16 Best Cleansing Oils 2025 To Revolutionise Makeup Removal – Tried & Tested for Every Skin Type

Gemma Collins, Bioderma’s dermatologist says: 'Bioderma’s newest innovation capitalises on the brands historic micellar water DNA and expertise. It is a cleansing oil with biomimetic ingredients such as amino acids and omegas 3 and 6 that are inspired by the skin cell’s membrane, and helps the skin make its own lipids in order to truly alleviate symptoms of skin sensitivity whilst simultaneously providing a deep, thorough and soothing cleanse at the same time.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'Featuring the brand's signature Barrier Lipid Complex, as well as moringa seed oil, olive fruit oil and squalene, this oil-to-milk cleanser melts away all traces of makeup, SPF and daily build- up, all the while supporting skin barrier function. It feels instantly soothing and works hard to cleanse without stripping the skin in any way. Plus, I'm a huge fan of the packaging which stands out on the bathroom shelf.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'The formula fuses the very best organic and botanical ingredients, like brightening liquorice root, pigmentation-busting plankton extract, and soothing ylang ylang oil, to help improve the overall quality of your complexion while nourishing and softening the skin. The texture of this cleansing oil is both creamy and light, meaning it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry nor weighed down in any way - ideal if you have combination skin like me. My only qualm is the smell - I'm not a huge fan of ylang ylang. That said, this cleansing oil goes big on being organic and clean, hence why you won't find animal extracts, artificial colourants, or irritants such as fruit acids, lanoline, mineral oils, parabens, or phtalates. The result? A cleansing product that prevents skin irritation.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'This innovative hybrid cleanser goes from jelly to oil as you rub it in, which makes it much easier to apply - no runny oily mess here – and the pump helps, too. It boasts in a whopping nine luxe oils, including kalahari melon, baobab, sunflower and castor oils, which all work to condition skin while you cleanse, as well as uplifting bergamot and softening shea butter. Each ingredient helps to dislodge all types of make-up including waterproof and longwear. While the product is scented, I felt that the intentional combination of rosemary, clary, bergamot, orange and grapefruit was spa-like and grounding.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'Loaded with jojoba and sunflower seed oil, as well as vitamin E and Japanese peony extract, this antioxidant and vitamin-rich cleanser features a lightwight, cushion-like formula that glides over my skin with ease, leaving behind a soft radiance. It gets to work on make-up (both waterproof and long wearing formulas) with little fuss as well as daily residue, while maintaining my skin's moisture balance, so I never walk away feeling stripped, tight or dry. The clever combination of ingredients means it won't cause breakouts or clog pores, and it even works across all skin types, from oily to sensitive.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'Soothing centella asiatica, also known as tiger grass – an essential plant in traditional Korean medicine – is the super-ingredient in this botanical oil-rich formula that transforms into a milky texture when it comes into contact with water. Despite its cleansing power, this oil is surprisingly light and gentle on my skin. It doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue, which is a major plus for me, and does a great job of keeping my skin feeling soothed and comfortable. My only gripe is that the brand recommends double cleansing with its Centella Cleansing Gel, which doesn't bode well for those who don't enjoy double cleansing or buying and using multiple cleansers at once.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'A luxurious option that always feels like a treat. Bursting with vitamins and omega fatty acids, this blend of Japanese camellia oil (a rich source of vitamins A, B, D, and E, as well as nourishing omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9) and the brand's proprietary complex of rice, green tea, and algae Hadasei-3™, is a fool-proof pick. It really does take care of your skin,
