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Whether you like to put on a full face every day or prefer a more minimalist approach to makeup, properly cleansing your face should always be seen as a non-negotiable in your skincare routine.
During the day, even if you’re not wearing a scrap of makeup, your skin has to deal with pollution, grease, and dirt, which can aggravate your skin and cause breakouts if you don’t wash your face at the end of the day.
Having a good cleansing routine in place is easy to achieve but can work wonders for your skin. A quick 60-second cleanse is all it takes to thoroughly clean your face, wash away any dirt and makeup that’s built up over the course of the day, and ensure a fresh canvas to layer the rest of your skincare products on top of so they work more effectively.
Because you keep your cleanser on for such a short amount of time, there really is no need to spend too much money. As long as it removes makeup and doesn’t irritate your skin, that’s all you can ask for in a good cleansing product.
If you want to save some money and have the best cleanse of your life, here are some of the best drugstore cleansing oils that you should try.
What’s The Best Cleansing Routine?
The best cleansing routine is one that effectively removes impurities, dirt, makeup, and excess oil from your skin while maintaining its natural balance and protecting its barrier function. A well-designed cleansing routine is crucial for maintaining healthy, clear, and radiant skin.
If you’re thinking about leveling up your current cleansing routine, here are some of the things you should consider.
Choose a Cleanser That Works With Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is the first step to finding the right cleansing products that cater to your specific needs. You may have combination skin, dry skin, or acne-prone skin, which will all require very different approaches to your skincare routine. For example, if you have oily skin you may want to avoid cleansers that contain a lot of natural oils like organic olive oil that can leave an oily residue and trigger your acne.
Remember to Double Cleanse
Consider incorporating a double cleansing method, especially if you wear makeup or sunscreen. Start with an oil-based cleanser (cleansing oil or balm) to break down makeup and impurities, followed by a water-based cleanser (foam, gel, or cream) to remove any remaining residue and clean the skin thoroughly.
Cleansing oils, and other oil-based cleansers like cleansing balms, work to remove stubborn makeup. And although a water-based cleanser isn’t the best at removing makeup, it can still help to clean and keep your skin moisturized.
Keep an Eye on the Ingredients
When you’re picking out a cleansing oil, you’ll see lots of different ingredients like safflower oil, jojoba seed oil, sunflower oils, moringa oil, castor oil, and other fine oils. These probably don’t mean much to you right now, but as you continue reading this article, you’ll be able to get a good idea of what drugstore cleansing oil ingredients will work best on your skin.
Remember to Be Gentle
Avoid harsh cleansers that strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for gentle formulations with natural ingredients that cleanse without causing irritation.
Although you might want to be tough on stubborn waterproof makeup or use drying ingredients to help your acne-prone skin, these could be doing more harm than good. Picking out a good, gentle cleansing oil is key and will look after your skin much better than some of the other options on the market.
Avoid Over-Cleansing
Cleansing too often with cleansing balms can disrupt your skin’s natural balance and lead to excessive dryness or oiliness. Stick to the recommended twice-daily cleansing routine unless your skin requires extra attention.
You can apply the cleansing oil directly to your face, and massage it into the skin for around 60 seconds to really lift all of your makeup. You don’t need to be stood at the sink for any more than a couple of minutes to carry out an efficient cleansing routine.
Always Cleanse After Sweating
You may think that cleansing is just there to help with removing makeup, but it can also cleanse away the excess sebum and natural oils that build up throughout the day.
If you’ve been sweating heavily due to exercise or hot weather, cleanse your face with one of the best cleansing oils to remove sweat and prevent clogged pores. This will help strengthen your skin barrier and keep your skin acne free.
Can You Use Coconut Oil to Remove Makeup?
While coconut oil is a popular natural remedy for various skincare needs, it’s important to recognize that it may not be suitable for everyone and can have some drawbacks, particularly for certain skin types.
Coconut oil is rated as highly comedogenic, which means it has a high likelihood of clogging pores. For people with acne-prone or oily skin, using coconut oil on the face can lead to breakouts and exacerbate existing acne.
Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to coconut oil, leading to skin irritation, redness, itching, or rashes. It’s crucial to perform a patch test before applying coconut oil all over the face to check for any adverse reactions.
It’s normal to see lots of natural oils in cleansing products, like olive oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and sunflower seed oil, but they are normally used with other effective skincare ingredients rather than by themselves. Like with any other natural oil, they’re good in a product but are not always the best to use in their natural form.
What Drugstore Oil Cleanser Should You Choose?
Looking for the best drugstore cleansing oils? We’ve compiled a list of all our favorite products to help you find the perfect addition to your skincare routine.
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser is a gentle yet effective drugstore cleansing oil that removes impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. The consistency of this product is a little different from some of the other items on this list as it starts off like an oil and then begins to foam up as you massage it into the skin, which makes it much easier to wash away.
It is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help to hydrate and nourish the skin while cleansing. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types, including dry skin and sensitive skin, and leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and refreshed.
Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser
Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser is a luxurious cleansing oil that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin.
It is enriched with nourishing ingredients like milk protein, rice bran oil, and botanical extracts, which help to hydrate and brighten the skin. This cleanser emulsifies easily when mixed with water, leaving no residue behind. It is suitable for all skin types and leaves the skin feeling clean, smooth, and radiant.
Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil is a lightweight and efficient makeup remover that quickly dissolves even waterproof makeup. This is a super affordable option that we use regularly here at Volumes of Beauty as it makes light work of even the most stubborn of makeup.
It contains a blend of mineral oil, rice bran oil, and jojoba oil, which work together to remove impurities and unclog pores without stripping the skin’s natural oils.
This cleanser rinses off easily with water, leaving the skin feeling clean, refreshed, and moisturized. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It’s one of our all-time favorite Korean skincare products, and it should be one of yours too.
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil is a rich and nourishing cleanser that effectively removes makeup, excess oil, and impurities from the skin.
It is formulated with rice water extract, which is known for its brightening and clarifying properties. This cleanser emulsifies when mixed with water, allowing for easy rinsing without leaving any residue. It leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and radiant. Suitable for all skin types, this cleansing oil is a great option for those people with dry skin looking to achieve a brighter complexion.
Curél Japanese Skin Care Makeup Cleansing Oil
Curél Japanese Skin Care Makeup Cleansing Oil is a gentle and hydrating cleanser specifically designed for sensitive skin. It features a lightweight formula that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without causing irritation or dryness.
This cleansing oil is enriched with ceramides and eucalyptus extract, which help to nourish and soothe the skin. It rinses off easily with water, leaving the skin feeling clean, soft, and moisturized. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin, this cleanser is a great option for those with delicate skin concerns.
Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil
Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil is a lightweight and non-comedogenic cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin.
We think that it’s one of the best drugstore cleansing oil options as it easily emulsifiers when mixed with water, allowing for easy rinsing without leaving any residue. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types and leaves the skin feeling clean, refreshed, and nourished without clogging pores — even if you have super oily or dry skin. Its ultra-light texture makes it a great option for those who prefer a lightweight and non-greasy cleansing experience.
Naturium Fermented Camellia Creamy Cleansing Oil
Next up on our list of the best drugstore cleansing oil options is the Naturium Fermented Camellia Creamy Cleansing Oil.
This product is a luxurious and nourishing cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities while providing hydration to the skin.
Like other cleansing oils, it contains fermented camellia oil, which is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, helping to nourish and protect the skin. This cleansing oil emulsifies easily when mixed with water, rinsing off cleanly without leaving any residue. It is suitable for all skin types and leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and moisturized.
cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser
cocokind is one of our favorite affordable brands for a reason so it was no surprise that their Oil to Milk Cleanser made it onto our list of the best drugstore cleansing oils.
This product is a unique and gentle cleanser that transforms from an oil to a milky emulsion upon contact with water. It effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils.
This cleanser is formulated with a blend of nourishing oils, including grapeseed, olive, and sunflower seed oils, which help to hydrate and soothe the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and leaves the skin feeling clean, balanced, and refreshed.
Current State Sunflower + Oat Melting Cleansing Balm
Current State Sunflower + Oat Melting Cleansing Balm is a luxurious and nourishing cleansing balm that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin.
Although it’s not technically in the same category as the other cleansing oils we’re mentioning in this list, it performs in a very similar way. Like the other oil cleansers, the balm melts upon contact with the skin, transforming into a silky oil texture that effortlessly dissolves makeup and debris. It emulsifies when mixed with water, rinsing off easily without leaving any residue.
It is formulated with sunflower seed oil and oat kernel oil, which help to moisturize and soothe the skin. Suitable for all skin types, this cleansing balm leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and supple.
Dear, Klairs K-Beauty Skincare Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
Dear, Klairs K-Beauty Skincare Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is a mild and effective cleanser that removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
It is formulated with a blend of natural oils, including black sesame oil, black currant seed oil, and jojoba seed oil, which help to nourish and hydrate dry and oily skin.
This cleansing oil emulsifies easily when mixed with water, rinsing off cleanly without leaving any residue. This is one of the best drugstore cleansing products as it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and refreshed.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil is a nourishing and moisturizing cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin. It is infused with cocoa butter, which helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
Like other cleansing oils, this product emulsifies when mixed with water, rinsing off easily without leaving any residue. It is suitable for all skin types and leaves the skin feeling clean, smooth, and supple. Additionally, it has a pleasant cocoa scent that adds to the overall sensory experience of using this cleansing oil.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is a cult-favorite and highly effective drugstore cleansing oil that effortlessly removes makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin. It is formulated with olive oil, which is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, to nourish and protect the skin.
This cleansing oil emulsifies when mixed with water, rinsing off cleanly without leaving any residue. It is suitable for all skin types and leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and moisturized. Its luxurious texture and gentle formula make it a popular choice for those seeking a deep cleansing experience from oil cleansers.
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil is a natural and gentle cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin.
The Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil is formulated with a blend of natural oils, including coconut oil and argan oil, which help to moisturize and nourish the skin. This cleansing oil emulsifies when mixed with water, rinsing off easily without leaving any residue. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated.
Additionally, it is free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it a great choice for those seeking a more natural skincare option.
Find The Perfect Drugstore Cleansing Oils For You
In this article, we’ve taken you through an extensive list of our favorite cleansing oils. You can ditch the coconut oil and olive oil now and replace them with some of the best drugstore cleansing oils out there.
Starting off with a cleansing oil is a great way to begin a skincare routine and we hope that you see improvements in your skin by incorporating one!
