Often I’m glad to be reminded of a skincare product that I really love but have forgotten about. Cleansing oil! This past winter, I definitely should have been using cleansing oil. Right now, my skin is nicely hydrated, but as I spend more time outdoors, it can get drier even in the summer. I’m glad that two lovely cleansing oils have recently come my way.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
I discovered Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery skincare line this past autumn with a couple of samples I received in one of my monthly subscriptions. I fell in love with the Serum. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to receive the Midnight Recovery trio, and I wrote about them in a post about Kiehl’s collaboration with artist Jeff Koons and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
But today, I’d like to talk a bit about the Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil. The oil comes in a big (5.9 fl. oz.) navy blue plastic pump bottle. It is going to last me a looooong time. The lightweight oil has a botanical scent that I find appealing, and not too strong. Makes sense that it would have an herbal scent because it contains evening primrose, rosemary and lavender oils, among others.
Here’s how Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil is described on the Kiehl’s website: “Enriched with an aromatic blend of pure botanical oils- Squalane for skin, a planted-derived lipid with a natural affinity for skin, Evening Primrose Oil, rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids, and Lavender Essential Oil, this all-in one non-comedogenic cleansing formula leaves skin balanced, soothed and prepared for optimal night-time replenishment.”
The way the oil works is by applying it to either dry or wet hands, applying it to dry face and eye area, and then adding water to emulsify the oil to a creamy texture. I then remove the oil with warm water either with my hands alone or with a facecloth. If you’re wearing waterproof eye makeup, apply the oil and let it sit for about 10 seconds before removing. Easy peasy!
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil is soap-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, and ophthalmologist-tested. $32. Sold at Kiehl’s store as well as on the Kiehl’s website, and a fine departments stores including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Bluemercury. Kiehl’s doesn’t test on animals, but it is sold in China and is subject to their laws on product testing.
DERMA E Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil
That fact that the DERMA E cleansing oil includes essence of rose was what made me especially excited to try this cleansing oil. There is a subtle rose scent that smells lovely and subtle, definitely not too strong.
The key oils in DERMA E Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil are organic argan and jojoba oils.
The method of application is similar to the Kiehl’s Cleansing Oil. I apply it to dry skin, and remove with a wet facecloth. The only difference I found is that DERMA E Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil doesn’t seem to emulsify if I had water like the Kiehl’s Cleansing Oil does. No biggie.
DERMA E Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil comes in a glass bottle with a pump top. It contains 2 fl. oz. and is priced at $17.99. It’s sold on the DERMA E website, at Ulta, Lovelyskin.com, iHerb.com, and other retailers. Gluten-free. Cruelty-free.
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Plant Derived), Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquioleate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Natural Fragrance Oils.
My Thoughts on Cleansing Oil
I love both of these cleansing oils because they are antioxidant rich, hydrating, perfect for my semi-sensitive skin, and make easy work of removing makeup. I especially love the dewy, soft feeling that they both leave behind on my skin.
Because I have rather serious problems with my eyes due to dry eye and blepharitis, and I am prone to milia under my eyes, I don’t always use cleansing oil to remove my eye makeup. Although I do use both of them to remove my eye makeup from time to time and both make easy work of it, I mostly use a gentle micellar water because of my eye issues. Nevertheless, I continue to use cleansing oil to remove my face makeup, and I love how velvety my face feels afterwards. It may sound like an extra step, but for me, it’s worth it!
Do you use cleansing oil? Do you have a favorite? Have you tried either of these lovelies?
I love cleansing oil and goes through one really quickly because I use it for first cleanse instead of micellar water. So far I have tried Dermalogica, Shiseido, Burt’s Bees and Palmer’s and most recently I bought Biossance Squalane+Antioxidant Cleansing oil which got really great reviews on Sephora so fingers crossed I will love it.
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Wow, you have tried so many cleansing oils! I hope you love Biossance. You need to do a post on your faves!
I absolutely love cleansing oils, as you know, and I think that this DERMA E cleansing oil is first rate. I love Kiehl’s, but have not tried their cleansing oil– this sounds so great that I need to add it to my list!
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The Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil is terrific and it will last for a loooooong time. Actually, the Midnight Recovery trio of products (eye cream and serum oil) are fabulous!
I own both of these and love them both! The Kiehl’s cleansing oil I’ve actually repurchased. I think it’s great and the Derma-e one smells so good and does a great job at cleansing my skin!
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I’m so glad you’re a fan of them both, too, Christine!
I have never used cleansing oil, but I’m planning to try the Derma E one.
I think you’ll like it! It’s gentle, has a mild rose scent and works well to remove makeup!
I really like the Derma E cleansing oil and the Kiehl’s sounds lovely!
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It’s interesting that they are so different but both are gentle, hydrating and effective
I have not tried either of these yet! I do have the dermae one but have not tried it yet. Now I am excited to get it opened!
I think you’ll love it. It smells so nice, and works so well!
If only they weren’t fragranced. I do like cleansing oils though I don’t use them nightly. Both brands are excellent choices.
Yes, they are both fragranced with natural essences, though the rose scent in the Derma e Rose Cleansing Oil is quite subtle. In fact, I was hoping for a stronger rose scent! Is the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil fragrance-free?
THE DHC does have a slight fragrance but it’s not floral which I don’t do well with.
Oh, thank you. It’s been a long time since I tried the DHC and couldn’t remember.
I’ve using the Erborain Cleansing Oil–it starts as a balm, turns to an oil and then when you add water, it foams! Leaves my skin so clean and hydrated!
Oh, how interesting! I have tried a balm that turns to oil but I don’t think it foamed. So cool
I haven’t tried anew cleansing oil in a while, but I love having one on hand for waterproof makeup. Both of these sound really great.
I have trouble using oils on my eyes for a variety of reasons, but there’s nothing like a good oil for my super dry skin. These are two great candidates
I just received the rose cleansing oil, and can’t wait to give it a try. I love everything made with rose!
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I think you’ll like the Derma E Rose Cleansing Oil. The rose scent is lovely but I wish it were even a tiny bit stronger!
I love the Kiehl’s cleanser!