Cleansing Oils & Balms
Description
November 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
The cleansing oils and balms on this page are mostly intended as makeup removers, with a second cleanse with another kind of cleanser (such as a cream or gel) usually needed to remove the lingering traces from the face.
They are especially useful for removing silicone-based foundations and primers, which tend to be resistant to water-based cleansers.
Because I have looked at relatively few of these products so far, I listed all of them on the same page rather than listing scented and unscented items on separate pages.
Of the products that I already have tried, I would suggest the Honest Magic Gel-To-Milk Makeup Melting Cleanser or the Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil for those who are trying to avoid essential oils or other processed natural scents.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
Alpyn Beauty Juneberry & Collagen Hydrating Cream Cleanser ($39)
Beautycounter Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm ($79)
Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser ($18)
Honest Magic Gel-To-Milk Makeup Melting Cleanser ($18)
+Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil ($18)
+Marie Veronique Pure + E.O. Free Oil Cleanser ($45)
One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil ($42)
♠ Additional Possibilities:
Beautycounter Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil ($54)
+Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser ($34)
Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil ($50)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
Beekman 1802 Buttermilk Melting Cleansing Balm ($29)
Cocokind Organic Facial Cleansing Oil ($15)
Drunk Elephant Beste #9 Jelly Cleanser ($32)
+Typology 7-Ingredient Cleansing Oil ($23)
+Typology Makeup Remover Balm ($25)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser ($18)
Honest Magic Gel-To-Milk Makeup Melting Cleanser ($18)
Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil ($18)
Marie Veronique Pure + E.O. Free Oil Cleanser ($45)
√ One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil ($42)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
The next section contains affiliate links. Living Clean in a Dirty World may receive a commission if readers click on these links and then purchase products. Living Clean in a Dirty World also may accept product review samples but receives no other compensation from companies mentioned on this website.
Alpyn Beauty Juneberry & Collagen Hydrating Cream Cleanser – $39
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Menthol
I am still trying out this product and will provide more details soon.
Size: 3.9 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.9 Stars (207 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Salicylic Acid)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (3), Acacia Senegal Gum (3), Salicylic Acid (3). (Also contains Citric Acid, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Menthol.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Juneberry, Acacia Senegal Gum, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Menthol.
All Ingredients: Water, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cocoa Seed Butter*, Propanediol, Kaolin, Decyl Glucoside, Bakuchiol, Collagen, Jojoba Esters, Juneberry, Sclerotium Gum, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Salicylic Acid, Menthol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Glucose, Iron Oxides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Mastic Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin. *Certified Organic.
Beautycounter Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm – $79
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Bergamot Fruit Oil, Linalool, Lemongrass Oil, Palmarosa Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Texas Cedarwood Oil, Rose Geranium Flower Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Australian Sandalwood Oil
The description of this product reads, “This multi-tasking cleansing balm, perfect for day and night use, hydrates while it cleanses, removing makeup and impurities with nourishing ingredients that won’t strip away your skin’s natural moisture. (Bonus: it can also be used as a mask for a hydrating overnight facial.) With a blend of lotus extract, jojoba seed oil, and avocado seed oil, Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm soothes and de-stresses skin while increasing luminosity.”
Although I didn’t realize this when I bought it, this product seems to me to be basically a less toxic version of the Pond’s cold cream that my mom used on her skin when I was little.
The combination of oils and wax in the product give it a rather heavy and greasy texture that seems especially appropriate for dry skin.
To remove makeup, the product is massaged directly into the skin and then wiped off using a damp washcloth.
It also can be applied to a clean face as an overnight mask, with any remaining product removed in the morning.
Although I was really skeptical about this product, it seems to have worked well for me as a makeup remover (even on heavier eye makeup).
In addition, it seems to have been good for my face when I have used it as an overnight mask during the dry winter months.
I think of this as a cleaner version of “slugging” (a TikTok-spurred trend where Vaseline is smeared over the skin to seal in moisture prior to bedtime).
