Cleansing Oil
Cleansing Oil
Product Description
Product overview
By Mad Hippie — A lightweight, plant-based cleansing oil that melts away makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities in one gentle step while nourishing skin with a blend of 8 high-linoleic botanical oils and antioxidants. Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, it dissolves grime without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
One-Step Makeup Removal
Dissolves face makeup, eye makeup, sunscreen, and waterproof mascara that water-based washes leave behind — no double cleanse required.
Texture & feel
SENSORYOne-Step Makeup Removal
Dissolves face makeup, eye makeup, sunscreen, and waterproof mascara that water-based washes leave behind — no double cleanse required.
High-Linoleic Oil Blend
Built exclusively on lightweight, high-linoleic oils (safflower, pumpkin, rosehip) chosen to cleanse deeply without leaving a heavy, greasy film.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Ginger, white tea, and vitamin E shield skin from free-radical damage while helping to brighten and even the look of tone.
Gentle & Sensitive-Friendly
Free of synthetic fragrance, parabens, and sulfates. Soothing oat oil makes it a reliable pick for reactive, sensitive skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The plant oils and antioxidants are widely considered low-risk. Always confirm with your OB-GYN.
The fatty-acid oils (safflower, rosehip, pumpkin, oat) can feed malassezia. As a rinse-off cleanser the risk is reduced, but those actively managing fungal acne should be cautious.
Built on high-linoleic, low-comedogenic oils and brand-tested as non-pore-clogging. Pumpkin seed and squalane round out a blend designed not to trigger congestion.
As a first-step cleanser it rinses away, so it won't deactivate retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA you apply afterward. Fully compatible with active routines.
No added synthetic fragrance — only a faint natural herbal-citrus scent from the botanicals. A solid choice for fragrance-sensitive users; patch test if very reactive.
100% vegan (squalane is plant-derived), cruelty-free, non-GMO, and reef safe — with no parabens, sulfates, silicones, or mineral oil.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSafflower Seed Oil (High Linoleic) ~40%+Proven
The hero base oil and first on the INCI list. This high-linoleic, organic safflower oil dissolves makeup and sebum while delivering essential fatty acids that soften and smooth the skin.
- Comedogenicity: Rated 0 — among the least pore-clogging cosmetic oils.
- Linoleic acid: Helps reinforce the skin barrier and is associated with calmer, less congested skin.
Squalane (Vegan) HighProven
A plant-derived lipid that closely mimics the skin's own sebum. It hydrates, softens, and absorbs quickly, leaving skin comfortable rather than coated after cleansing.
- Biomimetic: Structurally similar to natural skin lipids, so it's well tolerated by most skin types.
- Stable: Highly resistant to oxidation, extending the comfort and shelf life of the formula.
Rosehip Fruit Oil MediumProven
Organic Rosa Canina (rosehip) oil is rich in naturally occurring vitamins A and C plus essential fatty acids, helping to brighten, even the look of tone, and support a smoother complexion.
- Provitamin A: Natural carotenoids support skin renewal and a radiant finish.
- Antioxidant: Helps defend against environmental and free-radical stress.
Pumpkin Seed Oil MediumPromising
Organic Cucurbita Pepo seed oil is loaded with vitamin E, zinc, and omega fatty acids. It soothes and replenishes skin and is described by the brand as a non-pore-clogging oil.
- Zinc & omega-rich: Supports a balanced, replenished feel after cleansing.
- Comedogenicity: Low (around 1–2), suiting blemish-prone skin.
Ginger Root Extract ~0.5%Promising
Zingiber Officinale root extract is antioxidant-rich and traditionally used to help tone skin and reduce the look of discoloration from acne scars and sun damage.
- Antioxidant compounds: Gingerols help neutralize free radicals.
- Soothing: Associated with calming, comforting properties for stressed skin.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) & White Tea LowProven
Tocopherol is a powerhouse antioxidant that protects skin and stabilizes the oils in the formula. Camellia Sinensis (white tea) extract adds catechin antioxidants that soothe and defend against environmental damage.
- Vitamin E: Fights free radicals and helps extend the formula's freshness.
- White tea catechins: Help reduce UV-induced inflammation and calm redness.
9 ingredients
Organic Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (High Linoleic), Squalane (Vegan), Organic Rosa Canina (Rose) Fruit Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Organic Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Extract, Steam Distilled Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse it as your first PM step to melt away makeup and sunscreen. Follow with a water-based cleanser for a classic double cleanse, or use it solo when skin is lightly soiled.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply to dry skin
Dispense 2–3 pumps onto dry hands and apply to a dry face — water dilutes the oil's ability to grab onto makeup and sunscreen.
Massage for 1 minute
Gently massage in circular motions for about 60 seconds to dissolve makeup, SPF, and impurities. Safe to use around the eyes.
Drape a warm cloth
Lay a warm, damp washcloth over your face until it cools to help loosen and emulsify the oil.
Wipe & rinse
Gently wipe away the oil with the cloth, then rinse. For a deeper clean, follow with a water-based cleanser.
