Master the Oil Cleansing Method For Beautiful Skin

I’ve written about many natural beauty ideas before, but oil cleansing may be one of the simplest. It’s one of the most effective natural beauty tips I’ve found for healthy, clearer skin. Here’s how to add it to your skincare routine and why it can work so well!

I admit, I was skeptical before I first tried this oil-cleansing method. My skin is naturally oily and I wasn’t sure it would work for me. I also had very acne-prone skin when I was younger, and was afraid that a method like this would bring back the acne… I was wrong!

What Is Oil Cleansing?

It may sound crazy, but the idea of using natural oils to gently cleanse the skin makes a lot of sense. The basic idea is to use natural oils in a specific combination to cleanse and naturally balance the skin’s natural oils. This produces more nourished and moisturized skin than detergent-based face wash.

The basic concept of oil cleansers is using oil to massage and cleanse the skin. Like dissolves like and the carrier oils help dissolve the impurities stuck in pores. Warm water then opens the pores allowing the grime and sebum to be easily removed.

Fans of the OCM claim it can help with oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, blackheads, and whiteheads. The types of oil you choose depend on your skin type.

Natural Makeup Remover

Many makeup products have oil in them and oil cleansing can help remove these too. Use it to remove foundation powder, mascara, and even eye makeup! Here are more DIY makeup remover ideas.

Does the Oil Cleansing Method Work?

This is the part I’m most excited to share! Even in the third trimester of pregnancy, when my skin usually goes a little hormone-crazy, I had ZERO breakouts! I used oil cleansing for several months to help avoid blemishes and remove makeup.

When I first started using oil cleansing, I had an adjustment period where my skin got worse for about a week. Most resources I’ve seen suggest this is a detox reaction as impurities are pulled from the skin. This is definitely what it seemed to be for me. After that, my skin gradually improved and by 3-4 weeks of using only oil cleansing, I had no excess oil, no dryness, and no blackheads.

I asked several friends and family members who now use the oil cleansing method how it’s worked for them, and they seemed to have the same results. Some even noted that the combination of oil cleansing and taking gelatin daily has been the best anti-aging treatment!

Oil Cleansing Ingredients

Want to try oil cleansing and see the results for yourself? All you need are some natural oils and a clean, damp washcloth!

The most common oils used are castor oil and olive oil, though you can use any natural oil. Castor oil is naturally astringent, so it helps pull impurities from the skin. This makes it ideal for oily or combination skin (and even dry skin in lesser amounts). While I use castor oil packs to help detox, it can be too harsh if it’s used undiluted as an oil cleanser.

You’ll mix the castor oil with another carrier oil (or several) that match your skin type. My other favorite oil to use is olive oil, though sunflower, safflower, or even coconut oil can work.

Which Oils Work Best for Oil Cleansing?

Some oils, like rosehip oil and castor oil, are more astringent (drying) than others. Others like olive oil can be too heavy for naturally oily skin. Here are some oil cleansing options and how they work:

Base Oils

These are oils to use in larger amounts along with the castor oil.

Avocado oil – Good for combination, dry, or mature skin.
Grapeseed oil – Lightweight oil that’s good for oily or acne-prone skin.
Sunflower oil – A lighter oil that’s good for combination or oily skin.
Sweet almond oil – Good for oily, sensitive, or combination skin types.
Coconut oil – This works really well for some and not so well for others. It can be too drying and pore-clogging, especially for acne. Some people love it in skincare products though.
Olive oil – My favorite oil to use. Great for mature or dry skin, but I found it worked well for my slightly oilier skin too. Be sure to get real olive oil though since most of what’s in the store is mixed with other, cheaper oils.

Specialty Carrier Oils

These work great to add a little more customization to your OCM blend. They’re a more concentrated source of skin-loving nutrients. You can add just a little bit of these to your oil blend for big benefits.

Rosehip oil – This astringent oil is great for more oily skin types but in smaller amounts it’s also a good anti-aging oil. Full of vitamins A and C to help with scar tissue, blemishes, and wrinkles.
Argan oil – Packed with vitamins A and E, antioxidants, and linoleic acid. It’s emollient, helps protect against free radical damage, is anti-aging and moisturizing.
Jojoba oil – Similar to skin’s sebum, jojoba has vitamins E and B as well as minerals. It won’t clog pores and it’s great for all skin types.
Essential oils – While these aren’t a carrier oil, they deserve a mention. They offer additional skin benefits to help with anti-aging, inflammation, and blemishes. Some of my favorites are lavender, tea tree, frankincense, sweet orange, and cedarwood. Just add a drop or two to your OCM blend (but be sure to avoid the eyes!).

Want to Buy It?: Don’t want to buy the oils yourself and DIY it? This handmade oil cleansing blend smells divine and works well for oil cleansing.

Oil Cleansing Blends

If you’re new to oil cleansing, it may take a few tries to figure out what oil blend works best for you. I used a mix of 3/4 olive oil and 1/4 castor or hazelnut oil and it’s perfect for my skin. You can also try the following:

Oily Skin: 1/3 castor oil or hazelnut oil and 2/3 sunflower, grapeseed, or sweet almond oil.
Combination Skin: 1/4 castor oil or hazelnut oil and 3/4 olive, sweet almond, sunflower, or other oil
Dry Skin: All nourishing oils like avocado or olive oil, or a very small amount of castor/hazelnut oil added to the nourishing oils.

Start with the suggested amounts above for your skin type and adjust if needed. When I started, I mixed up very small batches until I figured out the right blend for me.

I’ve also found that even pure coconut oil can work well once the skin has adjusted, though it can be drying on some skin types. One friend uses a half and half mix of coconut oil and olive oil that she blends in a blender to create a cream, and this works perfectly for her.

Oil Cleansing Tutorial

Now that you know which oils to use, here’s how to do the OCM!

Pour a quarter-sized amount of the oil blend into your hand and massage onto your dry skin. Use smooth circular strokes to massage it in for 1-2 minutes. If you’re wearing makeup no need to wash it off first!
Optional: Leave the oil on for up to 10 minutes to deeply clean skin cells and pores.
Soak a clean washcloth in very hot water and place the damp cloth over your face for a minute or so. This creates steam to remove any oils and skin impurities. Repeat if needed.
Use the washcloth to gently remove any remaining oil. There will still be a thin layer of oil on the skin and this is beneficial.
Most people don’t need a moisturizer after the adjustment period. However, if you still have dry skin, try reducing the castor oil in your blend and use a little lotion to moisturize.

Oil Cleansing Method FAQs

Oil Cleansing With Acne

It’s normal for it to take a week or so for the skin to adjust. You may even see more oily skin or breakouts during this time as impurities leave the skin. If you can, resist the urge to use harsh soaps or facial cleansers as it will make the adjustment period take longer.

You can also speed up the detox process by using a clay face mask once or twice a week.

The Oils Aren’t Working For me

Even if you don’t have acne-prone skin you may still have an adjustment period. And you’ll likely have to experiment with different oils to find your perfect oil ratio. If your skin is too dry afterward then reduce the castor oil (or rosehip oil if using). If it’s way too greasy, try a lighter-weight oil or increase the castor oil used.

If you find your skin really doesn’t like this after a month (and you’ve already tried different oils) then the OCM may not be a good option for your skin.

Cleaning Up Afterward

If you do this in the shower, make sure to clean your shower floor regularly so it doesn’t get slippery! Some readers have also asked how to clean the washcloth afterward. I do a separate load of laundry for them and wash on hot. You can also follow the wash up with a vinegar rinse before drying.

Have you ever tried oil cleansing? Did it work for you? Share below!

Sources

Michelle, D. (October 29). Oils Specifically For Acne Prone Skin. Minimalist Beauty.
Crunchy Betty. (February 23, 2019). Trying and Troubleshooting the Oil Cleansing Method: Tips For Flawless, Oil-Cleansed Skin.
Parker, S. (2014). Power of the Seed: Your Guide to Oils for Health & Beauty. Process Media.