I especially like the fact that the ingredient list is clean (with the only substances that EWG considers to be potentially problematic being botanicals rather than chemicals).
The product does include essential oils (including bergamot, lemongrass, palmarosa, lemon, orange, juniper, rose geranium, rose, and sandalwood), as well as several highly processed botanicals (linalool, limonene, geraniol, citronellol, farnesol).
The citrus/floral scent is definitely noticeable, but I have found it to be pleasant.
I have not found this product to be irritating to my skin at all, even when I apply a lot of it and leave it on overnight, but I am sure that some people would be bothered by it.
The other downside is that the product only is sold in a large jar that is quite expensive.
It would be nice if a smaller size or sample were available so that people could more easily give it a try.
Although I like this product, I doubt I would buy it again myself since the cost is so high.
Size: 2.5 oz
Beautycounter Rating: 4.9 Stars (2475 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Essential Oils)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Orange peel oil (5), Lemon peel oil (4), Geranium oil (4), Rosa damascena flower oil (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Mango seed butter, Bergamot fruit oil, Linalool, Lemon grass oil, Palmarosa oil, Lemon peel oil, Orange peel oil, Juniperus mexicana oil, Rose geranium flower oil, Rosa damascena flower oil, Fusanus spicatus wood oil, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellol
All Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Apricot Kernel Oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Silica Silylate, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Cell Extract*, Mango Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Sunflower Seed Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Water, Linalool, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Rose Geranium Flower Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Hexyl Acetate, Triethyl Citrate, 3-Hexenol, Phenoxyethanol. Linalool+, Limonene+, Geraniol+, Citral+, Citronellol+, Farnesol+. *Lotus Extract. + Naturally Occurring in Essential Oils & Natural Materials As Defined by International Organization for Standardization.
Beautycounter Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil – $54
Overall Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
Processed Fragrance: Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Palmarosa Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Texas Cedarwood Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Rose Geranium Flower Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Australian Sandalwood Oil, Linalool
The description of this product reads, “This luxurious, lightweight cleansing oil gently yet effectively removes makeup and impurities without stripping essential lipids from the skin. Rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and our plant-derived Retinatural Complex, the formula reinforces the skin’s fragile moisture barrier for a soothed, nourished complexion. Retinatural Complex: We took two of the most powerhouse plant-derived ingredients available and created a scientific breakthrough. Bakuchiol has been shown to provide skin-care results that are comparable to retinol—without harmful side effects such as skin irritation and increased sun sensitivity—and Swiss Alpine rose boosts the skin’s antioxidant defense. Vitamin E and Essential Fatty Acids: Help to maintain the integrity of the skin’s moisture barrier.”
I found this product to have a very strong natural citrus/floral scent and to be noticeably irritating to my face.
While I didn’t mind the smell at all, I was only able to use the product on my face a few times before needing to give up on it. As is the case for many people, I just don’t think that my facial skin does very well with citrus essential oils.
I used the rest of the small bottle of product to shave my legs and thought that it worked fine for that.
I’m not sure why this product was irritating to my face when I did okay with the Beautycounter cleansing balm (described above), since the fragrance ingredients are similar.
Beautycounter does refund the full price (including paying for return shipping) for 60 days after purchase for items that do not work out, and so perhaps my experience should not prevent others from purchasing a full-size bottle of this product if it sounds appealing to them.
I do think it’s a little odd that Beautycounter decided to use so many different irritating essential oils in this product and that they received EWG Verified status despite doing that, though.
Size: 5 oz.
