Cleansing Oils, Balms, Gel-Oils: Omorovicza, OSKIA, Su-man, Zelens & Tata Harper: Review & Comparison

Cleansing oils, balms, gel-oils and double cleansing are all the rage right now. I was scared of them at first thinking they would break out my skin and must surely be only for people with dry skin. I tried the Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm first and was scared of a break out, yet it never happened. Then I discovered double cleansing, using an oil based cleanser first then following with a more mild gel, cream or foam cleanser after. This has become my main method of cleansing and I love it. My skin never gets dried out after cleansing anymore. I find the oil based cleansers do really remove my makeup the best, then a second cleanser cleans out my pores.

Some of these are more heavy duty than others requiring a cloth to remove the excess, some are lighter gel-oils and water actually removes them just fine. I thought I would compare and contrast the ones I've tried and I have reviewed some of these and I'll add links throughout.

L to R: Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser, OSKIA Perfect Cleanser, OSKIA Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Su-man Purifying Cleansing Gel-Oil, Su-man Exfoliating Facial Polish, Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm:

Mentioned above, I started with Omorovicza's Thermal Cleansing Balm. I talked about it some here. Per Omorovicza's website: "This gentle black facial cleansing balm is rich in Hungarian Moor Mud, whose unique mineral complex detoxifies and purifies the skin. It removes all makeup, including waterproof mascara, and cleanses all skin types without stripping to leave the complexion soft, hydrated and radiant. Key Benefits: Hungarian Moor Mud is rich in calcium and magnesium carbonates, humic acid and fulvic acid, which together purify and nourish the skin. Sweet almond oil, rich in vitamin E, replenishes the skin and leaves it soft and hydrated while sweeping away makeup and impurities. Uplifting orange blossom scent transforms cleansing into a sensual ritual." This is a heavier duty cleansing balm that does need a mitt or cloth of some sort to remove the excess oil. You can use their mitt, a wash cloth or a muslin cloth is my preference. It works well at cleansing and my skin feels soft as a baby's butt after.

Next I found OSKIA Renaissance Cleansing Gel. I talked about it some here. I was so in love with this one when I first discovered it, and don't get me wrong it's a fabulous cleanser. It's less greasy and heavy than the Omorovicza, it doesn't need a cloth to remove for lazy folks like me, it's cheaper and has better packaging than a jar. Great ingredients like Omorovicza. Though it technically doesn't need a cloth to remove, it's still pretty oily and sometimes I feel this one needs either a second cleanser as a double cleanse, or removal with a cloth. Once I discovered the next one I'll talk about, I found I used this one so much less.

Su-man's Purifying Cleansing Gel-Oil is my favorite of the above. It's a thick gel texture with an oil base that requires no cloth to remove, water removes it beautifully. It's quick, can remove makeup without stripping, leaves no mess of oils behind and is perfect if you're lazy or in a hurry but still want a oil based cleanser. This is even fabulous by itself as a morning cleanser, no need for a second cleanser after if you don't want to. I never feel greasy after using it. It's easier to use, less oily and requires less steps than the OSKIA Renaissance Cleanser which is what catapulted it above into my favorite pile. It has a cool twist cap that doesn't come off, you twist it open to dispense your product, then twist it closed and a round stopper magically seals it up. Fabulous tube design. I talked about it some here and you can check it out here. Per Su-man's website: "An innovative hybrid oil and water-based gel that banishes every last trace of make up and residue - even waterproof mascara - without upsetting the skin's delicate balance. The supercharged ingredient list includes wintergreen, rosehip oil and dragon's blood extract to purge pores of impurities and reinforce the complexion's natural defense against environmental aggressors. Luxuriously aromatic, rejuvenating oils are put back into the skin whilst it deep cleans and purifies leaving skin divinely soft and supple. Rinse off with warm water for plumped up, luminous skin."

After those cleansers I got really into Su-man and OSKIA in general and tried the Su-man Exfoliating Facial Polish which I talked about here and here. Even though it's an exfoliator, it's also an oil based cleanser so it's two in one. I use this in the morning as a scrub, it's doesn't dry my skin out because it's oil based, it's pretty oily so it needs a second cleanser after. I find the scrub a bit harsh at times and I never reach for it. The coffee grains and scent is an awesome idea to wake up in the morning to. It's just not something I reach for so I wouldn't re-purchase it. As an exfoliator it's nice you don't need to use water first, because of the oil you just massage it on then rinse off. You can check it out here.

I next tried the OSKIA Perfect Cleanser. This is a thicker cleanser. This is heavier than the Renaissance Cleansing Gel, and honestly I'm not sure why I bought it. I prefer the Omorovicza and OSKIA Renaissance to this. Their website says you don't need a cloth, but it felt heavier, you at least needed a double cleanse after using. Per OSKIA's website: "Ideal for dry or mature skin. A nourishing cleansing balm, rich in youth-boosting vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, essential fatty acids and natural emollients to deeply cleanse, decongest, soothe and restore moisture levels. Once combined with water, this nutrient-rich balm becomes a light milk that penetrates deeply and lifts away pore-blocking impurities to leave your skin feeling thoroughly clean, comfortable and soft. Formulated with OSKIA’s unique dual approach and signature MSM repair & regenerating complex. Suitable for all skin types, particularly dry, hormonal or mature skin." 