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

997 responses to “Master the Oil Cleansing Method for Beautiful Skin”

Aurelia

January 17, 2013

I struggle with blackheads and was so excited at the possibility of this destroying them that I went out and bought the castor oil and olive oil right away. I did an extended soak since it was my first time as a deep clean. I bought cold pressed pure oils but neither said unrefined. Does it say so on the bottle or how do you tell? Does it matter? Will this work the same?

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 17, 2013
  
  They should work fine…
  
  Reply
Natalia

January 14, 2013

Hi ladies, for those of you who have tried this, how frequently should I do this? Every evening? Once a week? If I do the oil cleansing should I give up my other natural bar soap I typically use on my face?

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 17, 2013
  
  I just do it every time I shower (every other day) but it can be done daily. I’ve found it best just to do oil cleansing or to use a non-soap method like microfiber in between since it seems to confuse the skin to nourish it with oil one day and then strip the oils with soap the next day…
  
  Reply
  1. Kirsten Cleigh
    
    February 6, 2013
    
    I shower daily because I feel gross if I don’t, and I oil cleanse every day. I use a recycled glass bottle (leftover from some oyster sauce I used up just before I decided to clean up my diet) and put a mix of 1/3 castor oil and 2/3 olive oil in it. While the water is heating up for the shower, I pour a little oil into my hand and rub it all over my face before I hop in the shower while my face is dry, then lay the hot, wet washcloth over my face once I’m in the shower. I use the washcloth to lightly scrub my face to gently exfoliate. When I get out of the shower, I pat my face dry. I find that my skin is much less oily, I have fewer blemishes, and my skin is never tight or dry-feeling.
    
    Reply
    1. Margo
      
      March 29, 2014
      
      I pretty much do the same thing. I apply the mixture of Castor Oil, Coconut Oil and Olive Oil, all over my face and decollete’ area before I jump in the shower in the evening. Then, in the morning I use a mixture of the above, Castor Oil, Coco Oil and Olive Oil and Honey. I steam my face and wipe off any excess and apply my make up as usual. In the evening I will apply a little of the Coco Oil and Lavender and Olive, just for a little moisture. I’m very happy with this method.
      
      I would love to hear from Wellness Mama or anyone else about aging skin and anything that can be used for fine lines, especially around the eyes and what you recommend for the eyes. I’ve been using the same as described above, but think my eye area could use something for the fine lines and for moisture.
      
      Appreciate anyone’s input regarding aging skin and the method. Also what are you all using as a Sun Block?
      
      Thanks!
      
      Reply
Emily

January 14, 2013

I started oil cleansing to improve the dullness and increase hydration. I tend to get dehydrated easily with workouts and not drinking enough water – and my skin pays for it with dryness and bags under my eyes. Oil cleansing definitely resolved these two issues.

In addition, I use Retin-A at night which can, on occasion, leave skin flaky. For years I’d been exfoliating or using expensive glycolic acid moisturizers to “slough off” the dead skin. Oil cleansing works better. The oil itself keeps skin moisturized and the little bit of exfoliation I might need is done gently with the wash cloth. Using harsh chemicals or exfoliating scrubs just did more harm than good, and likely contributed to the dullness I was experiencing.

I use 20% Castor Oil and 80% Olive Oil. I used to think my skin was “combination” but since oil cleansing it’s become more “normal.” I also use a few drops of the oil mixture as a moisturizer if my face if feeling more dry.

Also, I think cleansing technique can make a little bit of a difference. I spend a lot of time “steaming.” I don’t wring out the washcloth between steaming; instead I keep the water running fairly hot and sweep an opened washcloth back and forth under the water, then press the very wet washcloth to my face (while bent over the sink). (I also inhale the steam to clean the sinuses!). I don’t rub off the oil. And I blot to dry, rather than rub dry.

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Dawn

January 13, 2013

I made a mix of olive and castor oils and have been washing with it for 2 months now. My pores are clearer than they have ever been, the few brown spots I had are faded and my skin is soft and feels smooth not rough or dry. I have rosacea and it has really helped to ‘calm’ my skin.The mixture costs me about $1.50/month. I have thrown out my other cleaners and moisturizers. I don’t use make-up remover any more either!

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1. Danielle James Tipton
  
  January 29, 2013
  
  Oh, thank you so much! I also have rosacea and brown spots from pregnancy. I was hoping that someone like me would pipe up. I am going to try Castor & Avacado, I think. Avacado is supposed to be great for healing.
  
  Reply
Katie Yoder

January 13, 2013

I’ve really enjoyed trying this for the past week or so. Thank you for the information! Do you have a facial scrub recipe you like to use? Sometimes I feel like I need a good scrub to give my skin a nice polish. Plus I love how nicely make up goes on over freshly exfoliated skin!

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 13, 2013
  
  Here is one I use: https://wellnessmama.com/3628/sugar-scrub/
  
  Reply
Rena Creason Narron

January 12, 2013

I started oil cleansing about a week ago. I have very oily skin. Using coconut oil only in the shower. I really think my skin is less oily. I love that I no longer have that tight, need lotion feeling.

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Lina

January 12, 2013

I’ve been trying this for about a week and like what I see. However – how do you keep a washcloth on your face for a minute? Do you lie down? If you’re bent over the sink then part of the cloth just hands and is not in contact with the face…

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 12, 2013
  
  I just hold it on my face as best I can. I usually do this in the shower, so it is somewhat easier, but as long as it is around the face and creating steam, it will work…
  
  Reply
  1. Lina
    
    January 12, 2013
    
    Good to know the technique doesn’t have to be very precise 🙂
    
    Reply
2. Dawn
  
  January 13, 2013
  
  Sit on the toilet seat and tilt your head back. That helps keeps the face cloth on for long enough.
  
  Reply
Tal Rosenberg

January 12, 2013

what can i use instead of microfiber cloth? a towel? im not sure what a washcloth is… :/

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 12, 2013
  
  A small towel works great too…
  
  Reply
2. Robin Conkel-hannan
  
  February 16, 2014
  
  Where I grew we called them washrags.. Basically it’s any cloth you use to wash with, usually terrycloth..
  
  Reply
Cathy

January 11, 2013

I’ve been oil cleansing for a year and a half now and my skin has never looked better! I started with the olive/castor combination but have tweaked it a bit over time. Currently I use plain organic olive oil with a few drops of frankincense and lavender added. Sometimes in winter I need to add a bit of avocado or jojoba oil for extra moisturizing.

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1. Cathy
  
  January 11, 2013
  
  Oh, and I do this at night so it removes any makeup I have on. In the morning, I simply wash with a wet washcloth.
  
  Reply
Erin McArdle

January 9, 2013

Ha, I like how there is always an adjustment period. I’m in hell already with my hormones this week anyway, so I figure it’s the perfect time to switch. I won’t notice “more’ breakouts. Thanks for the recipe. I have one that’s green tea, honey, baking soda, and lemon, and it is great for exfoliating, but too drying for everyday use.. This looks great– and since I am off to the market, will be tonight’s facial cleanser. =)

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1. Erin
  
  January 11, 2013
  
  I’m in the same boat with the hormone situation. Perfect time to start!
  
  Reply
Jessica

January 9, 2013

You mention that you don’t use this method every day, how many times a week is typical for you? Also do you use the microfiber cloth as your washcloth or is that only on the days you dont use this method? Thanks, I can’t wait to try it!

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 9, 2013
  
  Usually every other day and the microfiber on days that I don’t… I just use a regular washcloth with oil cleansing…
  
  Reply
Katie Flynn

January 8, 2013

i have been using just jojoba oil (because i already had it) as a cleanser and am very happy with it so far. takes of my makeup well and leaves my lips soft!

