EltaMD Oil in Gel Cleanser is a three-phase cleanser that starts as a gel, turns to a silky oil on contact with dry skin, then emulsifies into a light milk when you add water. That final step is what lifts waterproof makeup and mineral sunscreen off the skin and rinses them away without leaving a film. In EltaMD's testing it removed long-wear waterproof foundation 2.5 times more effectively than a leading competitor, and physical and waterproof sunscreen twice as effectively.
Product Details
The cleansing base is caprylic/capric triglyceride with meadowfoam seed oil, and sucrose palmitate and sucrose laurate are what let an oil rinse clean instead of sitting on the skin. Vitamin E, pumpkin ferment and an Ayurvedic botanical blend of neem, holy basil, turmeric and basil sit underneath. Fragrance and essential oil free, in a 3.4 fl oz bottle. Browse the rest of the EltaMD cleansers to see how the textures compare.
This is the first step in a double cleanse. Follow it with the Foaming Facial Cleanser 3.38 OZ to take off what the oil has loosened.
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Product Type: Oil-in-gel cleanser, three-phase
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What it Removes: Waterproof makeup, mineral and waterproof sunscreen, mascara, excess sebum, pollution
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Tested Against a Leading Competitor: 2.5x on long-wear waterproof foundation, 2x on physical and waterproof sunscreen
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Suitable Skin Type: All skin types, morning and night
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Texture: Gel, to a silky oil on dry skin, to a light milk once water is added
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Rinse Feel: Clean and soft, with no film and no tight or stripped sensation
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Key Ingredients: Caprylic/capric triglyceride, meadowfoam seed oil, sucrose palmitate and laurate, vitamin E, pumpkin ferment, neem, holy basil, turmeric
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Fragrance Status: Fragrance and essential oil free
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Size: 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)
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When to Use: AM and PM, as the first step in a double cleanse
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How to Use: Massage into dry skin. Add lukewarm water and keep massaging until it turns milky. Rinse and pat dry.
Key Benefits
- Removed long-wear waterproof foundation 2.5 times more effectively than a leading competitor in EltaMD's testing, and waterproof sunscreen twice as effectively.
- The sugar-based emulsifiers turn the oil to a milk on contact with water, so it rinses clean rather than leaving a film.
- Takes off mineral sunscreen, which is what most cleansers struggle with and the reason a double cleanse exists.
- Fragrance and essential oil free, which matters on a product you massage over the eye area.
- Vitamin E, pumpkin ferment and a neem, holy basil and turmeric blend, rather than an oil base and nothing else.
- Works on dry skin before water, so it lifts makeup instead of chasing it around a wet face.
How to Use
- Dispense a small amount of the gel onto dry fingertips.
- Gently massage onto dry skin in circular motions, focusing on areas with makeup or sunscreen to allow the gel to transform into an oil and dissolve impurities.
- Add a small amount of lukewarm water to emulsify the oil into a milky texture.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry, or follow with a water-based cleanser for a complete double-cleanse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cleanser suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, the formula is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Does this product effectively remove waterproof makeup?
Yes, the oil-in-gel texture is specifically designed to break down and dissolve stubborn waterproof makeup and long-wear sunscreen.
Should I use this as part of a double-cleanse routine?
Yes, this cleanser is an ideal first step to remove surface impurities, which can then be followed by a water-based cleanser to ensure a deep, thorough clean.
Who Is This For?
This cleanser is perfect for anyone looking to simplify their makeup removal process while maintaining skin hydration. It is ideal for all skin types, especially those who wear daily SPF or makeup and want a gentle, non-stripping cleansing experience.
Routine-Based Merchandising
As the first step in your PM routine, use the EltaMD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser to break down makeup and SPF. Follow this with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue. After cleansing, apply your favorite toner or essence, followed by your targeted serum, and finish with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.