Oil Cleansing Method: Claims Checked
Oil cleansing means washing your face with oil. Here is what dermatology sources and small trials show about acne, dry skin, castor and olive blends, makeup removal, and who should be careful.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
The "oil cleansing method" (OCM) is a simple idea. You rub a plant oil, or a blend of oils, over your dry face. Then you wipe or rinse it off, often with a warm cloth. Fans say it dissolves dirt and makeup, "balances" your skin and clears pores. This page checks those claims against what dermatology groups and published studies say. The short version: oil does remove oily makeup and sunscreen well, but we found no trial of the do-it-yourself method itself, and the popular claims go far beyond the evidence.
Read this first
- We found no controlled trial of the home-made oil cleansing method (plain oils or oil blends used as a face wash). Proper evidence not found in the sources we read. What does exist are small studies of ready-made cleansing oils, bath oils and single oils left on the skin, and these do not carry over to a kitchen blend.
- The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) page on oily skin says not to use oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers, because they can irritate the skin. Its general face-washing page asks for a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser applied with the fingertips, not a washcloth. [1][2]
- Olive oil is a poor pick for the face if you have dry skin or eczema: in a small adult study it weakened the skin's outer layer and caused mild redness, while sunflower oil did not. [8]
- Castor oil can cause allergic skin reactions in rare cases, and a review lists contact dermatitis among its rare side effects. No study we read tested castor and olive oil blended as a cleanser. [10][11]
- If you wear contact lenses, a lab study found that some silicone hydrogel lenses soaked up a cleansing oil. Keep oil away from the eyes and lenses. [9]
- Test any new oil on a small patch first. See patch testing natural oils and butters.
What oil cleansing is
In the home version, you massage a plain oil (or a mix, often castor oil plus a "carrier" oil such as olive, jojoba or sunflower) onto dry skin for a minute or two. Then you take it off with a damp, warm cloth. Ready-made products work on the same idea. A cleansing oil or cleansing balm is an oil base with added surfactants (soap-like ingredients), so that it turns milky and rinses away with water. One lab study used a cosmetic cleansing oil that contained mineral oil and a surfactant. [9]That difference matters. A pure oil has no added surfactant to help it rinse off, so it is usually wiped away. A formulated cleansing oil is designed to wash off cleanly. Results for one do not tell you about the other.
What dermatology sources say
| Source | What it says | What it does not say |
|---|---|---|
| AAD, "How to control oily skin" [2] | Choose "oil free" and "noncomedogenic" products; do not use oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers, which can irritate. Use a mild foaming wash up to twice a day and after sweating. | It gives no trial for this advice on the page. |
| AAD, "Face washing 101" [1] | A gentle, non-abrasive cleanser without alcohol; use fingertips because a washcloth or sponge can irritate. | It does not discuss oil cleansers. |
| AAD, habits that worsen acne [3] | Skin and hair products with oil or other pore-clogging ingredients can cause breakouts; scrubbing and washing too often make acne worse; remove makeup every night. | It does not rate any one oil. |
| AAD, rosacea tips [4] | Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser (not soap) with the fingertips; test new products first. | It does not mention oils. |
| DermNet NZ, "Soaps and cleansers" [5] | Syndets (synthetic detergent bars and washes) cause less dryness and irritation than soap. Over-washing damages the skin barrier. Acne-prone people should look for "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic" products. | It does not discuss cleansing oils directly. |
In plain words: the main dermatology groups we read do not endorse oil cleansing, and for oily or acne-prone skin the AAD leans against it. None of these pages is a trial, so this is expert guidance rather than proof. For why "non-comedogenic" and the 0 to 5 oil ratings are shaky, see comedogenic ratings checked.
Claims checked
| Claim | What the sources show |
|---|---|
| "Like dissolves like: oil dissolves the oil (sebum) in your pores." | Partly true for greasy makeup and sunscreen on the skin surface. In a 20-person study, after washing, 54% of non-waterproof and 59% of waterproof sunscreen remained with water alone. With a foaming cleanser it was 16% and 37%, and with a cleansing oil it was 13% and 6%. [6] That is a ready-made cleansing oil, not a home blend, and the study was small. We found no study showing that oil "pulls out" the contents of pores or blackheads. Surfactant cleansers also lift oils and dirt off the skin. [5][7] |
| "It balances your skin / stops your skin overproducing oil." | Proper evidence not found. The AAD says harsh washing may trigger more oil production, but that is about harsh products. [2] Nothing we read tested oil cleansing against oil production. |
| "It clears acne." | Proper evidence not found. The AAD advises acne-prone people to avoid pore-clogging oils and oil-based cleansers, and says oil-containing skin products can cause breakouts. [2][3] |
| "It is gentler, so it suits dry or eczema-prone skin." | Some support, but only for ready-made products. In 35 women with mild facial atopic dermatitis, switching to a cleansing oil that needed less rubbing for 4 weeks was followed by less dryness, redness and itch. There was no control group, and the oil was a formulated product. [12] A 60-person trial of a bath oil found less water loss through the skin than usual non-oil cleansers over 28 days. [13] Neither trial tested a kitchen oil. |
| "Rubbing with a hot cloth is part of the method." | The AAD warns that washcloths can irritate and scrubbing worsens acne. [1][3] In the eczema study above, hard rubbing to remove makeup was seen as a factor that may worsen the skin. [12] |
| "Castor oil is the key ingredient that cleans." | We found no trial of castor oil as a cleanser. A 2026 narrative review says castor oil has been added to formulas to help cleansing with fewer irritant effects, and that it needs more clinical research. [10] |
| "Natural oils are safer than cleansers." | "Natural" is not a safety test. Olive oil damaged the skin barrier in a small adult study. [8] Plant oils can also cause allergy (see below). DIY eye-area recipes from blogs were found to have imprecise amounts, unsuitable ingredients and poor preservation. [14] |
Castor oil and olive oil blends
Many recipes mix castor oil with olive oil, then change the ratio for "oily" or "dry" skin. Here is what we found.- Blend studies: none. We searched for trials of castor and olive oil as a face cleanser and found none. Proper evidence not found.
- Olive oil on its own: in two forearm studies of 19 adults, olive oil used twice a day for 4 to 5 weeks reduced the strength of the skin's outer layer and caused mild redness. Sunflower seed oil did not, and also improved hydration. The authors advised against olive oil for dry skin and baby massage. The study was small and not a face-wash study. [8] A 2025 trial of 54 adults found that extra virgin olive oil on the forearm raised hydration and lowered redness, but petrolatum did more for barrier function. [15] The two trials point in different directions, and both used oil left on the skin, so neither tells you about a blend that is wiped off.
- Castor oil: a narrative review says rare side effects are contact dermatitis and hair felting. [10] A 2025 case report describes allergic contact dermatitis from castor oil in dressings, and a 1981 report describes contact allergy to a treated form, sulfonated castor oil. [11][16] Reports like these are rare and tell us nothing about how often it happens. People with a known castor allergy should avoid it.
- Swallowing: castor oil is a strong laxative when swallowed; see castor oil safety, swallowing and labor claims. Keep a face oil away from the mouth and children.
We could not find a source that supports a "right ratio" of castor to olive oil for any skin type, so we do not give one.
Makeup, sunscreen and the eye area
- Makeup and sunscreen: oil does well here. In the 20-person study, a cleansing oil removed waterproof sunscreen far better than water or a foaming cleanser, and fewer people reported dry skin after the oil (1 person) than after the cleanser (8). [6] The authors asked for studies on other products.
- The eye area: the AAD asks people to be gentle with eye-area skin and not pull. [1] In a lab test, a cleansing oil with mineral oil and surfactant was absorbed by four of seven silicone hydrogel contact-lens brands, whether wet or dry. [9] A report on eye cosmetics says they can affect the surface of the eye, but the abstract we read does not mention oils. [17] Home recipes for eye-area products were judged unsafe by the authors of a 275-recipe analysis, because of poor preservation and unsuitable ingredients. [14] If you have eye irritation, dry eye or lid problems, ask an eye doctor before putting oil near your eyes.
- Coconut oil versus mineral oil versus balm: we searched and found no human trial comparing them as cleansers. Proper evidence not found. See coconut oil as a carrier and coconut oil on the skin.
Facial oil versus a surfactant cleanser
| Plain oil used as a cleanser | Ready-made cleansing oil or balm | Surfactant (foaming) cleanser or syndet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it cleans | Oil mixes with oily dirt and makeup; you wipe it off | Oil plus surfactants, so it rinses with water | Surfactants lift oil and dirt into water [7] |
| Rinses off cleanly | Wiped, not rinsed | Designed to | Yes |
| Evidence in people | None found for the home method | Small trials of products (sunscreen removal, mild facial eczema) [6][12] | Better studied; syndets irritate less than soap [5][7] |
| Dermatology advice | AAD: avoid oil-based cleansers if skin is oily [2] | Not addressed in the AAD pages we read | AAD: gentle, non-abrasive, alcohol-free [1] |
Which one is "best" depends on the skin and what you are removing. For ordinary daily washing, the sources we read favor a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Oil or a balm may help when you wear heavy waterproof makeup or sunscreen. Dermatology groups do not call oil cleansing a replacement for a gentle wash.
