Oil Cleanser
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
Oil cleansing is a popular technique for dissolving oil plugs and managing sebaceous filaments, typically used as the first step in a "double cleanse" routine. While many users report significant improvements in skin texture and pore clarity, the practice is polarizing. It is highly effective for removing oil-based impurities and providing gentle physical exfoliation, but it carries a risk of causing breakouts or closed comedones if the specific product is not compatible with the user's skin or if it is not thoroughly washed off with a second cleanser.
Pros
- Effectively dissolves oil plugs and sebaceous filaments
- Provides gentle physical exfoliation when massaged into the skin
- Less stripping than many traditional water-based cleansers
- Highly effective for dry skin types
- Helps clear out pores and prevent new closed comedones when used correctly
Cons
- Can cause significant breakouts or acne for some skin types
- Risk of developing closed comedones or 'blind pimples' if residue remains
- May not be suitable for all acne-prone individuals
Caveats
- Strongly recommended to follow up with a water-based or creamy cleanser (double cleansing) to ensure all oil is removed
- Effectiveness often depends on massaging the oil into the skin for several minutes
- Individual skin reactions vary greatly; a product that works for one person may cause breakouts for another
Best for
- Dry skin
- Managing sebaceous filaments and 'oil plugs'
- Users who prefer a double-cleansing routine
Avoid if
- You have a history of breaking out from oil-based products
- You prefer a quick, single-step cleansing routine
- You do not plan to use a second water-based cleanser to remove the oil
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence comes from a median source age of 197 days, with all data sourced from r/SkincareAddiction.
Sentiment
15 positive (60%) · 1 mixed (4%) · 9 negative (36%)
Trust + time weighted score: +36% · raw score 24%
What redditors said (10 of 25)
The oil cleanser is actually my hook grail because I used a water based cleanser before and that one was definitely stripping.
I use only a simple oil cleanser now.
Same! Oil cleanser, then a nice creamy cleanser. Something about the gentle, but effective physical exfoliation that results from massaging the oil into one's pores did so much more for me than any other type of exfoliation ever did.
It's safe to do daily and recommended. Once you start double cleansing, you'll never go back to using a single cleanser again. I highly recommend it :)
an oil cleanser will help to dissolve them.
Okay! I'd use the oil cleanser in the morning then, or just wash with water. At night you can double cleanse (oil cleanser + foaming wash), or just use the foaming wash.
I use their oil cleanser which I find pretty gentle.
I actually use the elf cleansing balm lol but it works even though it’s meant for makeup removal (which i actually hate it for the makeup removal haha) and the centella and manyo oil cleansers are popular I would do your research based on your skin type
Oil cleanser might break you out
I think it’ll definitely help with cleaning out pores and preventing new CCs - just make sure you are rubbing it on your face for a few minutes, then follow up with regular cleanser.
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