Beautycounter Rating: 4.9 Stars (2737 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Essential Oils, Natural Fragrance)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Orange peel oil (5), Lemon peel oil (4), Rose geranium flower oil (4), Rosa damascena flower oil (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Linalool (3), Limonene (5), Citral (5), Geraniol (5). (Also contains Cymbopogon martini oil, Juniperus mexicana oil, Cymbopogon citratus leaf oil, Bergamot fruit oil, Fusanus spicatus wood oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rhododendron extract, Rosa damascena oil, Lemongrass oil, Lemon peel oil, Orange peel oil, Juniper oil, Rose geranium oil, Bergamot fruit oil, Sandalwood oil, Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Geraniol
All Ingredients: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Isoamyl Laurate, Sesame Seed Oil, Bakuchiol, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract*, Tocopherol, Soybean Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Rose Geranium Flower Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Triethyl Citrate, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Linalool, 3-Hexenol, Hexyl Acetate, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol. Linalool+, Limonene+, Citral+, Geraniol+. *Alpine Rose Extract
Beekman 1802 Buttermilk Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm – $29
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “Don’t let the down-home name of this cleanser fool you: it’s an incredibly powerful formula. On contact with water, it transforms from a buttery balm into a deep cleansing milk that gently melts all traces of dirt, makeup and sunscreen, then rinses away cleanly to leave behind healthy, radiant skin. Buttermilk cleanses and moisturizes without any irritants or sensitizers. It’s effective enough to remove even water-resistant makeup yet gentle enough for any type of skin. And our impossible-to-lose yellow spatula slips right into its custom holder after each use, ensuring you get every last scoop of Buttermilk down to the last drop.”
I haven’t tried this product yet but hope to do so soon.
Size: 1.44 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.1 Stars (182 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Sodium Benzoate)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Comfrey root extract (4), Sodium benzoate (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Cucumber fruit extract, Blue thistle flower extract, Matricaria flower extract, Comfrey root extract
All Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Water, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, C10-18 Triglycerides, Sunflower Seed Wax, Lauryl Laurate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Goat Milk, Colostrum, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactose, Milk Protein, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Honey, Blue Thistle Flower Extract, Shea Butter, Matricaria Flower Extract, Comfrey Root Extract, Squalane, Whey Protein, Citric Acid, Glucose, Lecithin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.
Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser – $18
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Rose Geranium Oil, Roman Chamomile Oil, Anthemis Noblis Oil
The Cocokind website describes this product as “An oil cleanser that you can actually wash off! This gentle cleanser transforms into milk upon contact with water, leaving skin soft, replenished, and hydrated. Daily gentle and non-disruptive cleansing. Removes dirt and makeup without stripping your skin of moisture. Supports a healthy skin moisture barrier with a slightly acidic pH when mixed with water.”
This is one of my favorite cleansing products and my face always feels good after I use it.
I agree that it rinses off my face easily, without the need for a second cleanse.
The product does contain a few essential oils, but they are floral ones that tend to be only moderately irritating at most and I have done okay with this product.
The cleanser has a natural fragrance that is mild and pleasant, and it seems both moisturizng and an effective cleanser.
Probably I will buy this product again in the future.
Size: 2.9 oz.
Awards: Byrdie Eco Beauty Award 2020
Ulta Rating: 4.3 Stars (43 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Essential Oils)
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rose geranium flower oil (4). (Also contains Roman chamomile flower oil, Anthemis noblis flower oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rose geranium flower oil, Roman chamomile flower oil, Anthemis noblis flower oil
All Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil*, glycerin, grape seed oil*, water, sucrose laurate, oat kernel oil, adansonia digitata seed oil*, sucrose stearate, tocopherol, rose geranium flower oil, sucrose palmitate, anthemis nobilis flower oil, oat kernel extract, lactobacillus ferment. *Certified organic
Cocokind Organic Facial Cleansing Oil – $15
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil
The description of this product on the Cocokind website states, “Remove dirt, makeup, impurities, and excess oil without stripping your skin or disturbing its pH. Deeply yet gently cleanses skin. Balances oily skin, dry skin, or skin that’s in between.”
I haven’t tried this product yet but hope to do so soon.
Size: 2 oz.
