Best Vegan Cleansing Oils That Actually Remove Makeup and SPF
Cleansing oils have become a staple in modern skincare routines, particularly for anyone who wears makeup or sunscreen daily. They work by dissolving oil based impurities that traditional cleansers can struggle to remove, making them an effective and gentle first step in double cleansing.
When formulated well, cleansing oils remove makeup and SPF thoroughly while helping skin feel soft and comfortable rather than tight or stripped. Vegan cleansing oils offer the same benefits without animal derived ingredients.
Below is an updated round up of some of the best vegan cleansing oils, chosen for how well they cleanse and fit into a (double) cleansing routine.
What Is a Cleansing Oil?
A cleansing oil is an oil based facial cleanser designed to break down makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum and other oil soluble impurities on the skin.
Cleansing oils are typically applied to dry skin and then emulsified with water, turning into a milky texture that rinses clean. They are commonly used as the first step in a double cleansing routine, followed by a water based cleanser.
Because they dissolve impurities rather than stripping them away, cleansing oils are often considered gentler than traditional foaming cleansers.
What Makes a Cleansing Oil Vegan?
A vegan cleansing oil is formulated without animal derived ingredients. This includes avoiding ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin or animal derived glycerin.
Vegan cleansing oils rely on plant based oils and synthetic alternatives to deliver effective cleansing while remaining suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle or trying to limit their consumption of animal products.
Best Vegan Cleansing Oils Under £30
Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser
Byoma Milky Oil Cleanser is infused with BYOMA's exclusive Barrier Lipid Complex to nurture your natural skin barrier, along with nourishing Moringa seed oil and moisture-drawing Squalane.
Turning into a milky texture upon contact with water, this cleanser effortlessly dissolve makeup, SPF and impurities without leaving any lingering, oily residue.
RRP: £13.99 - Find it on Cult Beauty
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil is inspired by Korean cleansing rituals and uses soybean oil to remove makeup and sunscreen without clogging pores.
It also includes micellar technology to help lift residue, while ginseng seed oil supports skin comfort and provides a subtle herbal scent.
RRP: £17 - Find it on Cult Beauty
Evolve Beauty Kalahari Dream Cleansing Oil
Evolve Beauty Kalahari Dream Cleansing Oil is a lightweight option designed for normal to combination skin.
It is powered by moisturising Kalahari Melon seed oil which contains 70% fatty acids and promotes cell regeneration. Alongside, you’ll find hydrating Squalane and soothing Pink Indigo, which helps protect the skin barrier.
RRP: £22 - Find it on Evolve Beauty
Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil has a featherlight texture that removes makeup and impurities without leaving a greasy residue.
Packed with sugarcane-derived squalane oil and an antioxidant blend, this gentle formula hydrates and strengthen your skin barrier without leaving you feeling oily.
RRP: £25 - Find it on Cult Beauty or Space NK
Best Vegan Cleansing Oils Worth the Investment
Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil
Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil is suitable for all skin types and has been nicknamed “double cleanse hero”.
Transforming into a milky emulsion, it melts onto the skin and washes everything away, leaving your skin clean and soft.
Powered by nourishing Safflower oil and Moringa extract, a natural anti-pollution cleansing agent, it purifies your skin and protects its natural barrier at the same time.
RRP: £35 - Find it on Medik8 or Cult Beauty
Pai Light Work Cleansing Oil
Pai Light Work Cleansing Oil is formulated for sensitive and eczema prone skin. You can trust this soothing yet effective cleanser tot melts everything away without triggering any skin reactions.
Offering an effortless and “sting-free” cleanse, the formula is powered by Rosehip Oil, an underrated skincare powerhouse that is packed with fatty acids and antioxidants to protect, nourish and reinvigorate your skin.
RRP: £35 - Find it on Cult Beauty or Lookfantastic
Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil
Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil offers a silky, lightweight texture that dissolves makeup, sunscreen and impurities.
Enriched with Japanese Camellia Oil, packed with vitamins and omega fatty acids, and the Hadasei-3 complex of rice, green tea and algae, it turns your daily cleanse into a truly indulgent ritual.
RRP: £48 - Find it on Tatcha or Space NK
Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser
Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser is formulated specifically for dry skin. This luxurious cleansing oil is made with a vast majority of certified organic, home grown ingredients on Tata Harper’s farm in the US.
It is packed with a blend of nourishing oils such as sunflower seed, jojoba seed and argan oils. Once applied, it emulsifies with water to easily remove all impurities and leaves you with soft, supple skin.
RRP: £74 - Find it on Cult Beauty
Are Vegan Cleansing Oils Suitable for All Skin Types?
Vegan cleansing oils can work for most skin types when chosen correctly. Lightweight formulas tend to suit combination or oily skin, while richer oils are often better for dry or dehydrated skin.
Because cleansing oils dissolve impurities rather than stripping them away, many people find them gentler than traditional cleansers.
How to Use a Vegan Cleansing Oil
Apply the oil to dry skin and massage gently to break down makeup, sunscreen and impurities. Add warm water to emulsify the oil into a milk, then rinse thoroughly. For double cleansing, follow with a water based cleanser.
Final Thoughts on Vegan Cleansing Oils
A good vegan cleansing oil can transform how your skin feels after cleansing. Whether you double cleanse daily or simply want a gentler way to remove makeup and SPF, choosing the right formula for your skin type is key.
This round up focuses on vegan cleansing oils that cleanse effectively, emulsify well and support the skin barrier, making double cleansing feel effortless rather than stripping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Cleansing Oils
Are cleansing oils good for oily skin?
Yes. When formulated well, cleansing oils can be suitable for oily skin because they help dissolve excess sebum without stripping the skin.
Can vegan cleansing oils remove sunscreen?
Yes. Cleansing oils are particularly effective at breaking down sunscreen and makeup, which is why they are commonly used as the first step in double cleansing.
Do cleansing oils clog pores?
Most cleansing oils are designed to emulsify and rinse clean. When used correctly and followed by a second cleanser, they should not clog pores.
Is double cleansing necessary?
Double cleansing is not essential for everyone, but it can be beneficial if you wear makeup, sunscreen or live in an urban environment where pollution exposure is higher.
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