"Washing your face with oil" sounds counterintuitive — especially if you've spent years being told that oil is the enemy of clear skin. But the oil cleansing method has genuinely changed a lot of people's skin, and the science behind it is solid.
Here's what it actually is, why it works, and how to start.
What is the oil cleansing method?
Oil cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: using an oil-based product to cleanse your face instead of (or alongside) a traditional foaming or gel cleanser. The principle is simple — "like dissolves like" in chemistry, meaning oil is more effective at dissolving oil-based impurities (sebum, sunscreen, makeup, pollution) than water-based cleansers alone.
Does oil cleansing work for oily or acne-prone skin?
This surprises people: yes. In fact, oil cleansing can be particularly helpful for oily skin. Here's why: when you strip your skin with harsh, drying cleansers, your skin compensates by producing more oil. Using an oil cleanser maintains the skin's natural balance, which can actually reduce excess sebum production over time.
The key is choosing the right oils. Lighter, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba, squalane, and meadowfoam seed oil are ideal for acne-prone skin. Heavy, comedogenic oils are a different story.
What about sensitive skin?
Oil cleansing is often gentler on sensitive skin than traditional cleansers because it doesn't disrupt the skin barrier or strip away the protective oils your skin needs. If your skin feels tight, dry, or reactive after your current cleanser, oil cleansing is worth trying.
How to oil cleanse
There are two approaches: the traditional hot cloth method and the simpler balm-to-oil method. Both work.
Traditional method (with a warm cloth):
- Apply your oil or cleansing balm to dry skin — no water first
- Massage gently in circular motions for 1–2 minutes, focusing on areas with makeup or congestion
- Soak a soft washcloth in warm (not hot) water and press it against your face for 20–30 seconds
- Gently wipe away the oil, rinsing the cloth and repeating until clean
- Follow with your normal routine
Simpler method (balm-to-oil):
- Scoop a small amount of our Cleansing Balm onto dry fingertips
- Massage onto dry skin — it melts from balm to oil on contact
- Add a little water and it emulsifies, then rinse clean
- No cloth needed
For removing heavier makeup or waterproof mascara, our Oil Makeup Remover is purpose-built for the job. A few drops on a cotton pad, pressed gently against closed eyes, and even waterproof mascara comes off without tugging.
Should you double cleanse?
Double cleansing — oil cleanse first, then a gentle water-based cleanser second — is a popular routine from Korean skincare. It's a great option if you wear sunscreen or heavy makeup. But for minimal makeup days or evening-only cleansing, a single oil cleanse is often enough.
What to watch out for
A few things that can go wrong with oil cleansing:
- Using the wrong oils. Highly comedogenic oils like coconut oil can clog pores for some people. Stick to non-comedogenic options.
- Not massaging long enough. Give it at least 60 seconds. That's when the "like dissolves like" chemistry does its work.
- Skipping the rinse. Make sure you remove all the oil thoroughly. Leaving a heavy residue can cause congestion.
- Judging too quickly. Give your skin 2–3 weeks to adjust. Some people experience a brief transition period as the skin rebalances.
The short version
Oil cleansing removes makeup and impurities more thoroughly than most conventional cleansers, supports your skin barrier, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It's one of those switches that sounds weird, works well, and you end up wondering why you didn't try it sooner.
Our Cleansing Balm and Oil Makeup Remover are both good starting points. Simple formulas, clean ingredients, actually effective.
DM us @olliesoap or reply to any email if you have questions about which is right for your skin.
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dermatological advice.
