I’ve been following the oil cleansing method for some years now, and my skin hasn’t been better! In fact, I very rarely get breakouts anymore – usually just one pimple, and that almost always coincides with my cycle. But it wasn’t always like this. The journey to finding the perfect balance of oils with the right comedogenic scale for my skin type and its unique needs was a long road indeed.
I hope to at least shorten that road for those of you who have oily skin.
The Perfect DIY Oil Cleanser for Oily Skin
Having an oily skin type can be a bit challenging to deal with, and you have to be choosy when it comes to carrier oils.
Heavier oils like coconut will often clog pores and leave it looking like a grease slick, while mid-range oils like sweet almond might not sink into the skin, and you STILL look like a grease slick.
For years I resigned myself to the fact that I was just going to look oily. It seemed like there was no combination that would actually leave my skin feeling clean and refreshed like it did when I used soap cleansers. Granted, oil doesn’t strip the skin which is why I made the switch to begin with, but I was waiting for that holy grail combination that would satisfy my skin’s needs and teach it to calm down its oil production.
So, after a lot of trial and error, here we are with my (what I deem to be perfect) oil cleanser recipe for oily skin.
It’s light, healing, and fresh feeling on the skin. It soaks in beautifully and doesn’t feel greasy, heavy, or like it’s just sitting on the surface of the skin.
My skin loves it, and I think yours will too.
How to Make the Perfect DIY Oil Cleanser for Oily Skin
For this recipe, you will need the following:
• A 2 oz dropper bottle (this is the easiest way to use just a few drops at a time)
• 1 oz grapeseed oil
• 1 oz camellia oil
• 1 drop geranium essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
For the carrier oils, you can sub with the following:
• Apricot kernel oil
• Meadowfoam oil
• Safflower oil
Loving Preparation – DIY Oil Cleanser Recipe
1. Add the essential oils to the 2 oz dropper bottle.
2. Next, add each of the carrier oils.
3. Cap closed and roll between your palms to mix thoroughly.
To Use
Add five drops of oil cleanser to a cotton ball or pad and gently apply it to the skin in short strokes to remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities from the skin morning and night.
Why These Ingredients Work
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil has long been used as the massage oil of choice among massage therapists due to its light texture and satin-like finish. It doesn’t drag the skin but glides across it. This is important for preventing premature aging in the skin.
Its unique fatty acid content and light astringent qualities make it perfect for oily skin types since it is non-comedogenic and is perfect for balancing moisture in the skin.
Camellia Oil
Camellia Oil is one of the best carrier oils to use if you’re looking to protect, nourish, and revitalize the skin. Its light texture and silky-smooth consistency is non-greasy and absorb readily into the skin.
Its high antioxidant content makes it perfect for combating free radicals and the signs of aging.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil is excellent to use for controlling excess sebum production and balancing the skin’s complexion.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
As we all know, there is almost no other oil better suited for treating and preventing acne than tea tree essential oil.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil, especially the 1,8 cineol chemotype, is good for stimulating healthy circulation in the skin. This can help your body deliver more nutrients, detox the skin, and fight off acne-causing bacteria.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is stimulating and revitalizing yet cooling to the skin. These qualities will help reduce redness, help the skin detox, and balance skin tone. It is also very soothing on breakouts.
Do you have the perfect oil cleanser recipe for your skin type? Please share in the comments below!
You may also enjoy reading:
The Oil Cleansing Method
The Enhanced Oil Cleansing Method
The Complete List of Comedogenic Oils
5 Face Mask Recipes Using Essential Oils
Essential Oils for Hormonal Acne
Jen says
This might be a dumb question, but does the grape seed oil have to be a specific type? Or would grapeseed oil from the grocery store work?
Alex says
Hi!
Could you recomend some oil or mixture of oils which is suitable also for eyes? Or in every case should I avoid eyes area with oil, even when there’s essential oil in it?
Tash says
Hi, Alex!
For eyes you can actually just use coconut oil or olive oil 🙂
Tara says
Hi could you recommend a natural method for cleansing the eye area (removing eye makeup)? Also what is the best way to combat milia naturally? Many thanks
Tash says
Hi Tara!
I actually really love using microfiber cloths to remove eye makeup. These are the ones I use and I lOVE them. You only need water!
Susan says
I like to use grapeseed oil around my eyes. Coconut oil isn't non-comedogenic, it will cause breakouts if your skin is prone in the least. Also it does not remove makeup completely. Coconut oil also tends to burn the eyes somewhat as grapeseed oil doesn't. Rub some grapeseed oil in your hands and wipe over your entire face, even eyes, let it sit 1 minute with a hot towel over your face, wipe excess with the wet towel and that's it! I am prone to breakouts and have never had a pimple pop up after using this. It can be drying if you have normal skin. Moisturizing will prevent drying.
Ca'rin says
I'm thinking about trying this OCM! I have acne prone/very oily skin. For the oils, could I use hemp and apricot kernel oil instead?
Tash says
Absolutely! 🙂