Testing notes: “This cleanser is super gentle and has a lovely herbal scent. It instantly melts away my liquid eyeliner and mascara, which is the trickiest to remove,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “After rubbing the oil and feeling like a total greaseball, it only takes a little bit of splashing water to get everything cleared off my skin. Best of all, I don’t feel any tightness. It is very slippery, though, so be careful when pumping from the bottle.”
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
Dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, says that this rich oil cleanser is a favorite. “This is a great option if you want a more luxurious feel at a drugstore price point. I love the coconut esters and calming niacinamide,” he says.
Testing notes: “I use this cleansing oil if I’m looking to remove stubborn makeup or self-tanner on my face,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s great for sensitive areas because it also does a great job of soothing the redness around my nose. I love that it doesn’t break me out and that it has niacinamide—I already see a difference in the areas of my skin that are often dull and uneven toned. Bonus points: It can be used as a body wash too.”
Best Budget: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Original video from Brittany Loggins testing The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Dr. Garshick highly recommends this budget-friendly cleanser that turns from a balm into an oil during application. It’ll also “keep the skin hydrated and balanced thanks to squalane and lipids in the formula,” she says.
Testing notes: “As a rule, I’ve found that anything with squalane leaves my skin feeling plumped and moisturized,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins. “This face wash was no exception. At a good price point, it is super gentle and comes recommended by dermatologists. That said, if you’re looking to truly slough away mascara and hard-to-remove eye makeup, you may have to be diligent about double-cleansing with this one. It left a little eye makeup residue behind; however, it was easily removed with another once-over of the face wash. Overall, I’d definitely purchase again if only for the skin-cleaning component.”
Best for Combination Skin: YSE Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the YSE Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser
This shimmery golden bottle looks more like your favorite liquid illuminator than a makeup remover, but it’s actually a dermatologist-approved choice. “This effectively removes makeup and impurities while leaving the skin hydrated and soft,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s especially good for dry and combination skin types.” Formulated with squalane, a moisturizing ingredient proven safe for sensitive skin, as well as meadowfoam and camellia seed oils, it has a cushy gel-oil texture that melts into your skin. “My personal experience has been great, as it leaves my skin feeling clean but not tight,” she says.
Testing notes: “I’ll be honest, I was pretty floored that this shimmery formula would actually take my makeup off,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It looks nothing like any of the other oil cleansers in my collection—in fact, it looks more like a highlighter product. Despite its jarring consistency, it actually did its job in effectively removing all my makeup, and my skin felt super hydrated and glowy after I washed everything off. It didn’t even leave a trace of stubborn eyeliner or mascara; everything melted away. And the best part? It didn’t burn my eyes either.”
Best for Mature Skin: Tatcha The Camellia Oil 2-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Tatcha The Camellia Oil 2-in-1 Makeup Remover
This rich pick is a favorite of Dr. Garshick’s. “This luxurious formula contains camellia oil, which is packed with omega fatty acids and vitamins to soften and protect the skin while providing a deep cleanse,” she says. It also has green tea and algae, plus amino acids, which can help reduce redness and calm the skin.
Testing notes: “A lot of cleansing oils feel like they leave behind some oiliness, but this Tatcha one left my face squeaky clean,” says Glamour’s Calle. “I didn’t have to scrub my face raw either, which is great in the winter when my face feels more sensitive to the dry air. It’s extremely gentle and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and glowy.”
Best Luxury: Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser
Original video from Brittany Loggins testing the Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser
Truly worth the splurge, Khayutin loves this rich formula. “It’s packed with 100% natural botanical oils, and it doesn’t just cleanse, it literally pampers your skin the way skin care serums would. The heavier texture feels luxurious and is especially great for dry or dehydrated skin. It’s the perfect choice if you love the feeling of a truly nourishing cleanser that leaves skin ultrasoft.”
Testing notes: “I regret to inform you that this vitamin-C-based cleanser was everything I’d hoped and more—and my regret comes, obviously, from the price,” says Loggins. “That said, it was so thick and luxurious, and it helped makeup slide right off. It also left my skin feeling incredibly nourished and almost bouncy. I applied about a pump and a half; however, I think I could have made it with just one pump. I rubbed it into my skin before applying water, which helps break down eye makeup like mascara. I was pretty amazed by how quickly it rinsed off, as I was a little worried it’d feel like I was removing, well, oil. I would definitely buy this time and again.”
Best Korean Beauty: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean
Original video from Sarah Y. Wu testing Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean
If you’re looking for a top-rated Korean cleanser, this antiaging Korean skin care pick is another favorite of Dr. Chang’s. “It’s formulated with noncomedogenic oils to hydrate the skin without clogging the pores,” she notes. It helps remove dirt, makeup and sunscreen, and contains grape-seed, lavender and sunflower-seed oils.
