Cleansing oils are an essential part of any well-rounded skincare routine. These skincare products are effective in achieving clean and balanced skin without stripping it of vital moisture. Let’s compare two popular budget-friendly cleansing oils: Maruderm moisturizing oil cleanser vs. Watson oil cleanser, so you can decide which one is more suitable for your skin type and lifestyle.
What Is an Oil Cleanser?
An oil cleanser is a skincare cleanser that uses various suitable oils to break down sebum, impurities, make-up, and sunscreen from the skin.
Science Behind Oil Cleanser
If you think of an oil cleanser as a combination of three basic ingredients (oil, surfactant, and an emulsifier), it is pretty easy to understand its inner workings. Oils are lipophilic, meaning they attract other oils. When put on skin, an oil cleanser easily breaks down oil-based products like sunscreen, base makeup, eye makeup, etc. The surfactant and the emulsifier allow this residue to be properly cleansed and removed by the water-based cleanser.
What Is an Oil Cleanser Used For?
An oil cleanser is used to bind with and remove natural sebum, makeup, sunscreen, pollutants, dust, and other routine debris from the skin. Most oil cleansers include moisturizing ingredients to prevent over-stripping the skin and preserve its moisture balance.
What Are The Benefits of an Oil Cleanser?
The key benefits of any oil cleanser are as follows:
Makeup And Sunscreen Removal
An oil cleanser is an effective and gentle way of removing all kinds of makeup (waterproof or otherwise) and sunscreen. It is better for the skin texture and vitality because there is no aggressive rubbing or excessive friction involved during use.
Double Cleansing
A double cleanse is a two-step process that involves using an oil cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, sebum, etc., and following it up with a water-based cleanser to remove all the impurities. Almost all skincare experts agree that a water-based cleanser alone is not enough to clean and purify the skin.
Protecting The Skin Barrier
Due to the gentle nature and moisturizing quality of most oil cleansers, they are highly suitable for maintaining the skin barrier.
Moisturizing
As the first step of a double cleanse, oil cleansers are very moisturizing and non-stripping. Their moisturizing properties also protect the skin from the harshness of any strong surfactants in the water-based cleanser.
Maruderm Moisturizing Oil Cleanser vs. Watson Oil Cleanser: What’s the Difference?
I have used both of these products multiple times. I am confident that now I have a good idea of what I like and dislike about both. I have oily-combination skin that is prone to breakouts.
Ingredients
The Maruderm cleansing oil’s ingredients list is dominated by natural ingredients (Botanical extracts), emollients, and emulsifiers. It doesn’t list any heavy or occlusive oils. According to the official webpage, the Maruderm cleansing oil has a hydrating formula, is non-greasy, and cruelty-free. Watson’s cleansing oil has a vegan label. Its ingredients also contain many emollients and flower extracts. However, it also lists Benzyl Alcohol as the fourth ingredient. Both cleansing oils claim to be suitable for all skin types and are non-comedogenic.
Texture
Both cleansing oils are colorless, odorless, and have a smooth texture. The Maruderm cleansing oil has a slightly thicker consistency compared to Watson’s cleansing oil, in my opinion.
Make-up Removal
I found both oil cleansers to be adequate makeup removers. It might take a bit more effort to fully clean the skin with Watson’s oil cleanser; however, there isn’t a big difference between the makeup-removing abilities of the two.
Price
The Maruderm cleansing oil is slightly pricier than Watson’s cleansing oil. The full-size (400ml) product is priced at 750 TL on the Gratis website. You can get it at a discounted price of 300 TL if you have a Gratis card.
The Watson’s “Love your skin” cleansing oil full-size (300 ml) retails for 429.29 TL on the Watson website. You can buy it for a discounted price of 149.90 TL if you have a Watson card.
Quantity
Both cleansing oils are available in two sizes. The Maruderm cleansing oil is available in 400 ml and 200 ml sizes, while the Watsons cleansing oil is available in 105 ml and 300 ml bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use an oil cleanser even if I am not wearing makeup?
Yes, you can. Oil cleansers can remove dirt, debris, excess sebum, sunscreen, etc, effectively and gently.
Where can I get the Maruderm oil cleanser?
It is easily available in most cosmetic stores (Turkish brand) and online on the official webpage of the brand or Gratis Turkey.
Where can I get the Watson oil cleanser?
Watson’s oil cleanser is an exclusive product of the Watson’s brand. It is available in most Watson stores.
Do oil cleansers suit all skin types?
Yes, most oil cleansers are suitable for all skin types. However, in case of sensitive skin, pay attention to ingredients like fragrance, mineral oil, etc.
Will an oil cleanser clog my pores if it is an oil?
Generally, oil cleanser formulations ensure that they are non-comedogenic and do not clog pores. However, avoid products with ingredients like coconut oil or mineral oil, and do not miss cleansing with a water-based cleanser afterwards.
Can I use an oil cleanser all year long?
Yes, you can use an oil cleanser as the first step of a double cleanse all year round.
Do I use an oil cleanser every day?
Yes, it is recommended to use an oil cleanser as a part of a double cleanse every day.
How many times do I use an oil cleanser in a day?
It is appropriate to use an oil cleanser once in the evening to properly clean the skin as part of your nighttime skincare routine.
