Table of Contents What Are Cleansing Oils? How Does Oil Cleansing Work? Will Cleansing Oils Clog Pores? How to Use Cleansing Oils When to Use Cleansing Oils Why Choose Cleansing Oils Is There an Adjustment Period? Which Cleansing Oil Should You Choose? Additional Cleansing Oil Tips How to Get Started + Save Money: Cleansing oils are gaining more traction in the beauty industry these days, but their origins date back thousands of years and for good reason. The first step in skincare, especially evening skincare routines, begins with cleaning your face. Whether you’ve been working outdoors, indoors, or even enjoying a lazy day around the house or on vacation, your skin bears the remnants of the day with your face being one of the more exposed surfaces. Facial skin is more sensitive with a higher concentration of oil glands and faster cell turnover than body skin, therefore the products applied and method in which they are used matter greatly. This is where cleansing oils and the oil cleansing method come in. You might be surprised at how simple this basic skincare step can be and how less really is more. What Are Cleansing Oils? Cleansing oils are gentle, oil-based alternatives to traditional cleansers. They are designed to remove makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, dirt and other environmental pollutants without stripping the skin's natural barrier. Our cleansing oils are carefully formulated in small-batches using organic, non-comedogenic botanical oils, making them suitable for all skin types. How Does Oil Cleansing Work? The oil cleansing method (OCM) is based on the scientific principle that “like dissolves like”, meaning “oil attracts oil” in this context. Being that oils are lipophilic (oil-loving), they can effectively break down, lift, and wash away oil-based impurities and even waterproof makeup and sunscreen. With consistent use, they help to dislodge sebaceous filaments and blackheads. They work by bonding with excess sebum and oily impurities, lifting them up from pores. As they are wiped away, they are replaced with nourishing oils that protect the skin barrier and balance natural oil production. This process results in lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL), leaving the skin more hydrated. Will Cleansing Oils Clog Pores? While seemingly counterintuitive, oil-based cleansers (when formulated correctly) effectively reduce acne-causing impurities without inducing dryness. Cleansing oils will not clog your pores when using non-comedogenic botanical oils, which is why the base for our cleansing oils (and all oil-based products) is jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and technically a liquid wax ester that closely mimics human sebum, making it possible to dissolve sebum buildup without blocking pores. What about the other oils we use in our cleansing oils? Each of the oils in our cleansing oil formulas are pore-friendly, nourishing, gentle, and have been intentionally chosen for their individual properties. Sunsets in the Garden cleansing oil starts with jojoba oil and finishes with: → Calendula infused jojoba oil: soothing, anti-inflammatory, healing for delicate or damaged skin, and possesses antimicrobial properties. → Lavender infused jojoba oil: calming, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and reduces skin stress → Sea buckthorn oil: helps balance oil production and repair moisture barrier, is soothing, rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fatty acids, while also offering skin regenerating and hydrating effects. Sunsets in the Wild cleansing oil starts with jojoba oil and finished with: → Calendula infused jojoba oil: soothing, anti-inflammatory, healing for delicate or damaged skin, and possesses antimicrobial properties. → Castor oil: an effective astringent that helps clear congested pores while hydrating skin. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, largely due to its high concentration of ricinoleic acid, and aids in treating acne and promoting wound healing. → Sea buckthorn oil: helps balance oil production, is soothing, rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fatty acids, while also offering skin regenerating and hydrating effects. → Copaiba balsam oil: a soothing, potent, non-irritating anti-inflammatory that helps reduce acne, soothe chronic skin conditions, promote skin-healing, remove impurities, balance sebum production, and acts as an emollient to lock in moisture. Copaiba tree's are native to South America's rainforests. The oleoresin from these trees, used to produce oil, are sustainably harvested by a tapping technique (similar to the way maple syrup is harvested). How to Use Cleansing Oils The oil cleansing method is way more simple than you might think. We’ve broken it down (below) into three basic steps. In case you want to know what skincare steps we would recommend following after cleansing, we cover that below as well. Step 1: Apply 1-2 pumps onto clean fingers or directly onto dry skin (face and neck area). Gently massage the oil into your skin using circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Avoid direct contact with eyes (it can be used to remove eye makeup, just try to avoid getting the oil directly in your eyes). Step 2: Wet a clean washcloth with warm water (can be “super-warm”, but not hot). Wring out some of the excess water while still keeping the cloth wet and lay it over your face. This will create a steam effect and open up your pores to prepare your skin for the next step, but before