What To Look For In An Oil Cleanser For Acne
- Skin type
Acne doesnt discriminate based on skin type, so, its 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 moisture. Castor oils and sunflower seed oils can help too. Those with normal skin should focus on acne-fighting ingredients such as 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
Always stick with gentle and lightweight formulas as they are kind to the skin. Harsh and thick oils can clog pores and cause you to break out even more. Dont forget to check the label and confirm that the product youre purchasing is indeed non-comedogenic as it wont clog pores and lead to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
- Safety
As with every beauty product, ensure that the oil cleanser youre 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.
Best Cleansers For Acne
Washing your face is one of the more important steps in your daily acne-fighting routine. Unfortunately, many people with acne-prone skin end up using the wrong kind of cleanser, leading to dried-out skin, flakiness, and new breakouts. For people with eczema or rosacea, using the wrong type of cleanser may worsen the condition. Choosing the right kind of acne cleanser is essential for every skin routine. It is especially crucial for people with acne and rosacea. Cleansers can come as gels, creams, or in a foam form.
The Benefits Of Face Oil
Fighting oil with oil may seem counterintuitive, begins Colorado-based dermatologist Maxine F. Warren, MD, FAAD, but when you strip your face of its natural oils , your skin thinks it needs to compensate and can actually produce even more oil, exacerbating the problem. Often, skincare products geared for oily, acne-prone skin actually dry out your complexion and compromise skin barrier function, creating a vicious cycle of imbalance.
At this point, face oils can come in handy. The benefits of using face oil include the potential to reduce breakouts, boost elasticity, and temporarily improve the appearance of fine lines, Dr. Warren shares. In certain cases, may also help relieve symptoms associated with rosacea, eczema, and other conditions caused by an impaired skin barrier.
However, in order for those with oily skin to reap these benefits, its important to find the best face oil that suits your specific concerns.
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Etude House Soonjung Ph 65 Whip Cleanser
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Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser is a moisturizing cleansing whip with a pH of 6.5, which is ideal for the skin. It contains 98.9% natural ingredients to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities without stripping the skin.
The cleanser uses minimal ingredients to avoid irritating the skin and contains soothing madecassoside and panthenol to calm sensitive skin. It has a rich white foam that leaves your skin soft and smooth.
How Does Oil Cleanse Your Skin

For many people, cleansing brings to mind foamy lather and rinsing.
Oil cleansing can include both, but for the most part its done with pure oils and a washcloth dampened with warm water.
Some women, particularly those who adhere to a K-beauty regimen, will also follow their oil cleanse with a gentle face wash to remove any oil residue.
K-beauty is short for Korean beauty, an umbrella term for Korean skin care products and techniques that have become popular in the United States.
The basic idea behind slathering your face in oils in the name of cleaning is that like dissolves like. In other words, putting clean, nourishing oils on your skin is intended to:
- lift excess sebum, the oily substance produced by glands on your skin
- clean out clogged pores like blackheads and whiteheads
- remove dead skin, pollutants, and makeup
Makeup removers often include oil because its well-suited for lifting oil-free, oil-based, and waterproof formulas off the skin and lashes.
Traditional cleansers can irritate the skin, cause excessive dryness, , and ultimately result in the skin overproducing oil after washing. Oil cleansing, on the other hand, can help balance the skin and lock in hydration.
Oils used for cleansing may also have healing properties, important nutrients, or other skin-boosting benefits.
While theres currently little research on oil cleansing, a small 2010 study found that cleansing oil was good for dry, mature skin.
More currently, another small
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How Do You Use Cleansing Oil
How you use cleansing oil will depend on your skin type and what you want to accomplish. For example, if you have dry skin, you can just use your oil cleanser to wash your face, and then continue with the rest of your skincare routine. Those with oily skin, on the other hand, may prefer to follow a double-cleansing method. This involves washing your face first with a cleansing oil to remove makeup, and then again with a traditional cleanser to remove any remaining sebum, dirt, or impurities. Read on for our step-by-step guide to using an oil cleanser.
Top 10 Gel Based Cleansers For Oily And Acne
Are you new to skincare? If yes, then heres what you need to understand. A proper CTM routine is a must, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. The acne-causing bacteria can affect you which, leads to puss-filled cystic acne. To avoid such skin conditions, gel cleansers for oily and acne-prone skin should be your best friend.
Earth Rhythm Energizing gel cleanser with Earth Marine Water & Tauga Seed
One of the best cleansers you will find in the Indian market is Earth Rhythm Energizing gel cleanser with Earth Marine Water & Tauga Seed. The presence of electrolyte in skincare automatically makes it a winner amongst the audience. This formulation targets to resolve all your skin concerns. It is a non-foaming gel cleanser which is a no-nonsense formulation targeted to heal uneven skin tone and work towards intense hydration.
