
Cleansing with Oil!
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Hey guys, it’s Polly again!
Today I want to talk to you about a product I just recently started using regularly, our Facial Cleanser, which also works as a super effective makeup and sunscreen remover. To be honest, I used to be skeptical of oil-based cleansers. I remember trying it years ago and thinking, “How is this even a cleanser? It looks oily!”
I was used to that squeaky-clean feeling you get with foaming cleansers, the bubbles, the soapiness, you know, the kind of clean that feels obvious.
But after surfing daily and wearing thick layers of natural mineral sunscreen, I started struggling to fully remove it from my face at the end of the day.
And here’s the truth: soap alone does not remove sunscreen properly. Especially those zinc-based, reef-safe ones we love, they cling to the skin (which is great for sun protection!) but are hard to wash off with just foam or water.
Oil-Based Facial Cleansers
What I discovered is that oil removes oil. It’s a basic chemistry principle: Like dissolves like.
So, if you’re wearing oil-based sunscreen, long-wear makeup, or have excess sebum (natural skin oil), a cleansing oil or oil-based cleanser is the most effective way to remove all that without stripping your skin. Your skin needs some oil for protection – the right amount.
Since I started using HGO's Facial Cleanser, I noticed:
- No more stubborn sunscreen residue
- My skin feels clean, not dry
- Makeup melts off in seconds
- And my blackheads started to disappear!
But wait… Isn’t Oil Bad for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin?
This is the part that blew my mind. I always thought I had to strip my skin clean to avoid pimples, especially after surfing. But when you over-strip your skin with harsh foaming cleansers, your skin panics and starts producing more oil to compensate. This can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts.
So, when you gently cleanse with oil, you help your skin find balance.
Honey Girl Organics Facial Cleanser is formulated to:
- Gently dissolve makeup and sunscreen
- Cleanse deeply without irritation
- Hydrate and nourish the skin
They offer two versions, regular and extra sensitive. You can choose what works best according to your skin type.

Let’s Talk About Double Cleansing
This is a technique that’s super popular in Korean and Japanese skincare and it’s amazing if you spend time in the ocean, and wear sunscreen, or makeup daily.
Here’s how it works:
Cleanse with an oil-based cleanser. This removes sunscreen, makeup, and oil-based impurities from your skin.
Follow with a gentle foaming cleanser. This washes away sweat, dirt, and anything left behind.
This two-step process leaves your skin truly clean, without stripping it. It’s especially great if you’re acne-prone, wear heavy sunscreen (like most of us ocean girls), or live in hot, humid climates.
So, if you’re like me, in the ocean every day, battling sunscreen buildup, or still fighting blackheads and breakouts, give our Facial Cleanser a try.
I know it seems counterintuitive to use oil to cleanse, but trust me, your skin will thank you!
Aloha, Polly & Honey Girl Organics