These cleansing oil recipes with an emulsifier create a mixture that rinses off cleanly with water. They foam up slightly, making it easier to wash them off without leaving any oily residue on your skin. These recipes can be a fantastic addition to your skincare routine, whether used on their own or as part of a double cleansing process.
Cleansing oils are excellent for removing makeup, surface dirt, and excess oil. Yes, you read that right—using oil can actually help clear oily skin. Their secret lies in how they work differently from traditional water-based cleansers that have cream, gel, or foaming textures. These cleansing oils contain non-fragrant plant oils rich in glycerides, which help remove dirt, makeup, and sunscreen while adding moisture to your skin.
The oil cleansing method (OCM) uses oils instead of regular soap or detergent cleansers to protect the natural lipid layer of the skin and the beneficial bacteria living on it. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it, and the concept of “like dissolves like” applies here—oil dissolves oil.
However, many people trying the oil cleansing method experience breakouts. The problem isn’t the oil itself but the absence of an emulsifier. An emulsifier is a substance that helps oil and water mix, making it easier to wash off the cleansing oils. This ensures you can enjoy the benefits of oil cleansing without the risk of breakouts from leftover oil.
Jojoba oil is perfect for combination skin types due to its skin benefits. The almond and argan oil recipe with an emulsifier is ideal for dry skin, providing moisturizing benefits. Almond and argan oils are known for their skin-nourishing properties. Apricot and grapeseed oils work best for oily skin as they quickly penetrate without leaving any greasy feel.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fatty acids found in coconut and palm oil. MCT oil, extracted from these oils, is great for topical skin treatments and makeup removal, thanks to its healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties.
For combination skin or skin with hyperpigmentation or dark spots, castor and tamanu oils offer incredible healing benefits. Using cleansing oils with the right emulsifier can help you avoid breakouts. You can adjust the oils based on your skin’s needs.
When choosing oils, opt for cold-pressed, unrefined, virgin oils intended for skin use, rather than food-grade options. It might take about a week for your skin to adjust, during which you could experience increased oiliness or breakouts as impurities are flushed out. Although research is limited, a small study from 2010 found cleansing oils beneficial for dry, mature skin.
