When I first heard of oil cleansers, I was a little skeptical. It seems so strange to “wash” your face with oils. But after lots of research and testing, I now use them in my skin care routine. Cleansing with oil leaves my skin feeling clean and extremely soft. If you’re unfamiliar with oil cleansers, I’ll give you the scoop.
Skin produces sebum from glands called the sebaceous glands. Sebum is an oily, waxy matter that is crucial to healthy skin. It protects the skin from bacteria and helps maintain a balance of water within the skin. Too much sebum can lead to breakouts, and not enough sebum can cause dry skin. Sometimes, when the skin is stripped of sebum from harsh cleansers, the skin can go into sebum-production overdrive. The excess sebum can lead to whiteheads, blackheads and acne. The idea behind oil cleansing is that it dissolves and washes away the sebum produced naturally by your skin, and replaces it with new “clean” oil. This leaves skin balanced, and does not cause skin to overproduce sebum.
Oils have different cleansing properties depending on the oil’s makeup of fatty acids. Because of this, the oils you choose for your oil cleanser will be depend on your skin type. The two important fatty acids to consider are linoleic acid and oleic acid. Skin prone to breakouts produces sebum that has a high oleic acid content. To help balance the skin, oily skin prone to breakouts should use oils with a higher amount of linoleic acid. These oils include castor, hemp seed oil and sunflower oil. On the flip side, dry mature skin may prefer oils high in oleic acid such as argan oil, avocado oil and sweet almond oil.
The formulas below are made specifically for oily and dry skin based on chemical makeup of each oil. If you’d like your formula to be more cleansing, I recommend increasing the castor oil slightly. Finding the right combination of oils for your skin can take some experimenting, and depends a lot on personal preference. Feel free to use any extract that you’d like, depending on your skin concern. Oat extract adds soothing properties that are suitable for both dry and oil skin. Because oil cleansers do not contain water, there is no need to use a preservative.
How often you oil cleanse depends on your preference. Personally, I like to oil cleanse about 2-3 times a week but many users like to cleanse with oil every night. To use an oil cleanser, disperse a quarter size amount into the palm of your hand. Massage the oil onto dry skin for 1-2 minutes. If you wear makeup, there is no need to remove it beforehand. The oil will loosen up any foundation or eye makeup. But, if you prefer, you can certainly use an eye makeup remover before using your cleansing oil.
After the oil has been massaged into your skin, wet a washcloth with hot water. Cover your face in the towel for about 30 seconds, and allow the heat and steam to open your pores. Gently use the towel to wipe away the oil. If needed, continue running the towel under hot water to wash away some of the oils. Continue to gently wipe your face with the towel until all the oil cleanser has been removed. At the end, your skin should feel soft and supple, but not oily. Once the oil cleanser is completely removed, dry your skin and continue your skincare routine as normal. You may not find the need to use a moisturizer after using an oil cleanser; I still use mine but it’s personal preference.
Dry Skin Formula:
1 oz. Castor Oil
1 oz. Argan Oil
3 oz. Avocado Oil
3 oz. Sweet Almond Oil
5 mL Oat Extract
2 mL Vitamin E Oil
8 oz. Bottle with Pump Top
Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!Oily Skin Formula:
4 oz. Sunflower Oil
2 oz. Castor Oil
2 oz. Hazelnut Fixed Oil
1 oz. Hemp Seed Oil (Refined)
5 mL Oat Extract
2 mL Vitamin E Oil
8 oz. Bottle with Pump Top
Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!
TWO: Add the 2 mL of vitamin E oil. Place the container in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the oils have warmed slightly. Add the oat extract.
THREE: Use a whisk or spoon to blend together the oils and vitamin E oil. Heating the mixture helps blend the lighter and heavier oils more thoroughly.
FOUR: Carefully pour the oils into an 8 oz. bottle and screw on the pump top.
Have you ever used oil cleansers before? I would love to hear what you think of them!
- 1 oz. Castor Oil
- 1 oz. Argan Oil
- 3 oz. Avocado Oil
- 3 oz. Sweet Almond Oil
- 5 mL Oat Extract
- 2 mL Vitamin E Oil
- 8 oz. Bottle with Pump Top
- 4 oz. Sunflower Oil
- 2 oz. Castor Oil
- 2 oz. Hazelnut Fixed Oil
- 1 oz. Hemp Seed Oil (Refined)
- 5 mL Oat Extract
- 2 mL Vitamin E Oil
- 8 oz. Bottle with Pump Top
- In a heat safe container, add all the liquid oils corresponding to the dry or oily formula.
- Add the 2 mL of vitamin E oil. Place the container in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the oils have warmed slightly. Add the oat extract.
- Use a whisk or spoon to blend together the oils and vitamin E oil. Heating the mixture helps blend the lighter and heavier oils more thoroughly.
Thanks for these recipes! I’ve been oil cleansing for a long time with store bought products, and I’m finally venturing into making my own oil cleanser. What do you think about adding polysorbate 80 so the oil rinses off cleanly? Is there a recommended ratio of polysorbate 80 to oils?
