Oily skin has always been an “obsession” for many people because of its greasy condition, easy to stick to dirt, and high risk of acne. Therefore, choosing the best makeup remover for oily skin plays a key role in keeping the skin clean, healthy, and clear, and preventing acne. This article will help you answer questions about using makeup remover for oily skin, including learning about the best makeup remover, factors to consider when choosing makeup remover, and useful tips. Let’s find the most suitable makeup remover for you with Healthglowy!
Contents
- 1. What’s Making My Face Oily?
- 2. Types of Makeup Removers for Oily Skin
- 3. Best makeup remover for oily skin (With Product Recommendations)
- 4. Must-Have Features in a Makeup Remover for Oily Skin
- 5. Dermatologist-Recommended Makeup Removal for Oily Skin
- 6. How to use makeup remover oil for oily skin?
- 7. Essential makeup removal tips for oily skin quickly and effectively
1. What’s Making My Face Oily?
The cause of oily skin is the skin’s excessive sebum production which accumulates over time. This condition can be genetic or caused by puberty, causing oil glands to overproduce oil. The amount of oil secreted by the sebaceous glands can also be affected by pregnancy and menopause. Diet, lifestyle, and stress can all worsen oil production.
2. Types of Makeup Removers for Oily Skin
2.1. Micellar water
In 2015, many beauty brands began releasing trendy makeup remover-style products. Makeup removers have gentle surfactants, making them one of the gentler solutions you can use on your skin. This is one of the best makeup removers for oily skin because it can easily dissolve makeup and skin care products, giving you youthful skin. This makeup remover is especially beneficial if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
2.2. Cleansing oil
Makeup remover oil can effectively dissolve all makeup on the face because makeup is easily emulsified when exposed to oil. When using an oil-based makeup remover, it’s important to double-wash your face to ensure that all product is removed before applying your nighttime skincare routine. For oily skin, you can still use makeup remover oil, but you need to emulsify it thoroughly, massage it on your face for about 15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

2.3. Makeup Remover Cleanser
Makeup Remover Cleanser is a two-in-one product that removes makeup and cleans the skin as effectively as a facial cleanser. This type of product brings many benefits to oily skin such as gentle makeup removal and deep cleansing ability. In addition, this product is also very convenient and can help save time for both makeup removal and facial cleansing steps. In order for the Makeup Remover Facial Cleanser to be most effective, you should learn how to use cleanser for oily skin, because there will be principles and facial cleansing movements that you need to understand and learn more about to help deep clean pores and prevent acne.
2.4. Makeup Remover Wipes
Makeup remover wipes are a quick and easy way to clean your face at the end of the day, especially for those who don’t want to spend too much time on it. Unless the packaging says otherwise, makeup wipes are generally suitable for all skin types. However, they can be harsh, so if you have delicate skin, it’s best to choose a gentle one. Makeup remover wipes are also the best makeup remover for oily skin to use during the day, especially in the afternoon after waking up or when you stay out for too long, this is one of the useful skin care tips for oily skin that you can learn.
3. Best makeup remover for oily skin (With Product Recommendations)
3.1. Micellar Water – Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover
Price: $10-13 USD
This product is also one of the best makeup remover for oily skin with an oil-free formula that easily removes waterproof and long-lasting makeup without leaving a greasy residue. It is gentle on the delicate eye area and suitable for all skin types. This makeup remover is powerful yet gentle on the skin and effectively removes even the most stubborn foundation, eyeliner, and waterproof mascara, giving you a fresh and clean look. It’s perfect for daily use as the non-irritating formula leaves your skin nourished and calm.

3.2. Cleansing Oil – DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Price: $18-25 USD
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is an excellent cleansing oil that effectively removes all the debris and dirt from your face without causing dryness. To use it, apply it to your dry skin and then rinse with warm water. For oily skin, as we shared above, when using this makeup remover oil you must emulsify it thoroughly and long enough for DHC Deep Cleansing Oil to be most effective. Its key ingredient is olive oil and is classified as an Oil Cleanser. This product is suitable for people with combination, oily, sensitive, and dry skin.

3.3. Makeup Remover Cleanser – CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Price: $10-15 USD
CeraVe’s makeup remover for oily skin is not only a 2-in-1 facial cleanser but also contains essential ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide that provide various benefits to the skin. Ceramides strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, giving skin a radiant glow, while hyaluronic acid helps skin retain moisture and stay plump. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, regulates oil production, reduces the appearance of pores, and enhances the overall texture of the skin. This makes it the best makeup remover for oily skin that wants to reduce shine and achieve a more matte look.

3.4. Makeup Remover Wipes – Neutrogena Cleansing Fragrance-Free
Price: $5-10 USD
Neutrogena’s makeup remover wipes for oily skin are one of the best products available on the market. It works wonders in removing even the most stubborn makeup, leaving your face feeling refreshed and clean. These facial wipes are fragrance-free, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin. The gentle cleansing solution effectively dissolves makeup, dirt, and oil, leaving your face free of residue. Each wipe is specially formulated with nourishing and cleansing chemicals to keep your skin healthy. Furthermore, these wipes use dermatologist-recommended makeup removal technology, ensuring deep and thorough cleansing.

