Why I Love Cleansing Oil

What it is cleansing oil?

Cleansing oil is an oil based of face cleanser / make up remover. As the name said, it has an oil-like texture and feel (but not like cooking oil kind of feeling!). Usually it consists of some beneficial oil (for example: olive oil, meadow foam oil, rose hip oil, etc), some other ingredients, and emulsifier (to make rinsing the oil much easier from your face).

Why cleansing oil?
A good cleansing oil can remove ALL of your make up (yeah including that waterproof mascara) and waterproof heavy-duty sunscreen - effortlessly and gently without leaving an oily feeling but also won't strip your skin's moisture. One rinse is usually all that I need to remove all that dirt from my face.



But I already have oily skin, won't cleansing oil make it worse?
Does water alone dissolve oil? No. Does oil dissolve oil? Yes, of course! I think the best way to remove make up and sunblock for those who have oily skin is by using a good cleansing oil, instead of a harsh cleanser. 
I personally have normal to dry skin, and I feel that cleansing oils are much gentler than normal make up remover and I don't need to rub my skin too much to use them.

How to Use Cleansing Oil
These are how I normally use my cleansing oils:
1. Dry your hand and face.
2. Pour an appropriate amount of the cleansing oil to your palm.
3. Spread and gently massage the oil to your face for few seconds
4. Wet your hand a little, and gently massage your face again. This is to emulsify the oil.
5. Gently and thoroughly rinse your face with lukewarm water.

What else do I need to know?
As far as I know, cleansing oil does NOT exfoliate your face or your dead skin cells. So you still need to exfoliate your face regularly using a mild scrub once a week.
If you don't use toner, it is best to double cleanse your face using a gentle facial foam or washing powder after using a cleansing oil. This also applies if you're using make up remover instead of cleansing oil. 
I don't believe in using facial wash ONLY to remove my sunblock/make up though. Usually those that are powerful enough are too drying and harsh for my skin. That's also why I prefer to use cleansing oil + gentle facial wash/scrub instead of just a harsh facial wash.
Also, as for all skincare products, it is important to understand what's inside your product (means the ingredients) and buy a trusted, gentle brand. Bad cleansing oils are the same as other bad skincare products : they spoil your skin.

My Favorite Cleansing Oils
Will try to review them separately someday, but for now I will just list them down:

1. FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil - SGD 33 for 120 ml

Image from www.fancl.com.sg

It cleanses gently and have this cushioning feeling when used. Never causes break out. Powerful but yet leaves my skin soft and moist afterwards. Never leave greasy residue. Also preservatives free. 

2. DHC Cleansing Oil - SGD 43 for 200 ml

Image from www.dhccare.com

Almost as good as FANCL mild cleansing oil, but a little bit less cushioning when massaged. It has a mild olive/rosemary smell which to me is pleasant. Cleanse very well, but sometimes leaves a slightly greasy residue. I always double cleanse no matter what cleansing oil I use, so this is not a problem at all. 

Cheaper cleansing oils which are also good enough (but still cannot beat my favorites above)
1. Kose Softymo White Cleansing Oil

Image from www.qqchic.com

2. Muji Sensitive Cleansing Oil

Image from www.muji.eu

So have you tried a cleansing oils before Do you love or hate them?
I would like to know your favorites too =)