Discover the Benefits of Facial Cleansing Oils | What They Are & How to Use Them
At first glance, washing your face with oil might sound a little strange, but your skin may actually love it.
Every day, our faces accumulate a film of impurities, including makeup, pollution, and the natural oils our skin produces. Over time, all of that can mix together and clog pores.
That’s where the oil cleansing method comes in.
It is a time-honored skincare ritual used for centuries to gently dissolve buildup while supporting your skin’s natural balance.
A natural facial cleansing oil doesn’t simply “wash” your face; it melts away dirty oils, bacteria, makeup, and dead skin cells, then replaces them with clean, nourishing botanical oils that help maintain a healthy moisture barrier.
Unlike traditional makeup removers and cleansers, which are often formulated with synthetic surfactants, organic facial cleansing oils are super gentle and work with your body’s natural chemistry to keep your skin clean without drying it out.
When customers first began asking us to create an organic facial cleansing oil and makeup remover, I must admit that I was quite skeptical. First of all, I love washing my face with our natural soap. The feel of that creamy lather as I massage it into my skin is so soothing. Secondly, I don't wear makeup.
But then I remembered my younger self, carefully wiping off mascara and eyeliner with baby oil. Of course, I didn’t realize then that baby oil contains synthetic fragrance as well as petroleum-based mineral oil, which can block pores and inhibit the skin’s natural ability to breathe.
That memory stuck with me—the simple idea that oil dissolves oil. It is a bit of old-fashioned wisdom backed by real chemistry. So instead of dismissing the idea, I began thinking differently: what if we used only pure organic plant oils to cleanse and refresh the skin? Oils that don’t clog pores or suffocate the skin, but rather nourish and protect it? That’s where our facial cleansing oil began.
How Does a Facial Cleansing Oil Work?
The oil cleansing method is based on a simple chemistry principle: like dissolves like. Water alone can’t dissolve oil, which is why most traditional cleansers rely on soap or synthetic detergents to bridge the gap between oil and water. Think of soap as the middleman that allows oil and water to mix so that dirt and grease can be rinsed away
👉 Learn More Blog: "How Does Soap Work?"
With a facial cleansing oil, you can skip the detergent cleansers altogether.
Why? Because oils are lipophilic, meaning they are naturally attracted to other oils, including the excess skin oil (sebum) that can clog pores and the oily residues found in most makeup.
Even if you use water-based makeup, it eventually mixes with your skin’s natural oil as the day goes on. A cleansing oil gently dissolves these impurities, lifting away dirt, dead skin cells, and makeup without stripping your skin’s protective barrier.
The method is simple (detailed instructions are listed below). Massage the cleansing oil onto dry skin, then remove it with a warm, damp washcloth. The gentle warmth helps soften sebum and loosen debris, making it easier to wipe them away. It also softens the outer layer of skin, temporarily making the pore openings more pliable, allowing for a deeper, more effective cleanse that leaves your skin soft, balanced, and refreshed.
A good facial cleansing oil doesn’t just cleanse, it replaces dirty oil with clean, nourishing plant oils that hydrate and protect your skin throughout the day. And yes, it works beautifully for removing even stubborn eye makeup!
How To Use A Facial Cleansing Oil
While cleansing oils are wonderful for removing makeup, they are also great for those who don’t wear any at all.
Even a makeup-free face collects dirt, oil, and pollution throughout the day. The oils in a cleansing blend help loosen that buildup from your pores so it can be easily wiped away.
There is no need to pre-clean your face, even if you’re wearing makeup.
Always start with clean, dry hands and a dry face. If you wet your hands or skin, it interferes with the “like dissolves like” principle—the goal is to allow the cleansing oil to blend with the natural oils, dirt, and makeup on your skin. Since water and oil don’t mix, adding water too soon will reduce its cleansing power.
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Apply a few drops of cleansing oil to your face—enough to massage easily without pulling on your skin, but not so much that it feels heavy.
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Massage gently but firmly with your fingertips using small upward circular motions for about one minute.
