Emulsifying Olive Oil Face Cleansing Oil: Benefits, Recipe & How to Use

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Emulsifying Olive Oil Face Cleansing Oil saved my skin on one of those nights when I wore a stubborn red lipstick and way too much sunscreen. If you’ve ever rubbed and rubbed your face with a makeup wipe only to wake up with tight, cranky skin the next morning, I’ve been there. This simple, kitchen-style recipe melts makeup, then rinses off clean like a dream. It feels fancy, but it’s honestly easier than making a vinaigrette. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through why it works, how to make it, and how to use it without any mess.

Emulsifying Olive Oil Face Cleansing Oil bottle on a bathroom counter.

Table of Contents

What Is an Emulsifying Olive Oil Face Cleansing Oil?

It’s a face cleanser made mostly with olive oil, plus a gentle oil-to-milk emulsifier that helps the oil rinse off with water. Instead of leaving a greasy film, it turns milky and slips away, taking makeup and sunscreen with it. Think of it like a smart oil that knows how to wash itself off.

When I say Emulsifying Olive Oil Face Cleansing Oil, I mean a skin-loving blend that’s easy to mix at home and works for daily cleansing. You massage it onto dry skin, add a splash of water, and the whole thing transforms into a light milk. Clean, soft, happy skin follows.

How Does Emulsifying Cleansing Oil Work?

Oil attracts oil. Your foundation, sunscreen, and skin’s own sebum are oil-based, so they bond with the cleansing oil first. The magic happens when you add water. The emulsifier acts like a bridge between oil and water, so the mixture turns milky and rinses off without heavy residue. No tugging. No tightness.

That’s why I reach for this after long days, or whenever my skin feels coated and dull. It lifts away grime while keeping the barrier calm and content.

Benefits of Emulsifying Olive Oil Face Cleansing Oil

Here’s why I love it, and why my skin loves it even more:

Gentle but powerful. It breaks down waterproof makeup and zinc sunscreens without stinging or stripping.

Barrier-friendly. Olive oil brings fatty acids and squalene that feel comforting on dry or sensitive skin.

Clean rinse. Thanks to the emulsifier, it rinses off with water and leaves a soft, moisturized finish.

Budget-friendly DIY. You can make a small batch in minutes and tweak it to match your skin needs.

Simple ingredients. No mystery foaming agents or heavy fragrance.

Is Emulsifying Cleansing Oil Right for Your Skin Type?

Dry or sensitive: This is a yes. It melts makeup without the tight feeling. Keep the formula simple and skip fragrance.

Normal or combination: Great as a first cleanse at night. If your T-zone gets shiny, follow with a light gel cleanser.

Oily or acne-prone: It can still work. Choose a light, non-comedogenic co-oil if you want to dilute olive oil a bit. Rinse well and follow with your water-based cleanser.

On super reactive days, I alternate this cleanser with a gentle, creamy treatment. Here’s a simple one I swear by when my face needs a day off: soothing oatmeal and milk face mask.

Key Ingredients and Their Skin Benefits

Olive oil: Rich in oleic acid and squalene, olive oil is calming and comforting. It helps dissolve makeup while keeping skin soft.

Caprylic/capric triglycerides (optional but helpful): A lighter oil derived from coconut that reduces heaviness and improves slip. Great for oily or combo skin.

Polysorbate 80 or PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate: These are gentle cosmetic emulsifiers that make the oil rinse off cleanly with water. They’re widely used in oil cleansers for the oil-to-milk effect.

Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps keep your oil blend fresh a little longer and adds a touch of skin support.

What to know about the emulsifier

Use a safe, cosmetic-grade emulsifier meant for rinse-off products. This is what turns your blend into a milk when water hits it. Without it, you’ll have a lovely oil, but it will not rinse clean. Always check the supplier’s usage rate and follow it.

Why Emulsifiers Matter in Oil Cleansers

Without an emulsifier, oil clings to skin. That can be cozy on dry days, but it’s not ideal for removing heavy makeup or sunscreen. With the right emulsifier, the cleanser transforms and fully releases when you add water. That means fewer breakouts from leftover residue and a lighter, fresher finish. In short, emulsifiers give you the best of both worlds: the melt of oil and the rinse of water.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Cleansing Oil

Olive oil: 60 percent of your total blend
Caprylic/capric triglycerides or grapeseed oil: 20 percent
Polysorbate 80 or PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate: 18 to 20 percent
Vitamin E: 0.5 to 1 percent
Optional scent: 1 to 2 drops of skin-safe essential oil per 100 g, or skip to keep it extra gentle
Clean pump bottle or flip-cap bottle

Optional add-ins

Jojoba oil for balance, rosehip oil for glow, or a drop of blue tansy for calming. Keep total oils plus emulsifier near 100 percent. Less is more with active oils in a rinse-off product.

