Play video

1 8

recommended for:

Deep-cleansing oil melts make-up and impurities from skin. Achieve ultra clean and healthy-looking skin with the Double Cleanse regimen that begins with PreCleanse. Thoroughly melt away layers of excess sebum (oil), sunscreen, waterproof make-up, environmental pollutants and residual products that build up on skin throughout the day. Ideal even for oily skin conditions.

benefits

Removes oils without clogging pores.
Conditioning essential fatty acids nourish skin.
Enables your prescribed Dermalogica Cleanser to work more efficiently.

how to use

Dispense into dry hands. Massage over dry face and eyes to dissolve surface oil and dirt. Concentrate on areas of congestion or stubborn debris. Wet hands and continue massaging to create a light, milky emulsion. Rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with prescribed Dermalogica Cleanser for professional cleansing results.

ingredients

Key Ingredients

["Borage seed oil: comforting barrier support."]

Borago Officinalis (Borage Seed)

Contains Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA), a fatty acid that has been widely used for treating inflammation, eczema, dehydration and redness.²

["Apricot kernel oil: nourishing emollient."]

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel

An excellent source of fatty acids, Vitamin A and Linoleic Acid. Oil helps soothe irritation, nourish and moisturize.

["Kukui nut oil: barrier-reinforcing lipids."]

Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui Nut)

A rich source of vitamins A, C and E plus omega-3 fatty acids that help reinforce the barrier lipids of the Stratum Corneum. Used to treat skin disorders, dry skin, acne and irritation.

["Rice bran oil: antioxidant-rich softener."]

Oryza Sativa (Rice Bran)

This oil is rich in Oryzanol, B vitamins, Phytic Acid, antioxidants and phytosterols that help inhibit oxidative skin damage, soften skin and facilitate skin repair.

["Sunflower seed oil: emollient triglyceride."]

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed) Oil

A natural triglyceride, high in Oleic Acid, with excellent emollient properties.

["Vitamin E: antioxidant conditioning."]

Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)

A rich antioxidant vitamin that improves skin smoothness and softness.¹

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

An emulsifying agent that is activated by the addition of water to release the bonded oils from the skin's surface.

All Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Citrus Paradisi ( Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Citral, Limonene, Linalool.

Dermalogica is dedicated to maintaining the accuracy of the ingredient lists on this website. However, because ingredients are subject to change, we cannot guarantee that these lists are complete, up-to-date and/or error-free. For an accurate listing of ingredients in each product, please refer to your product packaging.

sustainability

1.0 oz:

Materials: Bottle: HDPE (resin code 2), Disc Top: PP (resin code 5), Carton: Paper

What’s Recyclable: The paper used in this carton is recyclable and comes from FSC certified responsibly managed forests.

How to Recycle: Place carton in its recycling bin.

5.1 oz:

Materials: Bottle: PETE (resin code 1), Pump: Mixed material, Carton: Paper

What’s Recyclable: The paper used in this carton is recyclable and comes from FSC certified responsibly managed forests.

What’s in Development: The bottle and pump are not recyclable yet, but Dermalogica is working on it.

How to Recycle: Place carton in its recycling bin.

10 oz:

Materials: Bottle: PETE (resin code 1), Pump: Mixed material, Carton: Paper

What’s Recyclable: The paper used in this carton is recyclable and comes from FSC certified responsibly managed forests.

What’s in Development: The bottle and pump are not recyclable yet, but Dermalogica is working on it.

How to Recycle: Place carton in its recycling bin.

_{Recycling is subject to local policies and facilities.}

To learn more about Dermalogica's sustainability efforts, please click here.

press mentions + awards

mentioned in 2025

Who What Wear — The 15 Must-Have Cleansing Oils of 2025 For All Skin Types

mentioned previously

Marie Claire UK — The best cleansing oil and how to tell if it's right for your skin type

Research

Lin JY, Selim MA, Shea CR, et al. UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2003;48(6):866–874.

Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(1):70.

FAQ

What is PreCleanse Cleansing Oil?

PreCleanse is a cleansing oil designed to melt away makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum and impurities as the first step in a double cleanse.

Who is this product best for?

Recommended for all skin types, including acne-prone skin and visible pores.

