I Have Sensitive Skin & Hated Taking Off My Makeup—Until I Tried Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil

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Published Apr 8, 2024

Burt's Bees/McKenzie Cordell for PureWow

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with makeup. Mostly because while it’s fun to put on, I immediately start thinking about the hassle of taking it off. I wish I could say that as a woman in my thirties, I’ve developed the perfect, carefully curated skincare routine TikTok dreams are made of…but that would be a lie. I’ve toyed with all manner of makeup-removing mediums, and most of them leave me with stinging skin and leftover mascara stains on my (formerly) white face cloths. Needless to say, I’ve been on the lookout for a skin-cleansing product that gets the job done and is gentle on my sensitive skin. I’ve tried many, but never felt particularly loyal to any—that is, until I found Burt’s Bees Nourishing Cleansing Oil.

I’ve been a Burt’s Bees fan since high school, so it’s not a new brand for me. The lip balm is my all-time favorite, and I have one in practically every pocket and bag I own to prove it. But I’ll admit I’ve slept on their skincare, which I recently found out is the #1 dermatologist-recommended natural skin care brand* in the game. Well, I’m sleeping no longer.

burts bees cleansing oil review Lifestyle list image

Kelsey Paine

I want (more than) a few things from my cleanser: Something that doesn’t feel sticky on my hands or face, that’s hydrating and gentle on my skin, that works quickly so I can go to sleep as soon as humanly possible, and a brand I can feel good about supporting. Bonus if it’s affordable but still feels a little luxurious, so I can imagine myself as one of those aforementioned TikTok girlies.

I first decided to put the Cleansing Oil to the ultimate test: Washing off a face full of Friday night makeup. I was immediately impressed with the way the oil felt in my hands, light and silky, but not greasy. I followed the uncomplicated directions: Put the product into dry hands, gently massage over a dry face and then wet hands and massage further, before rinsing off—no tugging, pulling or rubbing at your skin required. I also tried it as part of a double-cleanse routine: Use the oil first and follow it up with a water-based cleanser. (Both ways worked great, IMO.)

The Nourishing Cleansing Oil contains a blend of coconut oil (rich in vitamin E) and argan oils (rich in antioxidants, aka “liquid gold”) that hydrate skin as you cleanse. I love that it’s safe and gentle for sensitive skin, noncomedogenic and that it’s formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS. Plus, it’s dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, so it’s safe for us contact lens wearers, and the brand is Leaping Bunny certified.

The result: As I thoroughly massaged the lightly fragranced oil into my face, I watched as my makeup melted right off and down the sink. Sooo satisfying (just me?). After drying off, my skin felt soft, smooth, hydrated and clean. The Burt’s Bees Nourishing Cleansing Oil checks off all the boxes on my long list of requirements, which means two things: I no longer have any excuse not to wash my face and I’m ready to declare my search for an effective, dependable facial cleanser over. Finally.

BUY IT ($16)

*Based on a November 2023 NielsenIQ national survey of U.S. Dermatologists

Kelsey Paine

Senior Editor, Branded Content

Writes and edits branded content across a wide array of lifestyle verticals
Over six years of experience in the branded content field, as both a writer and copy editor
Studied journalism and cultural anthropology at New York University

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I Have Sensitive Skin & *Hated* Taking Off My Makeup—Until I Tried Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil

Senior Editor, Branded Content

I Have Sensitive Skin & Hated Taking Off My Makeup—Until I Tried Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil