Does Cleansing Oil Really Clog Your Pores?
Does Cleansing Oil Really Clog Your Pores?
Why this common concern in South Africa deserves a closer look — especially if you wear sunscreen or makeup every day.
“Oil on my face? That will clog my pores.”
This is one of the most common reasons people hesitate to try cleansing oil. In South Africa, where skincare routines often focus on controlling shine, sweat and oiliness, the idea of putting more oil on the skin can sound completely wrong.
But cleansing oil and facial oil are not the same thing. A cleansing oil is designed to be used as a cleanser: it helps loosen oil-based makeup, sunscreen, sebum and other oily residues, and is then emulsified with water and rinsed away.
Not necessarily. Whether a product contributes to clogged pores depends on its formulation, how it is used, the individual's skin and other factors. The fact that a cleanser contains oil does not automatically mean that oil will remain on the skin and block pores.
The goal is not to leave a layer of oil on your face. A well-formulated cleansing oil is used to loosen oil-soluble residue and then rinse it away.
Why does oil help remove oil?
Think about what you put on your skin during the day. Sunscreen, foundation, concealer, long-wear makeup and sebum can contain oil-soluble or water-resistant components. Water alone is not always the most effective way to remove these substances.
This is where the “like dissolves like” principle becomes useful. Oil-based cleansing ingredients can interact with oily residues on the skin, helping loosen them so they can be removed during rinsing.
In simple terms: if your daily sunscreen and makeup are designed to stay on your skin through sweat, humidity and water, your cleanser needs to be able to effectively lift those residues too.
Your sunscreen may be doing its job — and that is exactly why removal matters
A good sunscreen is supposed to remain on your skin. In other words, the qualities that make sunscreen durable can also make it more difficult to remove completely with a very mild water-based cleanser alone.
This does not mean you need an aggressive cleanser or harsh scrubbing. The objective is to remove the day's sunscreen, makeup, excess sebum and accumulated residue effectively while avoiding unnecessary friction.
Why cleansing oil deserves a place in your skincare routine
If you wear sunscreen every day, especially in South Africa, cleansing should be more than simply washing away sweat and surface dirt. Sunscreen, makeup, sebum and other oil-based residues are designed to stay on your skin throughout the day — which is exactly why they need to be properly removed at night.
A cleansing oil gives you a dedicated first step for loosening these oil-based residues before rinsing them away. Instead of relying on repeated rubbing or a harsher cleanser, you can use the properties of oil to help dissolve and lift what has built up on your skin during the day.
A good cleansing routine is not about putting more oil on your skin. It is about using the right type of cleanser for the residue you need to remove — and a cleansing oil is specifically formulated for oil-based makeup, sunscreen, sebum and impurities.
- Use it as the first step of your evening cleanse when you need to remove sunscreen or makeup.
- Apply according to the product instructions and avoid excessive rubbing.
- Emulsify with water before rinsing when the product is designed to do so.
- If your skin is acne-prone or sensitive, pay attention to how your individual skin responds to the complete formulation.
Why DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is worth considering
This is where DHC Deep Cleansing Oil fits into the conversation. Rather than thinking of cleansing oil as “adding oil to your face,” think of it as a cleansing step specifically designed to help lift makeup and oily impurities.
Japanese cleansing oil • 200 mL
DHC describes the formula as being designed to remove makeup, excess sebum, pore impurities and other residue while rinsing clean. It contains olive virgin oil and other plant-derived ingredients, and the formula is designed to become more water-compatible during rinsing so the oil, makeup and impurities can be washed away.
DHC also recommends using the oil on dry hands, massaging it gently over makeup and then rinsing with water or lukewarm water. The brand specifically positions it as a cleanser for makeup, excess sebum, pore impurities and other oily residue — not as a leave-on facial oil.
The takeaway: the question should not simply be “Is there oil in the cleanser?” A better question is “What is the cleanser formulated to do, and does it rinse away effectively after lifting the residue from my skin?”
A simple evening routine
Use when you need to remove sunscreen, makeup and oily residue.
Use a second cleanser if your routine or skin type benefits from double cleansing.
Follow with the rest of your normal skincare routine according to your skin's needs.
Good cleansing is about removing daily residue without unnecessary rubbing or over-cleansing.
The bottom line
Cleansing oil can sound counterintuitive, especially if you have been taught that “oil equals clogged pores.” But cleansing oil is a different category from a leave-on facial oil. Its purpose is to help dissolve and lift oil-based residue, then rinse it away.
For anyone in South Africa who wears sunscreen every day — and especially for those who also wear makeup — choosing an effective cleansing step can be just as important as choosing the sunscreen itself.
Skincare results vary between individuals. If you have persistent acne, irritation or another skin concern, consider consulting a dermatologist. Product information in this article is based on the manufacturer's published product information and is not intended as medical advice.