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DIY Cleansing Oil That Rinses Off with Water (Self-Emulsifying)

This DIY cleansing oil is inexpensive, easy to make, and rinses clean like fancy store-bought oil cleansers – at a fraction of the price! Learn how to make a simple emulsifying cleansing oil that washes off with just water.

DIY cleansing oil on white marble plate.

Ever since I created this easy cleansing oil recipe, I have never had to buy another makeup remover again (and it’s been over 4 years now!).

Sure, I’ve tested a few more DIY recipes, including cleansing balm, micellar water, and makeup remover wipes. But I always come back this one.

This self-emulsifying DIY cleansing oil has a velvety oil-to-milk texture that effortlessly melts away makeup, sunscreen and mascara (even waterproof), rinsing clean without greasy residue.

There are two ways to make it: a simple 2-ingredient oil cleanser, and a slightly more complex recipe with 3 ingredients. Either way, it takes only a few minutes, and here’s just a short snapshot of the benefits:

  • All-natural: Made with a polysorbate-free, PEG-free emulsifier (not Cromollient SCE)
  • Fragrance-free: No essential oils or fragrances, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin
  • PUFA-free: Made without polyunsaturated oils, so it won’t oxidize on your face (or in the bottle)
  • Versatile cleanser: Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, this cleansing oil is suitable for a wide variety of skin types

This recipe took a lot of testing (and money spent on ingredients) but it was worth it, because this easy makeup remover hack has saved me so much time and money over the years. I truly hope it will be as helpful for you as it has been for me.

Update 2024: this recipe was first published in 2019, but the entire article has been updated for 2024 with a brand new formula and emulsifier option.

Why I made this cleansing oil DIY

As someone with dry, hypersensitive skin, shopping for skincare is a challenge – which is why I often make my own. So like all my beauty recipes, this DIY came from my own personal experience, and my desire to formulate a gentle, natural oil cleanser that worked just as well as store-bought options.

Homemade cleansing oil with emulsifier.

It’s also incredibly inexpensive! I believe in spending money on skincare products that count, not the ones that spend 30 seconds on your face. So it made sense to simplify and cut costs on my beauty routine starting with my makeup remover.

Especially considering I used to spend close to $50 on a single bottle of my favorite cleansing oil. These days, I can use that same money for bulk ingredients to make multiple bottles of this homemade recipe.

What’s so good about oil cleansing?

Traditional foaming cleansers are good at tackling surface level grime, but cleansing oils can get down into the pores to directly dislodge and dissolve trapped debris.

They’re also gentle on the skin barrier, which makes them kind to sensitive or dry skin. And though it may seem counterintuitive, oil-based cleansers are equally good for oily or acne-prone skin.

After all, oil dissolves oil, so a cleansing oil can help remove the excess oil that contributes to breakouts in the first place.

However, oil cleansing only works if done properly. Inadequate skin cleansing can lead to issues such as cystic acne, and unfortunately, this is where the popular oil cleansing method can go wrong. Because unless the oil is washed away, it’s going to sit on top of the skin, trapping makeup and debris in the pores along with it.

A “true” oil cleanser should rinse clean – that’s the sign of an emulsifier doing its job. So to be clear, this formula is a real facial cleansing oil that won’t leave acne-causing residue on your skin.

If (like me) the oil cleansing method did not work for you, give this one a try.

DIY cleansing oil ingredients

For those who are eager to get started with the DIY, the recipes are in the next section. If you’re interested, you’ll also find an in-depth discussion on each ingredient after the tutorial.

Cleansing oil recipe ingredients: MCT oil, liquid coconut oil, castor oil, CreamMaker FLUID emulsifier, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate emulsifier, and Cera Bellina wax.

To make this makeup removing cleansing oil, you’ll need:

To make a simple 2-ingredient cleansing oil, simply mix together MCT oil and CreamMaker FLUID emulsifier in a pump bottle. It’s that easy!

If using polyglyceryl-10 laurate instead, you’ll just need to gently melt the emulsifier on the stovetop.

