Some people try cleansing oil once, end up with a greasy film, and decide it is not for them. Usually, cleansing oil itself is not the problem. The issue is often the product, using too much, or not rinsing it well.

Not everyone does. If you wear little or no makeup and your sunscreen comes off easily, a regular cleanser may be enough. Cleansing oil is more useful when sunscreen or makeup is hard to wash off.

The most common reason is poor the step where you add water and the oil turns milky. Cleansing oils contain ingredients that help the oil mix with water, so makeup and sunscreen can rinse away more easily. When you add a little water, the clear oil should turn cloudy or milky. Gently move it over your skin for a few seconds, then rinse well.

The second reason is simply using too much. Using more oil does not mean your face will get cleaner. Use only enough so your fingers move smoothly without pulling the skin.

Do not worry too much about a long ingredient list. Start with three simple questions: Does it feel too heavy? Does it rinse away easily? Can it remove the makeup or sunscreen you wear?

Best luxury pick

Shu Uemura Ultime8∞ Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

Best for: Heavy makeup and a richer feel while cleansing

This is the most expensive option in the group. It feels smooth, so your fingers can move over the skin without pulling while you remove makeup that lasts for many hours. The finish feels more substantial than a lightweight drugstore oil, so it makes the most sense if you enjoy a richer the first washing step.

Keep in mind: Skip it if you mainly wear light sunscreen and want the simplest, lowest-cost option.

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Best budget pick

KOSE Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

Best for: Everyday sunscreen, simple makeup, and quick cleansing

Softymo Speedy is the practical choice. It spreads quickly, rinses without much fuss, and is easy to use every night without turning cleansing into a project. It is especially useful when you want an affordable oil for daily sunscreen removal.

Keep in mind: A good starting point if you are new to cleansing oils and do not want to spend much.

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Best for skin that becomes red, itchy, or uncomfortable easily

FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil (Additive-Free)

Best for: Skin that feels reactive, easily irritated, or uncomfortable after cleansing

FANCL is worth considering when your skin becomes red, itchy, or uncomfortable easily and you want a simple cleansing step. It has a smooth texture and is often easier to work with than thicker oils that encourage too much massaging.

Keep in mind: Even gentle products can bother some people. Try a small amount first if your skin often reacts.

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Best light-feeling Korean pick

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil

Best for: Normal or combination skin and people who dislike a thick, greasy feel

This one feels lighter than many richer cleansing oils. It is a comfortable option when you want an oil cleanser but do not like a thick film sitting on the skin. It suits everyday makeup and sunscreen better than very waterproof makeup that is hard to remove.

Keep in mind: Choose it because you like the lighter feel—not because the word “ginseng” automatically makes it better.

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Best for a routine for clogged pores and blackheads

Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

Best for: skin that clogs easily that still needs a gentle the first washing step

Anua is sold as a product for pores, but its main job is still simple: it helps loosen sunscreen, makeup, and extra oil so they are easier to rinse away. It can fit into a routine for clogged pores and blackheads, but do not massage for several minutes or try to force blackheads out.

Keep in mind: Cleansing oil may help remove oil and dirt around pores, but it cannot make pores permanently smaller.

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Best simple option

PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil

Best for: People who prefer a straightforward cleansing oil without a strongly perfumed feel

PURITO is a sensible choice when you want the the first washing step to feel uncomplicated. It feels smooth enough to remove sunscreen and makeup without hard rubbing. Think of it as a simple cleanser, not a product that treats skin problems.

Keep in mind: The shorter the massage, the better—especially when your your skin’s natural protective layer feels fragile.

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1. Start with dry hands and a dry face. Water can interfere with the first step, so do not wet the skin first unless the product instructions say otherwise.
2. Use enough so your fingers move smoothly. Spread it gently over sunscreen and makeup. Your fingers should move easily without pulling the skin.
3. Massage briefly. Spend a little more time where makeup collects, such as around the nose or hairline. Do not scrub your pores or rub around the eyes for too long.
4. Add a little water. Keep moving the product over the skin until it looks milky rather than clear.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Use lukewarm water, not very hot water.
6. Decide whether you need a second cleanser. Use a regular face wash afterward if heavy makeup or sunscreen is still left on the skin. Skip it when your skin already feels clean and comfortable.

It can help remove sunscreen, makeup, and extra oil around the pores. This may make the skin feel smoother. But it is not a blackhead treatment on its own, and massaging until plugs come out is not a good nightly strategy.

For blackheads or clogged pores that keep coming back, an ingredient called salicylic acid may help more directly. Cleansing oil has one main job: removing sunscreen and makeup without too much rubbing.