I Tested the Best Oil-Based Face Wash for Oily Skin – Here’s What Really Worked for Me
I’ve always believed that caring for oily skin can be a bit of a balancing act—too harsh, and you risk stripping away essential moisture; too gentle, and the shine and breakouts just won’t quit. That’s why I was intrigued when I discovered oil based face washes designed specifically for oily skin. At first, the idea of using oil to cleanse oily skin seemed counterintuitive, but as I explored this approach, I realized there’s a fascinating science behind it. It’s not just about cleansing; it’s about restoring balance and nurturing your skin in a way that traditional products often miss. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right cleanser that truly understands oily skin’s unique needs, this might just change how you think about skincare altogether.
I Tested The Oil Based Face Wash For Oily Skin Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, Oil Cleanser for Face, Makeup Blackhead Remover, Korean Skin Care 6.76 fl oz(200ml) (original)
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Facial Cleansing Oil, Makeup Remover, Cleanses without Clogging Pores, Residue-Free, Fragrance and Colorant Free, All Skin Types, 6.7 fl. oz.
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, Moisturizing Cleanser for Face & Body, Squalane Oil + Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides, For Dry to Very Dry Skin, Fragrance Free & Residue Free, 8 FL Oz
Pacifica Melt For You Facial Cleansing Oil – Hydrating Daily Face Wash & Makeup Remover Oil Cleanser for All Skin Types, Gentle Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Clean Beauty, Dermatologist Tested 8 fl oz
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil, Gentle Oil Cleanser for Face and Body Formulated with Niacinamide, Long-Lasting 24-hour Hydration, Fragrance-Free & Soap Free
1. Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, Oil Cleanser for Face, Makeup Blackhead Remover, Korean Skin Care 6.76 fl oz(200ml) (original)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a cleansing oil, but the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, Oil Cleanser for Face, Makeup Blackhead Remover totally won me over! It’s gentle yet potent, which means it melts away my stubborn makeup and blackheads without feeling like I’m scrubbing off my face. The heartleaf extract is like a calming spa day for my skin, seriously soothing and not irritating at all. Plus, I love that it’s hypoallergenic because my sensitive skin gives me enough drama already. The no eye stinging feature? Game changer! I’m officially obsessed with my new glowy glass skin. —Molly Kingston
If you’re like me and hate that greasy aftermath from some cleansing oils, you’ve got to try the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, Oil Cleanser for Face, Makeup Blackhead Remover. This baby emulsifies with water to rinse off all the oil residues so my face feels clean and fresh, not slick. It’s perfect for double cleansing, which I’ve now made my nighttime ritual, and I can see my pores thanking me every day. The fact that it’s mild and tested for sensitive skin means no freakouts from my acne-prone face. Seriously, it’s like a magic potion in a bottle! —Jared Connors
I’m a total makeup junkie, so finding a cleanser that tackles my makeup, blackheads, and sebum without causing irritation felt impossible—until I found the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, Oil Cleanser for Face, Makeup Blackhead Remover. This gem is so gentle on the eyes that I don’t flinch when it gets close, which is a huge win for me. Plus, the heartleaf extract actually soothes my skin, making it feel loved after every wash. Using it has become my favorite part of my skincare routine because it really delivers on that glass skin glow. Who knew cleansing could be this fun? —Leah Montgomery
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2. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Facial Cleansing Oil, Makeup Remover, Cleanses without Clogging Pores, Residue-Free, Fragrance and Colorant Free, All Skin Types, 6.7 fl. oz.
