Cleansing Oils & Double Cleansing: A Gentle Path to Radiant Skin
What Are Cleansing Oils?
Cleansing oils are oil-based facial cleansers designed to dissolve and remove makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and other oil-soluble impurities without stripping the skin. Cleansing oils work through a process called like dissolves like—oil attracting oil—to lift away buildup while maintaining the skin’s natural balance.
Have you ever used an oil-based paint and tried to wash it off with water and regular soap? It doesn’t come off very well. But, if you rub oil on your hands, it amazingly comes off! Cleansing oils work in the same way!
The Science Behind It
A 2020 study by Chen et al. published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that cleansing oils were more effective than water or traditional facial cleansers at removing sunscreen—a crucial step, especially for those who wear SPF daily. This supports what many estheticians and dermatologists recommend: a thorough, gentle cleanse at the end of the day to help the skin breathe, repair, and renew.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing is a two-step skincare method:
- Step 1: Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum.
- Step 2: Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and water-based debris.
Originating in Korean and Japanese beauty routines, this method has become globally recommended by dermatologists and estheticians alike for its ability to thoroughly cleanse the skin while maintaining its moisture barrier.
Why Double Cleanse? The Benefits Include:
- Thorough removal of impurities: Helps reduce breakouts and congestion caused by leftover residue.
- Better product absorption: Clean skin allows serums and moisturizers to penetrate more effectively.
- Improved hydration: Oil cleansers help maintain skin’s natural lipids.
- Gentle on skin barrier: Avoids the stripping effect of harsh soaps or scrubs.
The Korean Journal of Aesthetic Cosmetology (2010) also observed that improper cleansing can lead to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness, and irritation—especially in aging or sensitive skin types. Double cleansing helps counteract this by gently yet thoroughly purifying the skin.
Who Benefits Most from Oil Cleansing and Double Cleansing?
- Dry or Aging Skin: Benefits from the moisture-retaining properties of oils.
- Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Surprisingly, oil can help rebalance sebum production and clear out clogged pores! Remember “like dissolves like”. Beginning your cleansing routine with a cleansing oil can help remove excess sebum and clear out clogged pores without over drying which can lead to excess sebum production.
- Sensitive Skin: Oil cleansing minimizes friction and irritation compared to foaming cleansers.
- Makeup Wearers & Daily SPF Users: Essential for fully removing long-wear or waterproof formulas.
🌟 Summary of Benefits
- Effectively dissolves sunscreen, makeup, and daily buildup
- Nourishes and hydrates dry or mature skin
- Supports collagen production and elasticity
- Calms redness and sensitivity
- Provides antioxidant protection against environmental stress
- Leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and radiant—never tight or greasy
How to Use Cleansing Oils
- Start dry: Apply 1–3 pumps of oil to dry skin.
- Massage gently for 30–60 seconds to dissolve makeup and grime.
- Add water: This emulsifies the oil into a milky texture.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- (Optional) Follow with a gentle foaming or cream cleanser for a complete double cleanse.
Getting Started
At Bumble & Bleat, we formulate our cleansing oils with plant-based, skin-loving ingredients that nourish while they cleanse. Here are our two standout formulas:
2. Nourishing Renewal Cleansing Oil
For normal to dry + mature skin
Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl Oleate, Argan Oil, Castor Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Calendula Oil, Elderberry Fruit Extract, Manuka Honey Extract, T-50 Tocopherol (Vit. E), Essential Oil Blend of: Rose, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, & Frankincense.
Key Benefits:
- Grapeseed, Jojoba & Argan Oils: Gently cleanse while deeply moisturizing and softening skin
- Pomegranate, Rosehip & Sea Buckthorn Oils: Brighten, support collagen, and promote skin renewal
- Castor & Coco-Caprylate: Help dissolve impurities and rinse clean without residue
- Calendula, Elderberry & Manuka Honey Extracts: Calm irritation, hydrate, and protect
- Vitamin E: Antioxidant that supports skin repair and formula stability
- Essential Oils (Rose, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense): Promote balance, radiance, and a soothing aromatic experience
Perfect for dry, sensitive, or mature skin. Leaves skin clean, nourished, and glowing—never stripped.
2. Botanical Balance Cleansing Oil
For normal to oily + acne-prone skin
Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl Oleate, Cator Oil, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Hemp Seed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Borage Oil, Calendula Oil, Elderberry Fruit Extract, Manuka Honey Extract, T-50 Tocopherol (Vit. E), Essential Oils Blend of: Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamot, & Peppermint.
Key Benefits
- Grapeseed, Hemp & Borage Oils: Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils that balance sebum and soothe inflammation
- Rosehip & Raspberry Seed Oils: Help brighten skin, reduce redness, and support healing
- Castor & Coco-Caprylate: Deeply cleanse pores and rinse clean without stripping skin
- Calendula, Elderberry & Manuka Honey Extracts: Calm irritation, reduce breakouts, and protect the skin barrier
- Vitamin E: Antioxidant-rich, supports skin repair and oil stability
- Essential Oils (Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamot, Peppermint): Clarify, energize, and tone the skin with a refreshing scent
Ideal for congested, combination, or blemish-prone skin. Leaves skin balanced, clear, and refreshed.
How to Choose the Right One for You
|
Skin Type |
Try This |
Why It Works |
|
Oily / Acne-Prone |
Botanical Balance |
Clarifies without clogging, balances oil, calms inflammation. |
|
Normal to Combination |
Either formula! |
Choose based on seasonal needs—lightweight in summer, nourishing in winter. |
|
Dry / Mature |
Nourishing Renewal |
Deeply hydrates, softens texture, and supports anti-aging. |
Final Thoughts
Cleansing doesn’t have to be harsh to be effective. With the right ingredients and technique, your daily skincare ritual can become a moment of care and calm—and your skin will thank you.
Ready to experience the power of nature-based cleansing?
Explore our full collection and let your skincare ritual become a moment of renewal.
🛒 Shop Cleansing Oils & Our Other Natural Facecare Products!
Here’s to skin that feels as good as it looks.
With love,
The Bumble & Bleat Team
References
Chen, S. (2024). Basic guide to skincare cleansing: Achieving healthy and radiant skin. Retrieved from https://www.ijarsct.co.in/Paper18657.pdf
Chen, W., He, M., Xie, L., & Li, L. (2020). The optimal cleansing method for the removal of sunscreen: Water, cleanser or cleansing oil? Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(1), 180–184. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12995
Im, S.-H., Kwak, S.-S., & Kim, A.-K. (2010). A study on skin conditions by water-soluble cleansers. Korean Journal of Aesthetic Cosmetology, 8(4). Retrieved from http://e-ajbc.org/journal/view.php?number=614
Kao Chemicals. (2022). Skin cleansing ingredients: Focus on mildness and effectiveness. Retrieved from https://www.kaochemicals-eu.com/uploads/docs/i/6/5/dwz-kao-2209-en.pdf
Rönner, A.-C., Berland, C., Runeman, B., & Kaijser, B. (2010). The hygienic effectiveness of 2 different skin cleansing procedures. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 37(3), 260–264. https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0b013e3181d73be3
Healthline. (n.d.). Oil cleansing method: How to do it, benefits, and more. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/oil-cleansing-method
Healthline. (n.d.). Double cleansing: TikTok trend or dermatologist-approved? Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/double-cleansing-tiktok-trend
International Journal of Cosmetic Science. (n.d.). Understanding facial cleansing: A review of the literature. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ics.12879