Finally, you can also choose to add Cera Bellina wax, which gives the formula a silkier skin feel and viscous texture that’s more reminiscent of a store bought product. It’s easy to use and only adds a couple minutes to the DIY process.

If any of this sounds complicated, it’s not – you’re just choosing between 2 different emulsifiers, then deciding whether or not you want to add Cera Bellina wax. It’s simple, even if you’re a homemade skincare beginner, and I’ll walk you through each step.

Again, don’t forget that you can read more about the ingredients after the DIY, which I recommend doing because it contains valuable information about the formulas.

Homemade oil cleanser in glass pump bottle.

Supplies to make your own homemade oil cleanser

Finally, before we get into how to make cleansing oil, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment:

  • Cosmetic scale to precisely measure your ingredients
  • Glass lab beakers to weigh and heat your ingredients (if you don’t have a beaker set, a Turkish coffee pot or another heat-safe container also works)
  • Double boiler for melting the ingredients (you can also create a makeshift double boiler by filling a shallow saucepan with a few inches of water)
  • Small whisk or silicone spatula for mixing
  • Kitchen gloves or beaker tongs to avoid burns
  • 4oz pump bottle to dispense your cleansing oil, such as an eco-friendly glass bottle with bamboo pump (no judgment – I’m still reusing plastic Boscia Makeup Breakup bottles years later)

Cleansing Oil Recipes

Cleansing Oil Recipe – Emulsifying Formula.

DIY Cleansing Oil with CreamMaker FLUID

92g MCT oil or fractionated coconut oil
8g CreamMaker FLUID (emulsifier)
1g Cera Bellina wax (optional)

DIY Cleansing Oil with Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

60g MCT oil or fractionated coconut oil
20g cold-pressed castor oil
20g Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate (emulsifier)
1g Cera Bellina wax (optional)

How to make cleansing oil with CreamMaker FLUID

  1. Weigh MCT oil (or carrier oil of choice) and Cera Bellina wax into a glass beaker.
    Pouring MCT oil, fractionated coconut oil and castor oil into glass lab beaker. Weighing Cera Bellina wax pellets into glass beaker on cosmetic scale.
  2. Place the beaker into a double boiler over medium heat. Heat until the wax liquifies and the mixture turns clear.
    Heating oil mixture and Cera Bellina wax in double boiler.
  3. Once the mixture is completely liquefied, remove it from heat and give it a stir to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
  4. Pour in CreamMaker FLUID and stir or whisk to incorporate. Your mixture will turn from clear to slightly cloudy.
    How to make cleansing oil: pouring CreamMaker FLUID emulsifier into homemade oil cleanser mixture.
    Stirring oil cleanse mixture with spatula. Oil cleanser for face after mixing.
  5. Transfer to your pump bottle. Once the cleansing oil cools and thickens, it’s ready to use.
    DIY cleansing oil makeup remover held in woman's hand.

How to make cleansing oil with polyglyceryl-10 laurate

  1. Weigh all ingredients into a glass lab beaker: MCT oil, castor oil, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, and Cera Bellina wax (optional).

    Tip: Depending on your climate, polyglyceryl-10 laurate may be very thick at room temperature, so you’ll need to use a small spatula or another tool to scoop it out of the container.
  2. Place the beaker into a double boiler on medium heat. Heat until the wax pellets have melted and the oil cleanser mixture is completely transparent. Once liquified, remove it from heat.
  3. Stir one last time to ensure an even consistency, then pour the oil into your pump bottle and allow it to cool and thicken. Your homemade cleansing oil is ready for use.

How to make 2-ingredient cleansing oil with emulsifier

  1. Pour MCT oil and CreamMaker FLUID emulsifier directly into your glass pump bottle.
  2. Replace your bottle’s pump top, and shake until the mixture is milky. Done – your emulsifying makeup remover is ready to use.

    Tip: If using polyglyceryl-10 laurate, follow the instructions above to heat the formula before pouring into your pump bottle.
    2-ingredient cleansing oil with emulsifier.