moving on to the next step take a few deep breaths and enjoy this mini spa treatment for your face. Keep the warm, wet cloth on your face until it begins to cool (usually 30-45 seconds. You can re-wet your cloth if you would like and place it back over your face for another 20-30 seconds. Step 3: Using this same cloth, gently wipe away the oil. Work in sections, using light pressure (do not scrub). Rinse the cloth in warm water as needed and continue until most of the oil has been removed. Be mindful that oil cleansing leaves skin moisturized instead of dry like most other forms of cleansers. Your skin should feel clean and smooth. *Optional: If wearing heavy makeup, you can repeat steps 1 - 3 before moving onto step 4 (referred to as a double-cleanse). Step 4: Gently pat skin dry with a clean, soft towel. *If using cleansing grains, you would apply those now, before moving on to step 5 of your skincare routine. We typically recommend using them between 1-3 times a week either as an exfoliant or face mask. Moving onto the next steps in a healthy skincare routine, we would encourage following after step 4. Step 5: Follow with a hydrosol and serum. If you need extra moisturization, you can also apply a moisturizing cream such as tallow after or even instead of applying a serum. This last step will differ based on the needs of your skin, the climate you live in, and even the season. Whether using a serum or moisturizing cream, or both, we encourage you to not skip the hydrosol. → Don’t have a hydrosol? Browse our hydrosol collection and find one (or a few) to fall in love with. → Need a serum? We’ve got you covered! Check out our botanical serum collection here. When to Use Cleansing Oils Most people think washing their face first thing in the morning is best. If you’re one of those people, you’re not alone and we used to share that belief. However, morning routines should be even more simple. A healthy morning skincare routine should start with simply splashing warm water on your skin, applying hydrosol, and then your favorite morning time face serum. You can also layer serums. For example, applying our vanilla espresso rejuvenating serum around your eye area and following up with our butterfly tea balancing serum on the rest of your face and neck (including décolletage area). If you feel extra sweaty, whether from sleeping or because you enjoyed a morning workout session to start the day, (after splashing face with warm water a couple of times) you can use a cotton round sprayed with a hydrosol (especially one with antibacterial properties), and gently sweep over your skin for a refreshing cleanse. You would then simply follow with a few more sprays of hydrosol directly on your face and neck area before applying serum. Now, finally on to when to use cleansing oils. We recommend oil cleansing in the evening, before going to sleep. Oil cleansing is the best way to wrap up your day and get ready for a night of restful sleep. Implementing this method into your nighttime routine will effectively remove the grime and debris from the day from your face. This gentle and deep cleanse prepares the skin for regeneration, prevents clogged pores, and protects the skin barrier. We recommend oil cleansing once a day, in the evening to build and maintain healthy skin. Over-cleansing or using overly harsh scrubs can damage the skin barrier, hindering cell turnover rather than helping it. Why Choose Cleansing Oils As a gentle alternative to traditional water-based cleansers, cleansing oils approach the tender facial skin as skincare should. These oils reach beneath the surface to cleanse without disrupting and irritating the skin barrier or removing natural, healthy oils. Implementing the OCM, correctly, deeply cleanses without compromising the moisture barrier, keeping skin soft and preventing the tight, stripped feeling caused by harsh soap cleansers. Cleansing oils have been shown to strengthen the hydrolipidic film (barrier), resulting in higher moisture levels in skin. Key benefits of using cleansing oils: Deep cleansing Balances oil production Hydrates and protects skin barrier Gentle and non-irritating Suitable for all skin types Faith’s Garden crafts cleansing oils using oils that are: Organic Non-comedogenic Slow-infused with whole flowers Cold-pressed Steam-distilled from resin (copaiba) What you read on the ingredients list is exactly what is used in formulating the product. We do not use harsh surfactants, parabens, fillers, or synthetic fragrances or dyes in our products. Side note: we do not discourage the use of all soaps and cleansers that are not oils or those that are water-based (when well formulated). Many people also experience great benefits from using soaps that are tallow or goat-milk based, and that’s because these ingredients are gentle and nourishing to the skin. Another cleanser we love and also implement into our weekly skincare routine is cleansing grains because they are very gentle while also full of skin-loving properties that cleanse, exfoliate, and soothe even the most sensitive skin. (Our cleansing grain collection will return at the end of May 2026). Is There an Adjustment Period? Some people do while others don't. This is all dependent upon your skin type and the products you were using before switching. There is a chance that when switching to cleansing oils, your skin may experience temporary purging (oil-purging), such as increased oiliness or small breakouts. This is not because the cleansing oils do not work or because they are