Last year I stepped out of my skincare comfort zone and discovered cleansing oils are the best thing since sliced bread. Whether you have dry, oily, or anything in-between skin, there’s a cleansing oil to suit you. That’s not to say my skincare cupboard doesn’t contain various other washes, micellar water and cream cleansers which of course will remain. However, today it’s the turn of some newly discovered cleansing oils and a balm which I’ve been trying.
When it comes to using an oil-based cleanser, there are two types, in my opinion – the first you can splash with water and rinse it clean away, the other – you’ll need a muslin cloth to remove.
Basic chemistry tells us oil and water don’t mix…
So, unless you have your muslin at hand, you could be there a while trying to remove one of those aforementioned. I wouldn’t say one out-weighs the other in terms of performance and actually, I like to combine both as using the muslin cloth gives a gentle exfoliation to boot.
The first oil cleanser I tried was Palmer’s facial Oil which was early last year. Fast forward, and I’m well and truly a cleansing oil convert. I’ve since tried several other brands, so let’s talk oil cleansing. Firstly, the obvious – using a wash saves so much time, and really leaves skin feeling super clean and fresh – that’s one good reason. I’ll go on…
An oil cleanser feels nourishing and leaves my skin hydrated. The dry areas across my cheeks appear less prominent with ongoing improvement and I love seeing, (and feeling) the difference.
Next, I tried a brand I’d noticed on Instagram called Tropika UK, I was very kindly gifted their Coconut cleansing oil several months ago and fell in love with it straight off the bat. It leaves my skin thoroughly cleansed, moisturised and nourished, plus it smells heavenly, it’s literally the gift that keeps on giving. Massage it into your skin and happily rinse it away with water (no muslin cloth required). Read my Tropika review here.
Pink & Green Skincare Facial Cleansing Oil is a newly discovered favourite. With Apricot kernel to nourish and moisturise, sweet orange to promote collagen production, and lavender to promote cell growth. Housed in P&G’s signature cobalt blue bottle, a richer oil, which as you might expect, smells gorgeous. Massage into the skin, then lay a warm organic muslin cloth (available from P&G) over your face for a minute before removing the oil with circular movements, revealing fresh, radiant skin. My little bottle has been big on results, with continued improvement in any dry, patchy areas of my face. Available in various sizes.
Next, Evoluderm rinse off cleansing oil. Having previously tried some products from French drugstore brand Evoluderm, I was eager to see how this cleansing oil would compare. A new product to the range and enriched with sweet almond oil, dissolving even water-proof makeup and impurities from the skin.
An ultra-sensory texture transforms into a milky lotion on contact with water and removes easily.
I found it really moisturising and has a pleasant scent. Using the pump dispenser, you’ll only need a small amount, remember with oil cleansers, a little goes a long way. I’ve had great results and my bottle is still going strong! Evoluderm often pops up in TKMaxx so it’s worth keeping an eye out next time you’re in.
Finally, cleansing balms, I must admit, the Ermana Grapefruit Cleanse Balm is only the second cleanser of this type that I’ve tried. I love to double cleanse, and this balm is perfect for really getting the skin perfectly clean.
A rich blend of natural butters which soothe and hydrate the skin. Made from cocoa, Shea and coconut butters. This Hand Blended cleansing balm is enriched with sweet almond oil and beeswax. Infused with grapefruit and galbanum pure essential oils which help restore and tone the skin.
You’ll need to soften a small amount between your fingers as it’s a firm consistency. It melts easily with body heat allowing you to apply to the skin. Super hydrating, my skin feels lovely and soft after use, Ermana’s attractive packaging makes it perfect for gifting. If you love cleansing balms and haven’t heard of this brand, it’s well worth trying. I reviewed the Revive Face Oil earlier in the week in my Ethical Beauty article – find out more.
What’s you’re preferred method of cleansing? Have you tried an oil cleanser? What was your experience?
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Oil cleansers are meant to be amazing for skin! I use baby oil to take my makeup off but I don’t use it in the rest of my skin! However, I’ve heard good things about the Bobbi Brown one – although it’s expensive! Might have to try some of these instead! X
Author
You should try one of these! I’ll always have an oil cleanser in my cupboard now. Some are a reasonable price so it’s worth looking around x
I use an oil cleanser every day. I couldn’t love without it!
Author
I don’t think I could now either. I love the sensory experience they give, plus they really help my skin. Thanks for reading!
They have done wonders for my skin!
Author
Mine too!! x
Nice cleansing oils overview. I like removing face makeup with it but I still prefer micellar water for eyes as oils usually give me blurred vision for a bit even though they remove mascara brilliantly. The Tropica oil sounds really well.
Author
I know what you mean, I always swipe over my eyes with eye make remover after to get rid of any oil residue. The Tropika is so good. Highly recommended x
Oooh yes I love an oil! Every time I use mine it feels like an at home facial, I particularly love to use it exfoliating too, the combination of the silky oil on smooth skin is just like no other! I’m using Green Soap Company’s natural cleansing oil, but have been eyeing up Superfacialist’s Vitamin C oil cleanser too. Fab post as always honey x
Author
The two you mention sound good. I’m on the look out for more, so I’ll definitely check those out! Thanks for the suggestions x
Ooh the Ermana cleansing balm sounds lovely – if only I could use products with grapefruit in! I’ll have to find an alternative or see if they offer different scents xo
Char | http://www.charslittleblog.co.uk
Author
Oh are you sensitive to grapefruit? x
This sounds like quite a lovely oil. I definitely need to check this one out. x
http://www.themakeupaficionado.com
Author
You should! Thanks for reading x
Great post! I love oil cleansers since I’ve extremely dry and sensitive skin, they do wonders to my skin! I’ll definitely check out all the products you mentioned x
Author
Great for our dry skin aren’t they! I’ve had great results with these products. x
Oh my god, cleansing balm is the future. I love the stuff and can’t get enough of it, so that for me is a highlight to this post! But ALSO Tropika – so glad you featured that as it is soooo beautiful – and its one of the first cruelty free, natural brands I came across before starting my blog! xx
Author
Yes! Tropika stands proud doesn’t it. I’m going to have to purchase another I think! Glad I discovered cleansing balms too! Cant live without now xx
It annoys me that my skin feels so greasy when using oil cleansers as they are meant to be amazing for your skin!!
Author
Some can, but if you use a Muslim cloth to remove it your skin should feel squeaky clean after! x