My Favourite Affordable Oil Based & Second Cleanse Picks: Gentle, Glowy Options That Won’t Break the Bank

*this blog contains affiliated links and discount codes

The cost of living right now currently has us all in a choke hold right? Every single person I meet has had to change their lifestyle in the last few months and really re-evaluate their expenditure in all different extremities. Whilst none of us of course want to be in this situation because we all liked our lives the way it was before energy and food prices soared through the roof, we have had to cut costs but it doesn’t mean we need to compromise our selfcare routine because we need this for our mind, body and soul.

Skincare is more than just looking after your skin, it’s a moment in the morning and in the evening where you can focus on yourself and give yourself the attention it deserves whist thoroughly enjoying every product that touches your skin.

Whether your skin’s oily combo, sensitive as hell, or just thirsty for hydration, I’ve got budget heroes that deliver. no crazy prices, just stuff that actually works without the rinse and regret. And yes, I’ll show you where to snap them up with extra savings using my hand picked discount links further down. You can check for ongoing deals and apply a Lookfantastic Promo Code at checkout.

Why I Still Discuss Double Cleansing (Especially in 2025)

Pollution, screens, SPF, yesterday’s mascara, my skin sees it all, and so does yours. A solid double cleanse (oil first to melt the gunk, water based second to polish) shifts everything without wrecking that precious barrier. I stick to pH around 5.5, non-comedogenic if spots lurk, and only double up at night when I’ve got a full face on. Simple. But let’s go deeper: your skin’s acid mantle is like its bouncer, too harsh a scrub and it lets chaos in (redness, breakouts, premature ageing). Gentle, balanced cleansing isn’t a luxury; it’s maintenance. And in 2025, with air quality alerts popping up weekly in cities and blue light from endless Zoom calls, starting (and ending) clean is non-negotiable.

Think about it: you wouldn’t scrub your silk blouse with wire wool. Same logic. Harsh foaming agents (looking at you, old school sulfates) strip natural oils, trigger rebound oiliness, and weaken your barrier over time. That’s why I’m all about oil based balms that emulsify into milk, followed by creamy gels that hydrate rather than strip. I learned the hard way in my 20s, over cleansing left me with dehydrated, angry skin for months. Now? These picks keep me clean, calm, and glowing. Every. Single. Day. Plus, with the cost of living still biting, why splash out on fancy when these deliver luxe results for pennies?

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My 2025 Line Up: Oils First, Then Seconds
All cruelty-free where marked (most are), fragrance light unless you love a subtle scent, and easy to grab online or on the high street. I’ve tested these myself, on my oily combo skin, through seasons and stressors, cross checked with derms I trust, and scoured clinical data. I’ve factored in texture (balm to milk magic is chef’s kiss), scent (or none), packaging (recyclable wins), and how they layer with the rest of my routine. Let’s dive in, starting with oils for that first melt away, then seconds for the finish.

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Oil Based Cleansers (The Makeup Melters)

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil

• Heroes: Vitamin C for brightening (exact blend not listed, but citrus powered).  
• Skin Type: All types, especially dull or uneven, mine loves the glow up.  
• Why I Rate It: This is hands down my fave from Super Facialist. It’s gentle as hell (no eye sting, promise), brightens without irritation, and emulsifies into a milky rinse that leaves skin fresh and radiant. Studies back vitamin C for fading dark spots and boosting collagen, up to 20% brighter in weeks (per Super Facialist Data). No tight pull, just that "I’ve had a facial" vibe.  
• How I Use: Slather on dry skin at night, add water to emulsify, wipe with a warm cloth.  
• Pro Tip: Follow with a brightening serum for extra oomph.  
• Real Talk: I’ve repurchased this more times than I can count, feels luxe, works like a dream.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

• Heroes: Squalane (plant-derived moisture mimic).  
• Skin Type: Anything, but shines on dry/dehydrated, my skin stays balanced.  
• Why I Rate It: The Ordinary’s science first ethos never fails me. This balm melts to oil, zaps makeup (even waterproof), and leaves zero residue while locking in hydration. Squalane matches our skin’s natural oils, reducing dryness by mimicking sebum, backed by studies showing improved barrier function (per The Ordinary Data). Soap-free, gentle, and my ride or die since my early beauty days.  
• How I Use: Warm in palms till it’s oily, massage in, emulsify with water, rinse.  
• Pro Tip: Grab the bigger tub, lasts forever.  
• Real Talk: At this price? It’s basically theft. I stockpile when sales hit or use my discount!

Transparent Lab Oil Based Cleanser

• Heroes: Squalane, vitamin E (antioxidant shield).  
• Skin Type: All, but sensitive skins rejoice—no fuss, all nourish.  
• Why I Rate It: Love the no BS vibe of Transparent Lab, simple formulas that deliver. This hydrates while dissolving grime, emulsifies smoothly, and that glass bottle? Aesthetic goals. Vitamin E protects against free radicals, with research showing it cuts oxidative stress by 30% (per Transparent Lab Data). Fragrance-free, so it plays nice with everything.  
• How I Use: Apply to dry face, emulsify to milk, rinse off.  
• Pro Tip: Use on neck too, prevents that crepey texture.  
• Real Talk: Minimalist magic for when I want clean without the drama.

Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil

• Heroes: Vitamins A & E, grapeseed oil (nourishing lightweight base).  
• Skin Type: Sensitive, hypoallergenic hero.  
• Why I Rate It: Simple’s been my budget staple forever, soap-free, fragrance-free, and derm-tested. It gently lifts impurities while infusing hydration, no stripping. Grapeseed oil’s fatty acids support barrier repair, per studies on sensitive skin tolerance (per Simple's Data). Cruelty-free and PETA-certified to boot.  
• How I Use: Massage onto dry skin, add water, rinse or wipe.  
• Pro Tip: Layer under sunscreen for extra protection.  
• Real Talk: Household name for a reason, reliable when my skin’s moody.‍

‍‍If you’re looking for another budget friendly cleanser, try The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm for a gentle, hydrating cleanse.

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Second Cleanse Cleansers

After you have washed away your cleansing oils you need to go in with a second cleanser. A double cleanse to really leave your skin ready for the rest of your routine. The second cleanse just like when you shampoo your hair, thoroughly cleanses, gets rid of any residue, left behind debris, balances the skin, and puts back hydration into the skin. Your second cleanser will be water based.
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Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser

• Heroes: Hyaluronic acid (hydration heavyweight).  
• Skin Type: All, plumps without overwhelming oily bits like mine.  
• Why I Rate It: Blimey, this surprised me, clinical packaging but spa level results. It minimises pores, fights fine lines, calms irritation, and leaves skin plump. HA pulls in 1,000x its weight in water, boosting hydration by 96% in trials (per Q&A Data). I’ve repurchased despite the lab look.  
• How I Use: After oil cleanse, lather on wet skin, rinse.  
• Pro Tip: Morning solo for a dewy base.  
• Real Talk: Underdog that overdelivers, my hydration hack.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

• Heroes: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid (barrier builders).  
• Skin Type: Normal to dry, or eczema/psoriasis-prone, gentle on my combo too.  
• Why I Rate It: CeraVe’s pharma roots mean business, no frills, all function. Protects the barrier, hydrates deeply, fragrance-free and soap-free. Ceramides restore lipids, reducing water loss by 30% per studies (per CeraVe Data). Generous tube lasts ages.  You can also shop for CeraVe at Sephora UK if you're looking to consolidate your beauty orders.
• How I Use: Post-oil, massage on damp skin, rinse.  
• Pro Tip: Pair with their lotion for full barrier squad.  
• Real Talk: Trust in a tube, my go to for flare up seasons.

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

• Heroes: pH-balanced formula (calming agents implied).  
• Skin Type: Sensitive, my skin’s best mate.  
• Why I Rate It: One of my absolute faves. I’ve burned through tubes of this. Leaves skin fresh, harmonious, never tight. Safe for reactivity, fragrance-free, and that creamy lather? Bliss. pH balance prevents disruption, aligning with derm recs for sensitive types (per First Aid Beauty Data).  
• How I Use: Pea size amount, lather, rinse gently.  
• Pro Tip: Use as a shave alternative, multi tasker.  
• Real Talk: Feels like a hug for angry skin.

Face Theory Freshening Face Wash

• Heroes: 100% natural bergamot oil (subtle scent lift).  
• Skin Type: Oily combo, like mine exactly.  
• Why I Rate It: Science meets nature from a UK brand I adore. SLS-free, cruelty-free, in a luxe glass bottle, cleanses without drying. Bergamot’s antioxidants soothe, with studies showing citrus oils reduce inflammation (per Face Thory Data). Made for my skin type, hands down.  
• How I Use: After oil, apply to wet face, rinse.  
• Pro Tip: The scent makes mornings bearable.  
• Real Talk: Generous size, zero waste guilt.

Super Facialist Rosehip Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser

• Heroes: Rosehip, shea butter, cocoa butter (nourishers).  
• Skin Type: All, especially if you dig rose vibes.  
• Why I Rate It: Gentle, soothing, with that dreamy rose scent. Cleanses while feeding moisture, leaving plump radiance. Rosehip’s vitamins repair, cutting dryness signs by 25% in research (per Super Facialist Data). Calms my post sun skin like magic.  
• How I Use: Massage in, wipe with warm cloth.  
• Pro Tip: Night time wind down essential.  
• Real Talk: Nourished without grease, repeat offender in my routine.

‍As you can see I think there I something for everyone here and all at a absolute price steal! As a little bonus for being my readers I have found them with discount where I can to using my exclusive discount codes so please take full advantage.

Affordable doesn’t mean average, these are my real MVPs, backed by science, loved by derms, and kind to your face and wallet. From oil melters that banish mascara smudges to creamy polishers that plump without pulling, start with one that matches your vibe (oily? Face Theory. Sensitive? Simple or FAB). Build from there. Your skin (and bank balance) will thank you.
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As a little thank you for reading, here's a Sephora discount code for use in the UK.

More Budget Beauty Finds

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List:

Best Concealer for Dark Circles

Best Anti-Aging Serum for Firming

Best Foundation for Natural Glow‍

*This blog post contains PR Samples, affiliated links and discount codes.

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Kisses

Nicola XXX

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