Best Face Cleansing Oils in India
- Kavya Goswami
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Cleansing Oils were developed as a product that works on the skin as a lipophilic agent (oil-loving agent), helping to remove water-resistant skin products that cannot be removed withregular cleansers. So, the whole idea of creating an oil cleanser was to improve the process of face cleaning, hence the concept of double cleansing came into play.
Oil Cleanser helps in removing makeup, sunscreens, oil buildup in skin, excess sebum production, pollution, and other impurities.
But is it even worth having a specific oil cleanser in our skincare routine? Is it worth our money? If yes, then who really needs to use this product, and who should clearly avoid it?
It's time to learn more! Let's dive right in.
What are Cleansing Oils?
Cleansing Oils are skincare products made from oils that are designed to accelerate the process of cleaning your face.
They remove oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and pollution, without stripping your skin or damaging the skin barrier. Unlike regular oils you might find in the kitchen, cleansing oils are formulated to emulsify. This means they are designed to turn into a milky texture when you add water and rinse off easily without leaving a greasy film.
Why Use Cleansing Oils?
Water alone doesn't remove oil-based impurities and dirt. There are numerous products that we use on our face that are oil-based, including:
Sunscreen
Sebum
Silicon - based primers
Waterproof makeup products
Pollutants and fine dust particles
Now, we know why oil-based cleansers are used. Now it is time to know how we should be using it in our double cleansing skincare procedure.
You apply the cleansing oil to dry skin directly.
Massage it properly all over the face. This is when oil molecules stick together.
After massaging, you put water on your face and then emulsification of oil and water takes place and it turns milky.
Everything is washed off smoothly, leaving the skin cleans.
Side Effects of Cleansing Oils / Balms
Usually, side effects of cleansing oil are related to the formulation of the product. If an ingredient that is a potential allergen is present in the oil, then it can be hazardous for people with sensitive skin.
Sometimes people with oily skin also face problems due to cleansing oils, as oil particles can block the pores and can lead to acne. So, people with oily and sensitive skin need to be extra careful while using certain cleansing oils.
It is a good option for people with dry skin, as it can help restore the dry skin barrier and make it more hydrated.
What's the difference between Cleansing Oils and Balms?
The difference between oils and balms only comes in the formulation, as the basic principle is the same, which is to clean oil-based ingredients, sebum, dirt, makeup, and sunscreen from the face.
Balms are made up of butters like Shea / Mango Butter and Waxes, along with oils. On the other hand, oils are made with different types of oils and emulsifiers only.
Best Cleansing Oils in India
It was very hard to find a good cleaning oil in India, as our focus at La Peau is to find a skincare product that will be the least irritating and would not damage your skin in the process. Sadly, I could only find three cleansing oils and balms in India with good formulation.

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil is a Korean Beauty skincare product. This cleansing oil is good for even Indian skin as it helps to remove the build up and does not contain any harsh ingredients.
Skincare Actives:
Soybean Oil
Olive Fruit Oil
Sunflower Seed Oil
Panax Ginseng Seed Oil
Moringa Oleifers Seed Oil
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate (Emollient)
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate (Emulsifying Agent)

Deconstruct Soothing Cleansing Balm is a good cleansing balm in India safe to used by every skin type. But patch test is always recommended.
Skincare Actives:
Caprylic Triglyceride (Emollient)
PEG-2- Glyceryl Triisosterate (Emollient)
Sunflower Seed Oil
Mango Seed Butter
Cetearyl Olivate (Emulsifying Agent)
Sorbitan Olivate (Emulsifying Agent)
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil (Emulsifying Agent, Antioxidant)
Carnauba Wax
Bisabolol (Low Percentage)

Minimalist 5% Marula Oil Cleansing Oil is another good cleansing oil in India. This is a gentle oil cleanser that can be used by all skin types.
Skincare Actives:
Olive Fruit Oil
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Jojoba Seed Oil
Phenyl Trimethicone (Emollient)
Caprylic Triglyceride
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Tocopheryl Acetate




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