These days, I find myself saying “good skin starts with good cleansing” more and more. No matter how expensive your skincare products are, if there’s leftover makeup or sebum stuck in your pores, nothing is going to absorb properly—and worse, it could lead to breakouts.
That’s where cleansing oils come in. Once you experience how well they melt away makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and even blackheads, it’s hard to go back. But more recently, I’ve seen people turn to pure, single-ingredient plant oils—like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or rice bran oil—as an alternative to traditional cleansing oils. This brings up a fair question: what’s the difference between the two, and which one is better for your skin?
Traditional Cleansing Oils: A Balance of Science and Simplicity
Cleansing oils available in stores are formulated with more than just oil. They typically contain a blend of plant-based oils, emulsifiers, and emollients. The key ingredient is the emulsifier, which helps the oil bind with water. This is what allows the oil to turn into a milky texture and rinse off easily, lifting away makeup and impurities in the process.
The biggest advantage of traditional cleansing oils is that they emulsify, so they leave no greasy residue behind. They can also dissolve waterproof makeup and sunscreen thoroughly, which makes them ideal for people who wear cosmetics regularly. Many of these products are lightweight and designed for all skin types, from oily to sensitive.
However, one downside is that they often contain synthetic ingredients like PEG-based emulsifiers, preservatives, or fragrance. These can irritate some sensitive skin types. For people who follow a clean beauty philosophy, traditional cleansing oils might not be the perfect fit. Still, the balance between effectiveness and convenience makes them very popular.
Common base oils in these formulas include jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, and grapeseed oil. These are combined with other ingredients to improve the user experience—such as texture, scent, and rinse-off performance. It’s this smart formulation that gives cleansing oils their reputation for being both gentle and highly effective.
100% Plant-Based Oils: Pure and Personalized
On the other hand, many people are now turning to 100% plant-based oils for cleansing. These oils are used on their own, with no additives or emulsifiers. This method originated from holistic and aromatherapeutic skincare traditions, but has grown popular among clean beauty enthusiasts.
Using a pure oil means you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin. You can also choose your oil based on your skin concerns. For example, jojoba oil mimics natural sebum and works well for oily or acne-prone skin. Grapeseed oil is light and rich in antioxidants, which can help soothe inflammation. Rice bran oil is deeply nourishing and suitable for dry or mature skin, although it can feel a bit heavy on oily complexions.
The benefits of this approach include its simplicity, transparency, and the fact that it aligns with sustainable and natural skincare values. However, there are some important caveats. Since these oils don’t emulsify with water, they require a second cleanser to remove them completely. If you don’t double cleanse, leftover oil can clog your pores or lead to breakouts.
Additionally, pure oils might not remove waterproof or heavy makeup as effectively as traditional cleansing oils. They’re better suited for light cleansing, such as on days when you wear minimal or no makeup. Also, depending on the oil and your skin type, you might experience a greasy feeling after rinsing unless you follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser.
Comparing the Two: What You Need to Know
The key difference between traditional cleansing oils and 100% plant-based oils is emulsification. Traditional oils are formulated to emulsify with water, which makes them easy to rinse. In contrast, pure oils remain oily unless removed with a second cleanser.
In terms of cleansing power, traditional oils are stronger and better at removing makeup and sunscreen. Pure oils are milder and better suited for minimal cleansing. If not rinsed properly, pure oils can leave behind a film on the skin, which some may find uncomfortable.
Both have their place depending on your skin type, daily routine, and values. If you prefer simple, natural ingredients and are willing to commit to a two-step cleansing process, 100% plant oils can work beautifully. On the other hand, if you wear makeup or want something more convenient, a well-formulated cleansing oil is a practical and effective choice.
Personally, I use both. On no-makeup days, I’ll go with a single-ingredient oil like jojoba. When I’ve been out all day with sunscreen or foundation on, I reach for my go-to cleansing oil. That balance helps keep my skin clean without over-stripping it.
In the end, there’s no single right answer. The best choice is the one that fits your skin, your lifestyle, and your skincare goals. Cleansing isn’t just about removing dirt—it’s about resetting your skin and giving it space to breathe. Once you understand how oils work and how to use them properly, you might be surprised by how much smoother and calmer your skin feels.
Maybe next time we’re out shopping, we can look at oils together and find your perfect match.
