13 Best Oil Cleansers For Acne (2024), As Per An Expert
Cleanse the face without stripping the healthy microbes that protect against acne.
Catie Wiggy has over 15 years of experience as a Licensed Master Esthetician and natural product formulator. She is the founder of Creative Beauty Collective and has worked behind the scenes with a wide variety of brands throughout her career as an executive-level marketer and innovator, developing an array of award-winning skin care lines.
Read full bio of Catie Wiggy
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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If you have oily and acne-prone skin, you must be aware of how hard it is to deal with the persistent or occasional zits or severe acne breakouts. Therefore, if you deal with acne, you need to be picky about the products you choose to include in your skin care regimen. With the best oil cleanser for acne, you don’t have to worry much about breakouts or residue on the skin during the makeup removal process. Cleansing your face with an oil-based cleanser might sound counterintuitive. Still, it is quite helpful than your traditional cleanser in effectively removing all the traces of makeup, excess sebum, and buildup from your face without stripping off the natural facial oils from your skin.
You might be wondering, if excess oil is the root cause of having acne problems, how can it help cleanse your skin? Oil-based cleansers work actively in eliminating the excess sebum from your skin. Traditional, foam-based cleansers might strip off the vital oils from your skin and leave it dry and inflamed, whereas oil cleansers work differently. Besides deeply nourishing your skin, unclogging the pores, and preventing breakouts, they help maintain your skin’s pH balance. These cleansers also help strengthen the barrier of your skin. Keep scrolling to check out the best oil cleansers for acne available on the market!
In This Article
13 Best Oil Cleansers For Acne That Help Prevent Pesky Breakouts
1. Best For Sensitive Skin:Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Purifying
Sensitive skin that needs settling down will do well with Banila Co’s oil cleanser for acne. Their patented Zero Balance Technology firms up, soothes, purifies, and rejuvenates skin without stripping it of its vital oils. With a smooth sorbet texture, this balm turns to a milky oil upon cleansing. The aromatic scent is pleasing and mild in this hypoallergenic cleansing balm. Problematic skin remains balanced and calm with the help of 7 natural herbs, active botanicals, water from hot springs, and vitamins C and E. Effectively cleaning irritated skin without disturbing its natural moisture balance is exactly what you can expect with this oil cleansing for acne. This YouTube review details a tester’s experience that will offer a deeper insight into the qualities of the product.
Pros
- Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, mineral oil, or artificial coloring
- Balances skin’s moisture levels
- Soothes irritation
- Proven efficacy
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Mild and pleasant scent
- Contains natural ingredients
Cons
- Might not effectively remove waterproof makeup
Pro TipUse this product in circular motion on the cheeks and in upward strokes on the forehead. Wring out a wet cloth in hot water and place it on the face for a while and wipe it off.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 7,784 great reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For Skin Brightening:Heimish All Clean Balm
Heimish’s vegan, plant-based oil cleanser for acne-prone skin is a solid facial cleanser that turns into a silky milk consistency upon application. The lightweight texture works like magic to remove stubborn makeup and dirt from your skin without leaving it feeling tight. As it contains citrus herb oils, white flower complex, coconut extract, and shea butter, you will notice naturally brightened and nourished skin. Dissolving easily into the skin, the All Clean Balm is an oil cleanser for blackheads and clogged pores which doesn’t leave behind any messy residue. And with the tiny spatula provided, you can ensure clean application too! Check out this video to understand more about a tester’s experience and learn more about the functions of this product.
Pros
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Brightens skin
- Vegan
- Lightweight and silky texture
- Non-stripping
Cons
- Some may find the scent to be strong
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,038 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
3. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil
With this Burt’s Bees oil cleanser, all of your skin’s impurities are gently dissolved to make way for a healthy and glowing complexion. This dermatologist-tested oil is a blend of the coconut and argan oils that gently rid your skin of heavy makeup without disrupting the moisture balance. These skin-loving ingredients have a hydrating effect as coconut oil is rich in vitamin E while argan oil is known as ‘liquid gold’, owing to the vitamins and minerals present in it. For softer and well-hydrated skin, try this argan oil cleanser for acne-prone skin. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to understand more about a tester’s experience and get a better idea about the product and its functions to achieve healthy skin.