Pros
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Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
The Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover is another really great option except this one is on the pricier side. I love the main ingredients in this cleansing oil like the tangerine peel extract and Apricot Kernel Oil.
The tangerine peel helps with removing impurities and the apricot kernel oil helps with nurturing the skin. Again, this works really well on sensitive and dry skin removing all your makeup and SPF.
Its also highly recommended to use this Sulwhasoo Cleansing oil with the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam to get the best results.
An Enzyme Powder Cleanser That Exfoliates Sensitive Skin Without Irritation
Most cleansers contain preservatives and stabilizing ingredients to keep them from spoiling, and that’s because they also contain water. The presence of water creates an environment where bacteria can easily grow, if there isn’t something in the formula to slow that process. But because powder cleansers â like this one that’s made from corn and rice bran â don’t contain any water, they also contain far fewer potentially irritating preservatives.
Once the powder comes in contact with your damp palms, it turns into a light foam that’s easy to handle. The slightly grainy texture and papaya extract in the formula work together to gently exfoliate sensitive skin without the irritation that often comes with using a scrub. And, you can even control the level of exfoliation by adjusting the amount of water you mix in.
Helpful review:“I absolutely love this face wash! I have sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin and this is so gentle on my skin that I use it every night. It’s not overly moisturizing for my oily face but still leaves it squeaky clean. This product has definitely helped keep my breakouts under control ever since I included it into my skincare routine. I’m definitely going to buy it again!”
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Best Capsules: Eve Lom Cleansing Oil Capsules
Skip the messy cleanup of most cleansing oils by opting for Eve Lom Cleansing Oil Capsules. Each biodegradable capsule contains one application of the brands signature blend of botanical oils. Not only are they perfect for travel, but the unique packaging ensures youll never waste a drop of luxurious oil. Bonus: The formula contains fatty acids to keep skin soft and hydrated for up to 12 hours after use.
Replenish The Skin With A Lightweight Face Oil
After cleansing your skin and patting it dry, we recommend replenishing your complexion with a lightweight face oil, like Midnight Recovery Concentrate. This indulgent facial oil is formulated with soothing lavender essential oil, olive-derived squalane, and evening primrose oil to help restore skins moisture overnight for a more radiant, youthful-looking complexion by morning. In just one night, it helps minimize the appearance of fine lines, refines skins texture, and boosts radiance. Best of all, its safe for all skin types, so everyone can reap these benefits.
You may be wary of using facial oil if you have oily or acne-prone skin, but this indulgent version is non-comedogenic. In fact, the squalane in this formula is chemically similar to the oils in your skins natural moisture barrier.I This allows it to effectively hydrate the skin without weighing it down. Squalane doesnt have an oily feel, and its antibacterial properties make it especially useful for helping to treat complexion concerns like acne.II In other words: It is completely safe for use on oily, acne-prone skin.
To use this facial oil, apply two to three drops to clean, dry hands, and use your fingertips to gently press the formula into the skin. Allow it to absorb into the skin before following up with your chosen moisturizer.
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First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser is a highly effective cleanser for really all skin types. The reason it made it into the best cleansers for acne-prone skin is that if you have skin thats prone to breakouts and is very sensitive, this is your ideal cleanser! Works a charm on acne-prone skin, yet is also extremely gentle at the same time.
Its made to be used twice a day like you would a normal cleanser. However, its so effective in cleansing that you may find you only need to use it once a day. It removes excess oil, dirt, makeup and all other unwanted stuff that builds up over the day.
Made with a powerful Botanical Antioxidant, it helps against environmental factors and helps calm irritated skin.
If you have sensitive skin this cleanser is ideal for you because it is fragrance-free. Also, its dermatologist tested and is free of all the bad stuff like gluten, nuts and the like. Easy to use all you need to do is apply to your skin and rinse off with warm water. 2 minutes is all you need to get the job done.
In terms of price, its somewhere in the middle range, but you get good value for money, there is a lot of product and the bottle lasts a while. I recommend it if youre looking for something gentle and powerful!
Pros
Refresh The Look Of Your Eye Area With A Hydrating Treatment

We always recommend using an eye cream, but its especially crucial after removing makeup to restore moisture to the delicate eye area.
Before laying your head down for the night, treat your eye area to a hydrating, restorative treatment, such as Midnight Recovery Eye. This nighttime eye cream stars butchers broom extract to help diminish the appearance of dark circles and puffiness while reinvigorating the eye area. It smoothes and restores skin while you sleep so youll wake up with fresher, younger-looking eyes by morning.
To apply it, use your ring finger to lightly dab the formula onto the under-eye area and along the orbital bone. Your ring finger is your weakest finger, so it has the gentlest touch and is least likely to pull or tug on the delicate skin.
