I’ve been double cleansing for years now, but I’ve mostly stuck with balm cleansers. It’s always been a solid part of my routine. Cleansing balms I’ve used before weren’t exactly magical, but dependable enough that I never really questioned it.
In 2022, around a year after moving here in the UK, I had a not-so-great experience with a cleansing oil. My skin reacted badly. I had breakouts, congestion – the works. I swore off oil cleansers after that and went back to my old faithful balm, a little defeated and definitely cautious.
But after having my baby last year, I noticed something: the products that used to work so well suddenly didn’t feel right anymore.
Was it hormones, stress, or the general upheaval that comes with new motherhood? Yes, my skin’s needs changed.
So I hesitantly decided to try cleansing oils again—and along came SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil.
Ingredients Breakdown
SKIN1004 is known for their minimalist, skin-soothing formulas—and this one’s no exception. Key ingredients include:
- Centella Asiatica Extract – A calming superstar that helps reduce inflammation and irritation.
- Sunflower Seed Oil – A lightweight oil that dissolves makeup and excess sebum without clogging pores.
- Jojoba Oil – Mimics the skin’s natural sebum and helps balance oil production.
- Papaya Fruit Extract – A gentle exfoliant that can help dissolve dead skin cells and keep pores clear.
It’s a thoughtful blend, especially for those of us juggling hormonal shifts, lingering sensitivity, and the general unpredictability of postpartum skin.
My experience
I’ve been using this oil cleanser for over a month now, and to my surprise—no breakouts, no irritation. It’s been incredibly gentle on my skin while still doing what it’s meant to do: cleanse.
From the very first use, it rinsed off beautifully with lukewarm water. No filmy residue, no tight feeling, just soft, clean skin.
One thing I’ve been keeping an eye on is congestion in my T-zone, particularly sebaceous filaments on my nose. I tried a light gritting session once (the method where you massage the oil to dislodge trapped debris), and while I didn’t see those dramatic results you often see on social media (no visible sebum worms here), my skin did look clearer afterward, and continued to improve over the next few days.
I think I might have been too gentle with the rubbing, but honestly, I don’t want to go overboard. I’m still healing my barrier from irritation earlier this year, and I’m just not comfortable rubbing my skin for five-plus minutes.
Even so, I’m happy with the results. I plan to grit maybe twice a week, just enough to help, without overwhelming my skin.
This cleansing oil is a beautiful fit for:
- Sensitive, barrier-compromised skin (hi, postpartum friends!)
- Combination skin types that still need gentle cleansing
- Anyone prone to congestion who wants to try oil cleansing without risking a breakout
- Fragrance-sensitive users looking for a minimalist formula
If you’ve been scared off by cleansing oils in the past (like I was), this one might just change your mind.
This comes in a sleek pump bottle that’s functional, ideal for those blurry-eyed evening routines.
The oil itself is light, which I really love! It’s not thick or greasy and has a bit of a watery consistency that spreads easily across the skin. It’s also fragrance-free, which my now-sensitive skin really appreciates.
I’ll be honest, this was one of those skincare purchases I went into very cautiously. But after a month of daily use, it’s become one of my favourite steps in my routine. It’s gentle, effective, and my skin feels better for it.
No irritation, no post-oil breakouts, just balanced, soft skin that feels clean but not stripped.
I’m not ready to declare it a forever staple just yet, but it’s well on its way there.
Have you tried SKIN1004’s Light Cleansing Oil? I’d love to know your experience—especially if your skin has ever felt betrayed by an oil cleanser before. Let’s talk gentle gritting, post-baby skin, and all things barrier care
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