Cocokind Rating: 4.5 Stars (187 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Tea Tree Oil)
Think Dirty Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tea tree leaf oil (6)
Fragrance Ingredients: Tea tree leaf oil, Lavender Oil
All Ingredients: Coconut oil*, avocado oil*, tea tree leaf oil*, lavender oil*. *Certified organic
Drunk Elephant Beste #9 Jelly Cleanser – $32
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
The description of this product reads, “An innovative jelly cleanser that removes all traces of makeup, excess oil, pollution, and any other grime from the day. With a unique blend of mild surfactants and makeup-dissolving emollients, this gentle formula rinses away without an ounce of residue, leaving skin clean and soft.”
I have not tried this product yet but hope to do so soon.
Size: 5 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.0 Stars (2584 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Yes
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol,Sodium Benzoate)
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Cocamidopropyl betaine (5), Aloe vera (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Sodium hydroxide (4), Sodium benzoate (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Cantaloupe fruit extract
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycolipids, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Polylysine.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser – $34
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “An innovative cleansing balm that melts all traces of dirt, makeup, and sunscreen. Gentle enough to be used around the eye area, it quickly transforms from oil to milk upon contact with water. Skin-compatible Slaai effortlessly removes even water-resistant formulations and is free of PEGs and essential oils. Formulated with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts and oils to help soothe, plus a nourishing African oil blend of marula, baobab, kalahari melon, mongongo, and ximenia, Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser cleanses and moisturizes without any irritants or sensitizers. Designed to be used on dry skin, Slaai removes excess oil, grime, and makeup from skin. Adding water activates Slaai, transforming it into a milk that rinses cleanly, leaving behind a dewy glow.”
This is a thick, heavy balm that is designed to be massaged into the skin and then washed off.
Clearly it needs to be followed with a regular cleanser that does a good job of removing oil, since there is a lot of it left on the face after rinsing.
Although the product is not flagged as containing anything problematic by EWG, it does contain a number of synthetic ingredients that I don’t have much experience using.
I feel like it has been slightly irritating to my skin and am not very inclined to keep using it.
Size: 3.9 oz.
Sephora Rating: 3.8 Stars (1428 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Yes
EU Compliant: Yes
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: Kiwi fruit extract, Strawberry seed extract, Cranberry seed oil, Watermelon seed oil, Blueberry fruit extract, Hog plum seed oil
All Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Safflower Seed Oil, Lauryl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sunflower Seed Wax, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Kiwi Fruit Extract, Strawberry Seed Extract, Cranberry Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Watermelon Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Glycerin.
Honest Magic Gel-To-Milk Makeup Melting Cleanser – $18
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “A transformative gel-to-milk pre-cleanser that melts away makeup prepping skin for a deeper cleanse. Made with Pink Kaolin Clay + Rose Water. Works for all skin types.”
I have found this product to be gentle on my skin and not to cause any irritation at all.
It seems to do a good job of cleansing away my own makeup, in most cases without my feeling the need for a second cleanse.
I do think that it might not be optimal for cleasing heavy makeup, especially difficult-to-remove products such as waterproof foundation or waterproof mascara, though.
The only fragrance ingredient is rose flower water. I have found the scent to be mild and pleasant.
I might consider buying this product again.
Size: 4 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.2 Stars (147 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Sodium Benzoate)
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium benzoate (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa damascena flower water
All Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Water, Sucrose Laurate, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Caprylyl Glycol, Sucrose Stearate, Sucrose Palmitate, Kaolin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil – $18
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “Radiance boosting blend that softens & smoothes while gently removing impurities & imperfections. Non-comedogenic & perfect for naturally removing makeup! Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil – Rich in vitamin E, zinc & omega fatty acids, this non-comedogenic oil naturally soothes & replenishes the skin. Organic Safflower Oil – This high linoleic acid oil is packed with essential vitamins, and works to moisturize and soften the skin, while gently lifting dirt, makeup and daily contaminants. Organic Rosehip Oil – This antioxidant-rich powerhouse, with naturally occurring vitamins C & A, evens skin tone, hydrates and smoothes the skin. Ginger – Antioxidant-rich and full of vitamins including Vitamin B & C, ginger works to naturally tone the skin & help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration. Perfect for acne prone skin. White Tea – Strong antioxidant with skin rejuvenating properties. Squalane (vegan) – Naturally hydrate & soothe the skin.”
