Whether you’re looking for the first step in a double-cleanse routine or just want a gentle facial cleanser that won’t strip your skin, it’s high time you tried an oil cleanser.
A few weeks ago, we talked about the best cleansing balms, and oil cleansers are their heavier and more moisturizing cousins. Just like cleansing balms, they’re excellent at removing makeup while keeping skin super hydrated.
As is true for the cleansing balms we featured last time, you don’t have to spend a ton to get an amazing oil cleanser. You can find a bunch of great ones at the drugstore! Here are the best drugstore cleansing oils that are just as great as high-end versions:
Table of Contents
5 Best Drugstore Cleansing Oils1. Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil2. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil3. Palmers Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil4. Ponds Yellow Basic Cleansing Oil5. Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing OilWhat do you think of our picks for the best drugstore cleansing oil?5 Best Drugstore Cleansing Oils
Best Overall: Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing OilBest Splurge: DHC Deep Cleansing OilBest for Normal to Dry Skin: Palmers Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing OilBest for Normal to Oily Skin: Ponds Yellow Basic Cleansing OilBest for Whole Body: Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil1. Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil
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Burt’s Bees is one of my all-time favorite brands. Their products are naturally derived, cruelty-free, and super effective. And their 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil is the best of the best.
With its blend of moisturizing oils, it’s super hydrating on dry skin and won’t strip your skin barrier. At the same time, it’s super effective at removing even the toughest makeup. While the oiliest skin types may want a cleansing oil that rinses cleaner, this is a fantastic option for 90% of people.
Skin Type: Normal to Dry SkinProduct Size: 6 fl ozKey Ingredients: Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosemary Leaf ExtractCruelty-free? YesRecommended For: If you want a natural cleansing oil that doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients, but you don’t want to spend a fortune, go with Burts Bees. Their cleansing oil is affordable, available at any drugstore, and works great at removing makeup without stripping the skin.
One caveat: If you want something that rinses 100% clean in one go, I’d recommend one of the other products on this list.
This oil does leave a bit of a residue that needs to be removed with a second cleanser. Since I use this product as the first step in a double cleanse routine, this isn’t an issue for me, but if you’re using this as your primary cleanser, you may find it too greasy. Also, skip this one if you’re sensitive to coconut oil.
Pros:
Formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLSUltra moisturizing with a mix of oils (argan, coconut, sunflower seed)Works on waterproof makeupAffordable ($13.48 for 6 oz)Cruelty-free!Cons:
Does have a scent; avoid if you prefer unscented productsCan leave residue on your face; may be too moisturizing for oily skin typesSome people can react to coconut oil2. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
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DHC is a Japanese drugstore brand that’s taken the states by storm. Their products are available at Ulta and have a cult following thanks to their effectiveness and their unique “virgin olive oil” base.
Their most famous product is their Deep Cleansing Oil, a fragrance-free blend of organic olive oil and rosemary leaf oil, with added vitamin E. It’s known for removing makeup with ease and can even be used to remove tough makeup from brushes!
Skin Type: All skin typesProduct Size: 6.7 fl ozKey Ingredients: Rosemary Leaf Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Tocopherol Vitamin ECruelty-free? NoRecommended For: If you want to splurge a little on a cult favorite, it seems that everyone in the skincare world loves DHC. One bottle is pricey (currently ranging from $25-$29 for 6.7 fl oz), but its effectiveness is unmatched. You just need one pump to remove all traces of makeup from your face.
The main drawbacks to this product are price, and that it’s not cruelty-free. Also, it can be tough to find in stores, so I recommend stocking up when you order it online.
Pros:
Rich in antioxidants and skin-loving ingredientsAmazing at removing tough makeup without leaving any oily residueCan also be used on makeup brushesFragrance-freeCons:
Not cruelty-freeExpensive at $25-$29 for 6.7 fl ozThough it is a Japanese drugstore brand, may not be carried at US drugstores. (Is available at Ulta.)3. Palmers Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil
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Palmers is one of those brands that’s known for their oils and moisturizers in particular. Their cocoa butter lotion is a cult favorite for reducing the appearance of stretch marks, and I bet we all have used their tubs of cocoa butter at some point in our lives.
