Cleansers. They can take many forms – foams, gels, creams and even balms. But it’s cleansing oils that have garnered the attention of beauty editors and skincare experts in recent years.
If you’ve never used one before, you might have your doubts – especially if you have oily, combination or sensitive skin. But fear not. No matter what your skin type, you’d be surprised at how they can transform your cleansing routine for the better.
Read on to find out more about oil-based cleansers and the bounty of good they can do for your skin.
What is a cleansing oil?
Oil cleansers are exactly as they sound: a cleanser that is oil-based, because it’s the oils that do all the hard graft. That’s why they’re usually formulated with fewer surfactants than other face wash and make-up removal products. They are designed to cleanse the skin, remove make-up and impurities – and because they’re made with skin-softening oils, they don’t leave your skin feeling dry either.
The good news is that cleansing oils are some of the most gentle make-up removers you can use, so sensitive skin types don’t need to worry.
How do oil cleansers work?
The golden rule is that oil clings to oil – and more importantly, it dissolves it too. Cleansing oils work as solvents to effectively lift away daily dirt, grime, SPF, and even excess sebum in your own skin. And of course it means they work particularly well to dissolve make-up that has an oil base, which includes most products, such as waterproof mascara, foundation, cream blushes, highlighters, bronzers and eyeshadows.
Typically, cleansing oils contain an oil (or blend of oils) to cling to and dissolve the dirt, as well as a surfactant and emulsifier – which allows everything that’s been removed to be rinsed away with water.
Cleansing oil benefits
Because of the clever way they work, cleansing oils are one of the best ways to cleanse the skin and remove make-up – and let’s not forget that efficient cleansing is the most important step of a routine for healthy skin.
However, not all cleansing oils are created equal. Some can sting the eyes, or may leave behind a residue if they’re not well-made with the right blend of surfactants and emulsifiers. But find the right formula, and there are no stings attached.
That’s where our bestselling Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil comes in. It’s tough on make-up, kind on skin – and here’s what makes it so unique…
100% natural ingredients
Made with a concoction of sensitive skin-loving ingredients, our award-winning cleansing oil combines natural oils with emulsifiers in a certified organic formula.
Our blend includes our iconic Rosehip Oil, which we expertly source using CO2 extraction for maximum potency. It’s rich in Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9, and highly regenerative, leaving skin nourished and radiant.
We also use upcycled Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is packed with Oleic Acid – a calming fatty acid – to soften and smooth. Finally, it contains Castor Oil, which is rich in Ricinoleic Acid to nourish and moisturise the skin, as well as boosting the cleanser’s slip to minimise effort and make ‘light work’ of even the most heavy duty make-up. The result is radiant, soft, clean skin – and no make-up is left behind.
Removes all make-up, including waterproof mascara
It’s no secret that make-up can be hard to get off at the end of a long day. Make-up wipes and micellar waters have long been the go-to for removing stubborn waterproof mascara, long-lasting foundation and heavier SPF because they seem easier. But that doesn’t mean they’re effective.
Things get even more complicated if you have sensitive skin. With these methods, removing make-up often involves tugging or rubbing, which can aggravate and impair your skin barrier, potentially leaving make-up residue, as well as irritating sensitive eyes. If make-up isn’t properly removed, this can build up on your skin, clog pores and eventually prompt the formation of blemishes. Wipes and micellar waters can also be drying due to the ingredients, which is a recipe for disaster for sensitive, reactive skin.
Light Work removes every last speck of make-up, without compromise. And you needn’t take just our word for it. Make-up artists love it, and it’s had hundreds of five-star reviews from those with sensitive skin who have been amazed by how effective it is at melting away make-up without aggravating their skin. Check out our cleansing oil reviews to see for yourself.
Clinically proven for sensitive skin
Cleansing and removing make-up is an important but often tricky step to nail, especially if you have sensitive skin and eyes. Every single product we make is independently patch tested and dermatologically tested to be suitable for sensitive skin, including Light Work. That means it’s an ultra-gentle, sting-free formula you can trust to cleanse and lift away make-up with no irritation.
Effective first step for your double cleanse
If you’re a routine double cleanser or double cleanse-curious, Light Work is a great first step to pair with your second cleanse of choice. It not only removes dirt, grime, SPF and make-up, but nourishes skin so that it’s prepped and ready for its next cleanse.
You can even shop it and save as part of our Double Cleanse bundle, too.
Certified organic, vegan & cruelty-free
Light Work is certified COSMOS Organic, so you can trust the ingredients and the processes that make our wonder cleansing oil meet strict standards. It’s also approved by the Vegan Society and cruelty-free, just like the rest of our range!
How to use a cleansing oil
It’s all down to preference, but if you wear make-up and SPF, you’ll most likely want to introduce an oil cleanser into your evening skincare routine – because an oil-based formula is so efficient at removing every last scrap of make-up.
You can either switch out your go-to face wash for a cleansing oil, or make it step one of your double cleanse routine. This means using two cleansers, one after the other, which have different formats. So you might use an oil cleanser to remove make-up, SPF and other dirt, then follow with an all-purpose cleanser that’s a foam, gel or cream (like our Middlemist Seven Cream Cleanser) to cleanse bare skin and remove any residue – leaving your skin soft, clean and ready for the next step.
How you use your cleansing oil will be down to the individual formula, so always follow the directions on pack. With our Light Work cleanser, you simply pump the oil into dry hands, then massage onto dry skin and eyes to gently dissolve all make-up and SPF. Add a little water to create a light milk and massage it in a little more, then rinse and pat dry.
Shop our Light Work Cleansing Oil now or book your free skin consultation with our skin experts for tailored advice on how to use it in your skincare routine.
Light Work
Middlemist Seven
Double Cleanse
