How to Use the Oil Cleansing Method: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide
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What Is the Oil Cleansing Method?
The oil cleansing method (OCM) is a gentle, effective way to cleanse your face using plant-based oils instead of traditional foaming cleansers. It sounds counterintuitive — putting oil on your face to clean it — but the science is simple: like attracts like. Oil binds to oil, which means a good cleansing oil will go deep into your pores, cling to excess sebum, dead skin cells, makeup, and impurities, and lift them away — all without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier or disrupting its delicate pH.
This is exactly what harsh foaming cleansers and surfactants like SLS cannot do. They remove everything indiscriminately, leaving skin tight, dry, and reactive. Oil cleansing works with your skin's biology, not against it.
Why Oil Cleansing Works for (Almost) Every Skin Type
One of the biggest misconceptions about oil cleansing is that it's only for dry skin. In reality, it's effective across skin types — including oily and acne-prone skin — because it regulates sebum production rather than triggering the overproduction that comes from stripping the skin.
The key is choosing the right oil blend for your specific skin concerns. Different oils have different fatty acid profiles, comedogenic ratings, and therapeutic properties. A blend formulated for congested, breakout-prone skin will look very different from one designed for dry or mature skin.
That's why we created four distinct facial oil formulas — each one targeting a different set of skin concerns:
Not sure which one is right for you? Take our Find Your Number Quiz — it matches you to the formula best suited to your skin's unique needs.
Step-by-Step: How to Oil Cleanse Your Face
The method is simple, but technique matters. Here's how to do it right:
Step 1: Start with dry skin
Apply your facial oil to dry skin — not wet. Water creates a barrier that prevents the oil from penetrating your pores. A dry face allows the oil to make full contact with the skin and get to work immediately.
Step 2: Massage for 1–2 minutes
Dispense a few drops of your chosen oil into your palms, warm it between your hands, and apply it to your face. Massage gently in circular motions for at least 60–90 seconds. This is where the magic happens — the oil is binding to impurities deep in your pores and loosening them from the skin.
Don't rush this step. The massage also stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage, which contributes to that post-cleanse glow.
Step 3: Remove with a warm, damp cloth
Wet a soft washcloth with warm (not hot) water and gently press it to your face to steam briefly, then wipe away the oil in gentle strokes. Rinse the cloth and repeat until the oil is fully removed. Your skin should feel clean, soft, and comfortable — never tight or stripped.
Step 4: Follow with a cream cleanser (optional but recommended)
For a deeper cleanse — especially if you wear makeup or sunscreen — follow your oil cleanse with Milk No. 0, our non-foaming cream cleanser. This two-step method (known as double cleansing) ensures every trace of impurity is removed while keeping your skin barrier fully intact. Because Milk No. 0 is non-foaming, it won't undo the gentle work of your oil cleanse.
Step 5: Continue with your routine
After cleansing, your skin is perfectly prepped to absorb the rest of your routine. Follow with a toner, serum, or moisturizer as needed. Explore our Facial Skincare collection or browse our Facial Skincare Bundles to build out your full routine.
Common Oil Cleansing Mistakes to Avoid
- Using water before applying the oil — always start on dry skin
- Not massaging long enough — 60 seconds minimum for the oil to do its job
- Using water that's too hot — warm is ideal; hot water can irritate and inflame
- Skipping the cloth — splashing water alone won't fully emulsify and remove the oil
- Using the wrong oil for your skin type — this is the most common reason people give up on OCM too soon
How Often Should You Oil Cleanse?
Most people do well with oil cleansing once daily, typically in the evening to remove the day's buildup. In the morning, a simple rinse with water or a light cream cleanse is usually sufficient. Listen to your skin — it will tell you what it needs.
Ready to Find Your Formula?
The oil cleansing method is one of the most transformative switches you can make in your skincare routine — but it works best when you're using the right oil for your skin. Take our Find Your Number Quiz to discover which of our four facial oil formulas was made for you.
Want to keep reading? Explore our guides on tallow soap benefits, building a simple natural skincare routine, and ingredients to avoid in skincare.