11 Best Cleansing Oils to Gently Remove Makeup, Tester & Dermatologist Approved

“As a rule, I’ve found that anything with squalane leaves my skin feeling plumped and moisturized,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins. “This face wash was no exception. At a good price point, it was super gentle and it comes recommended by dermatologists.That said, if you’re looking to truly slough away mascara and hard-to-remove eye makeup, you may have to be diligent about double cleansing with this one. It left a little eye makeup residue behind, however it was easily removed with another once over of the face wash. Overall, I’d definitely purchase again if only for the skin-cleaning component.”

Best for Combination Skin: YSE Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser

Original video by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary

Original video by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary

This shimmery liquid gold looks more like your favorite liquid illuminator than a makeup remover, but it’s actually a dermatologist-approved cleansing oil. “This effectively removes makeup and impurities while leaving the skin hydrated and soft,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s especially good for dry and combination skin types.” Formulated with squalane, a moisturizing ingredient proven safe for sensitive skin, as well as meadowfoam and camellia seed oils, it has a cushy gel-oil texture that melts into your skin. “My personal experience has been great, as it leaves my skin feeling clean but not tight,” she says.

“I’ll be honest, I was pretty floored that this shimmery formula would actually take my makeup off,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It looks nothing like any of the other oil cleansers in my collection— in fact, it looks more like a highlighter product. Despite its jarring consistency, it actually did its job in effectively removing all my makeup, and my skin felt super hydrated and glowy after I washed everything off. It didn’t even leave a trace of stubborn eyeliner or mascara, everything melted away. And the best part? It didn’t burn my eyes either.”

Best for Mature Skin: Tatcha The Camellia Oil 2-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser

This rich cleansing oil is a favorite of Dr. Garshick. “This luxurious formula contains camellia oil, which is packed with omega fatty acids and vitamins to soften and protect the skin while providing a deep cleanse,” she says. It also has green tea and algae, plus amino acids which can help reduce redness and calm the skin.

“A lot of cleansing oils feel like they leave behind some oiliness, but this Tatcha one left my face squeaky clean. I didn’t have to scrub my face raw either which is great in the winter when my face feels more sensitive to the dry air. It’s extremely gentle and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and glowy,” says Glamour’s Calle.

Best Luxury: Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser

If you’re already an avid cleansing oil user and want to splurge on your next remover, Khayutin also loves this rich formula. “It’s packed with 100% natural botanical oils, and it doesn’t just cleanse, it literally pampers your skin like skincare serums would. The heavier texture feels luxurious and is especially great for dry or dehydrated skin. It’s the perfect choice if you love the feeling of a truly nourishing cleanser that leaves skin ultra soft.”

“I regret to inform you that this cleanser was everything I’d hoped and more, and my regret comes, obviously, from the price,” says Loggins. “That said, it was so thick and luxurious, and it helped makeup slide right off. It also left my skin feeling incredibly nourished and almost bouncy. I applied about a pump and a half, however I think I could have made it with just one pump. I rubbed it into my skin before applying water, which helps break down eye makeup like mascara. I was pretty amazed by how quickly it rinsed off, as I was a little worried it’d feel like removing, well, oil. I would definitely buy this time and again.”

Best for Blackheads: Drmtlgy Pre-Cleansing Oil

Drmtlgy Pre-Cleansing Oil

Original image by Glamour tester Dr. Marisa Garshick testing the Drmtlgy Pre-Cleansing Oil

Plenty of our top cleansing-oil picks are safe for acne-prone skin, but Dr. Garshick especially recommends this “gentle yet effective” formula for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with a blend of jojoba and sunflower seed oils, which she says “help dissolve makeup and impurities without causing breakouts” due to their noncomedogenic properties. It’s also made with ingredients with proven antioxidant benefits, such as rosemary leaf extract. “I’ve found it leaves the skin feeling refreshed and balanced,” she says.

Best for Clogged Pores: Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

For a premium cleansing oil infused with a blend of botanical oils, look to this cleansing oil Dr. Garshick loves. “I like that this one not only cleanses, but also nourishes and refines the skin, making it feel incredibly smooth,” she says.

Khayutin is a fan, too. “This is the gold standard of cleansing oils, beloved by skin care enthusiasts for good reason,” she says. “ It effortlessly removes even the most stubborn makeup, including waterproof eye makeup, and leaves your skin feeling silky soft. With a blend of eight botanical oils, it cleanses while delivering hydration and anti-aging benefits. Plus, its silky texture makes every cleanse feel like a spa moment.”

Best for Waterproof Makeup: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

“I first came across this iconic Japanese cleansing oil on a trip back to Taiwan more than 15 years ago, where it was already a bestseller at every single 7/11,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “This is the formula that convinced me to double-cleanse for the rest of my life, and it still holds up.” Dr. Garshick also nominates this as one of her top picks. “It’s well-known for its benefits to help remove buildup and makeup without leaving the skin feeling stripped or irritated,” she says. “Containing olive oil, it also delivers antioxidant benefits to the skin.” The formula feels a little thicker than other cleansing oils in my rotation, but it still rinses off without leaving any greasy residue. I’ve always been obsessed with how soft and smooth this leaves my skin, and how it dissolves even the most stubborn waterproof mascara without stinging my eyes.