Lastly, I tried Tata Harper's Nourishing Oil Cleanser. Smells aromatic and herbal like all of her products. It's a fabulous oil cleanser. I don't use a cloth to remove the excess but I do follow this with a second cleanser. It removes makeup well and my skin feels soft after using. I've never met a Tata Harper product I didn't like, though some are pricier than I want to pay for. Per Tata's website: "This gentle formula thoroughly cleanses skin with a silky blend of biocompatible oils and esters that dissolves makeup and daily impurities from pores while leaving skin’s moisture barrier intact. This cleanser purifies while helping to nourish the skin with Beta Carotene, Vitamins A, C, E, Lycopene and Omega 3 and softening roughness for improved texture. Ideal for dry skin types, it leaves a refreshed, non-greasy feeling, and provides a perfect, smoothed surface for makeup application. Thoroughly cleanses while providing vitamins and nutrients, Moisturizes skin and preserves natural hydration factor, Effectively removes makeup without stripping the skin, Ideal for dehydrated skin types and dry weather climates."

After I had taken the photos for this post, quite a while ago actually, I have acquired two new cleansing oil balms-Zelens Z Pure and Omorovicza Hydra Melting Cleanser.

L to R: Zelens Z Pure, Omorovicza Hydra Melting Cleanser:

I love Zelens so I had to try the new Z Pure Cleansing Liquid Balm. This is a thick oil based balm. I was surprised how thick it was considering it was packaged in a pump, but I love a pump style for a cleanser so I'm glad they did this versus a jar, a tube would have been OK as well. It feels thick and oily, but it washes off clean with water, no cloth needed. My skin feels baby butt soft after as well. You can follow it with a double cleanse if you desire, but it can be used alone. Per Zelens website: "A Shiso-infused cleansing liquid balm formulated to thoroughly cleanse the skin and help remove impurities and make-up. Enriched with a fusion of essential oils, this daily cleanser transforms into a light milk when mixed with water to instantly deliver moisture and help strengthen the skin's protective barrier. Leaves skin purified, soft, smooth and radiant. Benefits: Helps remove impurities and make-up, Delivers instant moisture, Helps achieve a smooth and radiant complexion."

I love Omorovicza, saw their new Hydra Melting Cleanser and snagged it off Cultbeauty. This is a thick oil based gel, it's almost spongy, very similar to Su-Man's Purifying Cleansing Gel-Oil. It removes makeup, doesn't dry my skin out and doesn't need a cloth or double cleanse either. Per Omorovicza's website: "This triple-phase facial cleanser effortlessly removes all impurities without stripping. Its gel texture melts into an oil when massaged into the skin; add water and it transforms into a milky emulsion that rinses easily away. Key Benefits: Mallow flower extract hydrates and reduces inflammation for a more even skin tone. Sea buckthorn berry oil is rich in vitamins A, C and E and Omega 7, which purify and regenerate the skin. Essential oils of sage, rose geranium and Roman chamomile have an astringent and antiseptic effect as well as calming the senses." The only thing I hate is the jar packaging. In a tube or with a large pump, this would be a thousand times better. I hate jars, if you haven't figure that out yet, sticking my fingers in jars and exposing the ingredients to air day after day could degrade them. However, it's a really great cleanser.

So in comparison, they all remove makeup well as they have an oil base. The Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm and OSKIA Perfect Cleanser need a cloth to remove the excess. While a cloth isn't necessary to remove OSKIA's Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Tata Harper's Nourishing Oil Cleanser and Su-man's Exfoliating Facial Polish, I found it best to use a second cleanser after. Su-man's Purifying Cleansing Gel-Oil, Zelens Z Pure and Omorovicza's Hydra Melting Cleanser are all ones that don't need a second cleanser and are great for quicker cleansing. The oilier ones might remove waterproof or long lasting makeup better, I haven't tested that as I don't wear waterproof or long lasting makeup in general. These all work great on regular makeup.

Don't be scared of oil cleansers, they really are great as they don't strip your skin, leave it baby soft and remove makeup well. None leave a greasy residue if you remove them with a cloth and double cleanse. I have yet to break out from one so I do feel they are for every skin type. My personal favorite of all is the Su-man Purifying Cleansing Gel-Oil for ease of use and packaging. Followed by Zelens Z Pure, Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser and Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm. I would say Omorovicza's Hydra Melting Cleanser if they ever changed the jar to a tube or pump as the product itself is fantastic. I might one day try to put it in an empty pump of another product and see if that works. I wouldn't rebuy the OSKIA Perfect Cleanser or Su-man Exfoliating Facial Polish. I'm on the fence with whether or not I would rebuy the OSKIA Renaissance Cleansing Gel. I like it, I just like Su-Man, Zelens and Tata Harper more and how many oil based cleansers does one need really.