Why Oil Cleansing Works for Oily Skin (From Greasy to Balanced)
- Jan 24
- 5 min read
Breaking the cycle for oily skin: Why adding the right oils is the secret to clearing congestion and ending overproduction.
If you have oily skin, using an oil cleanser might feel counterintuitive. Many of us have been taught to keep oil at arm's length, to cleanse deeply, to mattify, to remove as much shine as possible.
But what if oily skin is asking for balance, not removal?
The Five Seeds Cleansing Oil and Makeup Remover uses the time-honoured oil cleansing method to work with your skin, not against it. Rather than stripping away natural oils and leaving the skin to compensate, this gentle yet effective blend dissolves excess sebum, makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup; all in one simple step.
Does Oily Cleansing Make Oily Skin Worse?
The short answer: No. In fact, oil cleansing often helps reduce excess oil production over time.
When skin is repeatedly stripped of its natural lipids, it responds by producing more oil to restore balance. This creates a vicious cycle: strip the oil, skin overproduces, strip again, repeat.
Research into the skin barrier shows that harsh surfactants can remove essential skin lipids and remain embedded in the skin even after rinsing, leading to barrier disruption and compensatory overproduction.
Oil cleansing takes a different approach. Because oil naturally dissolves oil ("like dissolves like"), it lifts excess sebum and impurities without harsh surfactants that trigger rebound oil production.
The Five Seeds blend uses five carefully selected oils—hemp seed, watermelon seed, jojoba, raspberry seed, and castor oil—each chosen for their ability to cleanse oily skin without triggering overproduction.
Why Linoleic Acid Is Important for Oily Skin
One of the lesser-known factors in oily and congestion-prone skin is not the amount of sebum produced, but its composition.
Research shows that oily and acne-prone skin is often deficient in linoleic acid and higher in oleic acid. This imbalance can lead to thicker, stickier sebum that is more likely to contribute to congestion and blocked pores.
The oils used in the Five Seeds Cleansing Oil—particularly hemp seed, watermelon seed, and raspberry seed oil—naturally contain high levels of linoleic acid (around 50–60%). When used in cleansing, these oils help soften and loosen thicker sebum on the skin’s surface, allowing it to be more easily lifted away during massage and removal.
Rather than encouraging oiliness, linoleic-rich oils support a more balanced skin environment.
The Five Seeds Difference: Oils Chosen to Nourish and Support Balance
Each oil in the Five Seeds Cleansing Oil is selected to support the skin’s natural balance while cleansing gently and effectively.
Hemp Seed Oil: Lightweight and naturally rich in linoleic acid, it supports the skin barrier and helps maintain hydration without heaviness.
Watermelon Seed Oil: A silky oil that helps dissolve daily buildup and excess surface oil, while also supporting gentle pore-clearing action.
Jojoba Oil: Closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, helping skin feel balanced rather than stripped or overloaded.
Raspberry Seed Oil: Rich in ellagic acid, it provides antioxidant support and helps maintain skin softness and comfort during cleansing.
Castor Oil: High in ricinoleic acid, it plays a key role in lifting makeup, sunscreen, and impurities, while offering naturally soothing and purifying properties.
Vitamin E: Supports skin comfort and helps protect the integrity of the oils during cleansing.
The aromatic blend of sweet orange, petitgrain, and neroli transforms cleansing into a comforting ritual. Skin is left clean, supple, and balanced—never tight, never greasy.
How to Use Five Seeds Cleansing Oil
Step 1: Start with dry skin. Apply 2-3 pumps to your dry face and décolletage. You can leave makeup on; the oil will dissolve it. Avoid direct contact with eyes.
Step 2: Massage thoroughly. Gently massage using upward strokes for 1-2 minutes. This gives time for the oils to work their magic, dissolving buildup while helping increase blood flow and move lymph.
Step 3: Prepare a warm to hot cloth, not scalding but warm enough to dissolve the oils and comfortable on the skin.
Step 4: Remove the oil. Gently press the steamy cloth against your face, allowing the warmth to dissolve and lift the oil. Hold for a few moments, then use soft motions to wipe away. Rinse your cloth and repeat until all oil is removed.
Step 5: Continue your routine. Follow with serums, oils, or moisturiser.
Frequency: Once daily in the evening is ideal. Listen to your skin for morning cleansing needs.
Do you need to double cleanse? While the one-step cleanse is highly effective, some skin types (especially those wearing heavy or waterproof makeup or water-resistant SPF) benefit from a Double Cleanse. This involves following your oil cleanse with a gentle water-based cleanser; our Lemon Oatmeal Cleansing Gel is ideal, which helps remove any remaining residue.
The Lemon Oatmeal Cleansing Gel uses a very mild surfactant system, supported by botanical extracts such as papaya (papain), white willow bark, and pineapple to gently smooth the skin’s surface without stripping. Learn more about our 2-Step Cleanse ritual here.
Common Oil Cleansing Mistakes
❌ Not massaging long enough. Massage using upward strokes for 1-2 minutes to give the oils time to dissolve impurities.
❌ Using a cloth that's not warm enough. The warm, steamy cloth should be warm enough to gently dissolve the oils and feel soothing on the skin.
❌ Wiping too aggressively. The cloth should gently press and lift the oil away, not scrub. Let the warmth do the work.
❌ Being impatient with results. If you've been using harsh cleansers, your skin may overproduce oil initially as it recalibrates. Give it 2-4 weeks to find its new balance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Cleansing
Can I use oil cleanser as my only cleanser?
Yes. The Five Seeds Cleansing Oil works beautifully as a standalone cleanser. The key is using a warm, steamy cloth to thoroughly remove the oil, leaving skin clean and balanced.
How often should I oil cleanse if I have oily skin?
Most people benefit from oil cleansing once daily in the evening. In the morning, listen to your skin—some prefer not to cleanse at all, while others find their skin benefits from a morning cleanse.
Will oil cleansing make my skin less oily over time?
Many people find that consistent oil cleansing helps their skin produce less excess oil. By not stripping the skin, you remove the trigger for compensatory sebum production. Give it 2-4 weeks to adjust.
What if my skin still feels oily after oil cleansing?
This usually means the oil hasn't been fully removed. Make sure you're using a warm, steamy cloth—warm enough to gently dissolve the oils—and taking your time to gently wipe away all the oil. If this continues, try 2 pumps instead of 3.
Reference: Essential fatty acids and acne D T Downing, M E Stewart, P W Wertz, J S Strauss
With a holistic philosophy, Amisi skincare is formulated to soothe, restore, and support skin in harmony with life. Explore the collection today.
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