I am a cleansing oil nut. I've been addicted to them for the past 3 years and I fear there is no turning back. Aw, hell. I don't fear it, I know it. There's no way I could go back to my old ways. At least, not for long.
I've waxed poetic about how much I love these products before. But I don't think you guys truly understand the nature of this obsession. At the exact moment I type this post, there are two more bottles of cleansing oil in my beauty pantry just waiting, on deck, for when I run out of the current one. I am never without cleansing oil. It's that serious, you guys. I'll never tire of testing new ones out. The struggle is real.
If you're not familiar with cleansing oil, let's go through a quick refresher. They are an extremely efficient and gentle way to cleanse makeup off your skin without stripping it off essential moisture, tugging on your precious skin, or making you suffer from oiliness. In other words, they're a miracle. And almost all the ones I've encountered are good for all skin types. I'm looking at you oily-skinned folks. Yes you can use it. In fact, you may even find it helps reduce your oiliness (even if a little because it's not stripping your skin).
Anyway, my adventures in cleansing oil testing led me to Sephora's Supreme Cleansing Oil. I was super excited to stumble on this one because it was the first oil I came across that cost less than $20 (I discovered this one before Garnier released their
drugstore cleansing oil). In case you didn't know, the $15 price point (for 6.4 fl. oz.) is a
big deal. Most cleansing oils will easily cost you $25 and up. So, saving $10, was pretty exciting.
Here's what Sephora says about their product on their site:
What it is:A gentle makeup remover suitable for all skin types.
What it is formulated to do:Remove every trace of even the most resistant makeup with this soap-free formula. There’s no need for cotton pads—simply pump into the hands and rub onto dry skin. Add water to change the oil into smooth lotion. Effective yet gentle, this cleansing oil is suitable for sensitive skin and leaves the face soft and perfectly cleansed, without an oily film.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates - Synthetic Dyes - Phthalates- GMOs- Triclosan
What else you need to know:This cleansing oil has been dermatologically and ophthalmogically tested.
Seems promising enough, right? Let's see how everything measures up.
Packaging:
I love that this is packaged in a pump container. It makes it much easier to dispense product without spilling or over pouring (which can be messy on your countertops when it comes to oil). Just be sure you pump this into the palms of your hand (not your finger tips) because it's not a thick oil. It will easily drip off your fingers tips and then you have to clean up the countertop.
Pump-top containers are my favorite packaging for cleansing oils. This was an easy selling point for me at the store.
Performance and consistency
Sephora Supreme Cleansing Oil has a bit of a watery texture. For reference, it's about the same consistency as MAC's and Philosophy's cleansing oils. If this is your first cleansing oil, it's thinner than olive oil. It spreads evenly and easily on your skin and doesn't feel heavy or thick. One to two pumps of product is enough to remove a full face of makeup.
Make sure you apply it to dry skin, using dry hands or it will emulsify before you even start to use it. If you've never used a cleansing oil, this takes some getting used to. But you get the hang of it quickly.
From my experience, Sephora's cleansing oil is on par with its higher end competitors. It removes makeup easily without tugging or pulling. It will easily take on waterproof makeup and melt it away like it's nothing. I used it to easily remove waterproof liner and waterproof airbrush foundation and there was no struggle whatsoever. If you wear heavy eye makeup, you'll need to pay particular attention to your eye area during removal (as you would with any cleansing oil or other makeup removal process). Gently massage the oil over your lids and rub your lashes between your fingertips. It will all come off with surprising ease.
Once you're done massaging it into your skin, simply add water. It will turn a milky consistency, and rinse cleanly away. This cleansing oil rinsed off easily and left no residue behind. My skin felt clean without feeling tight or stripped and felt ready for my moisturizer and remaining routine.
If you so choose, you can follow up with your regular cleanser. I usually feel comfortable enough skipping it and going directly into the rest of my skincare routine.
Note: I use cleansing oils for makeup removal. If I am not wearing makeup, then I use a regular cleanser to wash my face at night.
I did no experience any breakouts when using this cleanser.
Cost and availability
I've already mentioned this retails for $15. It's at least $10 less than most brand name cleansing oils out there. But it's more expensive than Garnier's drugstore version. It has 6.4 fl. oz. of product in it, which is more than what you get from the drugstore. But the primary selling point for the price is that it's good for all skin types (while Garnier's is geared specifically for those with dry skin -- it leaves moisturizing residue behind).
It's easily accessible at Sephora stores and online. But if you see it, pick it up, because I do notice it's often sold out online.
Fragrance
It has a subtle fresh scent to it that made me think of a mix of freshly cut grass and citrus blossoms. It's not strong or perfume like, but it is scented. I personally find the fragrance pleasant.
Ingredients
Here's the list of ingredients available on Sephora's website. I know some of you out there try to avoid mineral oil. If that's your inclination, then you've been duly informed: This product contains mineral oil. If you prefer to go mineral oil free, check out Philosophy Purity cleansing oil as an alternative ($25).
-Cottonseed Oil: Softens. -Vitamin E: Antioxidant and moisturizing action. Improves skin radiance and tissue tone. -Vitamin A: Antioxidant.
Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), PEG-6 Sostearate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Fragrance, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, BHT.
Overall thoughts
If you're looking to save a little money on cleaning oils, Sephora has developed a heavy-hitting contender with its Supreme Cleansing Oil. Its performance is on par with higher end competitors at a more affordable price point. I'd easily repurchase it and enthusiastically recommend it to my cleansing-oil-loving (and curious) friends. It's worth the switch. You won't be disappointed.
Are you a cleansing oil fanatic? Have you tried Sephora's version? Did you like it as much as I did? Tell me all your thoughts. Let's chit chat about it.
