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If you have acne-prone skin, cleansing it with an oil-based cleanser might be the best thing you can do for your complexion. Here’s what some of the best cleansing oils for acne and oily skin are…
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- Cleansing oils are great at removing excess sebum, sunscreen and oil-based makeup because of the oil-dissolves-oil principle.
- Quality cleansing oils for acne-prone skin help preserve the skin barrier, which may regulate sebum production.
- Look for oil cleansers that are either specifically formulated for oily, acne-prone skin, or are based on lightweight, non-comedogenic oils.
Not so long ago people with acne-prone skin used to run away screaming from products that contained even traces of oils. But we came a long way since, and today many skin experts say that one of the best ways to reduce breakouts would be to use oil cleansers. Because not only do plant oils (the non-comedogenic ones) don’t cause acne – in many cases, they might help clear the skin.
Cleansing a skin prone to breakouts with oils actually makes a lot of sense.
One, because of the like-dissolves-like (in this case – oil-dissolves-oil) principle. This principle says that your cleansing oil will be able to dissolve and remove all the excess sebum, oil-based makeup and residue sunscreen and leave your face perfectly clean.
And second, it will do that in a safe, non-stripping way, leaving your skin’s lipid barrier intact. And a healthy barrier might even help regulate sebum production.
Also, many quality botanical oils are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that soothe and protect the skin. Which is something that reactive, inflamed acne-prone skin could definitely use.
So yep – lots of reasons to try out a cleansing oil and see the results for yourself. And if you’re not sure where to start your search for the best cleansing oils for acne-prone skin, we got you covered…
20 Best Cleansing Oils for Acne and Oily Skin
*All prices mentioned are from August 2022.
1. Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil
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Price: $27.00/10.14 fl. Oz.
So, let’s start this list of the best cleansing oils for acne-prone skin with a product specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. Its blend of moisturizing plant oils dissolved makeup and dirt and leaves the skin perfectly clean.
What makes this cleansing oil so special is that it contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is an amazing exfoliator that sinks deep into the pores, dissolves the gunk trapped in them, and that way reduces breakouts.
2. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
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Price: $29.00/6.7 fl. Oz.
Another great option for skin that often breaks out. This oil is thorough but lightweight, and its water-soluble formula washes away easily and without leaving any oily residue.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil relies on the combination of organic olive oil, vitamin E and rosemary leaf oil to remove all traces of grime and makeup while leaving the skin soft, nourished and protected. It doesn’t contain artificial colors or fragrance.
3. Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil
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Price: $49.00/3.3 fl. Oz.
If you need an efficient and gentle cleansing oil that helps your hands glide over the skin with no need for harsh rubbing, this one is worth checking out. You can find several high-performing plant oils in this formula, including olive oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, rosehip fruit extract, etc.
The best way to use it would be to first apply the oil to dry skin and gently massage it until it picks up all the makeup and sebum. Then add a bit of water into the mix until the oil emulsifies, and wash away everything.
4. Julep Love Your Bare Face Hydrating Cleansing Oil
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Price: $17.60/3.5 fl. Oz.
This oil cleanser contains rosehip oil, one of the best oils for acne-prone skin. Rosehip oil is nourishing but lightweight, non-greasy and non-comedogenic, and it is chock full of nourishing fatty acids and antioxidants.
You can also find grapeseed oil, olive oil and vitamin E in this bottle. All in all, this is a nourishing, silky, refreshing oil cleanser that melts away makeup and impurities and leaves the skin pure but not squeaky clean.
5. Tula Skin Care #nomakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil
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Price: $32.00/4.7 fl. Oz.
TULA’s #nomakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil is a lightweight, non-comedogenic cleansing oil that doesn’t dry out the skin and doesn’t contain fragrance. It is safe to use on most skin types, including oily and acne-prone, sensitive skin.
In fact, this facial cleanser has quite a bit to offer to a skin that breaks out easily. This includes light and nourishing rice bran oil, moisturizing ceramides, probiotics that maintain skin balance, as well as soothing arctic winged kelp (a type of algae).
6. iunik Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
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Price: $21.99/6.7 fl. Oz.
This is such a great oil to have in your skincare arsenal. It thoroughly cleanses the pores and removes sunscreen and makeup while keeping the skin barrier healthy and functional.
The botanical oils you can find in this cleansing oil are great natural cleansers and skin enhancers. It contains sunflowers seed and canola, as well as calendula, macadamia and jojoba oil.
7. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil
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Price: $34.00/6.7 fl. Oz.
Just like its name says, this Clinique’s cleansing oil takes away all the makeup and grime of the day. You can use it on any skin type, as it is efficient but gentle and non-drying.
This cleansing oil contains glycerin, which is one of the best natural humectants. Humectants have an important role in maintaining the skin well hydrated, plump, supple and youthful.
8. Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
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Price: $23.00/5.07 fl. Oz.
Rich in nourishing and soothing ingredients, this oil got its name from the three important oils it contains – Black Bean, black sesame, and black currant seed. Each of these is a great natural skin enhancer and each can do a lot for your skin.
But that’s not all – this facial cleanser is formulated with several other skin-loving oils as well, including jojoba oil, shea butter, cranberry seed oil and vitamin E. All in all, a great, gentle makeup remover and cleanser many people will love.
9. Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil
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Price: $37.00/5 fl. Oz.
