Many years ago I tried the oil cleansing method and hated it so much I gave up after a week. I didn’t feel like it was actually cleaning my skin and on top of that, I started to break out. Now that I am older and wiser (ha!) I realize the problem wasn’t with the oil cleansing method itself, but how I was going about it.
Fast forward a few years when inspiration struck and I decided to try the oil cleansing method again. I’ll admit, the first couple of days I was like, “Nope, this is still not for me.” But the oil I was using was pricey and it promised so many benefits. I pressed on. And I’m glad I did.
After a few weeks, I was shocked at how different my skin looks. Acne? Gone. Wrinkles? Smoother. Face? Bright and clear. That’s because while traditional moisturizers only reach the top layers of your skin, oils can go so much deeper. They clear out all the gunk and replace it with soft, glowing goodness. Oh, and if you didn’t know oil dissolves oil. Yes, that means if you have oily skin this method is perfect for you, too.
*This post contains affiliate links which means that if you use one of my links I may make a small commission but it doesn’t increase the price for you.*
Here’s How I Use the Oil Cleansing Method
1.) Wet your face with clean hands. (Clean hands are so important otherwise you could be rubbing dirt into your face. No Bueno.)
2.) Pour a few drops of your oil of choice – my favorites are grapeseed or Jojoba oil– into your hands, rub them together, and apply all over your face lighting pressing into your skin. Be gentle.
3.) Run a washcloth or microfiber cloth under hot water, squeeze out the excess water, and place on top of your face. Leave on for 20 seconds or until cool to let the steam absorb. Repeat at least one more time.
4.) Rinse the washcloth and use it to clean off any excess oil.
5. ) Follow up with – you guessed it – an oil! My favorite is the Argan Oil from Fre Skincare. Use SARAHALT for a special discount.
The Oil Cleansing Method dissolves makeup, removes dirt, and adds moisture back in. Yes, it’s a makeup remover, cleanser, and moisturizer all in one.
What Can Go Wrong?
Many people, like me, try the Oil Cleansing Method, have a bad experience, and give up on it. Why? Well, lots of reasons.
1.) Using the Wrong Oil
Not all oils are created equal. When the oil cleaning method first started to gain in popularity bloggers and beauty experts were telling people to use coconut oil. There’s problem number one.
Coconut oil, along with olive oil, is comedogenic. Comedogenic is just a fancy word meaning it can clog your pores. I think you understand where I am heading with this: clogged pores can cause breakouts and acne. That being said there are certain olive oils that are non-comedogenic that some skincare companies do use in their blends. But for a lot of people the olive oil they pick up at the grocery store can cause breakouts.
2.) Using it with Chemical-Laden Products
This was my biggest issue when I tried the oil cleansing method once. I’d try this but then switch back and forth between the oil and my chemical-laden face wash. THIS WILL NOT WORK. Sorry, caps on. (Or were they?) But seriously, this will not work. You will confuse your skin with the sulfates versus oil and you will end up causing breakouts.
If you’re going to give it a go, just commit to two full weeks and see how your skin looks and feels after that.
C.) Using Too Much Oil
Another issue people have with the oil cleansing method is feeling greasy. If your skin feels greasy you are either putting too much on your hands in the first place or not rinsing it off properly. Experiment with a little less and you will find the magic amount for your skin.
D.) Not Properly Cleaning Your Face Cloths
Look, if you throw your washcloths in with your underwear, well, do you really want to use that on your face? Additionally, your detergent might be causing your breakouts and not the oil. I’d recommend washing them by themselves with a chemical-free detergent and see if that improves your skin.
So what oils are good to use for the Oil Cleansing Method?
- Jojoba oil (all skin types, but very desirable for acne-prone skin)
- Sweet almond (all skin types, especially oily)
- Grapeseed (all skin types, especially oily)
- Avocado (dry and aging skin)
- Sunflower Seed (all skin types)
- Apricot Kernel (dry, aging, and normal skin)
- Tamanu (all skin types)
Just a quick note: if any oils cause a massive breakout just try another oil! A lot of green beauty is trial and error and finding out what works for YOUR SKIN. Also, always buy organic and or cold pressed. You don’t want to put crappy, mixed oils on your face.
So, are there any drawbacks to using the Oil Cleaning Method?
A few. As Crunchy Betty states in the above post:
It can be time-consuming. This is very true. It takes a few minutes to thoroughly clean your skin but honestly it feels like a spa experience to me so I’ve never minded it.
It can also be more expensive depending on what oils you use. Oils can be costly, but I just like to look at it as an investment in my skin. Plus, it’s still cheaper than having to pay more money to fix problems caused by your cleanser in the first place.
Can’t remember the last time I did an oil treatment. Don’t know when I stopped. Time to start again and mapper myself.
You know I’ve been using cleansing oil the past 6 months and I love love it!
Great Post 🙂
Isn’t it the best??
Ahhh I tried the oil cleansing method once before and hated it…but this post is totally making me want to try it out again!!
Yes, do! I totally hated it at first too. Commit to two weeks and only use clean products and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
I hadn’t heard about this before. It is seriously interesting I’m always looking for safer non-toxic ways to use personally as well as in my home! Will need to try this!