leaving it balanced with a few quick swipes. Suitable for all skin types, it left my combination, acne-prone complexion feeling more plump, petal-soft and deeply hydrated. While I had do go in twice for a thorough cleanse, I didn't mind given the gentle and luxe feel of the formula.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'A matrix of skin-hugging ingredients, like vitamin E-rich safflower oil, omega-6 and moringa extract, make this a treat for skin that is exposed to daily free radical damage from city living. I have sensitive and very reactive skin, but thanks to its clever formula and silky oil-to-milk texture, I found this cleansing oil to be gentle and soothing yet thorough - meaning almost every scrap of make-up and build-up appeared to have quickly dissolved with a quick buffing of the skin. However the brand does recommend this as a first step to double cleansing, so I often went in with another round of cleansing. The pump packaging makes it very user-friendly, too.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I apply this directly onto dry skin and massage it in to see its magic at play. The lightweight formula, laden with sugarcane-derived squalene and eight antioxidant-rich plant derived oils and extracts, quickly dislodges long lasting make-up while leaving skin pillow-soft and radiant. I found it very comfortable on the skin and loved the sustained glow it left behind post-wash. it's no wonder this is backed by the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Jonathan Van Ness.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'This trusty little bottle is rich in grape seed, jojoba seed, avocado and plum kernel oils to nourish and condition, while ceramides maintain moisture and bisabolol keeps skin feeling comfy. As with the rest of Benefit's POREfessional range, this cleansing oil gets to work on your pores (obv) by unclogging and unblocking them whether it's make-up and build-up, and helps the skin to look and feel fresh, clean and healthy. I loved its featherweight, silky smooth feel, and definitely felt my skin looked more tone and even over time. I find I don't need to double cleanse with this.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I don't believe I've used a cleansing oil as good as this, so it's safe to say this one takes the top spot in my line up. With heartleaf at its core - one of Korea's most formidable anti-inflammatory and anti-bacteria skincare heroes - this oil cleanses while soothing, fortifying and balancing the skin. It has worked brilliantly on my acne, with no irritation or new breakouts in sight, and does a very good job of dissolving dirt and daily grime. While it is good alone, the cleanser is taken to new heights when paired with the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, £13, which work together like a dream.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'This cleanser strikes the perfect balance; it's not too light, nor too heavy. Its emulsification process is impressive, effectively lifting off my SPF and light daily make-up without leaving a greasy film on my skin. Its very minimal ingredients list (always a good thing) is packed with 95% naturally derived ingredients, including olive, sunflower, jojoba and macadamia seed oils, but the real star of the show is rice bran oil, which is naturally rich in antioxidants and does a lot to nourish the skin and improve the look of dark spots.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'While strolling through a French pharmacy, I stumbled upon the Caudalie Vinoclean Cleansing Oil. What caught my eye immediately was its perfect Yuka score, emphasising its clean ingredients. This cleansing oil boasts 100% natural origin ingredients (think almond and castor oils), making it a great choice for those seeking a gentle yet effective choice, so much so it works well on all skin types including those prone to redness. The oil itself has a light, milky texture that feels luxurious on the skin. It effortlessly dissolves all types of make-up, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'Just like its cult classic Elemis Cleansing Balm, this oil cleanser expertly melts away make-up and impurities without irritating my eyes. I’ve only started using Elemis products recently and I can finally see why people love them. You only need two pumps of the oil to remove all make-up so the bottle lasts ages. With a blend of 90% natural oils including winter rose and chia seed oils, and antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract restores the skin and replenishes its moisture barrier. It is an especially good option come winter months.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'if you're after a cleansing oil that is quick and easy to use without the faff of a greasy residue, look to this.The Clinique Cleansing Oil effortlessly removes stubborn mascara, making make-up removal a breeze. Plus, its nourishing formula leaves skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after each use. It’s a must-have for anyone seeking a gentle yet effective cleansing experience - especially if you have very dry to oily skin. It delivers every time.'

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'This does a fantastic job of removing make-up, daily grime and SPF, and it leaves my skin feeling fresh and renewed. Enriched with 100% natural ingredients, it is super gentle but effective thanks to its key ingredient: Rosehip, which contains anti-inflammatory fatty acids and vitamins A and C that help to regenerate the skin, while treating signs of aging as well as hyperpigmentation, tone and texture. It was especially good at keeping my acne in check, which is all down to its sting-free, sensitive skin-friendly formula.'