We haven’t given that a try, but it may help the oil come off the skin more easily! I would recommend starting with 1-6% Polysorbate 80. You may try a few usage rates in that range to see which one works best. 🙂
Polysorbate 80: https://www.brambleberry.com/Polysorbate-80-P4438.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello thank you for sharing all these diy skincare, it really helps!
are all your diy products such as lip tint, cleansing oil has expiration?
I hope you would answer my confusion
thank you
The lip tints and cleansing oils do have shelf lives! It’s based on the expiration of the oils inside. Learn more about shelf lives here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/shelf-life-bath-products-ingredients-rancidity-vs-mold/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Would this be safe to use on the eyes as a mascara remover?
This should be fine to use on the eyes! Everyone’s eyes are a bit different though, so some may be sensitive to the oil. I would recommend trying a little bit on a small portion of your eye. If it feels OK, you can use it to take off mascara. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can the oat cleanser recipe for oily skin be formulated into a cp soap? If yes, a recipe would be appreciated.
We will definitely keep that in mind Gail, thanks for your suggestion! 🙂
You can add all those oils to soap for a really nice bar. This posts talks about common soapmaking oils and how much can be added to soap: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-common-soapmaking-oils/
To add some cleansing and firming properties, you can also add coconut and palm oil up to 33%!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Just read on swift monkey that hazelnut oil shelf life is one year. High in vit E. Is you info correct? Thanks.
Hi Robin!
The shelf life of hazelnut oil will depend on where it comes from! Our hazelnut oil has a shelf life of about three months. 🙂
Hazelnut oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Hazelnut-Fixed-Oil-P3197.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you. I did not realize different manufactures shelf life can vary that much. Good to know. Thanks again. I thought it was standard for each oil.
You’re welcome! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
What would be a good sub for Hazelnut. With a shelf life of 3 months I can see me throwing it out when it becomes rancid. I just had to discard an entire 10 oz of hemp oil that went rancid before 6 months. Good one day went to use it and was horrible a few months later. I don’t like using or investing in oils with such a short shelf life. Thanks
Hi Robin!
Apricot kernel oil would be a good substitute for hazelnut oil! It has a lightweight consistency like hazelnut oil, and lasts 6 months to a year. You can read more about oils and their shelf lives here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-common-soapmaking-oils/
It also helps to store your oils in a cool, dark place. That helps keep them nice and fresh for longer. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Apricot kernel oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Apricot-Kernel-Oil-P3206.aspx
I am wondering the same thing. I would like to make an oily skin cleanser, but do not have the Hazelnut or Hemp Seed Oil.
I do have Sunflower, Castor and Vitamin E Oil. Can I just use those (using extra Sunflower in place of the Hazelnut and Hemp Seed)? I also have Sweet Almond, Avocado, Olive, Coconut. I’d prefer to use what I have if possible. Thank you!
Hi Jessica!
Sunflower is lightweight and moisturizing, so it would work well in this recipe! Sweet almond or avocado would feel nice as well. I would recommend making a small test batch with the substitutions to see if you like the consistency on your skin. 🙂
Sunflower oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Sunflower-Oil-P3208.aspx
Sweet almond oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Sweet-Almond-Oil-P3205.aspx
Avocado oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Avocado-Oil-P3198.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I wonder if you could use this on babies? A friend of mine recently had a baby and she said the poor little guy has a lot of white heads around the sides if his nose. I really hate to use any soap on the little ones face.
Hi Jenna!
These cleansers have a lot of skin-loving oils, so I think they would be just fine for baby’s skin! I would recommend talking with a pediatrician just to be sure though. Baby skin is very sensitive, so it helps to double check. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi bb and all readers,
I never try oil cleansing method..
i have tried using vco as my face moisturiser serum for 6mth and it works wonder..my skin become clean and less oily..i add lemon eo a bit in it..i read that extra virgin oil is very light and easy to absorb rather than other oils.. Its really solving for those who are searching for natural moisturiser..Thanks!
Hi Jasmine!
That’s awesome, thanks so much for sharing! I’m glad that moisturizer is working well for your skin. 🙂
Virgin olive oil would feel great too!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Virgin olive oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Virgin-Olive-Oil-P6202.aspx
I think this is a fabulous idea. I’ve been using a salt scrub made with powdered pink Himalyan salt, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil with grapefruit e.o. I’ve not needed to use a moisturizer since I began using this. I would not normally recommend using a salt scrub on your face, but I’ve had wonderful results. Next time I make it I think I’ll add some carrot seed oil, too. And maybe sub argan for the almond.
Hi Dianna!
So glad you like the recipe! Also, that scrub sounds wonderful. Very refreshing for your skin! Let us know what you think of the recipe with carrot seed oil and argan oil. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi. Could you tell me if essential oils could be added to this formula? My son struggles with oily skin and he also loves the smell of grapefruit essential oil. Could I add that in? Please let me know.
Thank you! Sheila
Hi Sheila!