Pros
- Nourishes and hydrates skin
- Contains natural ingredients
- Gentle formula
- Doesn’t disrupt the skin’s moisture balance
- Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested
- Doesn’t leave behind an oily residue
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance to be overpowering
4. Best For Hyperpigmentation:The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil
The best cleansing oil for acne comes in the form of a smooth and richly-textured oil from The Face Shop that works like a charm for dry skin types. It dives deep into the skin to gently remove heavy makeup and other residue for a refreshed feel. Enriched with rice extract along with rice bran, jojoba, and kukui seed oils, your skin is moisturized and brightened with a subtle glow. You can be one step closer to glass-like skin with this Korean cleansing oil for acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Smooth texture
- Gentle formula
- Refreshing feel
- Moisturizes and brightens skin
- Effectively removes oil-based impurities
- Helps reduce hyperpigmentation
Cons
- Might have an overpowering scent
TriviaThe OCM or Oil Cleansing Method was a norm for ancient Egyptians as they used castor, fenugreek, moringa, olive, and sesame oils during their hot baths.
5. Best For Removing Makeup:Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyun Oil Cleansing
If you’re new to oil cleansing for acne-prone skin, you should try this Japanese formula that gently removes makeup without making your skin feel taut and uncomfortable. Blended with olive oil and 2 types of hyaluronic acid, these moisturizing agents gently restore the health back in your dehydrated skin. The mild oil can also be used to remove stubborn waterproof eye makeup without you having to tug at the skin for an effective cleanse. We believe this oil face cleanser for acne is a star addition to your double cleanse routine to keep your skin hydrated.
Pros
- Free of fragrance, alcohol, mineral oil, and artificial colorants
- Removes waterproof and stubborn eye makeup
- Deeply moisturizes skin
- Mild and gentle formula
- Doesn’t require tugging
Cons
- Some may not like the thin consistency
6. Best Lightweight:bareMinerals Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil
When trying out an oil cleanse method for acne, you can give the bareMinerals’ Total Cleansing Oil a shot as it removes impurities and also nourishes the skin. The results-driven oil has a lightweight formula that feels super comforting and glides on easily for an effective cleanse. Mineral-rich sea salts that refine skin combine with bilberry, borage, cucumber, and sunflower oils that have antioxidant-rich ingredients to give your skin a youthful look. Even the most sensitive of skin types will benefit from this deep cleansing oil as it will leave your skin feeling smooth and supple.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Contains skin-friendly oils
- Moisturizes skin
- Aids cell renewal
- Makes skin soft
Cons
- Might leave behind an oily residue
7. Best Non-Comedogenic:Julep Love Your Bare Face Hydrating Cleansing Oil
Julep’s non-comedogenic cleansing oil contains the goodness of rosehip seed oil that works to combat lines, acne scars, congested skin and hyperpigmentation while olive oil evens out skin tone. Grapefruit peel and grapeseed oils care for dry and hypersensitive skin, leaving it soft without clogging the pores while green coffee bean oil aids skin cell turnover. This non-greasy cleanser is great at melting away makeup while protecting the skin against free radical damage. Many reviewers on e-commerce websites suggest that if you want something that moisturizes dry skin and soothes irritation in sensitive skin, let this gentle makeup remover be your go-to.
Pros
- Paraben-free and cruelty-free
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Non-stripping
- Non-comedogenic
- Protects against free radicals
- Ideal for dry, sensitive, and inflamed skin
Cons
- Some may find it to be too mild
TriviaOlive and sesame oils were Cleopatra’s favorites.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 763 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
8. Best Exfoliating:Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil (BHA)
Hanskin’s multitasking cleansing oil for acne dives deep into the pores to rid your skin of annoying blackheads. It makes use of an invigorating blend of oils such as jojoba, olive, lemon, orange, and grapefruit for a squeaky-clean skin care routine. With salicylic acid, your skin is gently exfoliated, sebum and shine controlled, and the recurrence of breakouts curbed. Many reviewers note that when they use this oil, they tend to break out much lesser. Now your oily and combination skin get acne off their tails should definitely give this lightweight Korean formula a shot.