How to use your homemade cleansing oil

Start with dry skin. Disperse a couple pumps of cleansing oil into clean hands and massage into your skin using gentle, circular motions, taking care not to get it into your eyes.

If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen, you’ll see it immediately begin to emulsify. As you massage, be sure to spend extra time in oily areas such as the T-zone to help clear any pore congestion.

Once your makeup is melted, wet your hands and massage your face again. The oil cleanser will change consistency and turn milky as it emulsifies with the water.

To finish, rinse your face with warm water until your makeup rinses away and your skin feels clean and soft. Unlike the oil cleansing method, there’s no need to remove with a wash cloth, because this formula rinses right off.

Tips for best results:

  • Shake the bottle well before use.
  • This cleansing oil works best on a full face of makeup during your nighttime skincare routine.
  • To avoid racoon eyes, use a wet cotton pad to gently wipe away excess eye makeup before rinsing.
  • I usually don’t need a second facial cleanser, but please note that this will depend on your particular skincare and makeup products and how they interact with your chosen emulsifier.
  • Your skin will not feel greasy or oily, but the oil cleanser may leave a light, moisturizing residue on your skin that you may prefer to remove with a gentle face wash.

More homemade makeup remover recipes:

Cleansing oil ingredients discussion

Emulsifier options

When it comes down to it, all you need to make a homemade cleansing oil is a carrier oil and an emulsifier. However, the right emulsifier is the difference between a nice, clean rinse-off or a greasy layer of oil left on your skin.

Many recipes online (and Reddit skincare threads) suggest Cromollient SCE, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 20, and various PEG ingredients such as PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil to make water-soluble emulsifying cleansing oils.

The only issue for me is that these are ethoxylated ingredients, and there’s evidence that they may contain traces of known carcinogens 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide.

While there’s controversy surrounding this, it’s just my own personal preference to avoid ethoxylated ingredients in a facial cleanser I use almost daily.

Emulsifying cleansing oil with castor oil and coconut oil.

What makes a good emulsifier for cleansing oil?

An emulsifier’s efficacy depends on its HLB value. HLB refers to a surfactant’s Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance, or affinity for water or oil.

In simple terms, the higher the HLB score, the more hydrophilic (water-soluble) the ingredient, and the cleaner the rinse-off will be. So the best emulsifiers for oil-in-water emulsions (such as cleansing oils) should be high HLB.

Many emulsifiers are only available in bulk through cosmetic suppliers, so I went searching for clean-rinsing, polysorbate-free emulsifiers that were also easily accessible. Unfortunately, a lot of the easy-to-access emulsifiers (like polyglyceryl oleate) are very low HLB, and can leave a greasy residue on the skin.

CreamMaker FLUID vs Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

After searching, I found 2 natural emulsifiers that can compare to polysorbates:

The first version of this recipe (published in 2019) included only CreamMaker FLUID, but I continued testing emulsifiers and found polyglyceryl-10 laurate as another alternative. Both of them work very well in a cleansing oil, but they have key differences. To summarize:

  • PGL cleanses better, but CMF is more gentle. PGL may be better suited for oily, acne-prone skin and stubborn makeup formulas, while CMF better suits dry, sensitive skin.
  • CMF is easier to use straight from the bottle, but PGL requires gentle heating.
  • The formula with PGL contains castor oil to help the emulsifier incorporate, and due to its viscous nature, it may solidify in colder climates.

Note for acne-prone skin: both emulsifiers contain lauric acid derivatives which may be comedogenic for some people, so you’ll need to test whether these ingredients work for your skin type.

Oil cleanser on white face cleansing cloth.
CreamMaker FLUID

CreamMaker FLUID is a naturally-derived, PEG-free oil-in-water emulsifier blend made from vegetable glycerol and coconut oil. It contains a proprietary blend of sorbitan laurate, polyglyceryl-4 laurate, and dilauryl citrate to create an effective yet gentle emulsifier.