After a whole day of wearing makeup and sunscreen, a thorough but gentle cleanse this oil provides is just what an acne-prone skin needs. Especially since this cleanser is also full of antioxidants, hydrating and rejuvenating components.
With regular usage, MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil helps you to maintain a clear, youthful complexion with refined pores and a healthy glow. It is formulated with olive, avocado, rosehip and jojoba oil, green tea, turmeric extract, aloe vera, etc.
10. Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
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Price: $30.00/6.7 fl. Oz.
I don’t know about you, but when I read Squalane + Antioxidants on a bottle, the first thought that crosses my mind is – I need this in my life. Both squalane and antioxidants are very important for healthy skin and they both have protective and anti-aging properties.
Some other oils that make this one of the best cleansing oils for acne-prone skin are rosehip, oat kernel, evening primrose, moringa seed, etc. This cleansing oil is vegan, cruelty-free and it doesn’t contain synthetic fragrance or parabens.
11. Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil
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Price: $9.99/4 fl. Oz.
A great cleanser to soften your skin and give it a deep but gentle cleanse. It removes all traces of the day away, including excess sebum, residue sunscreen and all makeup, even waterproof mascara.
The competitive price, mild scent and non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested formula are only some of the reasons to give this acne cleansing oil a try. A perfect solution to gently cleanse all impurities without drying out your skin.
12. Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser
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Price: $32.00/5 fl. Oz.
You will love this cleansing oil if you have acne, although it is perfect for practically all skin types as it cleanses without drying. It has a light, non-drying silky texture that creates a great slip – no need to pull on your skin with fingers or cloth.
The ginger root extract in this cleanser maintains the suppleness of the skin, while pineapple, papaya and licorice brighten and clarify your complexion. As for the oils, this cleanser is mostly based on grapeseed and sunflower seed oils.
13. Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil
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Price: $58.00/4 fl. Oz.
If you are looking for a cleansing oil that can not only lift impurities but also gently exfoliate your skin, look no further. This product melts away makeup and dirt, brightens the skin, softens and smooths and maintains optimal hydration.
How does it do it? Apart from some of the best cleansing oils (jojoba, sunflower, moringa and squalane), this cleanser also contains papaya, pineapple, grapefruit and pumpkin enzymes, which exfoliate dead skin cells and fade imperfections.
14. KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil
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Price: $56.00/5 fl. Oz.
This dual phase cleansing oil transforms into creamy milk when you shake it. It cleanses and nourishes the skin, removes makeup, impurities and oil and leaves the skin soft and smooth.
The formula is certified organic, so you don’t need to worry about nasty chemicals sneaking their way into your routine. The star ingredients of this product: silver ear mushroom, sunflower seed, babassu and apple seed oils.
15. Shu Uerma POREfinist2 Sakura Refreshing Cleansing Oil
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Price: $41.00/5 fl. Oz.
The incredibly lightweight, water-like formula deep cleanses the pores, refreshes the skin and prepares it for the next steps. It removes dirt and targets excess sebum, shine, acne, blackheads and enlarged, clogged pores.
All you have to do is apply the cleanser to your dry skin covered with makeup. Massage it in to help it melt the makeup, then add water to emulsify the formula. Rinse off thoroughly and continue with your routine.
16. Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil
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Price: $50.00/5 fl. Oz.
Camellia oil is one of the best skincare oils out there. It is a dry, non-greasy, but very nourishing and protective oil – perfect for acne-prone skin, but also most other skin types.
Tatcha’s The Camellia Cleansing Oil thoroughly and without stripping melts away even waterproof makeup. It is rich in nourishing, protective and antioxidant components, for incredibly soft, clear and youthful skin.
17. Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser
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Price: $18.00/2.9 fl. Oz.
It starts as an oil cleanser, then turns into a milk when mixed with water. As such, it is capable of gently removing all makeup and impurities while replenishing the skin at the same time. It washes off without leaving any greasy residue.
Like all best cleansing oils for acne-prone skin, this one also contains several skin-friendly components your skin will love. The most noteworthy are fermented oat and oat lipid complex, glycerin, sunflower, grapeseed, baobab, geranium and chamomile oil.
18. BareMinerals Smoothness Hydrating Cleansing Oil
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Price: $30.00/6 fl. Oz.
A clean, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested cleansing oil that is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne prone. It doesn’t contain synthetic fragrance or chemicals that might strip essential moisture or cause sensitivities.
Several nourishing components in the ingredients list. Some of the most important ones are safflower, borage, cucumber, sunflower and jojoba oils, plus squalane and vitamin E.
19. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Pore Clarifying
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Price: $22.00/3.38 fl. Oz.
This is such a fun product. It has a sherbet-like balm texture that turns into a smooth oil when you apply it to your face. Perfect to remove makeup and dirt, but preserve the skin’s hydration levels.
Other than nourishing oils, this cleanser also contains AHA, BHA and LHA. These clarifying acids gently exfoliate the skin, deep cleanse the pores, prevent breakouts and reveal a smooth, clear, even complexion.
20. Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil
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Price: $47.00/5 fl. Oz.
Perfect as the first step for the double cleansing method, for the cleanest, smoothest skin ever. It melts oily makeup, sunscreen and sebum and improves the effectiveness of your second face wash.
Several brightening and nourishing ingredients make this product one of the best cleansing oils for acne. The cleanser is primarily based on apricot kernel oil, which is one of the most soothing, repairing and rejuvenating plant oils.
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