Who should be careful
- Acne-prone or oily skin: the AAD says not to use oil-based cleansers and warns that pore-clogging oils in products can cause breakouts. [2][3]
- Rosacea: the AAD page asks for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, no scrubbing and a patch test for new products. [4] It does not mention oils. Rubbing with a hot cloth and fragrant oils are things to think twice about.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): a cleansing oil product helped some women with mild facial eczema in one uncontrolled study. [12] Olive oil damaged the skin barrier in adults in another study, and the authors warned against it for dry skin. [8] A review of basic moisturizers for eczema found them safe and effective for dryness, but did not test a DIY cleanser. [18]
- Nut, seed and food allergy: an editorial warns that food-based ingredients in skin products may raise the chance of sensitization when the skin barrier is damaged, as in eczema, though many common food ingredients have low allergy rates. [19] If you have a tree-nut, peanut, sesame or seed allergy, check the oil's source plant first and talk to your allergist. See check before you use natural oils and butters.
- Contact lens wearers and anyone with eye problems: see the eye-area section above. [9]
- Babies: the olive oil study's authors advised against it for infant massage. [8] See natural oils for baby skin and massage.
Patch testing and rancidity
Before using a new oil on your face, put a small amount on a small patch of skin (for example the inner forearm), cover as the patch-test page describes, and watch for redness, itching or swelling. See patch testing natural oils and butters. A patch test checks for skin allergy or irritation, not for clogged pores. We did not read a source on how long home-made oil blends keep; see rancidity, shelf life and storage of natural oils. Stop if your skin burns, itches, breaks out or swells, and see a clinician if it does not settle.Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Does the oil cleansing method work?
It removes oily makeup and sunscreen well when the product is a ready-made cleansing oil. In a 20-person study, a cleansing oil removed waterproof sunscreen better than water or a foaming cleanser. [6] We found no trial of the home-made method, and no evidence for claims about balancing skin or clearing pores.
Is oil cleansing good for acne?
Proper evidence not found. The AAD advises people with oily skin not to use oil-based cleansers and says oil in skin products can cause breakouts for some people. [2][3]
Is a castor oil and olive oil mix safe for my face?
We found no study of that blend. Olive oil weakened the skin barrier in a small adult study, and castor oil can rarely cause contact dermatitis. [8][10] Do a patch test, and skip it if you have eczema, dry skin or a castor or olive allergy.
Can I use oil to remove eye makeup?
A cleansing oil removed waterproof sunscreen well in one small study. [6] Oil can also be absorbed by some contact lenses, and DIY eye-area recipes were judged unsafe in an analysis of 275 recipes. [9][14] Ask an eye doctor if your eyes are irritated.
What is the difference between oil cleansing and using a cleanser?
A cleanser has surfactants that lift dirt into water so you can rinse it away. [7] Plain oil has no added surfactant and is wiped off. A ready-made cleansing oil has both. The AAD recommends a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser for daily washing. [1]
References
- American Academy of Dermatology, Face washing 101. Read 2026-10-24.
- American Academy of Dermatology, How to control oily skin. Read 2026-10-24.
- American Academy of Dermatology, 10 skin care habits that can worsen acne. Read 2026-10-24.
- American Academy of Dermatology, 7 rosacea skin care tips dermatologists recommend. Read 2026-10-24.
- DermNet NZ, Soaps and cleansers. Read 2026-10-24.
- Chen W, He M, Xie L, Li L, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2020, The optimal cleansing method for the removal of sunscreen: water, cleanser or cleansing oil?. Read 2026-10-24.
- Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP, Molecules 2022, Skin cleansing without or with compromise: soaps and syndets. Read 2026-10-24 (first 100,000 characters; authors are from a skincare company).
- Danby SG et al., Pediatric Dermatology 2013, Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Read 2026-10-24.
- Tsukiyama J et al., Eye and Contact Lens 2017, Cosmetic cleansing oil absorption by soft contact lenses in dry and wet conditions. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Girdler K et al., Cureus 2026, Use of castor oil in dermatology: a narrative review. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Delgado-Prada A et al., Contact Dermatitis 2025, Allergic contact dermatitis triggered by castor oil-containing dressings. Read 2026-10-24 (record only; no abstract).
- Hosokawa K et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2021, Rubbing the skin when removing makeup cosmetics is a major factor that worsens skin conditions in atopic dermatitis patients. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Kottner J et al., International Journal of Nursing Studies 2017, The effectiveness of using a bath oil to reduce signs of dry skin: a randomized controlled pragmatic study. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Couteau C, Girard E, Coiffard L, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2022, Analysis of 275 DIY recipes for eye cosmetics and their possible safety issues. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Rubio-Santoyo A et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025, Effects of extra virgin olive oil and petrolatum on skin barrier function and microtopography. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Fisher LB, Berman B, Contact Dermatitis 1981, Contact allergy to sulfonated castor oil. Read 2026-10-24 (record only; no abstract).
- Sullivan DA et al., The Ocular Surface 2023, TFOS Lifestyle: impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Wollenberg A, Barbarot S, Torrelo A, International Journal of Dermatology 2025, Basic emollients for xerosis cutis in atopic dermatitis: a review of clinical studies. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- O'Connor M, Lio P, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 2026, Feeding the skin? Foods in personal care products and the risk of allergy. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract; editorial, no original data).
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.