06/02/2026
Oil cleansers: Emulsifying vs. wipe-off – what’s the difference?
Emulsifying oil cleanser
💧 Contains emulsifiers/surfactants that, among other things, break oil down and make it water-soluble
💧 When water is added, the oil splits into micro-droplets → rinses away
💧 Can also remove the skin’s own lipids and fatty acids from the stratum corneum, alter the surface structure, and increase TEWL (transepidermal water loss) — this is well-studied and related to the chemical and physical nature of the ingredients
❌ Skin may become dry and feel tight after cleansing, even if the oil feels mild and caring during use
❌ A product that’s quickly rinsed off can’t truly care for your skin — its active ingredients are washed away
❌ You may need several products to restore a normal skin feel
Wipe-off cleansing with a facial treatment oil
✨ The gentlest and genuinely caring option
✨ No emulsifiers — best preserves the skin barrier
✨ Suitable for dry, sensitive, atopic skin, and even balancing for oily skin
✨ Oil works as a solvent; impurities are removed by wiping
✨ A cloth softened with water also removes water-soluble dirt
✨ Does not strip the skin’s own lipids; some of the treatment oil remains as a protective film
❤️ Always choose a non-comedogenic oil that’s compatible with the skin barrier (e.g. AIVA The Oil)
❤️ Clean the cloth regularly; in addition to machine washing, you can occasionally disinfect it by soaking in boiling water for 5–10 minutes
Avoid
❌ Harsh wiping — be gentle
❌ Rough cloths
❌ Facial sponges — their cavities can harbor bacteria
❌ Comedogenic oils, waxes, and plant fats — they can solidify and clog pores, potentially causing breakouts and, with regular use, even enlarging pores. 🧐
Have you already tried our game-changing way to care for your skin — less, but sooo much better? ❤️♥️