✨ Best Cleansing Oils for Oily Skin｜Top 5 Picks That Won’t Clog Your Pores
If you have oily skin, the idea of applying oil to your face might seem like the worst skincare decision ever. But here’s a truth bomb 💣: cleansing oils can actually help control excess oil — if you pick the right one.
Cleansing oils dissolve dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without stripping your skin’s natural barrier. In fact, oil attracts oil, making it one of the most effective (and gentle!) ways to deeply cleanse oily or acne-prone skin.
In this post, we’ll break down the 5 best cleansing oils for oily skin, what ingredients to look for, and how to use them properly for clear, balanced skin.
🥇 1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil – The Cult Classic
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, rosemary leaf oil
Best For: Oily, combination, acne-prone skin
Texture: Lightweight oil
This Japanese classic has a massive fan base for good reason. It removes even waterproof makeup and excess oil like a charm, while not clogging pores. Although olive oil might sound heavy, its formulation is non-comedogenic and rinseable — ideal for oily skin.
Why It’s Great:
| ✔️ Melts away sunscreen and sebum |
| ✔️ Doesn’t leave an oily residue |
| ✔️ Suitable even for sensitive skin |
🥈 2. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil – Gentle & Brightening
Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil, jojoba oil
Best For: Oily, dull skin
Texture: Light oil
This lightweight cleansing oil is a K-beauty favorite for oily skin types who want deep cleansing without the heaviness. Rice water extract helps brighten the skin, while jojoba oil mimics natural sebum and keeps pores from getting clogged.
Why It’s Great:
| ✨ Controls shine while cleansing |
| ✨ Non-greasy finish |
| ✨ Adds a natural glow over time |
🥉 3. Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil – Affordable & Effective
Key Ingredients: Mineral oil, rice bran oil
Best For: Budget-conscious oily skin users
Texture: Watery oil
This drugstore hero from Japan is proof that good skincare doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s a fast-rinsing cleansing oil that dissolves makeup and excess oil in seconds — no need for double-cleansing unless you want to.
Why It’s Great:
| 🔥 Incredibly affordable |
| 🔥 Rinses off completely |
| 🔥 Great for heavy makeup or sunscreen users |
⭐ 4. Banila Co Clean It Zero Purifying – Balm to Oil for Sensitive Oily Skin
Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica, licorice root, tea tree
Best For: Sensitive + oily skin types
Texture: Solid balm (melts into oil)
Technically a balm, but turns into an oil on contact with skin. This gentle formula is perfect for oily skin that’s also acne-prone or reactive. The calming ingredients like tea tree and Cica soothe inflammation while deeply cleansing your pores.
Why It’s Great:
| 🧖♀️ Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested |
| 🧖♀️ Controls breakouts while cleansing |
| 🧖♀️ Fragrance-free version available |
💎 5. iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil – Botanical & Balanced
Key Ingredients: Calendula flower extract, sunflower oil
Best For: Oily but sensitive or inflamed skin
Texture: Lightweight oil
Packed with 94% natural plant-based oils, this cleansing oil is gentle yet powerful. It emulsifies easily with water and doesn’t leave behind greasy residue. Calendula soothes any skin irritation while sunflower oil dissolves makeup and SPF.
Why It’s Great:
| 🌟 Non-comedogenic ingredients |
| 🌟 Light texture, perfect for daily use |
| 🌟 Great for oily skin with sensitivity |
💡 Tips for Using Cleansing Oil on Oily Skin
| ✅ Use on dry skin, not wet |
| ✅ Massage for 30–60 seconds to dissolve oil and makeup |
| ✅ Emulsify with water before rinsing |
| ✅ Follow with water-based cleanser (optional) |
| ✅ Avoid coconut oil or heavy comedogenic oils |
🧠 What Ingredients Should Oily Skin Avoid in Cleansing Oils?
Avoid:
| 🚫 Coconut oil – highly comedogenic |
| 🚫 Lanolin – can trigger breakouts |
| 🚫 Synthetic fragrances – irritate oily skin |
Recommended:
| ✅ Jojoba oil – mimics natural sebum |
| ✅ Sunflower oil – non-comedogenic |
| ✅ Grapeseed oil – lightweight and antioxidant-rich |
✨ Final Thoughts
Cleansing oils aren’t just for dry or normal skin types — they can be a secret weapon for oily skin too. The key is to choose the right product that won’t clog your pores or disrupt your natural balance.
Each of the products we’ve recommended above is specifically chosen for oily skin types, offering a balance between deep cleansing and skin-soothing benefits. Try one out and see how clean, soft, and balanced your skin can feel — oil and all ✨