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Adding oil cleansing into your routine is not just an alternative way to cleanse. It makes skin supple, more even, and reduces signs of aging. Oil is massaged into skin exactly as you would when cleansing. More than refining pores, the oil reaches skin’s deeper cellular levels for lasting nourishment, something a normal cleanser can’t do (even our beloved raw honey).

But if you’ve ever googled oil cleansing, chances are you came across something involving olive or coconut oil and a warm wash cloth. Don’t do that. I tried for years and it always made things worse. The key is completing the routine post cleanse. Read our how-to and best oils for each skin type below.

HOW TO OIL CLEANSE (THE RIGHT WAY)

Cleanse

Add approximately 1/2 dropper of oil to fingertips.
Rub fingertips together to warm the oil in your hands.
Apply oil directly to a dry face, and begin to massage in the oil, using upward circular motions, as you would wash your face.
Cleanse/massage until oil feels well absorbed, and surface feels cleaner and supple with any dirt/oil broken down.

Tone

Here is where the internet fails: it is crucial to tone skin after you oil cleanse- especially if you had makeup on prior to cleansing. This step removes all remaining dirt and excess sebum, clearing pores and avoiding buildup.

Saturate cotton pad and smooth over face and neck, pressing to remove any excess oil and dirt that remains. I recommend our No. 7 Hydrating Toner or rosewater / hydrosol of choice.

Hydrate

Follow with facial oil or moisturizer as normal; use slightly less than usual since the oil has already penetrated.

The Oils

You can cleanse with any of our facial oil serums, or use your own.

Use the guides below to choose an oil based on your skin type:

Argan: all skin types. Especially good for dry and sensitive skin. A favorite for oil cleansing.

Jojoba: all skin types. Best for blemish-prone and oily skin types.

Avocado: all skin types. Especially good for extremely dry and dehydrated skin and normal skin types.

Rosehip Seed: great for mature skin or skin that tends to be dull, lifeless and needs an extra boost. *Not recommended for blemish-prone skin.

Evening Primrose: excellent for blemish-prone and oily skin that often feels dull and needs extra care. Also helpful for mature skin. *Not recommended during pregnancy.

Sunflower: all skin types. Especially good for sensitive, normal, delicate and mature skin. This oil is on the dry side.

Grapeseed: good for normal and oily skin types.

Another awesome resource: Mountain Rose Herbs

Oil Recap by Skin Type

Dry Skin: argan, avocado, rosehip seed, grapeseed.

Oily Skin: jojoba, argan, grapeseed, evening primrose.

Blemish-Prone Skin: evening primrose, jojoba, argan.

Normal Skin: argan, sunflower, grapeseed, jojoba.

Sensitive Skin: jojoba, sunflower, argan, avocado.

Mature Skin: rosehip seed, argan, avocado, evening primrose, sunflower.

How to Oil Cleanse (the Right Way)