Pros
- Reduces blackheads
- Gentle exfoliation
- Helps with sebum control
- Ideal for oily and combination skin types
- Contains a blend of nourishing oils
- Deep cleans pores
Cons
- Might increase skin sensitivity in the sun owing to the BHA
9. Best Moisturizing:Shu Uemura Ultime 8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Perhaps the best cleansing oil for acne-prone skin, this one by Shu Uemura combines Chinese medicine with beauty oils from all over the world. This results-driven oil has cashmere-like consistency moisturizes your skin and smoothens it for a poreless effect. With the merging of 8 botanical oils like meadowfoam, soybean, camellia, corn, jojoba, safflower, this luxurious formula effortlessly cleanses skin by renewing its quality. Squalene and ginseng root extract are both present, which can boost skin’s hydration and blood circulation.
Pros
- Softens and smoothes skin
- Moisturizing
- Best for hormonal acne
- Improves blood circulation
- Boosts skin hydration
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
Cons
- Might make the skin feel tight
10. Best Anti-Aging:Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
One of the most effective oil cleansers for acne-prone skin, Biossance’s antioxidant-rich formula also works to remove heavy-duty makeup. This clinically backed skincare oil is perfect for deep cleansing for acne as it has a lightweight texture that keeps skin fresh and hydrated with high-quality sugarcane-derived squalene. This star ingredient works to restore hydration in skin without making it feel greasy. With the power of antioxidants, signs of stress and aging are reduced to reveal a healthier complexion.
Pros
- Reduces signs of aging
- Lightweight
- Proven efficacy
- Hydrates skin
- Non-greasy
- Reveals a healthy complexion
Cons
- Some might find skin to become taut
11. Best For Skin Smoothening:TULA Skincare #NoMakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Probiotic extracts and natural oils take center stage in TULA’s oil-based cleanser for oily skin types. They help dissolve makeup and pore-clogging dirt quickly while ceramides and arctic winged kelp condition the skin to keep it smooth. For skin-deep nourishment, the active ingredient rice bran oil lends moisturizing and soothing properties. This is one of the best gentle cleansers for acne. You can use it for double-cleansing routines for oily, acne-prone skin owing to its non-comedogenic and balanced formula.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free
- Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, fragrance, silicone, and other irritants
- Deeply moisturize skin
- Made with natural extracts
- Smoothes down skin
Cons
- Might be irritating on the eye area
12. Best For All Skin Types:SHISEIDO Perfect Cleansing Oil
Powered with the Shiseido original Gentle Quick-Removing Technology, this lightweight and comfortable formula can be used on both dry or wet skin. To thoroughly rid your skin of makeup, oil, and dirt, the oil goes deep into the pores. This dermatologist-tested oil has the nourishing effects of glycerin and grapeseed oil, moisture is restored for a strong skin barrier. Gliding onto skin like silk, this oil can be rinsed quickly without being greasy and will lend your skin a healthy, dewy finish. This results-driven oil is the best for acne-prone skin that can help reduce acne and nourish your skin.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Moisturizes skin
- Non-greasy
- Gives a dewy finish
Cons
- Might leave residue
13. Best Fragrance-Free:DHC Pore Cleansing Oil
A good oil cleanser for acne works on the principle of ‘oil dissolves oil’ — just like DHC’s crowd-favorite formula! The nourishing oil blend present in the pore cleansing oil attaches with the sebum in your skin to unclog pores and remove makeup. To soothe your skin, calendula comes into action and a citrus extract blend helps brighten and tone with antioxidant benefits. With a single cleanse, you will find your complexion soft, balanced, and revitalized. Now, get your hands on this oil and embrace all oil cleanser benefits.
Pros
- Unclogs pores
- Reduces sebum
- Tones and brightens skin
- Has a soothing effect
- Free of fragrance and colorants
- Ideal for oily skin types
Cons
- Might not be ideal for sensitive skin types
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best oil cleansers on the market, let’s look at how you can pick the right one for yourself.
What To Look For In An Oil Cleanser For Acne
- Skin type
Acne doesn’t discriminate based on skin type, so, it’s important that you treat it with products formulated for yours.