How to Make Emulsifying Olive Oil Face Cleansing Oil (Step-by-Step)

I measure in grams for accuracy, but you can scale this however you like. Here’s my favorite 100 g batch:

Step 1: In a clean glass beaker or bowl, combine 60 g olive oil and 20 g caprylic/capric triglycerides. Stir to blend.

Step 2: Add 19 g emulsifier. Stir slowly until the mixture looks uniform and clear or slightly golden.

Step 3: Add 1 g vitamin E. If you’re using a whisper of essential oil, add it now. Stir again.

Step 4: Pour into a clean, dry pump bottle. Label it with the date.

Storage tips

Store at room temperature, away from direct light. Since this is an anhydrous product with no water in the bottle, it does not need a preservative, but always pump with clean, dry hands to keep it fresh. Use within 3 to 6 months for best quality.

Using this exact method, Emulsifying Olive Oil Face Cleansing Oil turns silky, then rinses off clean without that heavy film. It’s very satisfying.

How to Use Emulsifying Cleansing Oil Correctly

Start dry. Pump 2 to 3 pumps into your dry hands and massage over dry skin for 30 to 60 seconds. Focus on areas with sunscreen, mascara, or lipstick.

Emulsify. Wet your hands and keep massaging. Watch the oil turn milky as it lifts away makeup and grime.

Rinse. Splash with lukewarm water until the milkiness is gone. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Double cleanse or not?

If you wear heavy makeup or have oily skin, follow with a small amount of your regular water-based cleanser. On light days, I skip the second step and go straight to toner or serum.

My skin felt clean but not squeaky for the first time. No tight cheeks, no flaky nose, just soft and calm. I was weirdly excited to wash my face again the next night.

How Often Should You Use an Oil Cleanser?

Once a day in the evening is perfect for most people. In the morning, a splash of water or a gentle gel is enough. If you’re outdoors a lot with sunscreen reapplications, this will become your best friend at night.

Can This Cleansing Oil Remove Makeup and Sunscreen?

Yes. Emulsifying cleansers are champs at removing long-wear foundation, water-resistant sunscreen, and even that stubborn matte lip. Give the oil enough time to break things down before you add water. For eye makeup, keep your eyes closed and massage gently to avoid getting product inside your eyes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Oil Cleansing

Skipping the emulsifier: Without it, you won’t get that clean rinse.
Using too much essential oil: A little goes a long way. Fragrance can irritate.
Rushing the massage: Give it 30 seconds to melt makeup before adding water.
Over-cleansing: At night is usually enough. Morning can be simple.
Not following with water-based cleanser when needed: If you are acne-prone or wore heavy makeup, do a light second cleanse.

On days when my skin feels touchy, I reach for something extra calming after cleansing. This simple favorite always comes to mind: gentle oatmeal and milk face mask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use olive oil, or can I swap it?

You can swap part of it for jojoba or grapeseed to lighten the feel. Keep the overall balance with the emulsifier so it still rinses clean.

Will this clog pores?

Used with the right emulsifier and rinsed well, most people do fine. If you’re acne-prone, try a patch test and consider replacing some olive oil with caprylic/capric triglycerides.

Can I use it in the morning?

You can, but most people enjoy it most at night for removing sunscreen and makeup.

How long does a bottle last?

A 100 g bottle lasts me 6 to 8 weeks with nightly use. Store it away from direct sun and heat.

Is Emulsifying Olive Oil Face Cleansing Oil safe for sensitive eyes?

Keep eyes closed and rinse well. If you’re extra sensitive, use a cotton pad with micellar water for eye makeup, then cleanse the rest of your face with the oil.

Final Thoughts: A Gentle, Effective DIY Face Cleanser

If you want clean, comfy skin without stripping, Emulsifying Olive Oil Face Cleansing Oil is such a win. It melts makeup, turns to milk, and rinses off with almost zero effort. Keep the formula simple, use a proper emulsifier, and listen to your skin day by day. If you prefer to compare with a ready-made option, check out the Facial Cleansing Oil | Cleansing Makeup Remover | (MALIN+GOETZ) for reference on texture and feel. I hope you try this and fall in love with that soft, clean finish as much as I did.