If you’re serious about skincare, you know double cleansing is non-negotiable – and the first step matters. That’s where cleansing oils come in: they dissolve makeup, sunscreen, SPF, and sebum without stripping your skin.
Whether you love light textures, makeup-melting power, or nourishing formulas, we’ve rounded up the best cleansing oils that deserve a permanent spot on your vanity.
Best Cleansing Oils in Singapore To Try
Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil Editor’s favourite!
Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil is the gentler alternative to traditional cleansing oils, and one our editor keeps reaching for.
Designed as a makeup remover with skincare benefits, it melts away makeup, sunscreen, pollutants, and even blackheads without stinging or blurry vision. The oil-based micellar technology cleanses thoroughly while soothing and nourishing sensitive skin with amino acids and omegas 3 and 6.
We love the oil-to-milk texture that rinses clean with zero greasy residue, leaving skin calm, comfortable, and never stripped – ideal if you want effective cleansing without harsh exfoliation.
Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil retails for S$39.90 at Watsons stores and e-store, Guardian stores and e-store, Bioderma Official Store on Shopee Mall and LazMall.
Shu Uemura Ultime8∞ Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Infused with Japanese tsubaki oil, this luxurious cleansing oil melts away makeup while caring for the skin. Formulated with 75% skincare ingredients, it effectively removes long-wearing foundation, waterproof eye and lip makeup, and daily impurities without stripping moisture or leaving skin feeling tight.
A blend of Korean ginseng, golden bamboo, jojoba, and olive oils helps nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin barrier, while ginger root oil, shea butter, corn oil, papaya, and green tea extracts gently smooth and prevent dryness, leaving skin soft, refreshed, and comfortable after every cleanse.
Shu Uemura Ultime8∞ Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil retails for S$35 (50ml), S$86 (150ml), and S$188 (450ml) from Sephora.
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
This Korean cleansing oil is a lightweight, gentle formula designed to melt away makeup, sunscreen, and stubborn sebum while unclogging pores.
Enriched with 10,000ppm heartleaf extract and plant oils, it soothes irritation and calms sensitive skin. Its light, satiny texture feels non-greasy, emulsifies easily into a milky rinse, and leaves skin clean and hydrated.
With regular use, it helps reduce blackheads and whiteheads, making it one of the best cleansing oils for clear, balanced skin. The gentle formulation is safe for the eye area, too.
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil retails for S$34.70 (200ml) on Shopee. It is on offer (S$22.14) at the time of writing. Tap in for the latest price.
Hada Labo Hydrating Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
Use this when you want a gentle yet effective makeup remover that keeps your skin hydrated.
This hydrating cleansing oil is infused with five beauty oils – olive, macadamia, jojoba, rosehip, and moringa seed – to nourish skin while melting away all types of makeup, including waterproof formulas and sunscreen.
Super Hyaluronic Acid locks in moisture for long-lasting hydration, leaving skin soft, balanced, and radiant. Lightweight and easily emulsifiable, it also helps protect against pollution and is free of alcohol, fragrance, colourants, and mineral oil to minimise irritation.
Hada Labo Hydrating Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover retails for S$24.90 (200ml) on Shopee.
Kose Cosmeport Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
Loved by many for its quick and effective cleansing, Kose’s Cosmeport Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil gently lifts away makeup and pore-clogging impurities when applied to damp skin. It emulsifies easily and rinses off thoroughly, leaving no oily residue, so double cleansing is usually unnecessary.
Lightweight yet powerful, it removes stubborn makeup, sunscreen, and dirt while keeping skin comfortable and balanced. Perfect for busy mornings or late nights, it makes cleansing simple, fast, and fuss-free without compromising on hydration or leaving the skin feeling stripped.
Kose Cosmeport Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil retails for S$17.20 (230ml) from Watsons.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
One try is all it takes to see why millions of women swear by this daily skincare essential. Sold every 10 seconds worldwide, this olive oil-based facial cleanser has earned its cult-favourite status for a reason.
Its rich, nourishing formula effortlessly melts away makeup, including stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner, and emulsifies into a creamy milk upon rinsing.
Perfect for removing excess oil and sunscreen, it works even on no-makeup days, leaving skin feeling soothed, refreshed, and balanced. Lightweight yet effective, it cleans thoroughly without leaving any residue.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil retails for S$44.30 (200ml) from Watsons.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil is currently the #1 best cleansing oil on YesStyle – and it lives up to the hype. This lightweight, non-irritating cleanser effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while staying gentle on the skin.
Formulated with coconut-derived MCT oil and centella asiatica extract, it helps soothe skin during cleansing, while six botanical oils work to minimise irritation and support the skin barrier.
The oil emulsifies easily, helps purify pores, and leaves a refreshing, non-greasy finish, making it especially suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, and combination skin.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil retails for S$46.73 (200ml) from Shopee. It is on offer (S$15.30) at the time of writing. Tap the link to view the latest price.
Bioré Cleansing Oil
Unlike traditional cleansing oils that require dry skin to work, Bioré’s advanced Japanese formula remains effective even when your face gets wet or when you use it in the shower.
It quickly removes impurities and long-lasting makeup without harsh rubbing, rinsing cleanly without leaving any greasy residue.
At the same time, it helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture, making it gentle yet efficient. Affordable and reliable, it’s one of the best cleansing oils for a fuss-free, comfortable cleanse.
Bioré Cleansing Oil retails for S$19.30 (150ml) on Shopee. It is on offer (S$16.40) at the time of writing. Tap in to view the latest price.
beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil
This is a lightweight, gentle option for those who prefer a mild yet effective cleanse. Infused with mung bean extract, it melts away makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum while leaving skin feeling hydrated and comfortable, not greasy.
The vegan and cruelty-free formula has completed a skin irritation test and excludes animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Loved by those with acne-prone, sensitive, or even dry skin, this cleansing oil spreads easily, rinses clean, and works well for daily use – especially if your skin is prone to congestion or irritation.
beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil retails for S$35.80 (200ml) from Shopee. It is on offer (S$11.35) at the time of writing. Tap in to view the latest price.
Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil
Another of the best cleansing oils is this one from Bobbi Brown, free from drying alcohol, mineral oil, parabens, synthetic fragrance, and other ingredients that can be harmful to the skin. It gently removes impurities and waterproof makeup without stripping the skin, making it ideal for daily use.
Its instant emulsifying formula melts away dirt while the Botanical Oil Complex softens, comforts, and hydrates, leaving skin clean, balanced, and nourished after every cleanse.
Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil retails for S$27 (30ml), S$99 (200ml), and S$152 (400ml) on Sephora.sg.
What Is a Cleansing Oil?
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A cleansing oil is an oil-based cleanser designed to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and daily grime without stripping the skin. It works on the principle of “like dissolves like”, meaning oils are best at breaking down other oils, including waterproof makeup and SPF.
Unlike traditional facial oils, cleansing oils are formulated with emulsifiers. When water is added, the oil turns milky and rinses off cleanly, taking impurities with it.
Cleansing oils are typically used as the first step in a double cleansing routine, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue and leave skin feeling fresh.
Why Cleansing Oils Work So Well:
- Effectively melts makeup, sunscreen, and long-wear products
- Gentle on the skin barrier, with less tugging and friction
- Suitable for all skin types – even oily and acne-prone skin
- Leaves skin clean yet comfortable, not tight or dry
If you wear sunscreen daily (and you should), a cleansing oil helps ensure your skin is properly cleansed at the end of the day, setting the stage for clearer, healthier-looking skin over time.
How to Use a Cleansing Oil
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Before adding a cleansing oil to your routine, there are a few practical things worth keeping in mind. These small details can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable and effective the product feels on your skin. Following the steps below will help you get the best results every time.
Here’s how to use it:
- Start with dry hands and a dry face. This helps the oil attach to dirt, makeup, and sebum properly.
- Apply a small amount of oil and gently massage it over your skin in circular motions for about 30 to 60 seconds to break down impurities.
- Emulsify the oil by adding a little lukewarm water and continue massaging until it turns milky.
- Rinse thoroughly and make sure all the oil is washed off to avoid any residue.
If you’re wearing makeup and want a deeper clean, follow up with a foaming or gel cleanser as a second step for double cleansing.
After cleansing, you can continue your routine with a hydrating toner, essence, or serum, which will absorb more effectively on freshly cleansed skin.
When’s the Best Time to Use It?
Cleansing oils are most commonly used in the evening, when your skin has accumulated dirt, sweat, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants throughout the day.
They are especially useful after long days outdoors or when wearing long-lasting makeup. Some people also enjoy using them in the morning for a gentle cleanse that does not leave skin feeling tight.
The key is consistency rather than frequency, so choose a time that fits naturally into your routine and stick with it.
How to Pick the Best Cleansing Oil for Your Skin
Not all cleansing oils are the same, so it helps to pick one that suits your skin type:
- Oily skin: Opt for non-comedogenic, lightweight oils like grapeseed or squalane.
- Dry skin: Richer oils such as sunflower or camellia can provide extra hydration.
- Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free, gentle oils like jojoba or squalane are safest.
- Combination skin: Look for cleansing oils with balanced oils that hydrate without feeling heavy, such as jojoba blends.