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Nature Heal Me

January 8, 2013

When I tried the oil cleansing method to remove my makeup at the end of a day when I ran out of make up removing cloths, I noticed that I woke up to much softer and healthier looking skin. After reading this post I am motivated to try sticking to the oil cleansing method and see how my skin clears up!

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Lucy Nissen

January 7, 2013

What about using sweet almod oil? would that be suitable?

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 7, 2013
  
  Yes, though depending on your skin type, you may need a little castor or hazelnut oil to balance it out…
  
  Reply
  1. Michelle
    
    February 22, 2015
    
    I have been using coconut oil to clean my face. I am prone to acne and it seems the coconut oil is a little drying and is also causing new acne to form. I wanted to try almond oil and I am wondering if it could be mixed with the coconut oil for cleansing? Or would you recommend to add a different oil?
    
    Reply
    1. Katie – Wellness Mama
      
      February 24, 2015
      
      I do best with castor oil and olive oil and I have acne prone as well.
      
      Reply
Adria Cheney

January 7, 2013

I currently use a Clairsonic when washing my face. Do you see any problems with using my Clairsonic and this oil method of washing my face?

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 7, 2013
  
  I”m not familiar with that product but any conventional cleanser and the oil cleansing together might counteract each other or at least cause problems if your skin is trying to balance oil production…
  
  Reply
2. dyani
  
  May 2, 2013
  
  The Clairsonic is simply a physical tool to wash your face with. It should be fine. It will probably enhance the benefits somewhat. Don’t forget to use the hot damp washcloth or some other steaming method though, as this is what opens the pores for maximum cleansing.
  
  Reply
Mobius

January 6, 2013

I just tried this today, and didn’t stop with my face, but did my neck area as well. It felt great! I used 3 parts coconut oil warmed and mixed with 1 part castor oil, plus 7 drops of lavender EO. About ten minutes after my shower, part of my neck started feeling itchy and bumpy…I put some calendula balm on it…and the itching disappeared quickly…I am sure my neck area needs the cleansing and is starting to detox!!! And i will continue with this regimen…

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1. Robin Conkel-hannan
  
  February 16, 2014
  
  When I treat my face I always include my ears, neck down to and including my collar bones.. I am 69 and the older you get the more care your skin needs.. When I was young I didn’t know the value or benefits of caring for my skin so I’m paying for it now..
  
  Reply
April Grow

January 6, 2013

I’m assuming you are washing your face at night like we all should. I confess I often go to bed with my make up on (bad, I know) so I wash my face in the morning. The times I’ve tried washing my face with coconut oil, even after it seems soaked in, when I put my makeup on, it disintegrates within a few hours. Especially my eye make up slides right off (and I use a primer under my eye shadow). But I also worry about staining my pillow case. How long does this need to soak in before you lie down/put on your makeup? I use mineral foundation and if the oil is not all soaked in, my makeup doesn’t go on well.

Also, are all the olive oils on Mountain Rose the same? The descriptions all talk about how good they taste, not about putting it on your skin. I have two kinds of olive oil in my house: the very lightest kind that I use for all of my cooking, and a very expensive kind that is for eating fresh (on breads, salads, etc.).

I grew up in the South and always had very oily skin. Two years ago we moved to the very dry West and I’ve had horribly dry skin since. I feel like I aged 10 years overnight. The skin on my neck right under my chin is very crepey and that is very aging. When we go home to visit, my youthful glow returns and my skin looks great! I tried every rich, expensive creme out there and finally found one that helps. At least my skin doesn’t hurt anymore and looks somewhat better. I’m hoping this works. I hate that my cream is full of chemicals (and the $80 price tag isn’t awesome either). But I also hate that my face always hurt and looked awful before I found it. I pulled out my expensive olive oil and have it on my face right now. I’m going for the 10 minute treatment of straight olive oil since my skin is so dry (and now I know why the coconut oil made my skin feel dry. Who knew an oil could be drying?). Fingers crossed.