This product is easy to handle and creates cold emulsions, meaning it can be used straight from the bottle with no complex steps. All you have to do is pour it into your carrier oil – that’s it.

With an HLB value of 11, it also rinses very clean while still being very gentle on the skin. I’ve been using it to remove my makeup for years.

Where to buy: You can purchase CreamMaker FLUID on Etsy (or Amazon.ca if you’re Canadian).

For more ways to use it, see my other CreamMaker FLUID recipes.

Polyglyceryl-10 laurate

Polyglyceryl-10 laurate is a naturally-derived, oil-in-water emulsifier and gentle cleansing agent. It’s an ester of lauric acid and polyglyceryl-10 (a vegetable glycerin polymer containing 10 glycerin units).

But polyglyceryl-10 laurate also goes by the name Sebum-Off, which should tell you a lot. It’s very effective for washing off sebum, making it perfect for a facial cleansing oil to help prevent blackheads, oil plugs, and sebaceous filaments.

In one study, polyglyceryl-10 laurate removed oleic acid (a component of sebum known to clog pores) more effectively than any other surfactant tested, including sodium laureth sulfate. All while being gentle, effective, and eye-friendly.

Polyglyceryl-10 laurate has an HLB value of 16, which is actually even higher than polysorbate 80, polysorbate 60 and a variety of other PEG ingredients.

Where to buy: You can purchase Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate on Etsy or skincare ingredients suppliers near you. Depending on your area, you may also find it under the names DermoFeel G10L or Durosoft PGL10-SG.

Cera Bellina wax

Cera Bellina wax (Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax) is a specially modified beeswax with unique characteristics. To make it, the free fatty acids in beeswax are converted into polyglycerol esters (emulsifiers).

This allows the wax to act as both an emulsifier and a thickening agent, which makes it a useful addition to a cleansing oil. It’s basically hydrophilic (water-soluble) beeswax.

I love the smooth glide and gel-like feel that Cera Bellina wax gives to this recipe. It has the unique consistency of a “gelled” oil, making it feel that much more like a store-bought fancy cleansing oil.

It also acts as a co-emulsifier, helping your homemade oil cleanser cleanse your skin even better. You only need a small amount to create a smooth, luxurious texture, so I recommend adding it if it’s accessible to you.

Note: Please skip Cera Bellina if you are allergic to bee products or if you intend to make a vegan cleansing oil. Unfortunately, there is no substitute at this time.

For more ways to use this versatile ingredient, see my other Cera Bellina wax recipes.

Natural cleansing oil for face.

Carrier oils for oil cleansing

MCT oil makes an excellent cleansing oil for many reasons. It’s non-comedogenic, fights acne-causing bacteria, has a very long shelf life, and is a completely saturated fat, making it suitable for low-PUFA skincare routines. Its unique fatty acid profile also gives it a drier, less greasy skin feel.

If desired, you can also combine MCT oil with castor oil. Castor oil has purported cleansing, anti-acne and purgative properties that make it a popular choice for the oil cleansing method. It’s also an excellent natural skin moisturizer, and its high ricinoleic acid content has skin-smoothing and anti-inflammatory effects.

But you can also substitute your favorite carrier oil blend for oil cleansing and tweak the ratios as you see fit. If castor oil doesn’t work for you, you can try substituting jojoba oil.

I just don’t recommend high-PUFA oils like sunflower, argan, sweet almond, grapeseed, or rosehip. Not everyone agrees on this and that’s okay, but you can find my reasons for avoiding PUFA oils in skincare here.

MCT oil face wash for oil cleansing method.

What kind of MCT oil to use? MCT oil for skincare purposes is labelled capric/caprylic triglycerides, but you can also use culinary MCT oil. If you have mature or dry skin, you can also substitute fractionated coconut oil.

Note for acne-prone skin: MCT oil is typically comprised of capric and caprylic fatty acids, but some brands contain lauric acid, a fatty acid in coconut oil which can clog pores. If you are particularly acne-prone, look for MCT oil without lauric acid.