What are the key ingredients?

Conditioning Apricot Kernel Oil, Kukui and Borage Seed oils, Rice Bran and Sunflower Seed oils and Vitamin E, plus Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, the emulsifier that lets the oil rinse away cleanly with water.

How do I use it?

Using dry hands, massage over dry face to dissolve surface oil and dirt. Wet hands and continue massaging to create a light, milky emulsion, then rinse. Follow with your recommended Dermalogica Cleanser. Why washing make-up off at night matters.

Does it remove waterproof makeup?

Yes, its oil formula dissolves waterproof makeup and sunscreen for easier removal.

Is it suitable for oily skin?

Yes. It's suitable even for oily skin conditions and removes excess sebum without clogging pores.

What is the texture like?

A lightweight oil that melts into makeup on dry skin, then emulsifies into a light, milky lather with water.

Are there any professional tips for this product?

“I don't cleanse twice a day, but if I do I use a double cleanse with Pre Cleanser then Special Cleansing gel at night to remove make up and SPF, then in the morning I will double cleanse using Pre Cleanser and Magnetic Afterglow Cleanser.”

— Sarah

Update: December 31, 1969

pro tip · from your skin therapist

Sarah

Licensed Professional Skin Therapist

I don't cleanse twice a day, but if I do I use a double cleanse with Pre Cleanser then Special Cleansing gel at night to remove make up and SPF, then in the morning I will double cleanse using Pre Cleanser and Magnetic Afterglow Cleanser.

via the CIRCLE community (comment) posted in 2025 source

precleanse cleansing oil

melts make-up and impurities

precleanse cleansing oil

Price:

$17

or available for orders over $20

Select Size: 1.0 oz 3.0 oz 5.1 oz 10 oz

Product variants

select your frequency:

Quantity

Receive an Exfoliate + Protect Duo on orders $75+. No code needed.

View all current offers

Find Your Routine

Answer a few quick questions to get a personalized skincare routine

Take the Quiz →

recommended for:

Professional Treatment Pairing:

pro skin treatment

fully customizable treatment

FIND A PROFESSIONAL

View full details

benefits

Removes oils without clogging pores.
Conditioning essential fatty acids nourish skin.
Enables your prescribed Dermalogica Cleanser to work more efficiently.

how to use

ingredients

Key Ingredients

Borago Officinalis (Borage Seed)

Contains Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA), a fatty acid that has been widely used for treating inflammation, eczema, dehydration and redness.²

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel

An excellent source of fatty acids, Vitamin A and Linoleic Acid. Oil helps soothe irritation, nourish and moisturize.

Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui Nut)

A rich source of vitamins A, C and E plus omega-3 fatty acids that help reinforce the barrier lipids of the Stratum Corneum. Used to treat skin disorders, dry skin, acne and irritation.

Oryza Sativa (Rice Bran)

This oil is rich in Oryzanol, B vitamins, Phytic Acid, antioxidants and phytosterols that help inhibit oxidative skin damage, soften skin and facilitate skin repair.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed) Oil

A natural triglyceride, high in Oleic Acid, with excellent emollient properties.

Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)

A rich antioxidant vitamin that improves skin smoothness and softness.¹

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

An emulsifying agent that is activated by the addition of water to release the bonded oils from the skin's surface.

All Ingredients

sustainability

1.0 oz:

Materials: Bottle: HDPE (resin code 2), Disc Top: PP (resin code 5), Carton: Paper

What’s Recyclable: The paper used in this carton is recyclable and comes from FSC certified responsibly managed forests.

How to Recycle: Place carton in its recycling bin.

5.1 oz:

Materials: Bottle: PETE (resin code 1), Pump: Mixed material, Carton: Paper

What’s Recyclable: The paper used in this carton is recyclable and comes from FSC certified responsibly managed forests.

What’s in Development: The bottle and pump are not recyclable yet, but Dermalogica is working on it.

How to Recycle: Place carton in its recycling bin.

10 oz:

Materials: Bottle: PETE (resin code 1), Pump: Mixed material, Carton: Paper

What’s Recyclable: The paper used in this carton is recyclable and comes from FSC certified responsibly managed forests.

What’s in Development: The bottle and pump are not recyclable yet, but Dermalogica is working on it.

