, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly for deep-seated comedones. Moreover, rubbing the skin can lead to irritation. Therefore, if you aim to address acne, opting for comedolytic products like AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide is recommended.
Whether you do a 3-step, 7-step, or even 15-step nightly skincare routine, here are some products worth checking to get that glow.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Anua |Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
No. 2: Luxe Organix|First Cleanse Cleansing Oil Pore Clarifying
No. 3: SKIN1004|Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
No. 4: Human Nature|Gentle Cleansing Oil
No. 5: Biore|Cleansing Oil
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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