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1. Laura Vandette Rzadkowski
  
  January 6, 2013
  
  I’ve been using the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) for more than 6 months now. And it has taken some getting used to but I love it overall.
  
  Coconut oil is very likely to clog pores. This chart shows the comedogenic ratings for oil and other skin care products: https://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/comedogenic-rating/.
  
  If you can try a light oil like Jojoba oil with your caster oil and just decrease the amount of caster oil you use to 10% or thereabouts until your skin adjusts and becomes more moisturised.
  
  Like Wellness Mama suggests, pure shea oil is great for your skin, including your face (it’s low likeliness to clog your pores). It’s a little pricey but still should cost you much less than the commercial moisturiser you mentioned for $80.00. I paid about $25 for 80 grams this weekend. I mixed the shea oil with jojoba (carrier oil) because shea is very thick and difficult to spread without a carrier oil .
  
  If you’re looking for more info about OCM try visiting a blog by Crunchy Betty (I hope it’s okay to mention this Wellness Mama?). She has written extensively about this subject and it’s where I go for reference information about OCM.
  
  Best of luck!
  
  Reply
  1. Natalie Woociker
    
    April 13, 2013
    
    Thank you so much for posting that link for comedogenic ratings. I referred to it often when deciding which oils would best suit my skin and have so far experienced great results.
    
    Reply
2. Wellness Mama
  
  January 6, 2013
  
  I wash my face at night and by about 30 minutes later, any excess oil has absorbed… I’ve never had trouble with the pillowcase… My general rule is to not use something on skin unless it could also be non-toxic inside the body, which is one reason I prefer their oils, but any natural oils will work…
  
  Reply
Jessica West

January 6, 2013

What do you think of argan oil? I just read about it recently and ordered some to try it out. Definitely more expensive than coconut oil, but otherwise do you have any thoughts on it?

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 6, 2013
  
  It is wonderful, but definitely more pricey!
  
  Reply
Gina

January 6, 2013

Any thoughts on organic, unrefined sesame oil?

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 6, 2013
  
  Also a good choice
  
  Reply
Rebecca C.

January 6, 2013

I did this method for about 2 weeks and ended up with a wicked heat rash all over my face. Has that happened to anyone else? Any thoughts?

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 6, 2013
  
  What oils did you use and in what proportion?
  
  Reply
2. Lisa jones
  
  March 5, 2014
  
  I also had this experience. I used 10% castor oil and 40/50 pct olive oil and almond oil. I used this one night and got a red rash covering 50% of my face. This is the third time I have tried OCM. I have scaled way back on the castor oil because I believed it was the culprit. My skin is extremely tender and dry in the areas of rash. I think I have had enough. The last time this happened it took me several weeks to get my face better. I am hoping it won’t take as long this time since I know not to stay the course.
  
  Reply
  1. Mandie
    
    April 15, 2014
    
    I wonder if your skin would be sensitive to almond oil? My skin burns a bit if I get baking soda on my face from washing my hair. If you’re up for trying it again, maybe try coconut oil instead? Honestly, I have no idea if that’s what the issue would be, but coconut oil has been so beneficial for me in every way and my friend who has a lot of skin and other sensitivities loves it too. Good luck!
    
    Reply
3. France Desrosiers
  
  July 13, 2015
  
  I am allergic to nuts. Years ago I went to a spa and they used almonds in their peels. It caused so much skin irritation, that it became exzema-like. Unfortunately, the spa did not, at the time, mention the almond oil, though I did tell them I had a nut allergy, and even named almonds. Since then, I avoid almond or nut anything (not coconut, though). A few months ago, I went to a street fair and bought some natural products, mentioning I couldn’t use anything with almonds or nuts. Again, one of the salves had almond oil, but this time it was my bad, because I took her word without reading the ingredients (stupid, I know). It did not give me a terrible reaction, but after using it 2-3 times, I noticed the redness and acid-like inflammations around my mouth and lower cheeks. I often get cold sores, so it was similar, yet not quite the same. Now, I know it was the almond oil. Hope this helps.
  
  Reply