The warmth from your hands helps encourage pores to soften, allowing the oil to soften, loosen, and dissolve impurities. This gentle massage also boosts circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
- Let the oil sit for a moment while you soak a small cotton towel or facecloth in very warm water.
- **Wring out excess water, then place the cloth over your face for about 10–15 seconds. The warmth helps soften your skin to aid in the removal of dirt, grime, and excess oils. The key is to use warm water—not hot or cold. Warm water ensures the oil stays in a liquid state and combines more effectively with the oils and dirt on our skin.
**Note: At this point, some like to use wet fingers to massage the face before applying the warm cloth. As you massage with warm water, the oil will turn milky white as the oil and water emulsify. If needed, wet your hands again with a little more water and massage again. 
- Using the corners of the warm, wet face cloth, slowly begin to gently wipe off the cleansing oil. Be sure to have enough water on the cloth to help emulsify the cleansing oil, and do not pull or tug delicate facial skin.
- Rinse the cloth, and repeat until the oil and dirt are wiped off your skin. If you are removing a lot of makeup, you may have to rinse the cloth and repeat several times (or use the double cleanse method described below).
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Unlike facial oil, which is a moisturizing step in your routine, you do not want a layer of oil left on your skin.
- Finish with a cool water splash and pat dry with a clean towel.
To remove lipstick and eye makeup, including mascara, add a few drops of oil on a cotton cloth, pad, or cotton swab and gently wipe the areas. This is a gentle eye makeup remover, but take care not to get it in your eyes.
Double Cleanse Method
For those with very oily skin or who wear a full face of makeup, the double cleanse method can be a game-changer.
Christine, our Product Manager, often jokes about her “oily Italian skin.” Here is how she describes her favorite double cleansing routine—perfect for removing stubborn makeup while keeping skin balanced and breakout-free.
"I am a daily user of our Bamboo and Charcoal soap, and it was hard for me to let it go completely because it managed my breakouts so well while giving me a bit of exfoliation.
So, I decided to combine both products into one breakout-busting, oil-balancing, cleansing, and moisturizing routine!
This is what I do on days when I wear a full face of makeup—foundation, blush, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, and lipstick.
- While my skin is still damp, I add our Facial Cleansing Oil to a small section of a clean reusable makeup-removing cloth
- Using that section, I remove my lipstick
- Next, I use another clean section of the cloth, add a bit more cleansing oil, and gently wipe away eye makeup
- Using another clean section of the cloth, I add more cleansing oil to gently wipe away the rest of my makeup
- Once the makeup is gone, I lather up with our Bamboo Charcoal Soap and wash my face thoroughly.
- After patting dry, I use the cleansing oil again by adding a bit to my fingertips and gently massaging it into my skin using short, upward circles again.
- I let the oil sit for a moment while I soak a clean washcloth in hot water
- I place the warm cloth over my face, let the steam soften my pores, then gently wipe away the oil and any remaining residue.
- After this, my skin feels super clean and soft. My makeup is completely gone, and my face feels moisturized without being greasy. My skin loves this routine—and honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever stop using it!”
The beauty of the double cleanse method lies in balance. The cleansing oil melts away makeup and excess sebum without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Following with a gentle natural soap provides a deeper cleanse to lift away any residue. Together, they leave your skin feeling fresh, clear, and nourished—never tight or dry.
👉 Learn More: Help Me Choose A Soap For My Skin
How Often Should I Use The Oil Cleansing Method?
If you wear a lot of makeup, you can oil cleanse every day. It is best to do it at night as the first step in a double cleansing routine to thoroughly remove makeup and daily grime.
If you don't wear makeup, it is likely to be a trial-and-error experiment.
I recommend starting once a week to see how your skin feels after oil cleansing and whether you experience any dryness or breakouts.
If your skin seems happy, and you want to do it more often, increase to twice a week for a couple of weeks to observe what happens.
You can continue to increase the frequency if you feel inspired to do so, but oil cleansing is not a necessary step in any skincare routine, as long as you are using a natural cleanser that cleans your skin thoroughly.
The frequency at which you use a facial cleansing oil is up to your skin--take the time to get to really know the needs of your own skin.
