Cleansing Oil Guide: the benefits of using a cleansing oil and reviews

I have long raved about the benefits of cleansing oils to my friends. Oil and water don't mix, which is why conventional "foaming" cleansers contain detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate to remove the oil and makeup from your skin. These detergents can leave skin over-cleansed and dehydrated.

Cleansing oils are used on DRY SKIN, which is why they are superior at dissolving excess sebum, heavy duty sunscreen and waterproof makeup without overdrying your skin (note: some brands may be more drying than others). They are water soluble -- when the cleansing oil comes in contact in water, it emulsifies and rinses away without leaving your skin feeling oily. Depending on the brand, some people may like to do a second cleanse (especially if you are wearing very heavy makeup) but I have never found the need to.

Have oily skin? Don't be scared to try cleansing oils! 

I can't rave enough about how cleansing oils are great for all skin types - it doesn't matter if you are oily or dry. In fact, I believe oilier skin types will benefit the most from oil cleansers. This is because most people with oily skin will use a harsh cleanser which strips the skin of moisture. To compensate the moisture loss, the skin will produce even more oil, which becomes a vicious cycle.

I use DHC Deep Cleansing oil, which features olive oil. DHC is a popular brand from Japan, with the cleansing oil as their top seller. 

Other brands:

• Shu Uemura Cleansing oils ( Shu pioneered the first oil-based cleanser and carries a few different types) - different prices for different types and sizes, but around $40CAD for 150mL and can be found at select Sephora and Holt Renfrew
• Boscia Make Up Break Up Cool Cleansing Oil -$31CAD for 150mL at Sephora
• Lancome HUILE DOUCEUR Remove-All Deep Cleansing Oil- $40CAD for 200mL
• MAC Cleanse Off Oil - $26CAD for 150mL at MAC
• Dermalogical PreCleanse - about $50CAD for 150mL at select spas
• Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil - $38CAD for 180mL at Sephora
• Origins Clean Energy Cleansing Oil - $23CAD Price increased to $28 for 200mL at select Bay stores
• Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil  -  about $35CAD for $120mL on Ebay
• Philosophy Purity Made Simple Mineral-Oil Free Facial Cleansing Oil - $33 for 150mL at Sephora
• Shiseido Ultimate Cleansing Oil -$33CAD for 150mL at Sephora, select Sears and Shoppers Drug Mart
• Anna Sui Deep Cleansing Oil (contains mineral oil) - $32 at select Sears and Shoppers Drug Mart
• Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil (contains mineral oil) - around $12 on ebay 
• SKII Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil  (contains mineral oil) - $60 CAD for 8.4 oz at Sephora online
• Nude Perfect Cleansing Oil - $44 at select Sephora  
• Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil - $48 USD online 
• Bobbi Brown  Cleansing Oil - $39 CAD at Sephora
• Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Oil - $63 CAD at select Sephora
• Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Purifying Cleansing Oil - $50 CAD at Sephora online
• Dior Instant Gentle Cleansing Oil - $40 for 6.7 oz at Sephora
• Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil - $32 for 6 oz at Sephora
• Clinique Take the Day Off Cleasing Oil - $29 for 6.7 oz at Sephora
• Sephora Supreme Cleansing Oil (contains mineral oil)- $17 CAD 
• The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil and Sumptuous Cleansing Butter - $16 CAD  ☆☆ BEST PRICED ☆☆

UPDATE OCT 10/2013: WOW! The Body Shop came out with their own cleansing oil and butter. This is the BEST price I have found so far for a cleansing oil without mineral oil. I highly recommend the cleansing butter - it feels amazing and takes off make up extremely well - much better than the cleansing oil. I highly recommend this to everyone to try! Body shop often has promotions, so that means an even better price!

UPDATE DEC 15/2012:  I have noticed a lot of brands are coming out with cleansing oils, like the BB cream boom right now.

UPDATE Nov 9/2012: I discovered that Anna Sui carries a Deep Cleansing Oil!! It has a very nice light peony/floral scent, and is packaged in a beautiful lavender and black Victorian style bottle. Too bad it contains mineral oil.

I have not tried Fancl, Philosophy, Shiseido, Tatcha, Nude, Bobbi Brown, SKII, Amore, Clinique and Laura Mercier.  Out of the ones I have tried so far, I really like DHC :)  I like the consistency, the price point ($25~30CAD for 200mL on Ebay), and it always rinses clean. It's difficult for me to use up products, but I have used up three large size bottles over the past few years! One 200mL bottle lasts me at least a year or more. Sometimes, I even use it to clean my make up brushes! However, I am also thinking of switching to Origins because sometimes it can be a hassle to order DHC since they have no stores in Canada, and it's a few dollars cheaper which I don't mind! Will update in the future! Close favourites are Boscia and Mac

Boscia: really nice in the summer, because it has a slight cooling effect, due to one of the ingredients being eucalyptus oil.  Not as clean rinsing as DHC

Mac: I especially LOVE the smell of the Mac one...yummy orange cream! I find it slightly more drying than DHC.

Origins: VERY well priced price recently increased but still affordable, and can be found at The Bay, and contains a lot of natural ingredients. If you do pick up Origins, I suggest you purchase the pump that comes with it for around $1.  

Philosophy: similar to Mac and Boscia, but slightly less cleaning power. Very little scent.

Kose: very wallet friendly, but difficult to find in stores unless you shop online. It has a light orange scent. Not as clean rinsing.

Josie Maran: much too thick and sticky for my liking. I like my cleansing oil to be a bit more viscous so it spreads around better.

Anna Sui: the most beautiful packaging and lovely scent, but not as clean rinsing. 

 Nude: I dislike this one... does not emulsify well so you need to follow with a regular cleanser, although it is made with natural ingredients

The Sephora cleansing oil was worst than Nude - not only does it not rinse off well, but it also does not have good cleansing power.

Shu Uemura and Dermalogica are also good, but I think they are too pricey. I believe you can find more economically priced products that will give the same result, if not better. I actually didn't like some of the Shu Uemura cleansing oils because they did not rinse as clean and sometimes required a second cleanse.

It doesn't matter which brand you choose, just try an oil cleanser!!

Tip: if you are acne-prone, try to steer clear of cleansing oils that have mineral oil listed in the ingredients, since it may be more pore-clogging.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil swatch on DRY SKIN

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil swatch - turns milky (emulsifies) when in contact with water

Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil

MAC Cleanse Off Oil

Where to buy DHC in Canada:

http://www.dhccare.ca/DHC/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=300

( You can also get it on ebay, just make sure you buy from a reputable seller)