How to Recycle: Place carton in its recycling bin.

_{Recycling is subject to local policies and facilities.}

To learn more about Dermalogica's sustainability efforts, please click here.

press mentions + awards

mentioned in 2025

Who What Wear — The 15 Must-Have Cleansing Oils of 2025 For All Skin Types

mentioned previously

Marie Claire UK — The best cleansing oil and how to tell if it's right for your skin type

Research

Lin JY, Selim MA, Shea CR, et al. UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2003;48(6):866–874.

Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(1):70.

FAQ

What is PreCleanse Cleansing Oil?

PreCleanse is a cleansing oil designed to melt away makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum and impurities as the first step in a double cleanse.

Who is this product best for?

Recommended for all skin types, including acne-prone skin and visible pores.

What are the key ingredients?

How do I use it?

Does it remove waterproof makeup?

Yes, its oil formula dissolves waterproof makeup and sunscreen for easier removal.

Is it suitable for oily skin?

Yes. It's suitable even for oily skin conditions and removes excess sebum without clogging pores.

What is the texture like?

A lightweight oil that melts into makeup on dry skin, then emulsifies into a light, milky lather with water.

Are there any professional tips for this product?

— Sarah

Update: December 31, 1969

pro tip · from your skin therapist

Sarah

Licensed Professional Skin Therapist

I don't cleanse twice a day, but if I do I use a double cleanse with Pre Cleanser then Special Cleansing gel at night to remove make up and SPF, then in the morning I will double cleanse using Pre Cleanser and Magnetic Afterglow Cleanser.

via the CIRCLE community (comment) posted in 2025 source

Overall rating: 4.8152504 / 5 from 2295 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

PreCleanse Cleansing Oil is highly recommended for all skin types, especially those with acne, blemishes, and sensitivity. It effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup, leaving the skin feeling clean, smooth, and fresh. Ideal for a deep-cleansing routine, it is praised for its amazing smell and ability to leave no oil residue.

Summary topics

Skin Feel (19%): Many customers pointed out that this product leaves their skin feeling clean and smooth, leaving it feeling incredibly soft and fresh.
Cleansing Effectiveness (20%): Customers keep praising this pre-cleanse, as it effectively removes excess oils and dirt.
Product Scent (20%): Many customers brought up the amazing smell of the product, with multiple reviews mentioning how great it smells.
Skin Clarity (21%): Many customers loved how this product made their skin feel clean and clearer, leaving no oil on the skin.
Makeup Removal (13%): It was highlighted by customers that this makeup remover effectively removes makeup effortlessly and leaves the skin feeling soft and ready for a deep cleanse.

Review topics: ["size","smell","weight","issues","results","quality","feels","price","improvement","skin","packaging","shipping","texture","looks","oil","cleanser","face","bottle","residue","makeup","pores","breakouts","eyes","precleanse","acne","consistency","fragrance","removes","amount","redness"].

Review highlights

"easily removes makeup, except for mascara, but smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling soft and clean." — Ellie
"It cleans my makeup off wonderfully, and my skin feels so nice after using it." — Allison P.
"The precleanse is a must for your routine; it smells amazing and easily removes makeup and debris with ease!" — Katrina A.

Reviews

This should be everyone's must have!

"This particular precleansing product is for all skin types! Besides smelling so wonderful and calming, it really does it's job of removing the oil, dirt, debris, make up and even SPF so your cleanser can actually go down into the pores and clean them out with ease. Start with dry hands and a dry face with about a dime size or one pump of product. Apply to face. Wet hands and go over product on face and emulsify. Then rinse and you are ready to use your specific cleanser to cleanse your skin!"

— Rashell B. (5/5)

Great precleanse

"Sorry for the poor video quality! I got home after Halloween and decided to wash my face before going to bed. And look how much easier PreCleanse makes life! 😂 It removed my fake wound stickers so quickly! I actually remembered to record the video when I was almost done removing everything, but I just had to share how well it worked!"

— Julia L. (5/5)

Jumbo Precleanse

"I love the precleanse. I use it two times a day every day. It smells so good. Feels great on my face. I purchased the jumbo size so I always have it on hand."