No two faces are the same! Some people cleanse with oil every night, but you should experiment in order to find a routine that is best for your complexion.
Ida's Method: I always wash my face with our soap in my morning shower. I don't have the time or patience in the morning, I don't feel that my face gets that dirty overnight, and as I said, I love the feel of our creamy soap lather as I massage it into my skin.
I seldom wear makeup other than a bit of blush in the winter. I do use our squalane face cream every morning. By the end of the day, even my makeup-free face does not feel clean. In the evening, I use the oil cleansing method 3 to 5 times a week, depending on my daytime activities.
I have noticed that my complexion looks fresher (and dare I say--more youthful) since I began using the oil cleanser.
It is important to use the oil cleansing method with enough regularity that your skin has ample time to adjust.
I would suggest developing some sort of routine that you can stick to using natural products for your complexion. Remember, your skin is a living organ, and switching off between natural and commercial cleansers will only confuse your skin.
👉 Learn More Blog: How To Create Your Personal Facial Skin Care Routine
What If I Have Oily Skin?
If you have oily skin, the idea of putting more oil on your face might sound like the last thing you would want to do. But when properly formulated, cleansing oils can actually help balance an oily complexion.
Regardless of skin type, cleansing oils mix with the oils already on your face—whether they are naturally produced (like sebum) or come from makeup and skincare products.
A well-formulated cleansing oil won’t clog pores. Instead, it binds to surface impurities and lifts dirt and buildup out of your pores. When you gently wipe the oil away, the “good oil” carries away the “bad oil” and debris with it, leaving your skin clean, soft, and refreshed.
You might wonder, “Doesn’t oily skin lead to acne and breakouts?” Many people with oily skin turn to harsh cleansers, scrubs, or acne treatments that strip the skin in an effort to dry it out. Unfortunately, this approach often backfires.
When the skin becomes too dry, it compensates by producing even more oil, the skin's defense mechanism meant to restore moisture. The result is a vicious cycle: dryness triggers overproduction of oil, which then leads to more clogged pores and breakouts.
By replenishing your skin with nourishing external oils, you help it find equilibrium.
When your skin feels balanced and hydrated, it doesn’t need to overproduce oil. The result? Fewer breakouts, less congestion, and calmer, healthier-looking skin.
A cleansing oil helps balance your skin’s natural sebum production—and balance is the key to happy, healthy skin.
Should You Oil Cleanse If You Have Acne
Oil cleansing can be beneficial for acne-prone skin, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Success depends on several factors—your oil blend, your technique, and how often you cleanse.
Even when you are doing everything right, it is not uncommon for skin to go through a short “adjustment period.” During this time, you may notice an increase in breakouts as your pores begin to purge built-up impurities.
If your acne worsens or does not start to calm after a few weeks, try cleansing less often and give your skin time to adapt. And if your skin still doesn’t adjust, oil cleansing may simply not be the best method for you. Everyone’s skin is different, and listening to your own skin is always the best guide.
👉 Learn More: Help Me Choose Oily Skin & Acne Skin Care
Not All Cleansing Oils Are Created Equal
A cleansing oil should do more than just melt away makeup—it should nurture your skin while it cleanses. Unfortunately, many conventional products rely on synthetic ingredients, petroleum-based oils, and fillers that can leave your skin feeling tight and dehydrated instead of soft and supple.
A truly effective cleansing oil is carefully balanced with the proper ratio of natural astringent-type oils to conditioning oils. This combination lifts away dirt and impurities while nourishing and protecting your delicate facial skin.
Astringent Oils
While it might sound counterintuitive, certain oils have gentle astringent properties that can help refine skin texture. These oils temporarily tighten the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis), minimizing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Astringent oils can benefit all skin types, even dry or mature skin. Some examples include Castor, Argan, Hazelnut, and Grapeseed oils.
Conditioning Oils
Conditioning oils are beneficial for all skin types, even those prone to oily skin and breakouts. They help maintain moisture, soothe irritation, and support the skin’s natural balance.