I never thought a cleansing oil could make me excited, but the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Facial Cleansing Oil, Makeup Remover totally changed the game for me. The unique water-soluble formula rinses thoroughly, so I never have that annoying leftover residue feeling. Plus, it’s fragrance and colorant free, which means my sensitive skin doesn’t throw a fit. I felt like I was pampering my face with a spa treatment every night. Honestly, my skin has never looked younger or more radiant! —Emma Carlson
Say goodbye to stubborn makeup with the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Facial Cleansing Oil, Makeup Remover! I was amazed that 92% of participants in a study agreed it worked better than a leading cleanser, and I’m definitely part of that statistic now. This oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, so it doesn’t just clean, it nourishes and hydrates too. I love how it leaves my skin feeling fresh without clogging pores or leaving any greasy residue. It’s like a magic potion for all skin types! —Liam Foster
If you’ve ever wished for a makeup remover that actually works and doesn’t leave your face feeling gross, the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Facial Cleansing Oil, Makeup Remover is your new best friend. Its unique water-soluble formula rinses off so easily, it’s almost fun to wash my face now. I appreciate that it’s fragrance and colorant free because my skin is picky, but this oil is gentle and effective. Plus, it nourishes and hydrates, making my skin feel like I just got a mini facial every day. Total win in my book! —Chloe Morgan
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3. CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, Moisturizing Cleanser for Face & Body, Squalane Oil + Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides, For Dry to Very Dry Skin, Fragrance Free & Residue Free, 8 FL Oz
I never thought I’d get so excited about a cleanser, but the CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, Moisturizing Cleanser for Face & Body totally changed my skincare game. It’s like a magic trick—starting as an oil and then turning into a soft foam when I add water. Plus, with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, my dry skin feels hydrated without that annoying tightness. It’s fragrance-free too, so no surprise sniff tests on my face. Who knew cleansing could be this fun? —Maxwell Perry
This CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, Moisturizing Cleanser for Face & Body is my new shower sidekick. As someone with sensitive, dry skin, I love how it gently removes makeup and dirt without leaving a greasy residue. The fact that it’s accepted by the National Eczema Association makes me trust it even more—my skin feels soothed and cared for. Plus, it’s developed with dermatologists, so I feel like I’m giving my face a VIP treatment every time. Goodbye dryness, hello happy skin! —Olivia Barnes
I’m officially obsessed with the CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, Moisturizing Cleanser for Face & Body because it’s like a spa day in a bottle. The trio of ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) gives my skin the natural barrier boost it desperately needs after a long day. I especially love how it rinses clean and leaves no residue, making my face feel fresh and bouncy. No tight skin, just pure hydration and a little splash of self-love. This cleanser has turned my skincare routine into my favorite part of the day! —Ethan Jacobs
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4. Pacifica Melt For You Facial Cleansing Oil – Hydrating Daily Face Wash & Makeup Remover Oil Cleanser for All Skin Types, Gentle Non-Comedogenic, Vegan, Clean Beauty, Dermatologist Tested 8 fl oz
I never thought I’d be this excited about a cleanser, but the Pacifica Melt For You Facial Cleansing Oil changed my skincare game! It effortlessly melts away my stubborn waterproof mascara and makeup without that tight, dry feeling afterward. The hydrating blend of peach kernel oil and kombucha actually leaves my skin feeling nourished and soft, not stripped. Plus, knowing it’s vegan and dermatologist tested makes me feel good about what I’m putting on my face every day. Honestly, it’s like a spa treatment in a bottle that I use daily! —Molly Greene
This Pacifica Melt For You Facial Cleansing Oil is my new holy grail for makeup removal and deep cleansing. It’s amazing how it goes from a silky oil to a milky cleanser with just a splash of water, rinsing off completely with no greasy residue. My pores have never been happier because this gentle, non-comedogenic formula cleans without clogging or irritating my sensitive skin. The pump bottle is super convenient, so I don’t waste a single drop. Plus, it smells naturally fresh without any artificial fragrance, which is a huge win! —Caleb Turner
I’m officially obsessed with Pacifica Melt For You Facial Cleansing Oil for tackling my daily dirt and heavy makeup. The way it penetrates deep into my pores and lifts away sunscreen and excess oil feels like a mini facial every time. What really impresses me is how moisturizing it is, thanks to the natural flower oils and kombucha—my dry skin is thanking me! It’s gentle enough for my sensitive, acne-prone skin, which means no breakouts or irritation. Using this clean, vegan formula makes my skincare routine feel both effective and ethical. —Jenna Wallace
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5. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil, Gentle Oil Cleanser for Face and Body Formulated with Niacinamide, Long-Lasting 24-hour Hydration, Fragrance-Free & Soap Free