— Darlene H. (5/5)

Great product for skincare

"I’ve been using this cleansing oil for about 9 months now and highly recommend it along with the other Dermatological products. It’s recommended to be used twice a day but I really only do it once a day."

— Joyce N. (5/5)

great first step

"I never knew I needed a precleanse oil until now. I have older drying skin. An aesthetician introduced me to this oil as a first step in my cleansing and rehydrating routine. It helps with dissolving oil make up and prepping my skin for full cleansing and moisture. Love it."

— dermnik (5/5)

I use this as the

"I use this as the start of my face cleaning regime. I work in a dirty environment. It's easy to use: I give one squirt and rub all over face and neck and then wet my fingertips and work it in and then rinse off. It cleans the dirt off really well and leaves skin clean with no greasy residue."

— Elaine L. (5/5)

Love!

"Love this cleanser! I use it as the first step of my facials and my clients love it. I also use it for a double cleanse at home!"

— Nina S. (5/5)

Messy Pump Leakage

"I love this precleanse oil. It removes mascara and makeup wonderfully, but the leaky pump upsets me every time I use it. I see the wasted product oozing down the bottle, which is wasted money. It’s not cheap. Then the mess on my vanity is the annoying. My last bottle, I thought it was a fluke. One bad dispenser it happens. I had already thrown out the empty bottle so I couldn’t transfer. The bottle leaked so badly I bought a new one just to end the waste of product. This bottle is leaking now. I don’t understand what is happening and I am totally disgusted. Dermalogica, for what you charge for your products, leaky dispenser pumps should not be an issue."

— Mimi (3/5)

This is my first time

"This is my first time using this cleansing oil and I love the way it removes the grease and grime of the day but doesn’t strip my skin of all the good stuff."

— Karen R. (5/5)

Love the small size for

"Love the small size for short work trips when I don’t have a lot of baggage space!"

— Juan L. (5/5)

Q&A

Is this product septic safe?: Hi there, Cassie! The formula in the Precleanse Oil is septic safe! Kind Regards, Beatriz.
Does the pre cleanse cause breakouts? I have been using this product and have noticed that I am breaking out more than usual since.: Hello Chelsey, Thank you for your question. It sounds like your skin may be experiencing a process known as skin purging, which can be common when introducing new products. Skin purging is a temporary reaction where certain ingredients stimulate skin turnover, often causing breakouts, dryness, flaking, or peeling. This typically occurs when starting a new skincare product or treatment, as the active ingredients bring up underlying congestion to the surface. As your skin adjusts, this phase should improve, and you’ll start to see positive results. Please keep in mind that everyone’s skin responds differently, so while this may clear up in a few weeks for some, it can vary from person to person. If you have any concerns along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out for further support, we are happy to help. Kindly, Sandra
Can I use pre cleanse only? No double cleanse?: Hello Emily, Thank you for reaching out with your question. For optimal results, we recommend using the Precleanse before your cleanser. This step helps to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, allowing your recommended second cleanser to work more effectively. However, if you prefer to streamline your routine and use only one cleanser, we have two excellent options that can be used alone--Special Cleansing Gel or Oil to Foam cleansers. Please let us know if you need further guidance or if you have any other questions. Kind regards, Sandra
Should I double cleanse only at night? Or twice a day, daily: Hello Abby, Thank you for your question. At Dermalogica, we firmly believe that clean skin is the cornerstone of healthy skin. That's why we highly recommend the double cleansing routine, which begins with Precleanse and is followed by your skin-specific cleanser, both in the morning and at night, regardless of whether you wear makeup. This thorough cleansing process ensures that your skin is properly clean, allowing all your other skincare products to penetrate more effectively and work even better. I hope this provides clarity. Kindly, Sandra
how long should it stay on face ?: Hello, Thank you for your question! Here is how to use our Precleanse oil: Dispense into dry hands, Massage over dry face and eyes to dissolve surface oil and dirt for about a minute, Concentrate on areas of congestion or stubborn debris, Wet hands and continue massaging for another minute to create a light, milky emulsion, Rinse with lukewarm water, Follow with prescribed Dermalogica Cleanser for professional cleansing results. Kind Regards, Willow Virtual Professional Skin Therapist