When you’re on the market for a new cleansing oil, there are a few qualities to keep a mascara-d eye out for. You’ll want something light, something that won’t clog your pores, something gentle, and something hydrating. That’s not too much to ask for, right? Squalane—a lipid found in our sebum—checks off all of those boxes and more, and that’s why Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist based in Boston, is such a big fan of Biossance’s Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil ($21), which, BTW, is currently 30 percent off for Black Friday.
“Squalane is thought of as one of the most effective facial oils because it’s hydrating. It is also sufficiently gentle, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin while it’s cleaning,” explains Dr. Frieling. “This formula also includes primrose and sunflower seed oils to offer moisture and antioxidants while removing makeup.” You heard her right: This 6.7-ounce bottle of facial oil has a lot going on inside.
Shop now: Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, $21
In action, cleansing oils work to sweep up any mess left behind by your beloved foundation or brow gel. It easily removes makeup, dissolving it right before your eyes. It also balances your skin’s natural oils instead of stripping them away (like foam cleansers can) and hydrates even the driest skin. As I said, it’s a multitasker.
Just apply the product directly to your face with your fingertips and gently massage it into your skin (like getting a spa experience—without ever leaving your bathroom). Then, add water and massage a little more, which further breaks down your makeup. To finish, you simply rinse and are left with clean skin. If you want to upgrade your skincare routine, this is a great first step—especially considering it’s only $21. Between the rave reviews and it being dermatologist-backed, you can’t really go wrong with adding it to your cart.
Is quarantine stressing out your skin? Here are some other derm-approved products to grab:
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