Ingredient sourcing note: Some ingredients mentioned in this article are available from The Skin Science Company (theskinsciencecompany.com.au), an Australian cosmetic raw materials supplier. We recommend them based on the quality and availability of their products. We have no commercial, affiliate, or sponsorship relationship with them and receive no payment or commission for these mentions.
If you grew up in the era of aggressive apricot scrubs and alcohol-heavy toners like I did, the idea of intentionally rubbing more oil onto your face feels incredibly wrong. It goes against everything we were taught.
For years, I was convinced that “clean” meant “squeaky.” I spent a small fortune on foaming cleansers that promised to strip away every last bit of shine. The result? My skin was tight, angry, and—ironically—oilier than ever because it was overcompensating for the dryness.
I was skeptical when I first heard about the Oil Cleansing Method. It sounded like a recipe for a breakout disaster, especially for someone who still battles the occasional hormonal spot. But after one too many mornings waking up with dry, flaky patches, I decided to raid my pantry and give it a go.
Spoiler alert: It didn’t just clean my skin; it completely healed my damaged skin barrier. Here is why fighting oil with oil was the game-changer my 30-something skin desperately needed, and why I’ll never buy a foaming face wash again.
The Science: Why “Like Dissolves Like”
It sounds counter-intuitive, but basic chemistry explains why this works better than soap. The premise is simple: like dissolves like.
Most commercial cleansers use harsh surfactants (detergents) to strip oil from your skin. While they remove the bad stuff, they also strip the good natural oils that protect your skin barrier.
“It’s the difference between scrubbing a pan with steel wool versus soaking it gently.”
Oil cleansing works differently. The fresh oil you massage into your face binds to the hardened sebum (the oil in your pores), makeup, and impurities. It dissolves the “glue” holding the gunk in your pores without disrupting your skin’s natural pH.
When you wipe it away, you’re taking the dirt with you, but leaving the skin nourished and soft.
The Golden Ratios: Your DIY Oil Cleanser Recipe
One of the best things about the Oil Cleansing Method is that it is infinitely customisable. You don’t need to spend $80 on a branded “elixir.” You just need to head to your local health food store or bulk supplier.
The “recipe” usually consists of a Base Oil (nourishing) and an Astringent Oil (deep cleaning). The most common astringent oil is Castor Oil, but use it sparingly—it is drying!
Here is my “Cheat Sheet” for the best oils based on your skin type:
| Skin Type | Base Oil (The Carrier) | The “Cleaner” (Castor Oil) | Insider Add-In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oily / Acne Prone | Hemp Seed or Grapeseed (70%) | 30% | 2 drops Tea Tree or Tamanu |
| Balanced / Normal | Jojoba or Sweet Almond (80%) | 20% | 2 drops Lavender |
| Dry / Mature | Avocado, Macadamia, or Olive (90%) | 10% (or skip entirely if sensitive, like a DIY eczema cream approach) | 2 drops Frankincense or Rosehip |
The Ritual: How to Oil Cleanse Properly
If you’re anything like me, you might rush through washing your face at night. But this method forces you to slow down. It turns a chore into a mini-spa ritual.
1. The Massage
Pour a coin-sized amount of your blend into your palm. Rub your hands together to warm it up, then apply it to your dry face (yes, right over your makeup!). Massage firmly but gently for at least 60 seconds. This is where you might feel “grits” coming out of your pores—it’s weirdly satisfying.
2. The Steam
Run your washcloth under hot tap water (hot, but not scalding). Wring it out and drape it over your face. Let it sit there for about 10–20 seconds. The steam opens the pores and softens the oil. Take a deep breath—this is the best part.
3. The Wipe
Gently use the washcloth to wipe away the oil. Rinse the cloth and repeat 2–3 times until your face feels clean and soft, but not greasy. There is no need to scrub.
3 Insider Tips for DIY Success
Before you run to the bathroom, let me share a few things I learned the hard way regarding oil cleansing for acne prone skin and general maintenance.
Castor oil is incredibly effective at pulling dirt out of pores, but it can be drying if you use too much. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, reduce the Castor Oil percentage in your next batch. It’s all about listening to your skin.
2. Why I Love Jojoba
If you are looking for Jojoba oil benefits, look no further than its molecular structure. It is technically a wax ester, which means it closely mimics human sebum. This tricks your skin into thinking it has produced enough oil, which can actually help balance out oily skin over time.
3. The “Purge” is Real
When you first start, you might experience a “purge” where your skin breaks out slightly as deep impurities are brought to the surface. Give it two weeks. If it persists longer than that, you may need to switch your base oil—swapping Coconut oil, which clogs pores, for non-comedogenic oils like Hemp.
Final Thoughts
It feels strange at first to ditch the suds. I remember standing in my bathroom the first week, wondering if my face was actually clean. But once you see that glow—and realise you’re saving money by making your own blends—you’ll never go back.
Start with a small 50ml batch this weekend and see for yourself. If you’ve tried the Oil Cleansing Method or have a favourite oil combination I missed, I’d love to hear what worked for you.
You May Also Like
One Comment