Why Oil Cleansing Might Change Everything for Your Skin
By Esther & Mila
For many of us, the first lesson we learned about washing our faces was simple: remove oil. Blot it. Strip it. Foam it away. The message was clear—oil was the problem.
And yet, in one of skincare’s more elegant shifts, oil cleansing reframes that idea entirely. Instead of working against the skin, it works with it—dissolving impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural state. The result is skin that feels calm, supple, and thoroughly clean, without the tight, overly-cleansed feel often associated with traditional cleansers.
It may feel counterintuitive at first, but once understood, oil cleansing becomes a foundational step in achieving glowing, healthy-looking skin.
How Oil Cleansing Works with the Skin
We believe that skin is not meant to be stripped, and that it functions best when its natural moisture barrier and acid mantle remain intact. This delicate layer, composed of sebum and lipids, helps maintain hydration and protect against environmental stress. When disrupted, the skin may overproduce oil or become sensitized.
Oil cleansing takes a more intuitive approach. Based on the principle that oil dissolves oil, oil-based cleansers bind to excess sebum, sunscreen, makeup, and daily buildup, lifting them away without disturbing the skin’s natural barrier.
Rather than removing everything, it removes what is unnecessary—while preserving what the skin needs to remain resilient.
A Botanical Approach to Cleansing
The effectiveness of oil cleansing lies in the quality of the oils themselves. Thoughtfully chosen botanical oils do more than cleanse—they nourish.
Ingredients such as sea buckthorn, sweet almond, avocado, and berry seed oils deliver essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that support the skin’s appearance and overall vitality. Sea buckthorn, featured in our Repair Cleansing Treatment, is especially valued for promoting a more luminous-looking complexion.
Cleansing, in this way, becomes not just a step—but an opportunity to replenish.
How to Oil Cleanse
Oil cleansing is simple, but the technique matters.
Begin with dry hands and dry skin, applying the cleanser directly to the face. Massage gently in slow, circular motions, allowing the oils to dissolve buildup and impurities. Remove with a warm, damp cloth.
Skin should feel soft, clean, and restored—never tight or depleted. Used consistently, this method supports a more refined, brighter complexion over time.
Find Your Oil Cleanser
Cleansing is not one-size-fits-all. The right oil cleanser should meet your skin exactly where it is—supporting balance, clarity, and comfort without disruption.
Begin with what your skin is asking for:
If your skin feels congested or prone to breakouts:
Reach for the Cleansing Balm—a rich, transformative formula designed to deeply purify while dissolving buildup and impurities, leaving skin clarified yet replenished.
If your skin feels dry, tight, or depleted:
The Aromatic Cleansing Nectar offers a deeply nourishing cleanse, enveloping the skin in botanical richness while maintaining softness and hydration.
If your skin is showing visible lines or a loss of vitality:
The Repair Cleansing Treatment, infused with provitamin A carotenoid–rich sea buckthorn, cleanses while supporting a more refined, radiant appearance.
If your skin feels balanced but needs daily clarity:
The Cleansing Elixir is a lightweight, versatile option that supports a clear, refreshed complexion while gently removing buildup.
If your skin is sensitive, reactive, or easily overwhelmed:
The Radiant Cleansing Oil is designed for gentle care, helping calm and comfort while cleansing without disruption.
A Simple Way to Begin
Not sure where to start?
Choose the formula that aligns most closely with your skin today—your skin will guide you. Each formulation is entirely oil-based, designed to cleanse thoroughly while maintaining hydration and barrier integrity.
A More Balanced Way to Cleanse
Oil cleansing offers a quieter, more considered approach to skincare—one that supports the skin barrier rather than disrupting it. It is particularly beneficial for dryness, sensitivity, and even oily or congestion-prone skin, as it helps replenish and refine rather than overcorrect.
At Esther & Mila, our collection of oil-based cleansers is designed to support a range of skin types—from the deeply clarifying Cleansing Balm to the gentle Radiant Cleansing Oil for sensitive skin. Each formula is rooted in botanical oils that cleanse while supporting the skin’s natural functions.
Cleansing, at its best, should not feel like correction. It should feel like care. And sometimes, the most effective approach is also the simplest: the best way to remove oil is with oil.
Disclaimer - The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. This information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. If you have specific medical concerns or questions about your skin or health, we recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare professional.