4. Must-Have Features in a Makeup Remover for Oily Skin
When it comes to choosing the best makeup remover for oily skin, You need one that can effectively remove all makeup, including waterproof mascara and long-wearing foundation, without leaving a greasy residue or clogging pores. Here are some essential characteristics to pay attention to when choosing makeup remover for oily skin. Here are some essential characteristics to pay attention to:
- Effective cleansing: Your makeup remover can remove all traces of makeup without any difficulty.
- Non-comedogenic: Make sure the product you choose is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores and cause acne. Check the label for this information.
- Deep cleansing: Choose a makeup remover that can penetrate pores to remove dirt, excess oil, and pollutants, helping prevent acne.
- Gentle enough for daily use: Oily skin can be sensitive, so choose a gentle, non-irritating makeup remover.
- Minimize pores: Some makeup removers contain ingredients like witch hazel or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can help minimize the appearance of pores.
5. Dermatologist-Recommended Makeup Removal for Oily Skin
According to Dr. Nazanin Saedi, a board-certified dermatologist, it’s important to choose the right makeup remover for your skin type. She recommends using Micellar water or other oil-free makeup removers for those with oily or acne-prone skin. For older adults who need gentler products, Dr. Saedi recommends using an oil-based solution. Dr. Engelman also suggests a light, fragrance-free facial cleanser or makeup remover for those with sensitive oily skin to remove stubborn makeup without stripping away natural protective oils from the skin.
6. How to use makeup remover oil for oily skin?
When choosing the best makeup remover for oily skin, you can consider using makeup remover oil for the following reasons:
- Effectively removes oil: Oil dissolves oil, meaning makeup remover oil can easily dissolve and remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum from the skin.
- Deep cleansing: Cleansing oil can penetrate pores and help deeply clean the skin by removing dirt, sebum, and other impurities.
- Moisturizing: Makeup-removing oil can provide moisture to the skin, making it softer and smoother.
Here is a step-by-step guide to using makeup remover oil for oily skin:
- Step 1- Choose the right makeup remover oil: Choose an oil with a gentle texture that does not contain any ingredients that can clog pores. You can choose the product above as we have mentioned.
- Step 2 – Thorough emulsification: This is a necessary step to ensure makeup remover oil is completely removed from the skin.
- Step 3 – Wash your face thoroughly after use: Use a suitable facial cleanser to completely remove makeup remover oil and all dirt on the skin.
- Step 4: Moisturize your skin with a gentle moisturizer that easily penetrates the skin.

7. Essential makeup removal tips for oily skin quickly and effectively
7.1. Avoid rubbing vigorously on the skin
Whether you use makeup wipes, makeup remover, makeup remover oil, or makeup remover oil, it’s important to be patient and give the product time to sink in, rather than trying to remove makeup all at once. This is especially important when removing eye makeup because the skin around the eyes is extremely sensitive and prone to inflammation, and even minor injuries can cause premature aging and pigmentation over time. Therefore, it is essential to avoid excessive rubbing of the area around the eyes.
7.2. Steaming helps open pores
For people with oily skin, keeping pores clean is important in preventing acne. An effective way to do this is with a facial steamer, as it helps open pores and helps release any dirt and oil buildup, making them easier to remove. You don’t need to go to a skincare clinic or use a facial steamer to get this done. All you need to do is steam your face for about 30 seconds by placing your face over a sink or bowl filled with steaming water. We recommend that you do this usually 2-3 times a week, for 15-20 minutes each time, and try to incorporate this step into your skincare routine.

7.3. Use a facial cleanser to remove heavy makeup
If you’re having trouble removing waterproof makeup, try using an oil-based cleanser to gently wipe away the makeup. According to Dr. Zeichner, “cleansers are heavier oil-based makeup removers.” “Those who need to remove heavier makeup, such as liquid foundation, should consider it.” These nourishing oils work well in adhering to and removing heavy makeup on the skin according to the principle of oil dissolving oil.
7.4. Combine facial wash with a warm towel for deep cleansing
For oily skin, especially during the summer months, deep cleansing is important to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. This is even more important if you wear makeup regularly. This is one of the important makeup tips for oily skin in the summer recommended by makeup experts: after removing makeup, combine facial cleanser with a warm towel for deep cleansing. Deeply cleansing heavy makeup with a warm washcloth has several benefits, such as improving exfoliation, deep cleansing pores, increasing circulation, and promoting relaxation while reducing stress.
7.5. Moisturizes to protect the skin barrier
It is a common misconception that if you have oily skin, you do not need to moisturize. However, the key is to maintain a balance between cleansing the skin, retaining its natural moisture, and keeping it looking youthful and radiant. When choosing an evening moisturizer, make sure it is non-comedogenic and suitable for your skin type.

In short, choosing the best makeup remover for oily skin is the first step to owning clean, healthy, smooth skin. Apply the tips shared in this article by Healthglowy to find a suitable makeup remover product that will help you gently and effectively remove makeup and dirt without irritating your skin. And don’t forget that skincare requires perseverance and regularity, listen and love your skin to have a radiant and confident appearance!
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