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Oil cleansers

Typically used at routine step 1.

An oil or balm cleanser is the first step of a double cleanse. Its job is to dissolve the things water cannot shift — sunscreen, silicones, long-wear makeup and the sebum they bind to — so the water-based cleanser that follows can work on skin rather than on a film. Most are emulsifying, meaning they rinse away rather than leaving residue; a poorly rinsing oil is the usual culprit when a double cleanse leaves skin feeling coated. Use it on dry skin, massage briefly, add water to emulsify, then rinse.

Products

Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil product photographEditorial research review

Anua

Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

Not yet scored

A lightweight first-cleanse oil that dissolves sunscreen, makeup and excess surface oil, then emulsifies with water. It is best used as the first stage of an evening double cleanse rather than as the only cleanser.

200ml
View detailsAmazon UK

How we research oil cleansers

We currently track 1 published product here. Every entry is compiled from manufacturer ingredient disclosures, published cosmetic science literature and UK retailer listings. We do not run clinical trials, and we do not publish a product until its formulation details have been checked against a source we can cite.

  • Formulation: INCI lists, key actives, fragrance and alcohol status where the brand discloses them.
  • Evidence: what the published research suggests for the key ingredients, and what it does not establish.
  • UK availability: retailer listings and prices, with the date each was last checked. Where a price is not recent enough to quote, we say “check latest price” instead of guessing.

Results from cosmetic products are formulation-dependent and vary between people. Read our review methodology, browse the ingredient explainers or compare options in the comparison tool.

Choosing oil cleansers

  • If you wear sunscreen daily, an oil cleanser at night is the step most likely to improve congestion.
  • Look for an emulsifier in the ingredient list if you dislike a residue feel.
  • Fragrance and essential oils are common here and are worth avoiding if you are reactive.

For a full step-by-step order for your skin type, see the routine guides. To narrow by skin type and concern, use the product finder, or browse every step on the product types index. Scoring is explained in our review methodology.

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