No. 1 Cleansing Oil

100ml

No.1 is an organic cleansing oil designed to purify the skin gently while preserving its natural balance. Acting as a waterless cleanser, it dissolves makeup, SPF and daily impurities using skin-compatible botanical oils that support the skin barrier rather than disrupt it.

Rich in antioxidant and vitamin-supportive plant oils, this gentle formula cleanses thoroughly without stripping moisture or causing irritation. It leaves skin soft, refreshed and comfortable, making it ideal for sensitive, reactive and hormonally changing skin.

Upon contact with water, the oil transforms into a light, milky emulsion that rinses away easily, carrying away impurities while maintaining hydration and skin resilience.

This waterless organic cleansing oil forms the ideal foundation of a barrier-supportive skincare routine, preparing the skin for hydration while preserving long-term skin health.

At Vemel our aim is to be plastic free. For this reason we only provide a pump with our No. 1 Cleansing Oil for first orders. If however this is a repeat order and you would like a new pump, please tick the ‘Pump for life’ box above.

• WINNER ‘Editors Choice’
  – Beauty Shortlist Eco Awards 2024

• WINNER ‘Editors Choice’
  – Beauty Shortlist Eco Lifestyle Awards 2024

• WINNER ‘Editors Choice’
  – Beauty Shortlist Eco Lifestyle Awards 2023

• WINNER ‘Editors Choice’
  – Beauty Shortlist Mama & Baby Awards 2023

What is the best cleansing oil for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, an oil cleanser should remove makeup, SPF and daily build-up effectively without leaving the skin feeling tight, stripped or uncomfortable.

No.1 Cleansing Oil uses organic sunflower, camellia, grapeseed, raspberry and rosehip oils together with natural Vitamin E to cleanse while providing skin-supportive lipids and antioxidant nourishment.

It contains no added synthetic fragrance, parfum, essential oils or harsh foaming surfactants, making it particularly suited to sensitive, reactive, dry and hormonally changing skin.

What does an oil cleanser do?

An oil cleanser dissolves oil-soluble substances that build up on the skin throughout the day.

These can include sebum, foundation, waterproof makeup, sunscreen and daily grime.

No.1 Cleansing Oil is massaged directly onto dry skin, where the botanical oils help dissolve this build-up.

Once water is added, the cleanser emulsifies into a light milk so the oils and dissolved impurities can be rinsed away.

Why does cleansing oil remove makeup so effectively?

Many types of makeup, sunscreen and sebum contain oil-soluble ingredients.

An oil-based cleanser can dissolve these efficiently without requiring aggressive rubbing or strongly foaming cleansing agents.

Massage No.1 Cleansing Oil over dry skin, including waterproof makeup, then introduce warm water.

The formula changes into a light milk and rinses away together with the dissolved makeup and daily build-up.

Does No.1 Cleansing Oil remove waterproof mascara?

Yes.

No.1 Cleansing Oil can dissolve waterproof mascara, eye makeup, foundation, long-wear makeup and SPF.

Gently massage the oil around the eye area rather than rubbing or pulling at the skin.

Once the makeup begins to loosen, add warm water to emulsify the cleanser before rinsing thoroughly.

For many people, this removes the need for a separate eye-makeup remover.

Does cleansing oil remove sunscreen and SPF?

Yes.

Sunscreen — particularly water-resistant SPF — can be difficult to remove thoroughly with water alone.

Because many sunscreen ingredients are oil-soluble, No.1 Cleansing Oil is particularly effective as an evening cleanser for dissolving SPF together with sebum, makeup and daily build-up.

This makes it useful even on days when you have not worn makeup.

Can No.1 Cleansing Oil replace micellar water and makeup remover?

For many people, yes.

No.1 Cleansing Oil can remove face makeup, waterproof eye makeup and SPF within one cleansing step.

This can reduce the need for separate micellar water, eye-makeup remover and disposable makeup wipes.

Rather than repeatedly wiping the skin with cotton pads, massage the oil gently over the entire face, emulsify with water and rinse.

It creates a simpler makeup-removal routine while reducing unnecessary rubbing of delicate or sensitive skin.

Do I need to double cleanse after using No.1 Cleansing Oil?

Not necessarily.

No.1 Cleansing Oil is a complete emulsifying cleanser and can be used as your only cleansing step when that is all your skin needs.

If you have worn substantial makeup, heavier SPF or simply enjoy a more treatment-led evening cleanse, follow it with Reviving Serum Cleanser.

This creates Vemel's Double Cleanse Ritual: No.1 removes makeup, SPF and oil-soluble build-up first, while Reviving Serum Cleanser provides a second gentle cleansing and resurfacing step.

Double cleansing is an option, not a rule.

Can I use cleansing oil as my only cleanser?

Yes.

No.1 Cleansing Oil was created to work as a complete standalone cleanser as well as the first step of a double cleanse.

For a minimal skincare routine, massage it onto dry skin, emulsify with warm water and rinse thoroughly.

You can then move directly into hydration with Biome Active Essence, followed by your serum or moisturiser.

This can keep the routine simple: cleanse → hydrate → nourish.

Is cleansing oil good for oily skin?

Yes. Oily skin does not need to avoid oil cleansers.

Sebum, SPF and makeup are oil-soluble, so an emulsifying cleansing oil can remove them very effectively without continually stripping the skin with aggressive cleansers.

No.1 Cleansing Oil emulsifies with water and rinses away rather than being used as a leave-on facial oil.

Its lightweight botanical oil blend makes it suitable for oily and combination skin as well as dry skin.

Will using an oil cleanser make oily skin oilier?

No. Cleansing oil is rinsed away rather than left on the skin as a moisturising treatment.

No.1 Cleansing Oil dissolves excess surface oil, makeup and sunscreen before emulsifying into a milk when water is added.

The aim is to cleanse oily skin thoroughly without creating the tight, over-cleansed feeling that can come from repeatedly using strongly degreasing cleansers.

Is cleansing oil suitable for combination skin?

Yes.

Combination skin can be oily across the forehead, nose and chin while still feeling dry or dehydrated elsewhere.

No.1 Cleansing Oil removes makeup, SPF and excess surface oils without requiring different cleansers for different parts of the face.

Because it emulsifies and rinses away, it can work well across both oilier and drier areas.

Will No.1 Cleansing Oil clog pores?

No.1 is an emulsifying cleanser rather than a leave-on facial oil.

When water is introduced, the formula transforms into a light milk that allows the botanical oils and the impurities they have dissolved to rinse away.

This means it is designed to cleanse rather than leave a heavy oily coating on the skin.

As with any skincare product, individual skin can respond differently, particularly when it is very congestion-prone.

Is cleansing oil suitable for blemish-prone skin?

It can be.

Blemish-prone skin still needs makeup, SPF, excess sebum and daily build-up removed effectively.

No.1 Cleansing Oil provides this without relying on aggressive foaming surfactants or scrubbing.

It is a cleanser rather than an acne treatment, but it can be particularly useful when blemish-prone skin is also dehydrated, sensitive or easily stripped by stronger cleansers.

What is the best cleanser for dry or dehydrated skin?

Dry and dehydrated skin often benefits from cleansing that removes impurities without leaving the skin feeling tight.

No.1 Cleansing Oil uses botanical oils to dissolve makeup, SPF and daily build-up while helping maintain a comfortable skin feel.

If the skin is dehydrated as well as dry, follow cleansing with Biome Active Essence.

The cleanser removes what the skin no longer needs, while the essence provides the water-based hydration that follows.

Is No.1 Cleansing Oil good for mature skin?

Yes.

Mature skin can become progressively drier and less tolerant of aggressive cleansing as natural lipid levels change.

No.1 Cleansing Oil removes makeup, SPF and impurities while preserving a softer, more nourished skin feel.

This makes it particularly useful for mature skin in the 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond that finds traditional foaming cleansers increasingly drying.

What is the best cleanser for menopausal or perimenopausal skin?

Menopausal and perimenopausal skin can become drier, more sensitive and more easily disrupted by cleansing.

No.1 Cleansing Oil provides effective makeup and SPF removal without relying on harsh foaming surfactants.

Its organic botanical oils help maintain softness and lipid comfort, making it particularly suited to hormonally changing skin that feels tight or reactive after conventional cleansing.

Follow with Biome Active Essence when dehydration is also present.

Does No.1 Cleansing Oil strip the skin barrier?

No.1 was specifically formulated to cleanse without the strongly degreasing feel associated with some foaming cleansers.

Its botanical oil base dissolves makeup, SPF, sebum and daily residue while allowing the cleanser to rinse away through emulsification.

The skin should feel clean and soft afterwards rather than squeaky or tight.

For Vemel, effective cleansing should support the rest of the skincare routine rather than leave the barrier needing to recover from it.

Is cleansing oil better than a foaming cleanser for sensitive skin?

It depends on the individual formula, because not every foaming cleanser is harsh and not every oil cleanser will suit every person.

However, sensitive, dry and hormonally changing skin often benefits from avoiding cleansers that leave it feeling tight or stripped.

No.1 Cleansing Oil cleans through an oil-based emulsifying system rather than relying on a strong foam, making it particularly useful for skin that feels uncomfortable after traditional face washes.

The best cleanser is one that removes what needs removing while leaving the skin calm and comfortable.

Why does No.1 Cleansing Oil turn milky when I add water?

No.1 contains an emulsifying system.

When water is introduced, the oil transforms into a light milk, allowing the botanical oils and the makeup, SPF and impurities they have dissolved to mix with water and rinse away.

This is an important difference between a formulated cleansing oil and simply applying an ordinary facial oil to the skin.

The emulsification step helps prevent the heavy residue people sometimes associate with oil cleansing.

How do I use No.1 Cleansing Oil correctly?

Apply a few pumps to dry hands and massage over dry face and eye area.

Take your time around areas where you are wearing makeup, sunscreen or waterproof mascara.

