We’ve all been there: you buy a highly-recommended oil cleanser, try it out, and end up feeling like a greasy mess—or worse, breaking out. You think, “Maybe oil cleansing just isn’t for my skin.” I remember trying my first oil cleanser ever, and I was left unimpressed after hearing so much hype about it. But I did give it a second chance and now I love oil cleansing, and I feel it really does cleanse my face super well. I’ve also realized that a lot of people might not be oil cleansing the proper way, because technique actually does matter. Before we get into the step-by-step, let’s break down what this step actually does for your skin and why it’s a non-negotiable in my evening skincare routine.
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
Your support helps keep this blog running. Thank you!
So, What Actually Is an Oil Cleanser?
If you’re like I was, the idea of putting oil on your face to “clean” it sounded totally backwards. But here is the secret: Oil attracts oil. Think of it as a magnet. Throughout the day, your face collects “oil-based” gunk—things like waterproof sunscreen, makeup, pollutants from the air, and your skin’s own natural sebum. A regular water-based soap often just slides right over these things. The oil cleanser dives in, grabs onto all that stubborn grime, and dissolves it without you having to scrub. The result? Your skin is left hydrated, balanced, and—most importantly—actually clean.
The Benefits of oil cleansing your face
Oil cleansing is suitable for all skin types, even for sensitive, acne, and dry skin. I used to think this was just an optional step in my routine. However, oil cleansing is actually one of the most supportive things you can do:
• Effortlessly cleans: It dissolves heavy SPF and waterproof makeup without needing to scrub your face.
• Eliminates blackheads: It dives into your pores to dissolve hardened sebum, as well as those stubborn sebaceous filaments.
• Protects the Skin Barrier: Instead of stripping your skin, it leaves your moisture barrier intact so your skin feels soft and supple. Pro-tip: If your skin ever feels “tight” or “squeaky” after washing, your cleanser is actually doing more harm than good!
• The Perfect Prep: It clears the path for double cleansing so your second cleanser can actually reach your skin, rather than just sitting on top of a layer of leftover sunscreen.
How to Oil Cleanse Correctly: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
If you’ve tried oil cleansing before and hated it, chances are you missed one of these steps. Here is exactly how I’ve been doing it for the past two years to keep my sensitive skin clear and happy. I think sometimes we want to skip steps because by the end of the night we’re tired. But following the steps and techniques can really make a huge difference in your results.
Step 1: Start with Dry Hands and a Dry Face
This is the most common mistake! Oil and water don’t mix. If your face is already wet, the oil won’t be able to grab onto the impurities. Make sure your hands and face are completely dry before you pump the product.
Step 2: The 60-Second Massage
Apply 1-2 pumps of your oil cleanser. (I love the Dokdo Cleansing Oil because it’s so lightweight. I share everything I use at the end of this post). Gently massage the oil into your skin using circular motions. Take your time here—about 60 seconds. Focus on areas where you wear the most makeup or where you tend to get congested, like your nose and chin.
Step 3: The Secret Step—Emulsify
Before you rinse, wet your hands with a little bit of lukewarm water and go back to your face. As you massage, you’ll notice the oil turns into a thin, milky white liquid. This is called emulsifying. This step is crucial because it allows the oil to actually “let go” of your skin so it can be rinsed away.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse your face with lukewarm water until the milky residue is gone. Your skin should feel clean and soft, not greasy.
What’s Next? The Power of Double Cleansing
Now that the “heavy lifting” is done and the oil-based grime is gone, your skin is perfectly prepped for your second cleanser. This two-step process is what we call Double Cleansing.
By following up with a gentle, water-based foam cleanser, you’re ensuring that any remaining water-based debris is wiped away, leaving your pores completely clear. It sounds like a lot of work, but once you see how much clearer and calmer your sensitive skin becomes, you’ll never go back! I always do this in the evening time!
My Personal Favorite
I can’t talk about this technique without mentioning the product that made me fall in love with it. I have been using the Round Lab Dokdo Cleansing Oil for over two years now, and it is my absolute holy grail. I also use their cleanser, and toner.
The oil cleanser on the left, and the toner, which i also love!
If you have sensitive or acne prone skin like me, you know the fear of trying new oils or skincare products in general. What I love about this one is that it’s incredibly lightweight—it doesn’t feel like a heavy, thick oil. It is so gentle that it never stings my eyes. It just does its job effectively and rinses off perfectly every single time.
More Skincare Tips. Stay Tuned!
I’m sharing a full breakdown of my Simple 3-Step Nighttime Routine here! If you’re looking for a way to keep your skin glowing without a complicated 10-step process, then check out that guide.
