Cleansing oils

The basis of every daily skin care routine is washing with warm water and a cleansing product.

A cleansing oil is particularly mild because after the oil has been washed off, a light film of oil remains on the skin. Cleansing oils are therefore considered to be particularly gentle on the skin. Another advantage of the products: the oils do not sting the eyes when removing make-up.

Are there any disadvantages?

Some consumers do not feel “clean” due to the slight film of oil that remains on the skin. Often, a second cleansing step is then taken, for example with a mild cleansing gel. This method is also known as “double cleansing”. Another disadvantage, besides the greasy film in the bathroom, is that “it takes quite a bit of time to apply”.

How does oil cleansing work?

The oil is applied to the cleaned palms and then applied to dry skin and gently massaged in. After that,  hands are then moistened with water and the oil is massaged in further. The contact with water can create a slightly milky consistency.

However, there are a variety of products and methods for removing dirt particles from the day or make-up residues from the facial skin, including washing gel, cleansing milk and cleansing oil. A real trend has developed around cleansing with oil, which is mainly discussed by consumers on social media, for example on the Tiktok platform.

But what exactly is oil cleansing?

The principle of oil cleansing is actually quite simple: oil acts as a solvent during cleansing. “Fat dissolves fat”. This is why oil is particularly good at dissolving fatty substances such as sun cream or excess sebum from the skin. Oil cleansing is also useful for skin with make-up on it, especially waterproof and therefore fat-soluble make-up.

What are the advantages of cleansing with oil?

In addition to cleaning the pores and removing make-up, cleansing with oil also has a degreasing effect.

After cleansing, the face should be gently dried and not rubbed too hard, so that the nourishing properties of the oil are retained on the skin. Dermatologist Lämmerhirt advises to do the oil cleansing in the evening and at most once a day.

What skin types are cleansing oils suitable for?

Depending on various factors, cleansing oils are suitable for both dry and oily skin. They cleanse dry skin particularly gently and also have a lipid-replenishing effect. For normal to oily skin, other positive properties such as the gentle removal of excess sebum come into play.

For people with oily skin, aggressive washing gels that strip the skin of a lot of oil can actually stimulate the skin’s own sebum production, which can lead to inflammation. However, it is important to pay attention to the degree of comedogenicity. This indicates whether and to what extent an oil can clog the sebaceous glands. Coconut and palm oil are considered unfavorable in this respect. People with sensitive skin should also use mild, well-tolerated oils without fragrance. This is because some essential oils can have an allergenic effect or irritate the skin. Jojoba oil is considered to be particularly well tolerated. Sunflower oil, which is found in large quantities, is also very well tolerated.

So what should I look out for when choosing a cleansing oil?

In addition to the factors of comedogenicity and skin compatibility, the suitability for each skin type – for care or for cleansing – is an important aspect. While jojoba oil is a real all-rounder, almond oil is the first choice for sensitive skin. For oily skin, dermatologists recommend grape seed oil, while argan oil is particularly suitable for the care of mature skin. The quality of the oils is also crucial: cold-pressed and organic are ideal – and this should also be stated on the packaging. In addition, you have to make sure that an oil is actually suitable for skin care, i.e. that it is pure enough.

Cleansing oils are real all-rounders

Facial cleansing oils dry out the skin less than water-based washing gels and the fat they contain is said to have nourishing properties.

Nevertheless, it is important to check the INCI list, because they may contain less recommendable polyethylene glycols and their derivatives (PEG/PEG derivatives). These substances often serve as emulsifiers for mixing water and oil and as washing-active substances, so-called surfactants.

Unfortunately, the ancient antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is still frequently found in products. According to the ECHA, it has negative effects on the hormone system and on fertility. In our opinion, PEG/PEG derivatives and synthetic polymers have no place in cleansing oils either.

Oil blends have a significantly longer shelf life than cosmetics with a water content. However, to prevent the oils from going rancid so quickly, the mixture should be stored in a container that protects it from light. Pipette caps or pump dispensers are suitable for easy and precise dispensing. The latter have the added advantage that less oxygen reaches the oil, which can also lead to faster spoilage.

Summary of cleansing oils

In conclusion, it can be said that cleansing oils are an extremely effective and skin-friendly method of facial cleansing. They offer gentle but thorough cleansing that not only removes dirt and make-up but also cares for the skin and maintains its natural moisture balance. The increasing demand for high-quality, gentle cleansing products shows that more and more people are recognizing the advantages of these oils and incorporating them into their daily care routine.

Cosmacon has specialized in developing and producing excellent cleansing oils based on scientific findings and innovative formulas. Thanks to our in-depth expertise and the use of high-quality ingredients, our products are designed to meet the highest standards and to gently and optimally cleanse and care for the skin. Cosmacon offers individual, customized solutions for companies that want to offer their customers a modern, effective skin care product. Feel free to contact us.

Literature:

The optimal cleansing method for the removal of sunscreen:Water, cleanser or cleansing oil?

Chen W, He M, Xie L, Li L.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Jan;19(1):180-184

Excessive cleansing: an underestimating risk factor of rosacea in Chinese population.

Li G, Wang B, Zhao Z, Shi W, Jian D, Xie H, Huang Y, Li J.Arch Dermatol Res. 2021 May;313(4):225-234

The irritancy of soaps and syndets.

Strube DD, Nicoll G.Cutis. 1987 Jun;39(6):544-5.