This article contains affiliate links for a few cleanser recommendations. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission.
Oil cleansers are my skin’s best friend. They are the most effective, yet gentle, way to remove makeup, mineral sunscreen, physical sunscreen and dirt without scrubbing the skin.
The key is double cleansing. I massage the oil cleanser on dry skin first, then either emulsify it with water or remove it with a soft warm cloth. After that I follow with a gentle milky cleanser when my skin needs it. The oil does the heavy lifting, and the second cleanse leaves the skin clean without feeling stripped.
Best oil cleansers for sunscreen and makeup: quick answer
My three favorite oil cleanser types are a silky cleansing oil, a dermo-cosmetic cleansing oil and a richer oil cleansing cake. Patyka Melting Cleansing Oil is the easiest all-rounder, Laboratoires de Biarritz Cleansing Oil is a good sensitive-skin style option, and Luonkos oil cleansing cake is the richer cloth-removal option I would choose for dry skin. The old affiliate links for some of these exact products were stale or out of stock, so I have kept only verified current routes below.
The best oil cleansers to remove physical sunscreen and makeup
If you have ever worn makeup that actually lasts all day, you know it will not come off in one swipe. If you like to use physical sunscreen or natural face sunscreen, you know that it also sticks well to the skin. To both, the solution is an oil cleanser.
Patyka Melting Cleansing Oil
Patyka is a Parisian brand that makes luxurious, nourishing skincare. Melting Cleansing Oil is one of my favorites from the brand. It has a sweet vanilla scent and a silky oily texture. It contains jojoba oil and apricot seed oil, which make it feel nourishing without being harsh. Works for all skin types.
Current route:
Patyka Melting Cleansing Oil (official store, direct non-affiliate link)
You can also read my Patyka skincare review for more notes on the brand’s Clean, Hydra and Detox products.
Laboratoires de Biarritz Cleansing Oil
Laboratoires de Biarritz is another French brand that creates natural dermo-cosmetic skincare products. Dermo-cosmetics basically means the products are hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin and often sold at pharmacies. I love and use the brand’s sunscreens, but the cleansing products have found their way to my heart as well. This oil contains sunflower seed oil and a sugar kelp extract that soothes the skin.
Current route:
Laboratoires de Biarritz Cleansing Oil (official store, direct non-affiliate link)
Luonkos Facial Oil Cleansing Cake
Luonkos makes natural oil cleansing cakes that are beautiful, practical and lower-waste than many liquid cleansers. The cake melts in your hands and feels rich and nourishing on the skin. It is definitely heavier than the two liquid oils above, in a good oily way. This is the type I would choose for dry skin.
The old exact affiliate link was no longer safe to keep, so I am leaving this as a product-type recommendation until I choose and verify a current exact Luonkos replacement. You can browse the current brand range at Luonkos.
What to use after an oil cleanser
I usually pair my oil cleanser with another gentle cleanser. Ones I have been liking lately are:
*Patyka Soothing Cleansing Milk
*Murumuru Berry Soft Cleansing Milk
These are gentle milky cleansers that finish the job without drying out my skin. If you are unsure where cleansing fits in your routine, start with my guides to determining your skin type and building a skincare routine. If your skin is sensitive or combination, these sensitive combination skin product notes may also help.
For body sunscreen, a good soap is often enough for me, though shower oils can feel nice when the skin is dry.
I share current skincare favorites, product finds and routine notes on Instagram @charlottaeve.