I like this product and think that it feels pretty clean to me.
Although it contains a few fragrance ingredients (including rosa canina oil, ginger root extract and lime peel extract), the scent is very mild.
I don’t feel that this has been irritating to my skin at all, and it has done a good job in removing makeup.
I have not used this product terribly often, mostly because I do not wear heavy enough makeup that I feel that doing a two-step makeup removal process is usually necessary.
If I wore heavier makeup, I would be inclined to use this product more.
Size: 2 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.1 Stars (88 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Unclear
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Lime peel extract (3), Rosa canina fruit oil (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil, Ginger root extract, Key lime extract
All Ingredients: Safflower Seed Oil, Squalane, Organic Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Ginger Root Extract, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Oat Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, White Tea Extract, Steam Distilled Key Lime Extract
Marie Veronique Pure + E.O. Free Oil Cleanser – $45
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 10 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Rating: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “Microbiome-friendly + essential oil-free, this cleanser effectively removes debris, sunscreen and makeup without stripping the skin of its protective oils. It reconceptualizes the meaning of deep cleansing. Rather than scrubbing at the surface, which merely dries the skin, it uses Omega-6 rich oils to penetrate to the origin of congestion, deep within the follicle. Utilizing the principle of ‘oils dissolve oils,’ oil-based cleansers are the gentlest and most effective way to clean skin deeply and thoroughly. Low-suds surfactants are capable of effectively removing surface grime, debris and makeup, without robbing the skin of its surface protective oils. It supports proper barrier function by protecting the lipid barrier with antioxidants that inhibit lipid peroxidation, while the prebiotic/probiotic complex maintains microfloral balance. This cleanser is free of ingredients that could impede the skin’s ability to maintain its own lipid, essential fatty acid and microbial balances. Biomimetic in design, it contains no essential oils, microcidal preservatives, or ethoxylated compounds. Client trials show that previously irritated skin returns to normal, and all skin types exhibit a smoother, softer surface.”
I think this is a very nice product that feels very good on my face.
I do not feel at all that at least for me, it needs to be followed by another cleanser.
I suspect that the inclusion of the fermented ingredients in the product help to make it feel really good to me.
The main downside here is that the main ingredients are sunflower seed oil and safflower seed oil, meaning that it likely will go rancid pretty quickly. The company instructs using it up within six months.
Despite the fact that I do like this product, I am not sure that I will buy it again due to it being so expensive.
It definitely seems like a safe choice for me though.
Size: 4 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (258 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, Elderberry extract, Rosemary oleoresin.
All Ingredients: Safflower Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Decyl Glucoside, Sucrose Cocoate, Mixed Tocopherols, Elderberry Extract, Xanthan Gum, Superoxide Dismutase, Probiotics, Galactooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Rosemary Oleoresin
One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil – $42
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Natural Fragrance
The description of this product reads, “The ultimate in multi-tasking luxury, Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover effortlessly lifts away impurities and makeup while supporting skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH balance. This non-stripping, clean-rinsing formula features papain, a fruit enzyme that helps to exfoliate and soften, a natural Botanical B complex to detoxify and tone, and our signature ‘vacation in a bottle’ pineapple and citrus aroma. Designed with dry, dehydrated skin in mind yet concentrated enough for all skin types, the Cleansing Oil is ultra-effective when used alone or as the perfect first step to remove makeup in any double cleansing routine.”
