Cleansing Oil Mythbusting: Common Misconceptions & What’s Actually True

The short answer: the idea that oily and acne-prone skin types should avoid oil cleansers is false. It reminds us of the conspiracy theories we debunked here, like the idea that oily skin types should avoid moisturization, which we (hopefully) now all know is fake news. In the same way that oily and acne-prone skin need deep moisture for overall health and barrier maintenance, and that moisturizing properly can balance sebum production rather than exacerbate it, those skin types can benefit from oil cleansing. Here’s the longer answer, and the “why” behind oil cleansing’s benefit across skin types via some mythbusting.

Myth #1: You should only double cleanse if you’re wearing makeup.

THE FACTS: Double cleansing is also the most effective way to remove sunscreen!

If you’re not familiar with double cleansing, it is what it sounds like: cleansing twice–first with an oil cleanser, then with a water-based cleanser. And yes, it’s helpful for people who wear full-beat, waterproof, or stubborn makeup, but the benefits don’t end there. Oil cleansing is highly effective in removing any oil-based substances. That means sunscreen, excess sebum, and impurities (like sweat and pollutants). So if, for example, you’re a runner who wears sunscreen and sweats daily but never wears a stitch of makeup, cleansing oil is very much still for you. 

Our cleansing oil, Ethereal, is unique in that its zero-residue formula makes double cleansing optional. That’s not the case with most other cleansing oils on the market! Pro tip: when cleansing with Ethereal only, once impurities have been broken down, be sure to rinse the product off your face until water runs clear. Your skin will be left residue-free, soft, and bouncy.

If you’re someone who would love a little extra pore clarifying, double cleansing with Baptism might be for you.

Myth #2: People with oily skin should stay away from oil-based skincare products.

THE FACTS: Oil cleansers dissolve excess sebum in oily skin types.

In science, there is a principle of “like dissolves like.” In this case, it means that oil-based products dissolve oil-based impurities. With that in mind, can you assume what happens on a chemical level when oily or acne-prone skin comes in contact with oil cleanser?

If you guessed that the oil cleanser works to remove excess sebum, dirt, pollution, and other oil-soluble buildup on the skin, you’re right.

When it comes to more oily skin types, excess oil production can actually be caused by a lack of moisture. Oil cleansers are a great way to remove makeup while leaving the skin balanced and not stripped. Also, many oil cleansers actually help to lift acne-causing and pore-clogging pollutants from the skin! 

Ethereal Cleansing Oil, for example, is non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, non-sensitizing, fragrance-free, and vegan. In a 28 day clinical study with 33 panelists, Ethereal was clinically proven to reduce blemishes and clogged pores.

Reminder: when using an oil cleanser like Ethereal, rinse off the product completely when you’re done using it to ensure its noncomedogenic effects.

Myth #3: Cleansing oils will irritate your eyes

THE FACTS: Ethereal Cleansing Oil is ophthalmologist-tested, safe for sensitive eyes, and safe for contact lens wearers.

Easiest one yet. If you’re sensitive to eye irritation, look out for formulas like Ethereal that are clinically tested to be safe to use around the eye area. We do recommend avoiding any direct contact with your eye, regardless of ocular safety. 

Myth #4: You can use any oil from your kitchen as a cleansing oil.

THE FACTS: Many cooking oils can be comedogenic, poorly formulated, or contaminated, leading to breakouts or irritation. Skincare-grade oils are processed and preserved for facial use.

As much as we’d love to promote the option for lower consumption in this category, cooking oils just don’t make the cut when it comes to skincare. While kitchen oils (like coconut oil or olive oil) are moisturizing, they are not ideal for cleansing due to their high comedogenicity (aka pore-clogging ability). These substances can actually do the opposite of cleanse–trapping dirt and oil, and leading to breakouts and irritation. Often more processed than skincare oils, kitchen oils can include contaminants we recommend avoiding on the face.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a makeup lover, someone who wears sunscreen every day (hopefully everyone), or someone who could use a powerful, deep cleanse of sebum and dirt, cleansing oil is right for your skin (no matter the skin type). 

Keep in mind that Ethereal Cleansing Oil is noncomedogenic, so although it uses oils to dissolve oils found on the skin from impurities, it is formulated with oily and acne-prone skin in mind. This ensures that your pores are left un-clogged and your skin is left residue-free, soft, and bouncy. Be sure to explore the rest of our product lineup for serums and moisturizers that play well with Ethereal, and our brand new Cleansing Duo bundle that pairs Baptism and Ethereal for the ultimate double cleanse, or cleansing options.