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Cosrx Ac Collection Calming Foam Cleanser
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COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser is a daily acne foaming cleanser that treats acne and breakouts and helps your skin recover and heal by minimizing irritation.
This Korean cleansing foam contains COSRX Centella AC-Rx Complex, which uses three active ingredients from the Centella asiatica plant to calm inflammation, fight bacteria, and speed up wound healing. Salicylic acid targets clogged pores for improved skin clarity.
While perfect for acne-prone skin, this cleanser can be used by all skin types, including sensitive skin. It removes dirt, debris, and excess oil while fighting acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. This is the upgraded version of COSRXs popular Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser.
Best Korean Cleansing Oil For Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
The Nature Republic Forest Garden Cleansing Oil is a great facial cleanser for sensitive skin types. It contains chamomile water which soothes and calms inflammation whilst hydrating the skin and removing makeup. Chamomile extract is a good ingredient to calm acne prone skin thats prone to allergic reactions.
The formula contains macadamia seed oil and soybean oil which is rich in vitamin E, and protects against inflammation. Since this is a very gentle cleansing oil it may not be strong enough to remove thick makeup or waterproof mascara. It is good for combination skin or dry skin types that are prone to acne since it cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
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Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser
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COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a foaming gel cleanser that you can use both day and night to remove dirt and impurities while strengthening your delicate skin barrier.
The pH-balanced cleanser is formulated for all skin types and is ideal for acne prone skin thanks to tea tree oil and a beta hydroxy acid in the formula for clearer, more radiant skin and improved skin texture.
Some By Mi Aha Bha Pha 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam Cleanser Key Ingredients
Lauric Acid: Lauric acid is a fatty acid found in coconut oil, and it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Its been shown to be especially beneficial for acne-prone skin, as it helps reduce inflammation and prevent the overgrowth of certain types of bacteria.
Centella Asiatica Extract: This extract is rich in compounds that promote wound healing and help reduce the appearance of acne scars. It also has anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water: Tea tree oil is known for its ability to fight acne and reduce inflammation, making it a great ingredient for combating acne-prone skin. Tea tree water is the diluted form of tea tree oil.
Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is an excellent acne-fighting ingredient, as it helps reduce inflammation and slough off dead skin cells. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a go-to for acne-prone skin.
Gluconolactone: A polyhydroxy acid , gluconolactone is a gentle exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells and improve the overall look of your complexion.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: This ingredient is derived from licorice root and has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It also helps balance oil production in the skin, making it an excellent active for those with oily skin.
Citric Acid: Citric acid is a mild AHA that helps exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of skin texture.
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Banila Cos Clean It Zero
Best Clarifying Korean Cleansing Oil For Acne Prone Skin
BANILA CO Clean it Zero Revitalizing Cleansing Oil is specifically made for people who have a skin type that is prone to blemishes.
It is a non-allergic oil-based cleanser with an abundance of mineral oil, antioxidants, and olive oil, making it safe for your skin. Not only that, it aids in free radical damage to your skin.
The one thing that makes Clean it Zero so fascinating is it cleanses the skin gently without stripping off its natural moisture balance.
The revitalizing balm comes in a sherbet-like texture that, due to the heat of your palms, turns into oil. More or less, it is like coconut oil in winters.
The Clean it Zero Revitalizing balm makes sure to cleanse all the dirt, makeup, and excess oil away without clogging your pores.
That means it cleanses your skin and keeps your skin from further acne or breakouts.
Pros-
- It is a hypoallergenic balm, making it safe even for sensitive skin
- It helps in preventing further acne and breakouts
- It is filled with antioxidants and other natural oils and vitamins
- It doesnt clog your pores and deep cleans all the makeup, dirt, and excess oil.
Cons-
The Best Face Washes For Men For 2022 Are:
- Best overall Dermalogica special cleansing gel: £25.75, Beyondbeautiful.com
- Best for refreshing tired skin Harrys exfoliating face wash: £4.99, Superdrug.com
- Best for dry skin CeraVe hydrating foaming oil cleanser: £12.50,
- Best for acne prone skin Jack Black acne remedy balancing foam cleanser: £25, Getjackblack.uk
- Best for travel Saunders & Long the long weekender 5-in-1 groomer: £26, Humanery.com
- Best own brand cleaners No 7 men energising face wash: £7.95, Boots.com
- Best eco options Bluebeards revenge face wash: £9.99, Bluebeards-revenge.co.uk
- Best for oily skin Lab Series oil control clay cleanser + mask: £23, Boots.com
- Best affordable wash for sensitive skin Mancave sensitive face wash: £4.46,
- Best premium cleanser Pelegrims vitamin boost facial cleanser: £23, Humanery.com
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