Carrier Oil For Cleansing & Makeup Removal

The Magic of Oil Cleansing: How to Use Carrier Oils as a Makeup Cleanser

Oil cleansing is a natural, gentle, and effective way to remove makeup and impurities from your skin without the need for harsh chemicals. Using carrier oils as a makeup remover is a simple yet luxurious addition to your skincare routine, helping keep skin clean, balanced, and nourished. Here, we’ll explore why oil cleansing works, how to choose the best carrier oil for your skin type, and tips to get the most out of your oil cleansing routine.

Why Oil Cleansing Works

The concept behind oil cleansing is rooted in the principle that "like dissolves like." Oils can effectively dissolve the excess oil on your skin, helping to remove dirt, impurities, and even waterproof makeup without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture. Traditional cleansers can sometimes leave your skin feeling tight or dry, but oil cleansing preserves the skin's hydration while still providing a thorough cleanse.

Carrier oils also offer a range of nourishing benefits, including vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that help soothe and balance your skin. Because carrier oils are typically non-comedogenic (they don’t clog pores), they’re a gentle option for a variety of skin types—even those prone to breakouts!

How to Oil Cleanse with a Carrier Oil

Ready to give it a try? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to oil cleansing:

Step 1: Apply the Oil

Start with dry hands and a dry face. Pour a small amount of your chosen carrier oil into your palm (about a teaspoon). Or use a dripulator to drop them in place. Gently massage the oil onto your face, focusing on areas with makeup or where you tend to accumulate oil and impurities. The oil will help dissolve any makeup, sunscreen, or dirt on the skin's surface.

Step 2: Massage and Let the Oil Work Its Magic

Take a minute to massage the oil in small, circular motions. This step not only helps dissolve makeup but also stimulates blood circulation, which can improve your skin’s glow. You can even leave the oil on your face for a minute or two to let it work more deeply on stubborn makeup or impurities.

Step 3: Remove the Oil

Dampen a soft washcloth with warm water (not too hot!) and gently wipe the oil from your face. The warmth will help open up your pores, allowing the oil to cleanse thoroughly. You may need to rinse the washcloth and wipe a couple of times until all the oil is removed.

Step 4: Optional Double Cleanse

If you’re prone to oiliness or breakouts, you might choose to follow up with a mild water-based cleanser to ensure no residue is left on your skin. This step can leave your skin feeling completely fresh and clean, especially if you’ve worn heavier makeup.

I honestly don’t know what I did before I learned that oil removes everything!

Scrubbed & scrubbed away with soaps & cleansers that dried out my skin & hurt my eyes? Oil cleansing is so simple, so effective & so inexpensive!

Oh & let’s not forget face wipes free so zero waste!

Here I’m using passionfruit seed oil because I love the smell, but pretty much any oil that suits your skin type will do the trick, try olive oil from your kitchen! Not just for removing makeup, oil cleansing is excellent for both your morning & evening skincare routine, made up or not. 

Benefits of Using Carrier Oils as Makeup Cleansers

Using carrier oils for makeup removal and cleansing offers many unique benefits that traditional cleansers don’t always provide:

  • Hydrates as It Cleanses
    Oil cleansing leaves your skin soft and hydrated, unlike foaming cleansers that can strip the skin’s natural oils. The result? Clean, glowing skin without that uncomfortable, tight feeling.

  • Gentle on All Skin Types
    Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, there’s a carrier oil suitable for you. The process is gentle, avoiding the need for harsh or drying ingredients commonly found in some skin cleansers.

Tips for Successful Oil Cleansing

  1. Patch Test First
    Before starting an oil-cleansing routine, do a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the oil.

  2. Use Clean Washcloths
    Always use a clean washcloth to remove the oil. Reusing washcloths without washing can lead to a buildup of bacteria, which might counteract the benefits of your skincare routine.

  3. Experiment to Find Your Perfect Blend
    You may find that your skin loves a blend of oils rather than a single oil. Feel free to experiment and create a custom mix that best suits your skin type and preferences.

  4. Be Patient
    As with any new skincare routine, it may take a little time for your skin to adjust. Give it a few weeks to see the full benefits of oil cleansing.

Carrier oils make an amazing alternative to traditional makeup removers and cleansers, offering both cleansing power and skin-nourishing benefits. This natural, customisable approach to skincare has the added benefit of being incredibly gentle and effective for all skin types. Plus, it’s as simple as choosing the right oil and enjoying a little facial massage at the end of the day. Embrace the world of oil cleansing and let your skin enjoy the benefits of this nourishing, natural method. Give it a try! Arohanui 💚