As someone that had oily skin and generously sized pores, oil based products were something I avoided at all costs.
However, the benefits of double cleansing are undeniable, so I eventually gave in and bought the CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil cleanser. This is an oil based cleanser with none of the greasy downsides and of course, non-comedogenic.
Oil-based cleansers work by emulsifying and removing oil-based impurities, sunscreen and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural lipids. Even for oily skin using a hydrating oil cleanser as the first step of double cleansing helps maintain the skin barrier and prevents rebound oil production that can occur from harsh foaming cleansers.
Key Ingredients
The main ingredients in this cleanser are surprisingly not oils, they are hydrating ingredients which even with oily skin can be beneficial if your double cleansing to avoid over stripping your skin. These ingredients are:
- Ceramides: A staple in all CeraVe products. This ingredient helps restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, protect against irritation and lock in moisture.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrating and plumping.
- Glycerin: Attracts moisture to the skin and prevent dryness.
Application
Smooth life butter – BTS
This cleanser is very lightweight, thinner than olive oil or avocado oil, if you are bougie.
Easy to apply and rub into the skin and eyelids and washes off like a dream. No smell or greasy residue left behind and no rigorous rubbing of the face is required.
It does foam up slightly as you rub the cleanser into your face but you don’t feel it. This is completely fine as the foaming action has not impact on the effectiveness of the product and actually cleansers that heavily foam often end up being quite drying.
Results
It is an effective oil based cleanser that can remove my sunscreen and mascara very easily. My face feels clean and definitely less oily than before I washed my face.
Also, because it is so hydrating I can go in with a stronger cleanser as my second cleanser without leaving my skin feeling tight.
I highly recommend this product and have repurchased the big 473ml bottles for many years!
Suitability
When to use: At night when you are double cleansing. I only double cleanse at night, double cleansing twice a day is likely to be over stripping your skin barrier and unnecessary. In fact I think you can even get away with not cleansing in the morning and just washing your face with water.
What ingredients to use it with: Pair it with a second cleanser after just to make sure all the oils from the CeraVe Oil Cleanser is removed. Then proceed with your skincare routine as usual.
What ingredients not to use it with: N/A
Suitable for people with the following skin conditions:
- Dry
- Sensitive
- Acne Prone
- Redness
- Oily skin, if you follow up with a second cleanser
How I use it
2 pumps every night is all it takes…
Other Comments
Summary of the 1 star reviews from popular online retailers:
- smells bad
- didn’t like that the cleanser had squalene
- skin irritation
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional dermatological advice. Individual skin responses may vary.