Continue your routine
Follow with your nighttime toner, serum, and moisturizer. Use nightly or as needed.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You wear makeup, SPF, or foundation and want easy one-step removal
- You have dry, normal, or sensitive skin that gets stripped by foaming washes
- You prefer clean, vegan, fragrance-free formulas with recognizable botanicals
- You want to double cleanse or simplify your PM routine
Consider alternatives if:
- You are actively treating fungal acne (malassezia)
- You dislike any oily feel and want a fully matte finish without rinsing
- You have very oily skin and prefer a lightweight gel as your main cleanser
- You react to ginger or citrus-derived botanicals
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESNourishing oils cleanse without stripping, leaving dry skin soft and comfortable.
Effortless makeup and SPF removal with a balanced, glowing finish.
Fragrance-free with soothing oat oil; reviewers with reactive skin report no breakouts.
Works well as a first cleanse; follow with a water-based wash on oilier zones.
Great for melting SPF and makeup, though very oily skin may want a lighter primary cleanser.
Non-comedogenic and well-tolerated by many, but fatty-acid oils make it less ideal for fungal-acne types.
Results timeline
8+ WEEKSClean, soft skin
Makeup, sunscreen, and grime lift away in one step. Skin feels clean, soft, and not tight or stripped.
90% noticedSmoother texture
Nightly cleansing leaves skin feeling smoother and more supple, with a comfortable, hydrated finish.
75% noticedBrighter, more even look
Antioxidants and rosehip support a more radiant, even-looking complexion with regular use.
60% noticedHealthier barrier feel
Consistent gentle cleansing helps maintain a balanced, resilient barrier — skin looks calmer and well cared for.
55% noticedRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Removes makeup, SPF, and waterproof mascara effortlessly
- Doesn't strip or dry out the skin — leaves it soft and dewy
- Clean, recognizable, organic ingredient list
- Gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin per reviewers
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free with a pleasant natural scent
Criticized
- Small 2 oz size feels pricey to some buyers
- Can leave an oily or sticky feel if not rinsed thoroughly
- Not ideal for those managing fungal acne
- Glass bottle is fragile for travel
- Very oily skin may prefer a lighter primary cleanser
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
A soothing oat-based balm-to-oil that melts makeup gently. Similar comforting, barrier-friendly approach, but a balm texture rather than a pourable oil.
Another natural, plant-oil cleanser focused on gentle makeup removal. Comparable clean positioning, but a different oil blend and scent profile.
A cult J-beauty oil that removes makeup fast at a very low price per ml. Far less "clean"/botanical — relies on mineral and synthetic esters instead of organic oils.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to protect the antioxidant oils.
Glass bottle with a pump dispenser
Yes — 2 fl oz (59 ml) is under the 100 ml carry-on limit
Frequently asked questions
FAQIt is generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters — just plant oils, ginger, white tea, and vitamin E. Rosehip oil provides only trace natural vitamin A precursors (carotenoids), not pharmaceutical retinoids. As always, confirm with your OB-GYN before adding any new product.
Not fully. While squalane is malassezia-safe, the fatty-acid plant oils (safflower, rosehip, pumpkin, and oat) can potentially feed malassezia. Because it is a rinse-off cleanser rather than a leave-on product, contact time is short and the risk is reduced — but anyone actively managing fungal acne should be cautious or choose a malassezia-safe alternative.
Yes. As your first cleansing step it rinses away before you apply treatments, so it won't deactivate or interfere with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA used later in your routine. It's actually a gentle way to prep skin before active ingredients.
It shines on dry, normal, and sensitive skin that tends to feel tight or stripped after foaming cleansers. Combination and oily skin can use it too, ideally as the oil step in a double cleanse. Acne-prone users generally tolerate it well thanks to its low-comedogenic oils, though fungal-acne types may want an alternative.
Cleansing benefits — clean, soft, makeup-free skin — are immediate from the first use. Smoother texture is usually noticeable within a week, and a brighter, more even-looking complexion typically develops over about 4 weeks of consistent nightly use thanks to the antioxidant and rosehip content.
It's the very first step of your evening routine. Apply it to dry skin to dissolve makeup and SPF, then rinse (or follow with a water-based cleanser for a double cleanse). After that, continue with toner, serum, and moisturizer as usual.
It's formulated to be non-comedogenic, with an overall low comedogenic rating of around 2/5. It's built on high-linoleic safflower oil (rated 0) plus squalane and pumpkin seed oil, which are low on the pore-clogging scale. Many acne-prone reviewers report no breakouts, though individual results can vary.
It has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. To keep the antioxidant oils fresh, store it in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight and keep the pump closed between uses.
Verdict: Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil is a standout clean-beauty oil cleanser that punches above its price. It melts away makeup and sunscreen in one gentle step, nourishes with a thoughtfully chosen blend of high-linoleic and antioxidant oils, and earns strong loyalty from dry and sensitive-skinned users. The main trade-offs are the modest 2 oz size and the fatty-acid oils that make it less suitable for those managing fungal acne. For natural-skincare lovers who want effective, non-stripping makeup removal, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Tonic
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|