The Palmers Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil is an absolute godsend for skin, particularly drier skin types. It contains a mix of oils, plus antioxidant vitamin C, for a cleanser that also treats the skin. It’s also very affordable and widely available.
Skin Type: All skin typesProduct Size: 6.5 fl ozKey Ingredients: Pure Cleansing Oils (Grapeseed, Jojoba, Rosehip), Cocoa Butter, and Vitamin CCruelty-free? NoRecommended For: If you have dry skin and want to try the best cleansing oil at the drugstore for your skin type, definitely give Palmers a shot. As with all Palmer’s products, this smells amazing and brings incredible moisture to the skin. It’s also available everywhere so you don’t have to buy it online.
Unfortunately, this is not cruelty-free, so if you are an animal lover and want a cruelty-free option, I’d recommend the Burts Bees instead. It’s just as moisturizing and only a few dollars more.
Also, this is not the best product for removing waterproof makeup, so if you use heavier, long-wear makeup, opt for another one of the oils on this list.
Pros:
Affordable ($7.99 for 6.5 fl oz)Smells amazing (light rose scent)Rinses clean with no residueNicely moisturizing; won’t strip skinCons:
Not cruelty-freeMay need a second pass on waterproof and long-wearing makeup4. Ponds Yellow Basic Cleansing Oil
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Ponds makes one of our favorite cleansing balms and their Yellow Basic Cleansing Oil is just as amazing. It’s perfect for oily and combination skin types because it rinses completely clean and doesn’t leave any residue behind.
This product contains a mix of oils including jojoba, moringa, and sunflower oils. It also comes in a huge bottle (6.7 fl oz) and is crazy affordable (just $5.99 as of this posting), so it’s perfect if you want a lot of bang for your buck.
Skin Type: Normal to Oily SkinProduct Size: 6.7 fl ozKey Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Camellia Seed OilCruelty-free? NoRecommended For: Need a product that rinses completely clean in one go? Ponds Yellow Basic Cleansing Oil is for you. Meant for normal to oily skin, this is one cleansing oil that won’t add any extra oil to your face. (Drier skin types may not like it for this reason.)
As mentioned earlier, this product is extremely affordable at just $5.99 for 6.7 fl oz. That being said, it can be hard to find at some drugstores, so it’s usually best to order online. Also, Ponds is not a cruelty-free brand, so that’s a drawback to keep in mind.
Pros:
Contains a mix of oils to nourish skinVery affordable ($5.99 for 6.7 fl oz)Contains the largest amount of product of any oil on this listCons:
Strong scentNot cruelty-freeCan strip skin a bit; works best for oilier skin types5. Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil
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Everyone has used a Neutrogena product before, so if this is a brand you trust, great news: They make an excellent cleansing oil.
The Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil is a multipurpose oil cleanser that can be used on the face and the body. With a delicious scent (some people say it smells like gummy bears) and a clean-rinsing formula, this is one product you will want to use all over.
Skin Type: All skin typesProduct Size: 4 fl ozKey Ingredients: Mineral Oil, Rosemary Leaf ExtractCruelty-free? NoRecommended For: If you like a multi-use product, Neutrogena’s cleansing oil is amazing to use on the body as well as the face! It’s great at removing makeup and it smells incredible. If you like nicely scented products, you’ll love this. (Skip if you prefer fragrance-free.)
If you don’t like any oil left behind, great news: This product rinses completely clean and does not leave a film on the skin.
Drawbacks include the product size (only 4 fl oz, less than any other product on this list) and the fact that the brand is not cruelty-free. That said, Neutrogena is available pretty much everywhere, so this product is easy to find.
Pros:
Can be used on the body as wellExcellent at removing makeupSmells great (sweet candy smell)Rinses clean with no residueCons:
Not cruelty-freeContains the smallest amount of product on this list (just 4 fl oz)Contains fragrance, avoid if you don’t like strong scentsWhat do you think of our picks for the best drugstore cleansing oil?
Have you tried a cleansing balm before? Would you use a cleansing balm from the drugstore or will you be sticking to high-end products? Tell me what you think in the comments down below.