Clean Your Face With Oil? Go Ahead, It's OK!

When you first hear the words “oil cleansing,” it sounds almost backwards, doesn’t it? For so long we’ve been taught that oil = bad, that we need to scrub our skin squeaky clean with soap to stay clear.

But here’s the truth: oil cleansing is one of the most effective, gentle, and skin-friendly ways to clean your face. Once you understand how it works, you might just become a believer too.

Why Cleanse With Oil?

The Oil Cleansing Method isn’t new. It’s been practiced for centuries, with roots in natural and traditional skincare rituals. The science behind it is surprisingly simple and it’s based on a well-known chemistry principle: like dissolves like.

Your skin naturally produces sebum (oil) through tiny sebaceous glands. Sebum moisturizes, protects, and keeps your skin barrier healthy. But sometimes, sebum builds up and mixes with dead skin cells, dirt, or makeup, clogging pores and leading to blackheads or breakouts.

When you use a natural oil cleanser, the clean oils bond with and dissolve the dirty oils trapped in your pores. The result? Fresh, balanced skin that feels nourished, not stripped.

Benefits of Oil Cleansing

• Deep pore cleansing – Dissolves buildup and impurities without harsh foaming agents.
• Microbiome-friendly – Supports your skin’s natural flora instead of disrupting it.
• Balances oil production – Can actually help oily skin become less oily over time.
• Hydration boost – Leaves skin soft and supple instead of tight or dry.
• Makeup removal – Melts away even stubborn makeup with ease.

How To Oil Cleanse (Step-by-Step)

1. Start with dry skin – Take a generous amount of a nourishing oil cleanser in your hands or on a cotton pad.

2. Massage gently – Work the oil into your face using slow, circular motions to loosen makeup, dirt, and sebum.

3. Steam it out – Wet a washcloth with warm water, press it against your skin for 15–20 seconds, then wipe gently. This helps dissolve impurities and opens pores.

4. Repeat if needed – For heavy makeup or sunscreen, repeat once more.

5. Follow with a second cleanse (optional) – Many love to double cleanse, following with a foaming or cream cleanser.

6. Finish with moisture – Depending on your skin, you may not need much after but if you do, a serum or butter is perfect.
   
   

Who Should Try Oil Cleansing?

The beauty of oil cleansing is that it works for all skin types.

• Dry skin? It hydrates and softens.
• Oily skin? It balances sebum production.
• Sensitive skin? It skips the harsh surfactants that strip your barrier.

If you’ve struggled with cleansers that leave your skin feeling squeaky (and tight), oil cleansing might be exactly what your skin has been asking for.

🗝️ 3 Key Takeaways

1. Moisturize damp skin – Applying product after cleansing or showering helps it absorb better.
2. Hydration + moisturizer = glow – Water boosts absorption, while butters and balms lock it in.
3. Small habit, big change – This simple tweak can transform dry, thirsty skin into soft, nourished skin.

Recommended Sans Products

Nourishing Oil Cleanser – A gentle, plant-based cleanser that melts away makeup and impurities while respecting your microbiome.

Double Cleanse Bundle – Pair the oil cleanser with our Foaming Facial Cleanser for a spa-like two-step ritual that leaves skin perfectly balanced.

Whipped Face Butter – Seal in hydration post-cleanse with this rich, soothing butter that locks in moisture overnight.