Add a little warm water and continue massaging as the oil transforms into a light milk.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

It can then be followed by Reviving Serum Cleanser for a double cleanse, or you can move directly to your essence, serum and moisturiser.

Should I use cleansing oil on wet or dry skin?

Begin on dry skin.

Applying No.1 Cleansing Oil directly to dry skin gives the botanical oils the best opportunity to dissolve makeup, sunscreen and sebum.

Only introduce water after you have massaged the cleanser over the face.

The water then activates the emulsifying step, transforming the oil into a milk so it can rinse away.

Can I use No.1 Cleansing Oil morning and night?

Yes, although you may not need the same cleanse morning and evening.

In the evening, No.1 is particularly useful for removing SPF, makeup and daily build-up.

In the morning, it can be used if your skin enjoys cleansing twice daily, particularly if it feels dry or sensitive and you want a very gentle cleanser.

Other skin types may prefer simply to cleanse according to how their skin feels rather than following a rigid twice-daily rule.

Is No.1 Cleansing Oil suitable for younger skin?

Yes.

No.1 is one of the simplest Vemel products to introduce to older teenage or young adult skin because cleansing is a foundational step rather than an intensive active treatment.

It can be particularly useful for teenagers and young adults who wear makeup or SPF and need an effective cleanser without starting with multiple strong skincare actives.

For persistent or severe acne, appropriate professional advice should be sought rather than relying on a cosmetic cleanser alone.

Can men use No.1 Cleansing Oil?

Yes.

Cleansing requirements are determined by the skin rather than gender.

No.1 Cleansing Oil can be particularly useful for men with dry or sensitive skin, regular SPF users or anyone who dislikes the tight feeling that can follow strongly foaming face washes.

It can be used morning or evening and requires only a small amount.

Is No.1 Cleansing Oil fragrance-free?

Yes.

No.1 Cleansing Oil contains no added synthetic fragrance, parfum or essential oils.

Any very subtle natural aroma comes from the raw botanical oils themselves rather than added perfume.

This makes it particularly relevant for sensitive, reactive and hormonally changing skin that prefers fragrance-free skincare.

Is No.1 Cleansing Oil organic?

No.1 Cleansing Oil is formulated with certified organically grown botanical oils including sunflower, camellia, grapeseed, raspberry and rosehip.

These oils were selected for their cleansing ability alongside their fatty-acid and antioxidant profiles.

You can learn more about Vemel's approach to organic skincare.

What does a waterless cleansing oil mean?

A waterless cleanser is formulated without conventional added water as its main base.

No.1 Cleansing Oil is built around concentrated botanical oils rather than a water-heavy cleansing base.

Water is introduced only when you use the cleanser, activating its emulsification so it turns into a light milk and rinses away.

Waterless does not mean avoiding water during cleansing; it describes how the product itself is formulated.

Is No.1 Cleansing Oil suitable for a minimal skincare routine?

Yes. This is one of its strongest uses.

Because No.1 can cleanse the skin and remove makeup, waterproof mascara and SPF within the same step, it can replace several separate makeup-removal products.

A simple routine could be:

No.1 Cleansing Oil → Biome Active Essence → moisturiser.

A serum can then be added only when there is a specific skin concern you want to target.

This reflects Vemel's wider Skin in Stillness philosophy: fewer, purposeful products rather than unnecessary steps.

What makes No.1 Cleansing Oil different from an ordinary face oil?

A facial oil is normally designed to remain on the skin as a nourishing treatment.

No.1 Cleansing Oil is specifically formulated to cleanse.

Its emulsifying system allows the botanical oils to dissolve oil-soluble impurities and then mix with water so everything can be rinsed away.

This is why an emulsifying cleansing oil can remove makeup and SPF effectively without leaving the same residue as simply cleansing with a plain botanical oil.

Is No.1 Cleansing Oil suitable for clean beauty routines?

For Vemel, clean beauty means understanding what is in a formula and why it is there rather than labelling other ingredients as simply “toxic”.

No.1 Cleansing Oil uses purposeful organic botanical oils, contains no added synthetic perfume, parfum or essential oils and does not rely on harsh foaming surfactants.

It is also vegan and waterless.

Is No.1 Cleansing Oil a good skincare gift?

Yes.

No.1 Cleansing Oil is particularly easy to gift because cleansing is relevant across different ages and skin types.

It makes a useful Christmas, Mother's Day or birthday gift for someone who wears makeup or SPF, has sensitive or dry skin, enjoys organic skincare or wants to simplify their routine.

It can suit older teenagers, adults, men and mature skin, and because it can replace several separate makeup-removal products, it is also a practical introduction to Vemel's approach to organic, waterless and barrier-conscious skincare.

Apply directly to dry skin and massage thoroughly to dissolve makeup, stubborn SPF, and daily build-up - including even the toughest mascara. Upon contact with water, it transforms into a light milk, making it easy to rinse away with warm water. No rubbing, no stinging, no face cloth needed.

Our organic cleansing oil is specially beneficial for sensitive, reactive and menopausal skin. This organic waterless cleanser supports the skin barrier while cleansing gently without stripping or irritation.