It was a game-changer for me!
It seems a little counterintuitive for me to use oil to clean my oily face… but I’ll bite. It’s worth trying at the very least! I’d probably use the sweet almond oil like you suggest
yes – definitely give it a go!
This is SO interesting. I have never used oil before, and I always shop for oil-free moisturizers, just because I tend to break out from anything else. I would love to give this a try, though. Does it work even for break-out prone people?
Yes! I definitely have acne prone skin. The problem with other oils you might have been avoiding is that were likely mixtures of oils and other chemicals. Try just pure clean oils this time. Oil dissolves oil and it also restores the natural sebum of our skin.
Wow. Never heard of this but looks great.
I do this with cranberry seed extract oil!
I’ve never even heard of that! Must try
This is a wonderful comprehensive detailed post about the oil cleansing method. I started using it this year and love it. I especially use it on days where I wear heavier makeup. I think that it feels great! Very nice and refreshing! I really enjoyed your post.
Beth || http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Beth – I think it feels amazing, too!
Really that is all there is to using oil on my face. Thought it would be more involved. Love you listed the different types of oils we can use.
Yup, the kind you use is just as important.
I have fairly dry skin, but have never had many issues with acne. I have never heard to use oil on your face though, I always assumed that would mess my skin up, but I certainly want to try it! Thanks for sharing!!
Carly – give it a go! I am obsessed.
This is so interesting! I have never tried this method but I’m convinced I should give it a try!
Don’t have anything to lose 🙂
i have AWFUL dry skin so this post was amazing to help give me so other options to try! thanks for this friend!
So welcome!
I am in the beauty industry and I love this! Definitely wanna give it a try. Coconut oil is great for the skin on the rest of your body but the facial pores cannot handle the coconut oil molecule! Thanks for this amazing blog!
Thank you so much, Hannah! Agreed. I love coconut oil for the rest of my body.
I used oil to clean my face a few times and I actually liked the way it felt. Thanks for all the information about the different oils.
🙂 gwingal
Very welcome!
I’ve never actually tried this before but it sounds fab. I really need to get into a better skincare routine.
How interesting! I have heard of the oil cleansing method before, but I’ve been too scared to try it in fear of making my face look and feel like an oil slick haha. I’m glad I have more information about it all, I’m not as terrified of the whole process now haha. It does sound time-consuming but I think that it would be a lovely as part of an every-now-and-then pamper sesh. It must leave your skin feeling so soft! 🙂
Christie’s Take on Life. xx
Shockingly, it will do the opposite and help reduce your oil!
I really might have to do this. My skin stays so dry.
I have never heard about oil cleaning before!!! I do have some jojoba oil that I use. I may have to try this.
Thank you for the detailed explanation! I love trying new things when I can truly understand how it works and how to do it.
Lee
Awesome! It’ll become your new favorite soon.
My favourite way to remove a full face of makeup (mascara, foundation etc.) is with an oil makeup remover that I made with Castor Oil, Grapeseed oil and a few essential oils…. it’s the best and leaves my face feeling so much better!
http://www.elleisforlove.com
Seppy – I will have to try that!
Thanks for sharing. I love using oils to cleanse my face but do get tired of all the used wash clothes lol.
Yah, I have to admit that is a pain. haha
Okay, so I love your article, it’s incredibly thorough and informative. But I have to admit, I love my coconut oil and use it for absolutely everything! I use it on my face, my hair, my belly throughout two pregnancies to limit stretching/drying skin. I LOVE my coconut oil. I occasionally use jojoba or avocado oil, but I primarily use coconut and I love it. No break outs EVER, and no dry skin. Interesting how different things work for different people.
Cate – that’s great it worked for you! For some people it is amazing. I just know for a lot of people it can clog pores so wanted to make a note.
I have a lot of acne and a oily skin, should i do this cleansing method every morning and evening just like i’m used to do with soap? or you’re not supposed to do it everyday?
Yes! You can absolutely do it every day- morning and evening. Let me know how it goes!
I’m definitely going to try this!
woohoo!
I’ve been using Shelby Naturals oils for over a year now and I’m not actually in love with the cleanser because I find it so hard to get rid of the foundation, bronzer and powder I wear on my face every day. I really have to wipe it off with my cloth to the point that my cloth quickly turns beige. Is that normal or am I doing something wrong?
Hm. Maybe try leaving the hot wet cloth on your face longer to give it time to lift off the makeup? I’d try that and see how it goes.
So much great info here. I have been oil cleansing for years,(I follow up with a PH balanced foaming cleanser) and I love it. I like that you let people know that coconut oil so not always the best option.
Yesss. most people dont know that but it is definitely terrible for my skin!
Hello 🙂 Do you know the winner yet?
Yes, she has been announced!
This is such a helpful post! I’m super excited to give it a try after reading your tips on how to and how not to. I’ve been overwhelmed and unsure about where to start, but this definitely takes that feeling away. Thanks so much for the information, Sarah!
SO welcome! I am glad it is helpful!