The Best Oil Cleansers & Cleansing Balms for Every Skin Type
Skincare Guide
The Best Oil Cleansers & Cleansing Balms
for Every Skin Type
Oil cleansing is one of the most effective — and most misunderstood — steps in a skincare routine. Here's how it works, who it's for, and which formulas we trust at Oak + Tonic.
Does Oil Cleanser Actually Work?
Yes — and the science is simple. Oil dissolves oil. Makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and environmental pollutants are all oil-based, which means a water-based cleanser alone can't fully remove them. An oil cleanser breaks down these residues on contact, lifting them cleanly from the skin without stripping your natural moisture barrier.
This is why oil cleansing is the cornerstone of the double cleanse method — used first to remove the day, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to clean the skin itself. Done right, it leaves skin soft, calm, and properly prepped for the rest of your routine.
"The biggest myth about oil cleansing is that it causes breakouts. In reality, the right oil cleanser can actually help oily and acne-prone skin by regulating sebum production and clearing congestion — not adding to it."
Oil Cleanser vs Cleansing Balm — What's the Difference?
Both work on the same principle, but the texture differs. An oil cleanser is liquid or gel-like and emulsifies with water into a milky rinse. A cleansing balm starts as a solid or semi-solid, melts on contact with skin, and rinses clean similarly. Balms tend to feel more luxurious and are often preferred for dry or sensitive skin. Oils are typically lighter and suit combination to oily skin well.
Our Picks for Oil Cleansing in Canada
We've curated three options across different textures, skin types, and price points — all certified clean and available at Oak + Tonic in Calgary.
Eminence Organics
Stone Crop Cleansing Oil
Best for: All skin types
A lightweight, fast-absorbing cleansing oil enriched with Stone Crop — a succulent known for brightening and soothing. Emulsifies beautifully with water, removes makeup and SPF completely, and leaves zero greasy residue. A consistent bestseller.
$64 CAD
Shop NowOm Organics
Tahiti Lime + Babassu Radiant Cleansing Balm
Best for: Dry & dull skin
A rich cleansing balm handcrafted in BC with Babassu oil, Tahiti lime, and vitamin-rich botanicals. Melts into skin on contact, dissolves impurities, and leaves a radiant finish. Ideal as a first cleanse or a standalone gentle cleanse on low-makeup days.
$52 CAD
Shop NowNeal's Yard Remedies
Wild Rose Beauty Balm
Best for: Mature & sensitive skin
An award-winning certified organic cleansing balm with Wild Rose and Rosehip oils that simultaneously cleanses and nourishes. Works as a cleanser, mask, or overnight treatment. One of the most versatile products we carry — endlessly repurchased.
$85.50 CAD
Shop NowHow to Use an Oil Cleanser
→ Start dry. Apply to dry skin — water deactivates the emulsification before it has a chance to work.
→ Massage for 30–60 seconds. Work in circular motions across the face, paying attention to the hairline, around the nose, and jawline where buildup collects.
→ Emulsify. Add a small amount of warm water and continue massaging — the oil will turn milky as it lifts impurities.
→ Rinse thoroughly. Remove with a warm, damp muslin cloth or rinse well with water.
→ Follow with a second cleanse if you've worn SPF or makeup.
Oil Cleanser FAQ
Can I use an oil cleanser if I have oily skin?
Yes — this is one of the most common misconceptions. Oily skin often overproduces sebum because harsh cleansers strip the skin, triggering a rebound response. A gentle oil cleanser can actually help regulate sebum over time. The Eminence Stone Crop is particularly well suited to oily skin.
Will an oil cleanser break me out?
A properly formulated oil cleanser should not cause breakouts — it rinses completely clean. If you're experiencing congestion after oil cleansing, check that you're rinsing thoroughly and consider whether a second cleanse is needed after.
Is oil cleansing the same as double cleansing?
Oil cleansing is the first step of a double cleanse. The double cleanse method uses an oil-based cleanser first to remove surface impurities, followed by a water-based cleanser to clean the skin itself. You don't have to double cleanse every day — on low-makeup, no-SPF days a single oil cleanse is often enough.
What's the difference between an oil cleanser and micellar water?
Micellar water uses surfactant molecules to attract oil and dirt, but it's water-based and typically gentler. An oil cleanser is more effective at removing heavy SPF and long-wear makeup. For full removal at the end of the day, oil wins.
Where can I buy oil cleanser in Calgary?
All three of our recommended oil cleansers are available in store at Oak + Tonic, Southcentre Mall, Calgary — or online at oakandtonic.ca with free shipping on orders over $95.
