Ethereal Cleansing Oil

Our first-ever oil cleanser is here, Angels. After almost 50 iterations, Ethereal was created by our Head of Product and co-founder, Joyce de Lemos, from her dream of being able to wipe away waterproof makeup and sunscreen in seconds. How did it become reality? And why is another kind of cleanser necessary? Let’s get into it.

What is an oil cleanser?

You may have heard the phrase “like dissolves like”. An oil cleanser is exactly what it sounds like—a facial cleanser made up of emollient oils that break down other oils found in makeup and sunscreen, making them easier to remove. Oil cleansers also work hard on dirt and other daily impurities. Unlike traditional foaming cleansers, oil cleansers are typically applied to dry skin and then emulsified with water—breaking down and then rinsing away dirt, makeup, etc. Most oil cleansers require a double cleanse, and should be followed up by a water-based cleanser like Baptism.

Water-based cleansers work differently—their cleansing agents dissolve away water-based products, like the components of daily makeup and sunscreen. They also typically work to clarify pores. Formulated with glycerin, Baptism specifically hydrates the skin while it cleanses, leaving it plump and bare.

The benefits of oil cleansing

Using an oil cleanser can have many perks, and contrary to what you may have heard, they don’t only apply to certain skin types. Let’s debunk something right away: oily and acne-prone skin types do not need to avoid oil cleansers. In fact, they can benefit from them. Here’s a breakdown:

Oily and acne-prone skin: Oil cleansers can help break down excess sebum (the oily substance naturally produced by your skin) and other impurities that can clog pores and eventually lead to breakouts.

Dry skin: Oil cleansers effectively remove impurities without stripping the skin, so dry skin types aren’t left with a disrupted barrier.

Sensitive skin: Unless formulated with harsh ingredients (like fragrance ingredients), oil cleansers are typically safe for sensitive or redness-prone skin. An oil cleanser may not be safe for sensitive skin if it is made of a single oil, or if it lacks surfactants and emulsifiers. 

For all skin types, oil cleansers are tough on impurities while remaining easy on the skin—they glide across it without friction keeping skin soothed and maintained.

Why Ethereal Cleansing Oil?

Our newest formula includes all of the benefits mentioned above, and then some. To start, Ethereal doesn’t just have a powerful formula, it has a concentrated one. That means that with Ethereal, more comes off with less. And according to 90.9% of makeup wearers, Ethereal dissolved makeup in under 30 seconds (in a 2 week consumer perception study of 23 panelists).

Unlike many other oil cleansers, Ethereal leaves zero residue behind, making double cleansing optional, not necessary. This means Ethereal could be your only cleanser, created with ingredients that leave skin cleansed, soft, and ready for the rest of your routine

These unique elements of the formula come from its hero ingredients:

Instant Dissolve Complex: two emollient oils that easily spread to dissolve stubborn waterproof makeup, sunscreen, & impurities preventing tugging and allowing for a fast, deep cleanse.

Double Cleanse Emulsifier Complex: a water-loving, emulsifying duo that rinses impurities away without the telltale “film” left behind by traditional oil cleansers, revealing soft skin.

How to Use Ethereal Cleansing Oil

Okay, so you’re sold. Here’s how to use Ethereal to maximize its effectiveness:

1. Morning and/or night, thoroughly massage 1-2 pumps of Ethereal onto a dry face to visibly break down makeup and impurities.

2. Add water to your hands and continue massaging to slip impurities away.

3. Rinse, pat dry, and proceed with your routine.

Or, if you’re interested in additional pore-clarifying and hydrating benefits, follow up your oil cleanse with Baptism, our Gentle Foaming Gel Cleanser, in either the fragranced or fragrance-free version.

Make Ethereal part of a ritual

We know how important it is to find product combinations you love. Pair Ethereal Cleansing Oil with a moisturizer (and during the day, a sunscreen) that aligns with your skin type, skin goals, and the season. We recommend our bestselling Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Firming Moisturizer for those with normal, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, or those in drier climates. Instant Angel firms the skin, smooths fine lines & wrinkles, nourishes the skin barrier, and immediately boosts glow. If your skin is oilier or more acne prone, or you live in a humid climate, try Air Angel Peptide Plumping Gel Cream for a lighter feel with tons of hydration. Air Angel delivers immediate and 12-hour hydration and plumps fine lines without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

No matter how you approach your skin routine, there’s a place for oil cleanser in it, and we can’t wait to see how you like Ethereal.