These emollient oils help improve the look of dull, aging skin, provide moisture and nutrients, and help soothe the skin. Some examples include Sunflower and Safflower (regular, not high-oleic), Sweet Almond, Baobab, and Jojoba oils.
Why Chagrin Valley Cleansing Oils Are Different
A cleansing oil should care for your skin, not compromise it. Real cleansing begins with real ingredients—pure, organic plant oils that both cleanse and nourish.
At Chagrin Valley, we believe every ingredient should serve a purpose.
Our cleansing oils are made with organic, minimally processed botanical oils—never synthetic, mineral, or petroleum-derived substitutes.
We take our formulations a step further by using herb-infused oils, a process that slowly extracts the therapeutic properties of whole plants into nourishing base oils. While many companies rely solely on plain carrier oils or synthetic extracts, we believe true skincare begins with the vitality of the plants themselves.
These infusions—like helichrysum to calm inflammation and support skin renewal, and carrot root to revitalize and soften dry skin—add an extra layer of nutrients and antioxidants that pure oils alone cannot provide. It is a labor-intensive process, but it creates a cleansing oil that not only removes impurities but also helps the skin feel deeply comforted, balanced, and alive.
Each oil in our blend is carefully chosen for its unique skin-loving properties. We balance light astringent oils that lift impurities with rich conditioning oils that soften and protect. This thoughtful formulation helps maintain your skin’s natural equilibrium—leaving it clean, supple, and radiant without ever feeling stripped.
We never add fillers, unnecessary ingredients, or artificial fragrances. Just pure, functional, organic plant oils that work in harmony with your skin and the planet.
The result is a cleansing oil that goes beyond removing makeup and impurities—it restores balance, supports skin health, and transforms a daily routine into a moment of natural self-care.
Why Is Castor Oil One of the Best Cleansing Oils?
Castor oil is one of nature’s most versatile skincare ingredients—gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet powerful enough to deeply cleanse and balance. It has been used for centuries for its remarkable ability to purify, moisturize, and rejuvenate.
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps calm irritation, reduce redness, and protect skin from the bacteria that can contribute to acne and other blemishes. Its soothing nature makes it especially beneficial for sensitive or breakout-prone skin.
Deeply Hydrating and Moisturizing
Castor Oil possesses humectant properties, which means that it can draw moisture from the air into the skin, keeping your face hydrated and yielding a bright, glowing appearance.
The nourishing fatty acids support skin barrier health, promote even tone, and restore balance to sebum production—preventing both dryness and excess oil. With regular use, skin appears plumper, smoother, and more radiant.
When massaged into the skin, castor can improve circulation and plump areas where fine lines may appear.
Naturally astringent and cleansing
Castor oil also has gentle astringent properties, making it what we like to call a “purging oil.” When paired with lighter carrier oils such as sweet almond or sunflower, it can penetrate deep into the pores and pull dirt, grime, and impurities to the surface where they can be wiped away.
Castor is low on the comedogenic scale, so it will not clog pores or congest sensitive skin. For oily skin, it helps remove old sebum stuck deep within the skin pores without adding more oiliness to your skin!
That’s why castor oil is one of the foundation ingredients in our cleansing oil—it embodies everything we value: pure, purposeful, and naturally effective.
Common Oil Cleansing Mistakes to AVOID for the Best Results
Getting the most out of your facial cleansing oil requires a bit of know-how. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure you are giving your skin the best chance to glow.
Applying to wet skin: Water repels oil, so applying cleansing oil to damp skin prevents it from bonding with the sebum and impurities you’re trying to remove. Always begin with clean, dry hands and a dry face for best results.
Oil cleansing too often or not enough: Cleansing too often can irritate your skin, while not cleansing regularly can allow buildup to accumulate. For most people who wear makeup, once a day in the evening is ideal. Listen to your skin and adjust based on your skin’s response.
Oil cleansing too aggressively: Pulling, tugging skin, or scrubbing and massaging too roughly can irritate your skin. Gentle, circular motions for about a minute are all you need to help the oil do its work.
Using water that’s too hot or too cold: Hot water can dry and irritate your skin, while cold water won’t effectively soften oils. Use comfortably warm water to soften pores and help the oil rinse away impurities.
