To double cleanse, or not to double cleanse? That is the question. At least, that’s the question the team at The Weekly are asking in trying to find the best cleansing oil.
For some, a simple wash with a foaming cleanser at night might be enough to clean their skin. However, if you wear a lot of makeup or skincare, a double cleanse might be for you.
Double cleansing involves using both an oil based and a water based cleanser to wash your face. An oil based product will break down any makeup, SPF or skincare you have on, and can also help remove excess oil or sebum.
By using an oil based product first, you’ll allow your second cleanse (with a water based cleanser) to work more efficiently.
How to double cleanse
To cleanse with an oil based product, pump or scoop the product into your palm, then begin gently massaging it into the skin. Aim for between 30 seconds to two minutes, or until you feel all your makeup has dissolved.
After you’ve massaged the product into all areas of the face, remove with lukewarm water or a washcloth. You can pat your face dry, or alternatively leave the skin slightly damp and go straight in with your water based cleanser next.
Is double cleansing necessary?
Double cleansing is especially great for those who wear a lot of makeup or skincare products. If you don’t sit in that basket, you might not need to add the extra step into your routine.
If you wear a limited number of products throughout the day, you might find it better to use a micellar water as an initial step before your water based cleanser.
2025’s best cleansing oils and balms:
- Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, $70, Clinique (here’s why)
- Nourishing Cleansing Oil, $46, Mecca (here’s why)
- Fancy Face, $45, Go-To (here’s why)
The best cleansing oils and balms for 2025

01
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
$70 at Myer
The Clinique cleansing balm has cult status, and for good reason. The formula is lightweight and silky, and glides over the skin like a dream. It removes even the toughest of mascara or lip products without feeling greasy on the skin.
It starts out as a balm, but as the product warms to touch, it becomes an oil that has the perfect amount of slip. It’s great for all skin types and even comes in a small sample size if you’re wanting to road test.
Sizes: 30ml, 125ml, 200ml, 250ml
Key features:
- Good for all skin types
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy and non-drying

02
Mecca Cosmetica Nourishing Cleansing Oil
from $46 at Mecca
Mecca’s Nourishing Cleansing Oil is one of the best. It efficiently removes makeup while also delivering a dose of hydration thanks to the avocado oil.
This cleansing oil also includes argan oil as an ingredient, which helps to restore the skin barrier. It feels great on the skin without being too heavy, and doesn’t irritate your eyes when cleansing.
Sizes: 150ml
Key features:
- Ophthalmologist tested
- No synthetic fragrance
- Vegan and cruelty free

03
Fancy Face
from $45 at Go-To
Fancy Face isn’t just the name – it really does feel fancy on the face. This cleansing oil breaks down products like a breeze, and also aims to replenish the skin while it removes impurities.
It’s great for all skin types, including ageing and sensitive, and even comes with a muslin cloth to gently wash off.
Sizes: 100ml
Key features:
- Nourishing formula
- Sustainable packaging
- 5 botanical plant oils (camellia, sunflower, sweet almond, argan, passionfruit seed)

04
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
from $22 at Sephora
The Inkey List cleansing balm is perfect for those with sensitive skin thanks to the colloidal oatmeal and ceramides. It will gently dissolve makeup while also supporting your skin’s protective barrier.
It doesn’t irritate the eyes and is easy to wash off – a win on all fronts! For a little extra nourishment, you can even leave this cleanser on for up to 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
Sizes: 50ml, 150ml
Key features:
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Fragrance free
- Supports a damaged skin barrier

05
Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Brightening
from $36 at Lila Beauty
If a vitamin C is already in your skincare routine and you’re looking to brighten your complexion a little more, look no further than the Banila Co cleansing balm.
This jelly-like balm melts into a luxurious oil once it makes contact with the skin. It also includes mandarin peel oil to leave the skin with a glowy finish.
Sizes: 25ml, 100ml
Key features:
- Non-irritating vegan formula
- Infused with vitamins A and E
- Lightweight jelly texture

06
Software Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil
from $34 at Priceline
The Software Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil is a unique oil to milk cleanser, leaving the skin feeling hydrated after each and every use.
This cleansing oil is great for sensitive skin, as it contains prebiotics, postbiotics and fatty acids to protect the skin’s barrier, and won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. An added bonus is that it is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant rich.
Sizes: 100ml
Key features:
- Hydrating formula
- Good for sensitive skin
- Vegan and cruelty free

07
Eve Lom Cleanser
from $138 at Mecca
This Eve Lom cleanser is one of the first I ever fell in love with. It is nourishing and slightly exfoliating, and leaves the skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
Formulated with clove and eucalyptus oils, this also has a lovely scent to it. It melts into the skin to remove all traces of makeup and skincare, and is easily removed with an Eve Lom muslin cloth.
Sizes: 20ml, 100ml, 200ml
Key features:
- Visibly improves skin’s texture
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types

08
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
from $49 at Adore Beauty
The Anua cleansing oil is one that I have repurchased time and time again. It is a lightweight oil and removes makeup without leaving the skin feeling oily or dry afterwards.
It has a non-comedogenic formula in addition to being anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. The heartleaf extract in this product is great for those who have acne-prone skin as it is soothing and calming on the skin.
Sizes: 200ml
Key features:
- Pore-controlling, lightweight formula
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Helps clear congested pores

09
Makeup Melt
from $80 at HydroPeptide
The HydroPeptide cleansing balm is soft and silky, and gently removes makeup while still keeping the skin hydrated. You only need a pea sized amount, as a little goes a long way with this balm.
It includes coconut, sunflower and macadamia oils, as well as vitamin E to protect the skin. Keep in mind that Makeup Melt does have a subtle fragrance. If scent isn’t a deal-breaker for you, this cleansing balm will add a luxurious, spa-like element to your evening skincare routine.
Sizes: 100ml
Key features:
- Restores healthy lipid barrier
- Hydrates the skin
- Suitable for all skin types