This seems to be one of the more popular and highly rated products sold on the Credo website, and so I decided to give it a try.
The thing that seems to be most noticeable about it is that it has a very strong, apparently natural pineapple scent.
While I find this smell to be pleasant and while I don’t feel that it has annoyed my face, it is quite unusual and is not something that I realized I was going to be getting when I purchased the product.
Compared to other cleansing oils that I have used, this one does seem to do a particularly good job of easily removing makeup. Perhaps the enzymes in it are helpful for that.
I might be especially drawn to this product if I wore makeup that was difficult to remove on a regular basis, I think.
For those who are unsure if they will like the product, a trial-size version is available for $12 on the One Love Organics website.
Size: 4 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.8 Stars (535 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Natural Fragrance)
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Natural fragrance (8)
Fragrance Ingredients: Papaya seed oil, Natural fragrance
All Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil*, caprylic/capric triglyceride, di-ppg-2 myreth-10 adipate, polyglycerol-3 beeswax, papaya seed oil, pumpkin seed oil*, tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate, papain*, lecithin*, fragrance**. *Ingredients from Organic Farming. **We use Ecocert Certified blends of therapeutic essential oils, fruit and plant extracts and oils to create our 100% natural fragrances, and our natural fragrances are free of phthalates, parabens, sulfates, chemical sunscreens, petrochemicals, glycols, formaldehyde donors, PEG’s or PPG’s, DEA/TEA, and 1,4 dioxanes.
Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil – $50
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: Natural Fragrance
The description of this product states, “This moisturizing 2-in-1 makeup remover and cleanser is formulated with camellia oil to gently remove even waterproof makeup, melt away excess oil, and nourish skin to feel softer than silk. The Camellia Cleansing Oil thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, leaving skin feeling balanced and nourished. It does not contain mineral oil, so the liquid emulsifies completely with no oily residue. The hydrating formula of this facial cleansing oil draws out oils, removes sunscreen and waterproof makeup (even mascara), which makes it perfect for incorporating into your skincare ritual. Ideal for all skin types, including dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and combination skin.”
This cleansing oil seems to do a good job removing makeup from my face.
Although it contains unspecified “natural fragrance,” the scent is light and not annoying to me.
The ingredients list does not look that bad, with only glyceryl behenate (a “viscosity-increasing agent”), phenoxyethanol (a preservative), and the natural fragrance cited as potentially problematic by EWG.
However, my skin usually has felt a little unhappy and slightly irritated after I have used this product.
I ended up using this as a shaving oil for my legs and did really like it for that purpose.
Size: 5 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (1779 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Glyceryl Behenate, Natural Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol)
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Glyceryl behenate (3), Natural Fragrance (8), Phenoxyethanol (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural fragrance
All Ingredients: Cetyl ethylhexanoate, rice bran oil, polyglyceryl-10 dioleate, polyglyceryl-2 sesquicaprylate, camellia japonica seed oil, saccharomyces/camellia sinensis leaf/cladosiphon okamuranus/rice ferment filtrate*, water, glyceryl behenate/eicosadioate, propanediol, tocopherol, ethylhexylglycerin, fragrance, phenoxyethanol.
Typology 7-Ingredient Cleansing Oil – $23
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “The bestselling minimalist cleansing oil is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 3.38 oz.
Typology Rating: 4.2 Stars (902 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Sweet Almond Oil, Tocopherol, Sunflower Seed Oil
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil – $32
Evolve Kalahari Dream Cleansing Oil – $27
True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm – $48
Youth To The People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm – $34
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the Beginner’s Guide).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: Amazon, Beautycounter, Beekman 1802, Biossance, Cocokind, Credo, Drunk Elephant, Evolve, Honest, Mad Hippie, Marie Veronique, One Love Organics, Pharmaca, Sephora, Tatcha, Typology, Ulta, and Youth To The People.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
