Cleansing Oils: Experience a More Effective Cleanse

Cleansing is an essential part of any good skincare routine because it sets the rest of your products up for success. But, many water-based cleansers can actually disrupt your skin’s delicate pH balance, leaving skin feeling dry and tight. Cleansing oils are formulated to gently cleanse while maintaining this balance, so your skin feels soft and supple. Before you start to layer on your skincare heavy hitters, get your routine off on the right foot with a cleansing oil.   

What does a cleansing oil do?

Unlike gel, milk, or cream cleansers, which are all water soluble, cleansing oils are lipid soluble. Water-based cleansers rely on surfactants to cleanse the skin, but these can strip the skin of its beneficial oils, which can disrupt the acid mantle, throwing the skin’s pH out of balance.

Lipid soluble formulas are more similar to the skin’s chemical makeup, so they help to nourish rather than dry out the skin. Like attracts like, so a cleansing oil will bind to and then break down impurities and never strip the skin’s beneficial oils.

How do you use a cleansing oil?

Cleansing oils can be used in 2 different ways, and how you use them really depends on your preference. First things first. Always start by massaging your cleansing oil into dry skin to loosen up buildup.

Curious about a double cleanse? Cleansing oils are the perfect first step because they bust up debris that’s trapped in your pores before you sweep away impurities on the skin’s surface. Follow with your favorite cleanser for the ultimate two-step ritual.

If a double cleanse isn’t for you, cleansing oils works great on their own, especially during the colder months and for those with drier, more sensitive skin. After massaging into dry skin, rinse with cool water. Follow with your normal skincare routine.

Can you use a cleansing oil on oily skin?

Yes! Because oil attracts oil, cleansing oils can help control your skin’s sebum. However, it is important to make sure the base oil and supporting players are formulated to balance rather than moisturize skin. Look for cleansing oils with a lightweight base oil like sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, or grape-seed oil. These non-comedogenic oils won’t clog your pores and help control sebum.

All skin types can benefit from a luxurious cleansing oil. So, what are you waiting for? Keep a cleansing oil on hand to give yourself a deeper, gentler cleanse.