clogging your pores. This happens as your skin balances its natural sebum production after moving away from harsh, stripping cleansers. In the event you do experience this, it typically only lasts 1-2 weeks. When we change anything, whether that’s our diets, skin care products, or even medication, it is normal for our bodies to respond. If you change your diet, you will notice an internal and external change. If you wean off or even start a new medication, you will go through an adjustment period. This is not any different with skincare. Traditional cleansers and harsh soaps frequently strip and weaken the hydrolipidic barrier by using aggressive surfactants that remove essential lipids, fatty acids, and ceramides. In turn, this can raise the skin’s PH, damage the acid mantle, and cause dryness, tightness, and increased sensitivity. When using these harsher cleansing agents, you may feel like your skin is squeaky-clean. We often believe more suds equals better cleansing and that tight feeling post-cleanse is a good sign of clean skin, but that "feeling" is costing something. Are traditional cleansers cleaning your skin? A majority of them are cleansing in some way and even killing bacteria to some degree. Does using vinegar or bleach kill bacteria and clean your hardwood floors? Yes. However, even when diluted, they are also slowly stripping that beautiful protective finishing that seals the surface. So, your floors may be clean, but you are damaging the coating that serves to protect them. This is similar to what happens when we use cleansing agents with harsh surfactants. Which Cleansing Oil Should You Choose? Both formulas are lightweight, suitable for all skin types, and provide a gentle and effective cleanse, but there is a slight difference in what they do. Sunsets in the Garden cleansing oil is our essential cleansing oil; it’s our “go-to”. The formula is simple, but powerful with whole flower infusions of calendula and lavender and sea buckthorn oil all blended into a base of jojoba oil. Sunsets in the Wild cleansing oil is what we reach for when we need a little bit deeper of a cleanse. This could simply be because of the activities of the day. Although both formulas are effective cleansers for acne-prone skin, or oily skin, this one is designed to target and treat acne and excessive oil a little bit deeper. Castor oil is a thicker oil and also an astringent, so it helps to collect and trap impurities that may be a little more stubborn. The other star of the show is copaiba balsam. Copaiba is a gentle powerhouse and will not only calm and soothe skin, but it has also shown to be very effective in fighting acne-causing bacteria without irritating skin. Please take note, the sea buckthorn oil gives both cleansing oils a beautiful amber glow. It’s one of the ingredients in our Golden Hour Serum that makes it a favorite. With this oil in any formula, it doesn’t take much to pack in skin-loving properties along with that golden hue. Sea buckthorn oil is safe to use on any skin tone and it blends in beautifully without staining your skin (you will not be orange by using it) when formulated correctly. What it will do, especially when using it in a serum or body oil, is give your skin a lovely, light glow. Additional Cleansing Oil Tips Common Mistakes to avoid → Do not use hot water. Hey, we’ve all been there, the hotter the better, right? Wrong. Hot water causes dryness, irritation, redness, and can even worsen conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. → Do not use dirty washcloths. The goal is to cleanse your skin, not contaminate it with dirty oil and dirt from the day before. Personally, we recommend using organic cotton washcloths, but our first priority here is to make sure they are clean. → Do not scrub. Scrubbing might seem like it’s helping, until you realize how delicate facial skin really is. Scrubbing is not necessary to get rid of the excess oils and debris from your face, that’s the job of the cleansing oil. The oils attract and bind to these impurities. You only need to gently wipe them away using a soft, warm, wet (and clean) cloth. → Don’t give up after only a few uses. Unless you have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients (which is also why we advise that not use any of our products if you are allergic to the ingredients), we encourage you to at least give oil cleansing 2 weeks of use before deciding it’s not for you. If you prefer to cleanse your face in the shower, you can still oil cleanse. However, we would still advise you to apply the cleansing oils on dry skin before stepping in the shower for the oils to be the most effective. You can then continue on with step 3 of gently removing the oils with a clean, warm washcloth and apply hydrosols, serums, and any additional moisturizer post-shower. Also, do not let water get into the cleansing oil bottles. How to Get Started + Save Money: You’re well on your way to healthier skin already, but let us help you take that next step. Implement all five steps into your routine now and save money with our Garden Essentials Skincare Bundle. We made this next part super easy. No code required. Simply go add (1) cleansing oil, (1) hydrosol, and (1) serum to your cart and you will automatically receive $5 off your purchase. Start here: pick out your favorite cleansing oil now! Interested in saving more money? Check out our Give Back Program and learn how you can get 10% off and be a part of something bigger than your purchase. Learn more about our Give Back Program!
