TL;DR: Cleansing oils are oil-based formulas that effectively dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, making them an essential first step in any double cleansing routine for all skin types. For a truly deep clean that won’t strip your skin, nothing beats a cleansing oil: They remove makeup, clarify the skin, and rid it of impurities. The best time to use these special cleansers is at the end of the day to help revitalize your skin after it’s been exposed to outside pollution, free radicals, and makeup. Cleansing oils also make a fantastic first step in the double cleansing method, before you use your favorite water-based cleanser. If you haven’t tried oil cleansing yet or are looking for a new one, check out five of our favorites below.