I’ve been testing oil cleansers this winter to see how well they work and whether or not they would be a good addition to the products we carry at PhaMix. Although they are not the traditional oil-free, soap free cleansers that we may be most familiar with, oil cleansers are gaining in popularity.
The main job of a facial cleanser is to remove dirt and excess oils. A good cleanser will do this without stripping our skin of its natural oils and maintaining its natural pH level. Sometimes, cleansers also do double-duty as makeup removers.
It seems counterintuitive to use oil to clean the face, but the reasoning behind it is “like attracts like”. Think back to high school chemistry when we were taught that oil and water don’t mix. An oil-based cleanser is specially formulated to ‘dissolve’ excess oil and dirt on our face. Using dry hands, a small amount of the cleanser is applied to the dry face and massaged gently. This helps to attract dirt, makeup and oil. Once a little water is added, the cleanser turns white and slightly creamy, at which point it (and the impurities it’s attracted) are rinsed away with warm water, leaving your face clean AND moisturized.
I have to admit that I have loved the sheer luxuriousness of the oil-based cleanser I’m testing right now. It leaves my skin clean, removes my makeup without drying and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. Ever the fan of multi-tasking products, I like that if I’m in a rush I can skip moisturizing afterwards.
Oil cleansers are suitable for all skin types. However, if you have oily skin and blemishes, they may not be the best choice for you. My favorite ones tested so far have contained olive, jojoba and kukui nut oils.
My skin seems to love an oil cleanser during the cold, dry winter months, but I’m not sure how it will respond as the weather warms up and spring arrives. I revisit my skin care routine whenever something just doesn’t feel like it’s working so there’s no need to commit to using the same cleanser year round. Thankfully we stock a range of cleansers at our store so I’ll be spoiled for choice. Our customers love Reversa 3-in-1 Gel Cleanser and the La Roche Posay Physiological products.
Are you a fan of oil cleansers? I’d love to hear about your experience.
