7 Best Oil Cleansers for Oily Skin to Try in 2025
Let's be real—if you've got oily skin, the idea of putting more oil on your face probably sounds mental. But here's the plot twist that's been changing skincare routines everywhere: oil cleanser for oily skin is actually a game-changer. The science behind it is pretty clever—oil dissolves oil. So instead of stripping your skin with harsh cleansers that leave it producing even more oil, you're working with your skin's natural chemistry. It's like speaking your skin's language fluently.
The whole "fight oil with oil" concept might sound backwards, but it's rooted in proper science. Your skin produces sebum (natural oil) for a reason—it's trying to protect and moisturise itself. When you use aggressive, oil-stripping cleansers, your skin panics and produces even more oil to compensate.
Chemistry class wasn't lying when it taught us that like dissolves like. Cleansing oil for oily skin works because the oil-based formula can dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without disrupting your skin's natural barrier. Think of it as a gentle reset rather than a harsh scrub-down.
50 mlGreen Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash For Oily Skin
Regular use of a non-comedogenic oil cleanser can actually help regulate your skin's oil production over time. Instead of yo-yoing between super oily and stripped-dry, your skin learns to chill and maintain a more balanced state.
Not all oil cleansers are created equal, especially when you're dealing with oily or acne-prone skin. The key is finding formulas that won't clog your pores or leave you feeling like a chip pan.
125 mlOily Skin Cleanser
Look for gel-to-oil cleanser options that start as a gel and transform into an oil when massaged. These tend to feel less heavy on oily skin and rinse off more easily.
Your oil cleanser should be packed with ingredients that won't block your pores. Jojoba oil, safflower oil, and hemp seed oil are brilliant choices that mimic your skin's natural sebum without causing breakouts.
Right, let's get into the good stuff. These seven oil cleansers have been making waves in the skincare world, and for good reason. Each one brings something different to the table, so you can find your perfect match.
100 mlOily Skin Cleanser
This K-beauty favourite combines ginseng and rice bran oil to create a purifying oil cleanser that doesn't mess about. It melts makeup and sunscreen like a dream whilst leaving your skin feeling balanced, not stripped. The ginseng adds a lovely antioxidant boost too.
If you're after a deep cleansing oil that gets the job done without drama, this one's worth a try. It's formulated with 14 plant-derived oils that work together to dissolve even waterproof makeup. The texture is surprisingly light for such effective cleansing power.
125 ml2% Niacinamide Oily Skin Cleanser
Don't let the name fool you—this oil cleanser is anything but harsh. It's designed specifically for sensitive and oily skin types, featuring black bean and black sesame oils that provide gentle yet thorough cleansing without irritation.
A cult classic that's been around for ages, and there's a reason it's stuck around. This olive oil-based cleanser transforms into a milky emulsion when mixed with water, making it perfect for those who want the benefits of oil cleansing without the oily residue.
Technically a balm that melts into an oil, this budget-friendly option contains oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal to soothe whilst it cleanses. It's particularly good if you've got oily skin that's also a bit sensitive or reactive.
100 mlFacewash For Oily, Acne Prone Skin
Another balm-to-oil transformation that's become a skincare staple. This one's brilliant at removing stubborn makeup and sunscreen whilst being gentle enough for daily use. The sherbet-like texture makes it fun to use too.
This Korean cleanser combines multiple botanical oils with a balm base that melts beautifully into your skin. It's particularly good at dissolving blackheads and congestion without over-drying, making it perfect for oily skin types.
130 mlSkincare Routine for Oily & Combination Skin
Now that you've picked your oil cleanser, let's talk about how to use it properly. The key is incorporating it into a double cleansing routine that'll transform your skincare game.
Double cleansing isn't just a fancy K-beauty trend—it's a proper skincare technique. You start with your oil cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based impurities, then follow with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue and water-based impurities.
Start with dry hands and a dry face. Apply your oil cleanser and massage gently for about 30 seconds to a minute. Add a splash of warm water to emulsify the oil (it should turn milky), then rinse thoroughly. Follow with your regular water-based cleanser.
50 mlSPF 70 Matte Finish Sunscreen for Oily Skin
For most oily skin types, oil cleansing once a day (typically in the evening) is plenty. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen daily, you might benefit from doing it every night. Morning cleansing can usually be done with just your regular oil-free face wash.
Building the right oily skin cleansing regimen is about more than just picking the right products—it's about creating a routine that works with your skin, not against it.
100 ml2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash For Oily Skin
Keep mornings simple with a gentle water-based cleanser. Your skin hasn't been exposed to makeup or pollution overnight, so there's no need for the heavy-duty oil cleansing treatment.
This is where your oil cleanser shines. Start with your chosen oil cleanser, follow with a gentle water-based cleanser, then continue with your usual serums and moisturiser. Don't skip the moisturiser—oily skin needs hydration too.
ComboOil-Free Moisturizer for Oily Skin - 3% NMF Complex + 0.2% Panthenol (Pack Of 2)
Absolutely! Oil cleansers work on the principle that like dissolves like, so they're brilliant at removing excess oil and sebum without stripping your skin. This can actually help balance oil production over time.
A combination approach works best—using an oil cleanser in the evening for deep cleansing, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser. In the morning, stick to just the water-based cleanser unless you've used overnight treatments.
Yes, when you choose non-comedogenic formulas. Oil cleansers can help dissolve blackheads and reduce congestion that leads to breakouts. The key is picking the right oils and not over-cleansing.
40 mlSebium Night Peel Smoothing Concentrate Oily/Combination Skin with Blemishes
Your skin should feel clean but not tight or stripped after cleansing. Over time, you might notice better makeup removal, fewer blackheads, and more balanced oil production. If you're breaking out more than usual, the formula might not be right for your skin.
Not really—facial oil for oily complexion and oil cleansers serve different purposes. Facial oils are treatment products meant to stay on your skin, whilst oil cleansers are designed to dissolve impurities and be rinsed off.
Oil cleansing for oily skin isn't just a trend—it's a proper skincare technique that can transform how your skin looks and feels. The key is finding the right formula that works with your skin type and incorporating it properly into your routine. With platforms like Smytten, you can discover and try different oil cleansers through curated trial packs from trusted brands before committing to full-size purchases. This way, you can explore what works best for your skin without the guesswork or wasted money on products that don't suit you. Remember, skincare is personal, and what works for your mate might not work for you. The beauty of having access to trial sizes is that you can experiment with different textures and formulations until you find your perfect match. After all, why settle for 'maybe' when you can try it all and find what actually works for your skin?