Oily, combination and acneic skin types should choose oil cleansers that contain hydroxy acids or BHAs like salicylic acid as it effectively unclogs pores and clears away dead skin cells. Dry skin types will do well if their cleansers are supplemented with squalene, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera to retain lost essential moisture. Castor oils and sunflower seed oils can help too. Those with normal skin should focus on acne-fighting cleansers that have ingredients like tea tree, witch hazel, honey, and green tea. Calendula, chamomile, and shea butter are good ingredients for sensitive skin types owing to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Formula
, a licensed Master Esthetician and natural product formulator, says, “Individuals who are prone to blemishes and regular breakouts or blackheads should avoid oil-based cleansers with heavy amounts of coconut, soybean, and wheat germ oils, which are all considered high on the comedogenic scale”.
Always stick with gentle, lightweight, and professional-grade formulas as they are kind to the skin. Harsh and thick oils can clog pores and cause you to break out even more. Don’t forget to check the label and confirm that the product you’re purchasing is indeed ‘non-comedogenic’ as it won’t clog pores and lead to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
- Safety
As with every beauty product, ensure that the oil cleanser you’re picking out is formulated without the use of any irritants like parabens, SLS, phthalates, gluten, fragrance, colorants, or mineral oils. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your skin especially if you suffer from any skin insensitivities.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For And Avoid In Oil Cleansers
Oil cleansers have gained popularity for their ability to cleanse the skin effectively while maintaining its natural moisture balance. However, it is important to choose these products wisely, or else, they can worsen your acne. Check out the infographic below to know about which ingredients to look for and avoid while choosing one.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you have acne-prone skin, the best dermatologist-recommended oil cleansers are a must-have in your arsenal. Nowadays, plenty of renowned brands are coming up with oil cleansers that help to deal with occasional zits or even serious acne breakouts. These oil cleansers will control the acne and help in the makeup removal process. They actively eliminate the excess oil and maintain the pH balance of your skin. These cleansers are free from synthetic chemicals, contain natural ingredients, soothe irritated skin, and are suitable for sensitive skin. They will offer intense cleansing without stripping off the natural oils from your skin. The Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Purifying is enriched with ingredients that make it ideal for sensitive skin types, while the Heimish All Clean Balm can be used for effectively removing grime, dirt, and heavy makeup from the skin. The Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil is another product that gives you a healthy and glowing complexion. Make sure you consider the skin type, formula, and safety of the product before choosing an oil cleanser for acne-prone skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oil cleansers good for acne?
Oil cleansers can effectively remove makeup, dirt, and grime from your skin without stripping it of its vital oils. They also contain ingredients that can help the occurrence of breakouts.
Does oil cleansing cause acne?
If you’re beginning to use oil cleansing in your skin care routine, you might notice new pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads in a process called purging. After a couple uses, your skin will calm down and if it doesn’t, you might need to switch to another product.
Can you use cleansing oils for oily skin?
Yes, cleansing oils gently dissolve the dirt in the form of skincare products, makeup, and sweat which can be easily rinsed off with warm water. Sebum and dirt that clogs your pores is extracted and acne is reduced.
Are oil cleansers good for fungal acne?
Oils can lead to an aggravation in fungal acne. If you want to try oil cleansing, it is best to speak to your board-certified dermatologist beforehand.
Does DHC cleansing oil clog pores?
No, as it is non-comedogenic, it will not clog your pores.
Should I use an oil cleanser everyday?
Yes, use an oil cleanser daily to keep your skin clean while removing buildup and impurities and reducing the appearance of pores.
How long does it take an oil cleanser to clear acne?
It takes two to three weeks for an oil cleanser to clear acne. It might take longer, depending on your skin issues and lifestyle.
Can oil cleansing help cystic acne?
Yes, oil cleansing helps treat cystic acne. The process leaves your skin with good bacteria and microbes, preventing skin infections.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Krati Darak, the author of this article, is eager about skin care products. She browsed hundred of reviews and conducted detailed research about various cleansers to provide the best oil cleanser for acne. The cleansers listed above are gentle on the skin, have a smooth texture, and deeply moisturize the skin. In addition, these cleansers are non-greasy and formulated without any harsh chemicals.
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