What is Oil-based makeup remover?

The popularity of oil-based makeup removers is not only driven by Beauty Bloggers but has also extended to many consumers worldwide. Previously, the most common skincare product for cleansing was water-based makeup remover, also known as micellar water. However, the increasing prevalence of oil-based makeup removers has sparked debates and inquiries within the beauty community regarding its effectiveness on all skin types.

This raises the question: “Is oil-based makeup remover truly effective, or is it just a marketing gimmick?” If you also have doubts about this, check out the following article by Sorella for a more comprehensive and detailed insight into this issue.

What is an oil-based makeup remover?

Makeup removal is the initial and crucial step in every daily skincare routine, essential for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. This process involves eliminating all traces of makeup, along with impurities like dirt, excess oil, and environmental pollutants, which accumulate on the skin throughout the day or night.

By thoroughly cleansing the skin, makeup removal ensures that the pores are unclogged and ready to absorb the subsequent skincare products effectively.

This skincare step is typically carried out twice daily:

• Morning Routine: Upon waking up, the skin tends to produce sebum and sweat overnight to maintain moisture balance. Removing any residual products from the night before prepares the skin for daytime skincare and makeup application.
• Evening Routine: As the first step before bedtime skincare regimen. Throughout the day, the skin is exposed to various external aggressors such as pollution, bacteria, and UV radiation. Additionally, makeup worn during the day can mix with sweat and sebum, leading to clogged pores and potential breakouts if not thoroughly removed before sleep.

There are two main types of makeup removers available:

• Water-based Makeup Removers: These products typically come in the form of micellar water or cleansing lotions. They work by utilizing micelles, which are tiny oil molecules suspended in water, to attract and lift away makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin’s surface.

• Oil-based Makeup Removers: These products, such as cleansing oils or balms, are designed to dissolve and break down makeup, including waterproof formulas and long-wearing products. Oil-based removers effectively lift away makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils, leaving it nourished and hydrated.

While both types of makeup removers serve the same purpose of cleansing the skin, individuals may choose one over the other based on personal preference, skin type, and the type of makeup being removed. It’s essential to select a makeup remover that effectively removes impurities without causing irritation or dryness, ensuring the skin remains clean, balanced, and healthy.

Specifically, oil-based makeup removers are products that operate on the principle of “oil dissolves oil,” with the ability to effectively cleanse and remove makeup residues, excess oil, and accumulated dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. Common ingredients in oil-based makeup removers include vegetable oils, mineral oil, plant extracts, or antioxidants, which not only help cleanse the skin but also nourish it, leaving it soft and healthy.

Moreover, oil-based makeup removers can dissolve other oils such as natural skin sebum or oil-based ingredients in makeup products, helping the skin maintain its smoothness and natural hydration.

Currently, there are two popular types of oil-based makeup removers: oil cleansers and balm cleansers.

Benefits of oil-based makeup remover 

Removing makeup, excess oil, and dirt

The deep cleansing effect of oil-based makeup removers lies in their ability to effectively remove impurities, dirt, and excess oil that accumulate deep within the pores and on the surface of the skin. When applied, the active ingredients in the oil-based makeup remover act like a magnet, attracting and pulling impurities out of the skin.

With ingredients such as vegetable oils, and mineral oil, oil-based makeup removers can dissolve oil, dirt, and impurities that accumulate within the pores, facilitating a thorough cleansing from within.

Exfoliating dead skin cells

Oil-based makeup removers also contribute to exfoliation by removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This gentle exfoliation reveals brighter, smoother skin underneath, promoting a more radiant complexion.

Preventing dermatological issues caused by accumulated dirt

Daily exposure to environmental pollutants, bacteria, and excess oil can lead to clogged pores and various dermatological issues like acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Thoroughly cleansing the skin with an oil-based makeup remover helps prevent pore congestion and the formation of acne by eliminating dirt, oil, and bacteria, thereby promoting clearer and healthier skin.

Enhancing nutrient absorption in skincare routine

After makeup removal, the skin is left clean, dry, and primed to absorb the active ingredients in subsequent skincare products more effectively. This improved absorption ensures that the skin receives maximum benefits from moisturizers, serums, and other skincare treatments, leading to better hydration, nourishment, and overall skin health.

How to remove makeup with oil-based makeup remover

The way to use this product in the following:

Step 1: Dispense the product

Start by ensuring your hands are clean and dry. Then, take the oil-based makeup remover and dispense an appropriate amount onto your fingertips or a cotton pad.

Step 2: Perform makeup removal

Apply the product onto your dry skin, avoiding areas that are moist or wet. Begin massaging the product onto your face using gentle, circular motions. Focus on areas where makeup is heavily applied, such as the eyes and lips. Continue massaging for 3-7 minutes or until you feel the makeup loosening and breaking down.

Step 3: Emulsify

To emulsify the oil-based makeup remover, wet your hands slightly with water. Then, gently massage your damp hands over your face, allowing the water to mix with the oil-based product. As you massage, you’ll notice the oil transforming into a milky white liquid. Continue massaging until the entire product has emulsified and no greasy residue remains on your skin.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly

Once the oil has emulsified into a milky texture, rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water. Ensure that all traces of the makeup remover are removed from your skin, leaving it clean and refreshed. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Important notes when using oil-based makeup remover 

Selecting products suitable for your skin type and condition

Each skin type and condition presents unique care requirements. Therefore, comprehending and carefully selecting the appropriate product for your skin not only prevents irritation and redness but also optimizes the efficacy of the chosen water-based makeup remover along with other skincare products. In case of unsuitability after 1 or 2 uses, another cleaning product should be chosen.

Keep your hands clean from the skin-cleansing step

Given that hands frequently encounter diverse surfaces and harbor a plethora of bacteria, it is essential to prioritize hand hygiene before commencing with facial cleansing. This precautionary measure serves to significantly reduce the risk of bacterial transfer from your hands to your facial skin, thereby safeguarding against potential skin irritations or infections.

Avoid using oil-based products on damp, moist skin with wet hands.

Oil-based products, when exposed to water, will turn into a milky white liquid, losing their cleansing effectiveness due to their oil being dissolved by water. Therefore, if used on wet skin, oil-based products will not fully deliver their intended effects, or worse, they may cause irritation, rashes, or hidden acne.

Applying gently on the skin, do not rub the skin

Exerting excessive force while rubbing on the skin can compromise the skin’s protective barrier. The abrasions induced by rubbing can be susceptible to bacterial infiltration, thereby facilitating the formation of new acne lesions.

Emulsifying the oil with water before you rinse

Emulsifying the oil-based product is considered a crucial step in the Double Cleansing process as it transforms the makeup residue and dirt into a milk-like substance, facilitating their gentle and effective removal from the skin’s surface. Skipping this step may result in the inability to completely remove the dirt, leading to clogged pores and even an increased risk of acne development.

Popular oil-based makeup remover products on the market

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

Price: 390,000 VND

Volume: 100ml

Origin: South Korea

Banila Co Clean It Zero Moisturizing Cleansing Balm, primarily composed of synthetic wax, sunflower seed oil, and natural fruit extracts, effectively removes dirt and dead skin cells from the skin. This product is suitable for thin and dry skin as it cleanses gently without over-drying.

Ma:nyo Cleansing Oil

Price: 466,000 VND

Volume: 200ml

Origin: South Korea

Ma:nyo Factory Cleansing Oil has a texture that is neither too thick nor too thin, making it easy to apply smoothly on the skin. It has a pleasant, mild scent and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, especially recommended for normal and dry skin.

Anua Cleansing Oil

Price: 329,000 VND

Volume: 200ml

Origin: South Korea

Anua’s Non-Comed formula, extracted from fish mint leaves, cleanses the skin, unclogs pores, and soothes, making it suitable for acne-prone skin. It contains 5 ALPHA AVOCUTA* patented ingredients to regulate sebum, and reduce blackheads and whiteheads. Oils from grape seeds, jojoba, olive, maca, and sunflower moisturize and nourish the skin, preventing dryness after cleansing. This product is suitable for all skin types.

Muji Cleansing Oil

Price: 262,000 VND

Volume: 200ml

Origin: Japan

Muji’s main ingredients include sunflower oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, apricot kernel extract, peach leaf extract, glycerin, and vitamin E, which help retain necessary moisture on the skin while effectively removing dirt, oil, and makeup, including waterproof products. This product is suitable for all skin types.

Numbuzin Cleansing Oil

Price: 435,000 VND

Volume: 200ml

Origin: South Korea

Numbuzin’s formula, extracted from Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, maintains moisture, preventing dryness after cleansing. Corn oil, sunflower seed oil, and Cyperus esculentus root oil quickly dissolve impurities in pores, helping to remove blackheads and sebum. Its lightweight texture and pleasant natural scent make it suitable for all skin types.

Sulwhasoo Cleansing Oil

Price: 920,000 VND

Volume: 200ml

Origin: South Korea

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil is the perfect solution for removing makeup, dirt deep within pores, and enhancing skin elasticity. It restores healthy skin by removing makeup on the surface and impurities deep within pores. This gentle product is suitable for all skin types.

Oil-based makeup removers have become increasingly accessible and popular worldwide, with many individuals and experts endorsing their efficacy. However, the discourse surrounding these products is nuanced, as opinions vary widely. Despite this, it’s important to recognize that when utilized correctly, oil-based makeup removers can offer significant benefits.

One crucial aspect of using oil-based makeup removers effectively is understanding your skin’s unique characteristics and requirements. Different skin types react differently to various ingredients, so selecting a makeup remover tailored to your specific needs is essential. Moreover, ensuring the authenticity and quality of the product is paramount.

With the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard goods in the market, it’s crucial to source makeup removers from reputable and trustworthy sources. This not only guarantees the effectiveness of the product but also mitigates any potential risks associated with using inferior or adulterated formulations.

Refer to the articles below from Sorella Beauty:

Applying a clay mask with 4 benefits

Double Cleansing – Glass skin’s secret

Is Triple Cleansing necessary?

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