The oil cleansing method is a holistic skincare habit that focuses on nourishing the skin rather than depleting it.
Here’s what we mean by that…
- Chemical face washes work to strip the skin of all impurities — including dirt, bacteria (good and bad), oil, sebum, and makeup.
- Oil cleansers gently remove dirt, makeup, and blackheads without disrupting the skin barrier. They work with our sebum, natural oil, and microbiome instead of against them.
Remember, skin is our largest organ. It’s made up of active tissue that needs nourishment and support. The oil cleansing method supports our skin’s natural function with fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and a gentle cleanse.
How the Oil Cleansing Method Works
Most of us grew up believing oil causes acne. So it’s natural to feel hesitant about cleansing your face with it.
But skin oil is not inherently bad. Actually, it’s essential to our health — providing natural moisture and protection to the face and body.
When we use chemical solvents to strip our skin of oil entirely, our bodies react by producing even more oil. Over time, this overproduction of oil can lead to breakouts and disruption.
So, what’s the alternative?
It’s oil cleansing.
A light cleansing oil like argan oil or seabuckthorn oil can get deep into our pores — removing dirt, pollution, dead skin, and makeup. At the same time, it signals to the skin that moisture and hydration are present, which helps us balance oil production naturally.
An oil cleanser works with the ecosystem of our skin and leaves the microbiome, sebum, and essential nutrients intact. Plus, it nourishes us with the building blocks of healthy skin: antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins.
When to Oil Cleanse (Building Your Oil Cleansing Routine)
Evening
This is the best time to oil cleanse. Remove makeup, dead skin, and impurities without stripping essential nutrients or sebum from your face.
Morning
It’s usually not necessary to oil cleanse in the morning. Most people prefer to prep their skin with a moisturizer, serum, or hydrating makeup primer. However, people with a disrupted skin barrier or acne-prone skin may be the exception. If your skin still breaks out after a few weeks of oil cleansing, try adding a quick session to your morning routine.
To Remove Makeup
An oil cleanser is an effective tool for removing makeup. But if you are removing makeup, it’s important to oil cleanse twice. Once to remove the makeup, and a second time to nourish and hydrate your skin.
How to Oil Cleanse (In Four Steps)
Step 1: Choose a Clean Ingredient Oil Cleanser
You can easily begin oil cleansing at home with argan oil or jojoba oil. Any natural oil will get the job done — but some oils will be more nourishing than others. Our personal favorite is our Seabuckthorn Cleansing Oil which is a cold-pressed blend of jojoba oil, castor seed oil, and seabuckthorn oil.
Step 2: Use Enough Oil
Start with about half a dropper full of oil and apply it to your face — but assume you’ll need more! Keep adding oil until your fingers can glide smoothly across your face.
Step 3: Massage Well
People who experience poor results from oil cleansing usually don’t cleanse their skin long enough. Unlike a traditional cleanser, you really want to spend time massaging the oil into your face. We recommend at least 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Wash It Off Thoroughly
If oil is left sitting on your face, it can promote breakouts — so it’s important to remove every bit of oil cleanser from your skin. You’ll want to do this with a natural fiber cloth and clean water. Wet the cloth and gently remove all traces of oil. Then dry your face.
Who Should Try Oil Cleansing?
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People with Sensitive Skin
Those who are prone to breakouts and redness are (understandably) more hesitant about oil cleansing. But it’s usually these people who benefit from it the most. Oil cleansing helps to reset the skin barrier and calm inflammation. It also balances oil production while hydrating and nourishing the skin.
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People with Blackheads
Pore strips are a harsh solution to blackheads — but there aren’t too many other options. Oil cleansing gets deep into the pores, and the longer you massage your skin, the easier it will be for blackheads to dissolve.
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People with Dry Skin
The oil cleansing method helps restore natural balance to your sebum and oil production. Oil cleansers that include jojoba oil, seabuckthorn oil, or argan oil are also powerfully hydrating — leaving your face soft and moisturized.
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People with Damaged Skin
The antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins in seabuckthorn oil are nourishing and support healthy skin. For sunburned, dry, and damaged skin, the oil cleansing method can quicken recovery and give your body the tools it needs to heal.
Enhance Your Oil Cleansing Routine
Follow Up with a Hydrating Balm
For extra hydration and skin nourishment, we recommend following up your oil cleansing routine with a tallow balm.
Double Cleanse as Needed
Some skin experts recommend double cleansing — which means oil cleansing twice in a row. We always recommend double cleansing if you’re wearing makeup, but it can also be helpful for those prone to breakouts, sensitivity, and irritation.
Include a Facial Massage
If you use facial massages for wrinkle prevention and lymphatic drainage, you can pair them with your oil cleansing routine.
Trust Your Intuition
There are dozens of recommendations for how to “best” oil cleanse your skin. Some experts recommend double cleansing, while others combine oil cleansers with drugstore cleansers. Our rule of thumb is to always trust your intuition — and pay attention to what your skin reacts to best.
Use Natural Fiber Towels
Natural fibers (like cotton or bamboo) are gentle on sensitive skin and don’t contain any synthetics.
Oil Cleanser Is the Face Wash of the Past and the Future
Before chemical-based cleansers, oil was the best face wash available. Cleopatra is well-known for her bathing routine, which included olive oil, herbs, donkey milk, and honey. The ancient Romans and Greeks both used body oil for hydration and hygiene.
Today, we are recognizing the true benefits of oil cleansing — and how it can nourish and detoxify our skin while promoting balance. Sure, there was a little trial and error as we rediscovered this ancient cleansing method. But for most people struggling with skin sensitivity, breakouts, and clogged pores, it’s extremely effective.
Oil cleansing is an ancient method of the past — and it’s also the face wash of the future. We’re excited to welcome it with open arms (and clean ingredients).