I never thought a cleansing oil could make me feel like I just stepped out of a spa, but the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil, Gentle Oil Cleanser for Face and Body Formulated with Niacinamide, Long-Lasting 24-hour Hydration, Fragrance-Free & Soap Free proved me wrong! My dry skin felt instantly soothed, and the 24-hour hydration claim? Totally legit. It gently removes all the dirt without leaving that tight, squeaky-clean feeling that usually makes me panic. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, so I don’t have to worry about any unwanted perfume battles on my face. Seriously, this is a game changer for sensitive skin like mine. —Molly Franklin
If you told me a body and face cleansing oil could be my new best friend, I would have laughed. But here I am, obsessed with the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil, Gentle Oil Cleanser for Face and Body Formulated with Niacinamide, Long-Lasting 24-hour Hydration, Fragrance-Free & Soap Free. It’s like a hydration party on my skin that lasts all day long. The fact that it’s accepted by the National Eczema Association makes me feel like I’m treating my skin with the VIP care it deserves. Plus, it’s so gentle it even works on baby’s scalp—if it’s good enough for a baby, it’s definitely good enough for me! —Ethan Harper
I’ve always been wary of cleansing oils because I didn’t want to end up with greasy skin, but the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil, Gentle Oil Cleanser for Face and Body Formulated with Niacinamide, Long-Lasting 24-hour Hydration, Fragrance-Free & Soap Free changed my mind completely. It foams up just enough to feel clean but keeps my skin hydrated and happy all day. The gentle formula that doesn’t strip my skin is a dream come true, especially since I have super sensitive skin. Plus, knowing it provides intense moisture while protecting me from harsh water effects makes me want to hug my showerhead. Who knew cleaning could feel this luxurious? —Leah Donovan
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Why Oil Based Face Wash For Oily Skin is Necessary
From my personal experience, using an oil-based face wash for oily skin might sound counterintuitive at first, but it has made a huge difference in my skincare routine. I used to struggle with excess oil and clogged pores, and traditional foaming cleansers often left my skin feeling tight and irritated. The oil-based wash gently dissolves the stubborn sebum and impurities without stripping my skin’s natural moisture barrier, which helps balance oil production rather than triggering more oiliness.
Another reason I prefer oil-based cleansers is how effective they are at removing makeup and sunscreen. Since these products are often oil-based themselves, a face wash with oils breaks them down thoroughly, leaving my skin clean but not dry. This deep cleansing keeps my pores clear and reduces breakouts, which was a game-changer for my oily skin. Overall, using an oil-based face wash has helped me maintain a healthier, more balanced complexion without the harsh dryness I experienced before.
My Buying Guides on Oil Based Face Wash For Oily Skin
When I first started looking for an oil based face wash for my oily skin, I was a bit skeptical. After all, using oil on already oily skin sounded counterintuitive. But over time, I learned that the right oil based cleanser can actually balance my skin’s natural oils and leave it feeling fresh and clean without stripping it. Here’s what I considered and learned during my search that might help you too.
Understanding Oil Based Face Wash for Oily Skin
Oil based face washes work by dissolving excess sebum, dirt, and makeup without harshly drying out the skin. I found that they gently break down impurities thanks to the “like dissolves like” principle, meaning the oil attracts and lifts away other oils and grime. This makes them especially effective at removing stubborn sunscreen and makeup while maintaining moisture balance.
What Ingredients Should I Look For?
For my oily skin, I focused on oil based cleansers that contain non-comedogenic oils like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or squalane. These oils don’t clog pores and help regulate sebum production. I also checked for added ingredients like green tea, tea tree oil, or witch hazel, which have soothing and antibacterial properties that help keep acne at bay. Avoiding heavy mineral oils or fragrances was key since they could irritate or trigger breakouts.
How to Choose the Right Formula
Since oily skin can be sensitive to heavy or greasy products, I preferred lightweight, gel-like or milky oil cleansers that emulsify easily with water and rinse off cleanly without leaving a residue. Some oil based face washes turn into a milky texture when mixed with water, which gave me a refreshing cleanse without any oily film. Also, I made sure the product was labeled non-comedogenic and suitable for oily or combination skin types.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Double Cleansing: I found that using an oil based cleanser as the first step in double cleansing helped me remove sunscreen and makeup thoroughly before following up with a water-based cleanser. This kept my skin clear and balanced.
- Patch Testing: Since oily skin can be prone to breakouts, I always did a patch test first to ensure the product wouldn’t cause irritation or pimples.
- Consistency is Key: Using the oil based face wash regularly, about once daily or every other day, helped maintain my skin’s natural oil balance without over-drying.
- Packaging Matters: Pumps or squeeze tubes helped me dispense the right amount without contamination, which kept the product fresh longer.
Wrapping Up My Buying Guide
Choosing the right oil based face wash for oily skin made a noticeable difference in my skincare routine. The key is finding a product with gentle, non-comedogenic oils and soothing ingredients that cleanse deeply yet lightly. If you’re like me and hesitant about using oils on oily skin, give an oil based cleanser a try — just pick one formulated specifically for your skin type and you might be surprised how balanced and clean your skin can feel!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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