why use an oil based cleanser?

Like most people of my age, regardless of gender, I grew up reading magazines and watching TV ads hailing the use of harsh detergent based solutions and weekly lacerating facial scrubs to banish the demon oil from my already inflamed face.

As I left puberty and became a woman, to save my face from the dreaded TZone I was introduced to the sacred "Cleanse" "Tone" and "Moisturise" method of make up removal and skin care.

Luckily for me about 10 years ago a loved one bought me a bottle of Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil. From that day on I've never looked back.

I know most people find it hard to believe that an oil based cleanser is the answer to soft, clean healthy skin as it just goes against all we've been taught, but it really is.  The scientific explanation in very simple terms is that oil attracts oil.  Therefore by applying oil to the face, on washing it away it takes with it all the dirt and grime and make up of that day. The skin is left soft and benefiting from the moisturising effects of the nourishing oils.

Whereas detergent based cleansers strip the skin of natural oils, which in turn encourages the skin to produce more oils and the cycle continues!

Maybe because I've grown up washing my face I don't always feel properly clean unless I've felt water against my skin. Oil based cleansers satisfy that psychological need for 'a wash' as they require a splash of water to break down the oil, turning it into a soft and gentle lather to be rinsed away.  I have also started to use a clean cloth to help remove any residue so I get a gentle facial rub while I'm at it.

There are suddenly lots of oil based cleansers on the market and they all seem to do the same job but the ingredients do vary so it's always worth reading the label before use. They may seem more expensive at first but considering that each application is about the size of a pea, they do work out good value for money over all.

Here are some worth checking out:

Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing and Cleansing oil £ 28 - 56.50
They claim their secret is" protecting the skin's delicate moisture balance while removing make up and impurities in a single step. Blending rich botanical oils, including avocado and jojoba, with natural phyto ingredients, cleansing oils are formulated in six varieties for perfect, gentle cleansing specific to skin's daily needs. Gentle thorough cleansing"

To date this is my number one favourite oil based cleanser. I like the consistency, it's thinner than some of the others and it's very effective at removing make up. I have the pleasure of removing every last bit  of waterproof mascara without rubbing my eyes until they are raw.

Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing oil £ 17
Origins oil includes sunflower,  safflower and sesame oil and does a great job. I'm a big fan of Origins and as with all their products this oil smells wonderful.  My only complaint is regarding the large neck of the bottle. It's just too wide and this makes it difficult to pour a small amount out without it dribbling down the sides. It's messy and wasteful. I advise adding your own pump dispenser. Hopefully origins will get the message and redesign with a pump of their own!

Virgin Vie Cleansing oil £11.50
This is a great value oil that does the job. I found it doesn't wash off quite as easily as Shu Uemura but it's a good all rounder on a budget.

DHC Deep Cleansing oil £3.50-£30.00
This is a great cleansing oil with an olive oil and vitamin E base, it comes in various sizes, including a small bottle that's great for travelling.


If you want more information on using oil to cleanse skin you can read more at: /http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/