You can add essential oil if you like! Grapefruit Essential Oil would smell great in this recipe. 🙂
Grapefruit Essential Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Grapefruit-Essential-Oil-P3825.aspx
You can use our Fragrance Calculator to find out exactly how much to add. Just choose “Lotion” from the drop down menu. Because facial skin can be sensitive, I would recommend scenting on the lower side. 🙂
Fragrance Calculator: https://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Fragrance-Calculator.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
May I add that while the scent doesn’t compare with grapefruit (at least for me) the benefits of tea tree essential oil to problem skin have been well researched and even a little may help a lot. (It also would actually blend decently with a citrus oil.) And while a teenage boy may not want to go this route rose geranium essential oil is known to balance sebum production and can be very helpful in dealing with oily/problem skin. (And lavender is both good for most skin types and can minumize or alter the scent of less appealing oils, some times with surprisingly pleasant results.)
Having struggled with problem skin the last twenty odd years hoped this may be of help.
Grey Dove
I’m so excited to see Soap Queen feature oil cleansing! I’ve read a lot about it but haven’t taken the plunge yet – and now I definitely will! I was hoping to get some advice though. I have sensitive, dry/combination skin (that is still somewhat prone to breakouts) and I’d like to make something similar to the dry skin formula you created. I have castor oil and avocado oil, but no argan or sweet almond. However, I do have jojoba oil, chia seed oil, meadowfoam oil, and rice bran oil. Which oils do you think would be the best substitute in this recipe? Thank you!
Hi Katie!
So glad you enjoyed the post! I had never tried oil cleansing before testing this recipe, and now I’m hooked. 🙂
Argan oil has a silky, lightweight consistency that’s similar to meadowfoam oil. It would be a great substitute.
Meadowfoam oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Meadowfoam-Oil–P4978.aspx
As for the sweet almond oil, it has a similar consistency to the avocado oil, so you could increase the amount of avocado oil. The chia seed oil would be another good substitute. 🙂
Chia seed oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Chia-Seed-Oil-P5612.aspx
It will take a bit of testing to get a formula that works perfectly for your skin. I would recommend making a small test batch and trying it out. Then, you can add different oils depending on your preference!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Great post Anne Marie!
I have been facial oil cleansing now for about a year. At 50 years old – it has made a noticeable difference in my mature skin. Most times I dont even need a moisturizer.
I add many different essential oils to the mix as well. Carrot EO , pomogranate oil ( few drops) and Rosehip oil ( few drops). Google OCM or Oil Cleanse Method and you will find a wealth of different concoctions for this delightful face cleansing method!
Regards
Debbie
Hi Debbie!
So glad you like the post! I just started using oil cleansers and I am really loving the way my skin feels.
Also, thanks so much for those essential oil recommendations! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Carrot Seed Essential Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Carrot-Seed-Essential-Oil-P3830.aspx
Good morning,
Love this idea, and especially appreciate the detailed how to use instructions! Thank You!
Not to be a pain but what if you have, … combination skin? I do, Extremely dry skin on my cheek bones, and skin that is generally normal but can tip into excess oil production if I am not Very Careful on my T zone. Should I try combining some oils from each formula? What would you recommend as the best approach for those of us who don’t quite fall into just one category? (I do understand we are all different and some personal experimentation will be necessary, but I’d like to begin with the oil selection most likely to help, Please.)
Thank you for your suggestions,
Grey Dove
Hi Grey Dove!
You’re welcome, so glad you enjoyed the post! If you have combination skin, you can make both formulas! You can apply the dry formula to your cheek bones, and the oily formula to your T Zone.
If you prefer to use one product, you can mix and match both formulas to get your perfect recipe. I think a mix of castor, avocado oil, oat extract, hazelnut oil and hemp seed oil would be a good place to start! And, as you said, it will require a little bit of experimentation. 🙂
We’d love to hear the formula you come up with for combination skin!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Dear Kelsie,
Thank you for the suggestions, especially the combination formula , … great to have a place to start!
And may I add a special thank you to you and the other Bramble Berry staff who so dilegently answer blog comments and questions, … to me it is one of the ways in which your blog truly stands out and it makes it much more enjoyable to read and participate in your conversations, Congratulations to all of you!
Yours appreciatively,
Grey Dove
This sounds very interesting! What other extracts would you recommend for, for example, acne or mature skin?
I’d also love to see CP soap for a facial bar- one for dry skin and one for oily. Thanks.
Hi Martina!
We have some great extracts for mature skin, including Evening Primrose Extract. Chamomile Extract would be another great one, as it’s thought to soothe irritated skin.
You can see all our extracts, and what they do in your recipes, in the Sunday Night Spotlight: Extracts post: http://www.coalitionofhandcraftedentrepreneurs.com/news/
Also, thanks so much for your suggestion! You may also like this Fresh Face Cleansing Bars for Dry and Oily Skin: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/melt-and-pour-soap/cleansing-soap-dry-oily-skin/
It is a melt and pour recipe, but they feel great on your skin. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
What a helpful post! I loved the information. My teenage daughter has been struggling with acne, and I’m pondering how to help her. Would the oily skin formula be appropriate?
Best,
Anna
Hi Anna!
You can definitely try the oily formula! I’m prone to breakouts, and I like to use that one.
Keep in mind, these products haven’t been tested and proven to help with acne. I would recommend talking with your dermatologist to see what option would be best for your daughter’s skin. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry