Oil-based or Water-based makeup remover?

Oil-based or Water-based makeup removers are no longer new concepts; however, when it comes to cleansing, most consumers often mention facial cleansers as the primary solution. But the reality is that makeup removal is the most crucial and indispensable step in skincare. If not properly removed, makeup can cause serious damage to your skin overnight, leading to clogged pores, acne breakouts, blackheads, or dull complexion.

Moreover, dirt and makeup residue can become deeply embedded within the pores. Therefore, the question “Should we use Oil-based or Water-based makeup remover for better cleansing?” continues to puzzle many. Let’s join Sorella in unraveling these uncertainties, not just for yourself, but for everyone.

What is a makeup remover?

Makeup remover 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 remover: 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 remover: 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.

What is an oil-based makeup remover?

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.

What is a water-based cleanser?

Specifically, Water-based makeup remover is a type of makeup remover that contains micellar particles, an advanced technology capable of effectively removing sweat, dirt, excess oil, and other impurities from the skin. Additionally, the product helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture, providing a soft, smooth and refreshed feeling to the skin.

Pros & Cons of Oil-based or Water-based makeup remover

Oil-based makeup remover

Pros 

• Oil-based makeup removers help maintain the skin’s pH balance, which is crucial for controlling oil production and preventing bacterial invasion.
• Effectively removes makeup, even stubborn types.
• No need for makeup remover pads, saving both money and time.
• Just a small amount of oil-based makeup remover can cleanse the skin, leaving it feeling light and refreshed.
• Massaging the skin with oil-based makeup remover also provides a relaxing sensation.

Cons 

• Some products containing glycerin and silicone may cause clogged pores and acne.
• Failure to thoroughly rinse the face with warm water may leave the residue of the makeup remover on the skin, leading to clogged pores and an increased risk of acne.
• Oil-based makeup removers may leave the skin feeling sticky and oily after use.
• The cost of oil-based makeup removers is often higher than that of other makeup remover products.

Water-based makeup remover

Pros 

• Safe and gentle, does not cause oiliness or skin irritation as it mainly consists of water and gentle chemical compounds.
• Affordable price, suitable for students and young people’s budgets.

Cons 

• Currently, there are many different brands of makeup removers on the market, with some containing alcohol which can dry out the skin. Those with dry or sensitive skin should avoid these products and opt for alcohol-free options to protect their skin.
• Makeup removers may not completely remove matte lipstick or waterproof mascara. Therefore, it is necessary to use them in combination with specialized makeup removers for eyes and lips.
• To achieve the best cleansing effect, you need to use a considerable amount of makeup remover, leading to quick depletion and increased costs.

Should we use Oil-based or Water-based makeup remover for better cleansing?

Each type of makeup remover has its own advantages and disadvantages, requiring consumers to carefully consider before deciding whether to use oil-based makeup remover or water-based makeup remover for their skin.

For those with dry skin who frequently wear makeup, oil-based makeup removers are highly regarded. This is because dry skin needs moisture and requires thorough cleansing to remove heavy makeup. Oil-based makeup removers can deeply cleanse inside the pores, effectively removing makeup and accumulated dirt, thereby reducing the risk of acne. Additionally, oil-based makeup removers also effectively moisturize dry skin. Therefore, in this case, oil-based makeup removers are considered the ideal choice over water-based makeup removers.

However, for those with oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin who rarely wear makeup, water-based makeup removers may be a more suitable option. This is because oil-based makeup removers can exacerbate oily skin and acne, causing clogged pores and worsening acne issues. In contrast, water-based makeup removers with a moderate alcohol content help deeply cleanse, remove excess oil, and have anti-inflammatory properties that are better for treating acne. To prevent dehydration of the skin, users can combine with moisturizing products after using water-based makeup removers.

In summary, comparing and determining the difference between oil-based makeup removers and water-based makeup removers is not easy. Consumers need to understand their skin, recognize specific skin characteristics, and the issues their skin is facing, to choose the most suitable product.

Important notes when using makeup remover

Whether using oil-based or water-based makeup removers, there are important considerations to maximize the effectiveness of these essential products. Some basic guidelines include:

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.

For waterproof makeup products, it’s advisable to use specialized water-based makeup removers

To avoid rubbing harshly on the skin to remove stubborn makeup products, you should opt for and use specialized water-based makeup removers for those products. This ensures maximum effectiveness while allowing for gentle application, leaving the skin clean and refreshed.

After removing makeup, rinse with clean water or use a facial cleanser

Depending on the instructions of each product, you may need to rinse with water or not. However, typically, this product should be rinsed with clean water or a facial cleanser to ensure that any remaining residues of makeup or cotton fibers from the makeup remover pads can be completely removed.

Makeup removal is an essential step in any skincare routine. Whether to use oil-based cleanser or water-based cleanser makeup removers depends on one’s skin type, condition, and individual needs. The important thing is to listen, understand, and choose a suitable product, while also following the correct procedures and paying attention to necessary precautions when removing makeup. The result is that, whether it’s a makeup remover or an oil-based makeup remover, both can effectively cleanse the skin when used correctly!

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?

No block ID is set

Tư vấn chuyên môn bài viết:

TS.BÁC SĨ NGUYỄN HỮU QUANG

Phó trưởng khoa tạo hình thẩm mỹ

Ngôn ngữ giao tiếp: Tiếng Việt, Tiếng Nga

Đặt Lịch Hẹn Xem Hồ Sơ