DIY cleansing oil with emulsifier
Yield: 100g

DIY Cleansing Oil with Emulsifier

Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

This DIY cleansing oil is inexpensive, easy to make, and rinses clean like fancy store-bought oil cleansers – at a fraction of the price! Learn how to make a simple emulsifying cleansing oil that washes off with just water.

Instructions

2-Ingredient Cleansing Oil

  1. Pour MCT oil and CreamMaker FLUID emulsifier directly into your glass pump bottle.
  2. Replace your bottle’s pump top, and shake until the mixture is milky. Done – your emulsifying makeup remover is ready to use.

    Tip: If using polyglyceryl-10 laurate, follow the instructions above to heat the formula before pouring into your pump bottle.

3-Ingredient Cleansing Oil with CreamMaker FLUID

  1. Weigh MCT oil (or carrier oil of choice) and Cera Bellina wax into a glass beaker.
  2. Place the beaker into a double boiler over medium heat. Heat until the wax liquifies and the mixture turns clear.
  3. Once the mixture is completely liquefied, remove it from heat and give it a stir to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
  4. Pour in CreamMaker FLUID and stir or whisk to incorporate. Your mixture will turn from clear to slightly cloudy.
  5. Transfer to your pump bottle. Once the cleansing oil cools and thickens, it's ready to use.

3-Ingredient Cleansing Oil with Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

  1. Weigh all ingredients into a glass lab beaker: MCT oil, castor oil, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, and Cera Bellina wax (optional).

    Tip: Depending on your climate, polyglyceryl-10 laurate may be very thick at room temperature, so you'll need to use a small spatula or another tool to scoop it out of the container.
  2. Place the beaker into a double boiler on medium heat. Heat until the wax pellets have melted and the oil cleanser mixture is completely transparent. Once liquified, remove it from heat.
  3. Stir one last time to ensure an even consistency, then pour the oil into your pump bottle and allow it to cool and thicken. Your homemade cleansing oil is ready for use.

Notes

  • These cleansing oil recipes are water-free and require no preservative.
  • Shelf life: MCT oil, castor oil, and the emulsifiers in these recipes have long shelf lives, so your homemade oil cleanser will last up to 2 years.
  • Shake well before use, and avoid getting the makeup remover oil in your eyes. See the safety disclaimer below.
  • Feel free to tweak the carrier oil ratios to suit your skin type. For instance, try a 50/50 blend of castor oil and MCT oil for oil cleansing.

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    Safety disclaimer

    As with all homemade skincare recipes, you make this face cleanser at your own risk. It’s your responsibility to ensure a safe workstation and proper usage of this product.

    Please note that this recipe contains CreamMaker FLUID at 8%, and the manufacturer’s recommended maximum is 4%.

    Sorbitan laurate (one of CMF’s main ingredients) has a recommended maximum of 5%. According to the manufacturer, CreamMaker FLUID contains over 50% sorbitan laurate. Therefore, using CMF at 8% in a cleansing oil means that it may exceed 5% sorbitan laurate.

    Evidence suggests sorbitan laurate is safe for skin and eyes, and I have not personally experienced any skin irritation or negative effects after using this recipe for many years. But if you have any concerns, you should not make this recipe.

    While the emulsifiers used in this cleansing oil are not labelled as toxic to the eyes, like all makeup removers, they can cause a burning or stinging sensation with eye contact.

    To avoid eye injury, please do not get this makeup remover in your eyes. Be extremely careful removing makeup around the eye area, and if it makes contact with your eyes, immediately flush with water until completely rinsed out.

    If you experience any skin irritation, redness, or signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately.

