Oil Cleansing Method: The Easiest Way to Remove Makeup

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I love adding a bit of sparkle to my eyes and cheeks. Sometimes it’s a blush powder, other times it’s my DIY blush balm. It looks great… until it’s time to remove it.

If you’ve ever tried washing off glitter or shimmer with regular soap, you know the struggle. No matter how much soap you use, those tiny sparkles cling to your skin and often end up smeared all over your face instead.

That’s exactly how I ended up discovering that you can remove makeup with oil.

You might see this approach referred to as the Oil Cleansing Method, or OCM. It sounds fancy, but it’s actually very simple.

What is the oil cleansing method (OCM)?

The oil cleansing method is exactly what it sounds like: cleansing your skin and removing makeup with oil, instead of traditional face wash.

It works on one basic principle: Oil dissolves oil.

The oil makeup remover also works well at breaking down sunscreen and excess sebum. When you massage a plant oil onto your skin, everything dissolves and can be gently wiped away, without stripping the skin.

After wiping it off, a very thin layer of oil remains, which helps prevent dryness, especially useful if you wear makeup often.

OCM can be used:

As a makeup remover
As an evening cleanser
Or as both in one step

How I first tried oil as a makeup remover

The very first time, I already had coconut oil at home, so I used that.

I also didn’t have cotton rounds (single-use or reusable), so I did what I had on hand. I put a bit of coconut oil on a piece of toilet paper (I know, very savage), wiped my face… and it worked shockingly well.

The shimmer came off instantly. No rubbing for ages, no irritated skin, and no leftover sparkle haunting me the next morning.

How to use the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM)

You don’t need much oil, and you don’t need to scrub. I usually use coconut oil for this, but the last time I didn’t have any, so I tried it with almond oil, which worked just as well. Here’s what I usually do:

I start with dry hands and a dry face.
I apply about ½-1 teaspoon of oil to a cloth (if I do it with coconut oil, and it’s solid, I just scoop a bit from it – it melts once it touches your skin). Some people put it directly on their palms, but I prefer to use a cotton cloth.
I massage gently, in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Here, if you use your hand, it will be more gentle, but if you need more help and remove lots of makeup using a cloth (or a reusable cotton round) would work better.
Take a warm, damp cloth and wipe everything off, or just wash your face with warm water & natural soap afterward. I prefer the second option.

You can also use this oil makeup remover as an everyday evening cleanse, even when you’re not wearing makeup.

Benefits of the Oil Cleansing Method

Removes makeup effectively, even shimmer and balm products
Less irritating and more gentle on skin and eyelashes
Doesn’t leave skin tight or dry
It helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier
Works with reusable cloths, so no disposable wipes are needed
One ingredient instead of buying products
Budget-friendly & low-waste
Fits easily into a minimalist routine

Results vary from person to person, but often, people who remove makeup with oil find their skin feels calmer and less stripped over time.

Choosing an oil

Coconut oil works very well for makeup removal, but it doesn’t suit everyone’s face. If your skin is acne-prone, patch test first or use it mainly for eye makeup. Here are some great choices depending on your skin type:

Most skin types: Coconut oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, almond oil
Dry skin: Olive oil, avocado oil, argan oil, coconut oil, almond oil
Oily or acne-prone skin: Grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, castor oil (mixed with a lighter oil)
Sensitive skin: Grapeseed oil, avocado oil, almond oil

Common questions & troubleshooting

Will oil clog my pores?

It can if you use too much, choose the wrong oil for your skin, or don’t remove it properly. Start with less and see how your skin reacts.

My face feels greasy afterward. What went wrong?

This usually means you used too much oil, or it wasn’t wiped off thoroughly. Try using a smaller amount and remove it with a warm, damp cloth. If you prefer, you can also rinse your face with water and natural soap – I usually do this, and my face doesn’t feel greasy afterward.

Can I use this on eye makeup?

Yes. Oil is especially good at removing mascara and eyeliner. Be gentle and avoid rubbing.

Why am I breaking out after starting the oil cleansing method?

This can happen if the oil is too heavy for your skin or if residue is left behind. Switch to a lighter oil, use less product, and make sure you wipe everything off properly.

Can I use OCM every day?

Many people do, but using this oil makeup remover isn’t necessary for everyone. If your skin feels congested or irritated, try using it only in the evening or a few times a week. For example, I use it a few times per week, mostly when I wear makeup and want to get it off.

Final thoughts

The easy eco-friendly swaps that require not much change in your routine are the ones to quickly stick – and this one is one of them.

Using oil as a makeup remover means fewer products, less packaging, and less irritation.

It is simple, effective, and a realistic low-waste swap that you can try immediately, without the need to go out and buy anything.

If you’ve tried the oil cleansing method, what was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below. 🙂