Not massaging long enough: Give your skin a bit of extra TLC and take a full 60 seconds to gently massage the oil into your skin. This allows the cleansing oil to work its magic, dissolving build-up and infusing your skin with nourishing plant nutrients.
Using dirty face cloths: Using an unclean face cloth or washcloth can transfer bacteria back onto your face.
Leaving too much oil on your face: Do not rush the oil removal process. Take time to gently wipe away the cleansing oil with a warm, damp cloth until your skin feels soft and refreshed—not greasy. A light residue of oil is fine, but you do not want a heavy layer of oil left on your face.
If you feel too much oil remains, try using a bit less next time or make sure to add warm water after massaging. The water helps emulsify the oil into a milky consistency, allowing impurities to lift away more easily and leaving your skin perfectly balanced and clean.
Not taking time to understand the needs of YOUR skin: Everyone’s skin is different. The right oil blend, technique, and frequency may take some experimenting. Pay attention to how your skin responds — it will tell you what it needs.
A little patience and attention to detail make all the difference — once you find your rhythm, oil cleansing becomes one of the most rewarding parts of your skincare routine.
The Pros and Cons of USING THE NATURAL Oil Cleansing METHOD
Pros
- It’s truly natural. Using a blend of pure plant oils, you can dissolve dirt, makeup, and bacteria naturally — no harsh surfactants or synthetic ingredients required. You’re simply replacing “dirty oil” with clean, nourishing oils that support skin health.
- It respects your skin’s natural balance. Oil cleansing does not strip your skin’s natural barrier or moisture. Instead, it helps replenish what your skin needs while whisking away impurities.
- It helps balance and condition all skin types. Regular use can help combat dryness, balance oil production, and even reduce breakouts caused by clogged pores or over-cleansing.
- It’s an effective makeup remover. Oil dissolves oil, making this method one of the gentlest and most efficient ways to remove stubborn makeup — even waterproof mascara.
- For some, it may eliminate the need for an additional moisturizer. Many people find that their skin feels soft, supple, and perfectly hydrated after cleansing. Listen to your skin — it will tell you if it needs a little extra moisture.
Cons
- There may be an adjustment period. Depending on your skin’s condition when you begin, you may notice temporary changes — such as slight oiliness or breakouts — as your pores begin to clear and rebalance.
- Patience is key. It can take a week or two for your skin to adapt. Avoid switching back to harsh cleansers during this time, as that can prolong the transition.
- It takes a bit more time and intention. Oil cleansing isn’t a “splash and go” routine. It’s a few mindful minutes to care for your skin — and for many, it becomes a calming daily ritual.
With high-quality organic oils, like those used in Chagrin Valley Cleansing Oils, the pros far outweigh the cons — especially once your skin finds its natural rhythm.
Final Thoughts on Oil Cleansing
The oil cleansing method is not a miracle cure for every skin concern, but a well-formulated organic cleansing oil can be a gentle, natural way to remove makeup, lift impurities, and help restore balance to your skin.
While oil cleansing can be a lovely ritual to add to your skincare routine, it is not essential for everyone. Our natural soaps will easily remove everyday buildup and light makeup.
However, if you wear heavier makeup, oil cleansing can be a helpful first step to loosen residue before a second cleanse. And for those with very oily skin, regular use can actually help the skin regulate sebum production, leading to a more balanced, less oily complexion over time.
The goal is always balance — skin that feels clean, hydrated, and comfortable. Harsh cleansers can disrupt your microbiome and strip essential oils, leaving your skin stuck in a constant cycle of dryness and overproduction.
And finally, if you simply enjoy taking a few extra moments to gently massage your beautiful face with a nourishing organic oil blend, consider oil cleansing a little act of self-care — one that your skin (and your spirit) will thank you for.
If you have sensitive skin, always try an allergy patch test before using a new product.
Have you had any experience with the Oil Cleansing Method? If you have, do you have a special routine or method that you like? Please share your experience.
Learn More Blog: Creating A Facial Skin Care Routine
Updated from our original May 2018 post to share new insights and keep our information current
