10 Best Cleansing Oils Worth Buying

A cleansing oil should make taking off SPF and make-up feel easier, not leave you with cloudy eyes, a greasy flannel and a second cleanse that cannot quite rescue the situation. The best cleansing oils shoppers can buy are the ones that break down the day properly, rinse cleanly with water and do not make your skin feel tight afterwards.

Don't buy a cleansing oil simply because it comes in a pretty pump bottle or is popular on social media. If it stings your eyes, leaves a residue around the hairline, or causes you to reach for three cotton pads afterwards, it has failed at its main job. Below are the formulas worth considering, who they suit best, and the good and bad of each.

What makes the best cleansing oils in the UK?

The short answer is emulsification. This is the bit that separates a genuinely useful cleansing oil from plain oil in a bottle. Add water to a good formula and it turns milky, then rinses away with your make-up, sunscreen and excess oil. You should not need to scrub your face or use a hot flannel to shift it.

Cleansing oil also needs to remove mascara without blurring my vision for ten minutes. Waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation and layers of SPF are the real test. If you wear very little make-up, you can be less fussy about cleansing power and prioritise a simple, fragrance-free formula instead.

One honest caveat: oil cleansing is usually a first cleanse, not necessarily your entire evening routine. If you are acne-prone, sweaty after the gym, or wear heavy base make-up, I would follow it with a gentle water-based cleanser. That is not because oil cleansing is bad. It is because expecting one product to remove everything and thoroughly cleanse skin is where routines can become a bit wishful.

10 cleansing oils worth considering

1. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil

This is a strong all-rounder if you want a lightweight texture that still handles everyday make-up and sunscreen. It spreads easily, feels comfortable during a quick massage and emulsifies well, so there is less of that slippery residue some facial oils leave behind.

The good is that it feels pleasant without being overly perfumed or fussy. The bad is that very stubborn waterproof mascara may need a second pass or a dedicated eye make-up remover. For normal, combination and dehydrated skin, it is one of the safest places to start.

2. The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm

Yes, this is technically a balm rather than a liquid oil, but it earns its place because the performance is very similar once it warms between your hands. It is thick, gentle and particularly useful if your skin is dry, reactive or fed up with fragranced cleansers.

This type of cleanser is really good for winter, when even normally balanced skin can feel a little stripped. The trade-off is texture: it is not the most elegant choice if you prefer a quick, thin oil that rinses in seconds. Take the time to emulsify it well and follow with a second cleanse if you are prone to congestion.

3. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has been around for years because it does the unglamorous job properly. It is based on olive oil and has serious make-up-removing power, making it a practical pick for full-coverage foundation, tenacious sunscreen and long-wear lipstick.

The downside is that it can feel richer than newer Korean and Japanese cleansing oils. Some people also dislike the olive-oil scent and heavier finish. I would choose it for dry skin or heavy make-up days, rather than as the obvious everyday option for oily skin.

4. Skin Rocks The Cleansing Oil

This is a pricier option, but it is aimed at people who want a well-considered cleanser that feels luxurious without relying on a strong fragrance to create the experience. It melts through make-up effectively and is the sort of formula that makes a double cleanse feel less like a chore.

The good is the refined texture and comfortable after-feel. The bad is the price. Cleansing products spend little time on your face, so I would not tell anyone on a tighter budget that this is essential. It is a lovely choice if you value the ritual and have the money for it, not a skincare miracle you need to chase.

5. MUJI Mild Cleansing Oil

MUJI Mild Cleansing Oil is a quiet favourite for a reason. It is straightforward, effective and usually much less expensive than the glossy alternatives. It is especially good for people who want a no-drama cleansing oil that will take off everyday make-up without turning their bathroom shelf into a science project.

It can feel a little more substantial than ultra-light formulas, so use a small amount first. If your skin is very oily or you hate any trace of richness, this may not be your match. For dry, normal and combination skin, it is excellent value.

6. Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil

If hydration is your priority, Hada Labo Gokujyun Cleansing Oil is well worth considering. It is a simple, effective Japanese-style cleansing oil with a lightweight feel and good slip. It removes SPF and day-to-day make-up without leaving skin squeaky, which is exactly how it should be.

This is not the product to buy for a perfumed spa moment. It is functional and unfussy. I see that as a positive, but it depends what you enjoy using. Those with very sensitive eyes should still patch test and be cautious around the lash line, as with any oil cleanser.

7. ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm

The Naked version is the one I would choose over the fragranced original if your skin is sensitive or you simply do not want perfume near your face. It has the rich, buttery texture people expect from an ELEMIS cleansing balm and takes off a full face of make-up with minimal effort.

It is undeniably expensive for a cleanser. However, if you wear lots of make-up and like a balm that doubles as a gentle facial massage product, it can feel worth it. If you only wear SPF and tinted moisturiser, there are cheaper options that will do the same basic job.

8. Purito From Green Cleansing Oil

Purito From Green Cleansing Oil suits anyone who wants a simple ingredient approach without a lot of unnecessary perfume or theatrical claims. The texture is light, it emulsifies properly and it is easy to use as part of a double-cleanse routine.

The only catch is that plant oils are not automatically better for everyone. Some people with acne-prone skin get on brilliantly with them; others find richer oil blends too much. Do not buy into the idea that one oil works for every face. Introduce it slowly and see how your skin responds over a few weeks.

9. Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil

Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil is a good middle ground if your skin feels dry but you still want something that rinses away properly. It is designed to remove make-up while keeping the skin barrier feeling comfortable, rather than leaving that stripped, tight sensation that can tempt you to over-moisturise afterwards.

It is more expensive than the best budget options, so the value question matters. I would consider it for dry or mature skin, particularly if your current cleanser leaves your cheeks feeling rough. If your skin is oily and resilient, you may not need to spend this much.

10. Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser

Another balm rather than a pourable oil, Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser deserves a mention for barrier-conscious shoppers. It has a cushiony feel, removes everyday make-up and is aimed at people who want effective cleansing without the stripped finish.

The good is that it feels accessible and gentle. The bad is that a balm in a tub is less convenient than a pump, particularly if you are in a rush or do not want to dip wet fingers into the product. Use the spatula, keep the lid clean and it is a solid budget-friendly choice.

How I would choose between them

If you wear waterproof mascara or full-coverage make-up most days, start with DHC or the ELEMIS Naked balm. For a lighter everyday cleanser, Beauty of Joseon, Purito and Hada Labo make more sense. Dry or sensitive skin may prefer The Inkey List Oat balm, Byoma or Medik8, while MUJI is the sensible choice when you want good performance without spending unnecessarily.

Do not judge a cleansing oil by how much it foams. In fact, it should not foam at all. Apply it to dry hands and a dry face, massage gently for around 30 seconds, then wet your hands and massage again until it turns milky. Rinse with lukewarm water, not scorching water, because hot water can make already-dry skin feel worse.

A final bit of no BS advice: the best cleansing oil is not always the most expensive one, nor the one with the most impressive botanical story. Pick one you enjoy using, that rinses cleanly and that leaves your skin calm enough to use tomorrow night too.