    More natural face cleanser recipes

    You might also enjoy these other recipes for removing makeup naturally:

    For even more natural DIY beauty ideas, follow us on Pinterest! You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

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    Yennefer

    Sunday 28th of May 2023

    Hi K & K ! I saw your amazing recipe, but in the place I live, I can’t find the CreamMaker. However, I found in an amazing French diy cosmetic company a similar formula, which description is : “Simply mixes with vegetable oils to make them rinsable: used to prepare shower oils, shaving oils, bath oils, cleansing bars, cleansing oils or solid makeup removers that turn into milk on contact with water.“ The ingredient list is not mentioned in the no-no list you mentioned above: “Potassium cocoyl rice amino acids, Aqua, Coco-caprylate” plus, it’s both water and oil soluble ! So I wanted to ask, is it fine to use this emulsifier instead of the creammaker ? Thank you.

    Yennefer P.

    Kyla

    Sunday 28th of May 2023

    Hi Yennefer, thanks for the nice comment! I believe I found the product you're referring to, the Tensioactif Pour Huiles Rinsables.

    Unfortunately it's so hard to know how that product compares to CreamMaker FLUID without trying it myself, and its ingredients are very different from CreamMaker's.

    However, I think the biggest issue with the Tensioactif is that it carries a warning for severe eye injury. I also saw some comments that complained about serious eye irritation after using it as a makeup remover. So to be safe, I wouldn't recommend you use it in a cleansing oil unless you planned to avoid the eye area.

    I hope this helps, and in the meantime I will continue to search for alternatives to CreamMaker!

    Veronica

    Friday 26th of August 2022

    I was wondering about the ingredients in the creammaker fluid. Sorbitan laurate is an ester from lauric acid. Latter being highly comedogenic. Does this mean sorbitan laurate will also be comedogenic? Thank you so much.

    Kyla

    Thursday 1st of September 2022

    Hi Veronica, that's a good question. I did some research and sorbitan laurate is less comedogenic than lauric acid.

    Lauric acid scores a 4 on the comedogenic scale, and sorbitan laurate scores a 0 (from Comedogenic Effects of Cosmetic Raw Materials by Florence Barrett-Hill). Combining comedogenic fatty acids with sorbitans seems to lessen their comedogenic effects.

    I imagine it's even less likely to be comedogenic when diluted in a cleansing oil, but I think it also depends on your unique skin type. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any more questions!

    Laurie

    Tuesday 19th of July 2022

    Can this cleansing oil be used on the whole body?

    Kyla

    Wednesday 20th of July 2022

    Hi Laurie, yes it can! I've also used it as a shaving oil. The Cera Bellina gives it a really nice glide.

    Angelica

    Tuesday 13th of April 2021

    Hi! I was VERY happy to come across this blog and recipe for an oil cleanser. I bought the ingredients to try out immediately! I like it, but the liquidiness bothers me. I'd like it to be a little thicker. Do you have any recommendations? Should I try adjusting current amounts or adding a thickener? Also fyi, I added safflower oil to my recipe.

    Angelica

    Tuesday 13th of April 2021

    I used the version with the Cera Bellina and a combo of MCT and safflower. I'm not sure I measured, but I think I used a greater quantity of safflower oil than MCT

    Kyla

    Tuesday 13th of April 2021

    Hi Angelica, I'd love to help if possible! Which version of the cleansing oil did you make, the 2-ingredient version or the kind with Cera Bellina? And did you use a combination of MCT oil and safflower oil, or just safflower oil?

    Kelly Kurcina

    Sunday 7th of March 2021

    Hi Kyla, thank you so much for your response. Well, come to think of it, it could cleanse better for sure. What are your thoughts on Polysorbate 80 as an emulsifier?

    Kelly Kurcina

    Sunday 14th of March 2021

    @Kyla, Thank you, makes a lot of sense.

    Kyla

    Sunday 14th of March 2021

    Hi Kelly, I'm sorry for the late response! Your comment did not appear in my notifications.

    It's hard to find something that emulsifies as well as Polysorbate 80. It creates very effective cleansing oils. But since it's an ethoxylated ingredient, I try to avoid it in homemade products, as there are concerns with these types of ingredients and leftover dioxane residue. Not everyone agrees that these ingredients contain enough dioxane to be an issue, but I like to be cautious and use a safer alternative whenever possible.

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