Skip to content

Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A luxurious lightweight cleansing oil that melts away makeup, dirt, and impurities while leaving skin soft and replenished. Formulated with aromatic botanical oils including Lavender, Evening Primrose, and Squalane, this non-comedogenic cleanser emulsifies into a gentle milk to prepare skin for optimal nighttime recovery.

Non-Comedogenic Ophthalmologist Tested Mineral Oil Free Sulfate Free Paraben Free Soap Free
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
2/5
Size
175ml / 5.9oz
Price
$35 - $42
Type
Cleansing Oil
Best For
PM Routine
Since
1851
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Botanical Oil Blend

Enriched with Evening Primrose, Lavender, and Squalane derived from olives for nourishing cleansing.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Oil
Scent
Lavender Herbal
Absorption
Emulsifies to Milk
Finish
Clean, Non-Greasy

Botanical Oil Blend

Enriched with Evening Primrose, Lavender, and Squalane derived from olives for nourishing cleansing.

Oil-to-Milk Technology

Transforms into a gentle milky emulsion when mixed with water for easy rinsing.

Nighttime Recovery

Part of the Midnight Recovery collection, designed to prep skin for overnight renewal.

Eye-Area Safe

Ophthalmologist tested for safe use around the delicate eye area to remove stubborn makeup.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains essential oils (Lavender, Rosemary, Geranium). Consult healthcare provider before use during pregnancy, especially in first trimester.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not safe. Contains Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, and Glyceryl Stearate Citrate which can feed malassezia yeast.

Sensitive Skin

Gentle formula suitable for sensitive skin. Ophthalmologist tested. However, patch test recommended due to essential oils.

Fragrance Note

Contains natural fragrance from essential oils (Lavender, Rosemary, Geranium). May not be suitable for those sensitive to scents.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

SqualaneProven

A highly-refined botanical lipid derived from olives. With exceptional affinity to skin, it absorbs easily and helps replenish the skin barrier, keeping skin soft, supple, and moisturized.

  • Function: Emollient, barrier repair, hydration
  • Source: Plant-derived from olives (olive squalane)
  • Benefit: Mimics skin's natural sebum for optimal absorption
Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types including oily skin.

Evening Primrose OilProven

Extracted from the ripe seeds of the Evening Primrose flower. Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-6 fatty acids, known to help maintain skin hydration and elasticity.

  • Key Component: 7-12% Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
  • Omega-6 Content: 66-76% Linoleic Acid
  • Benefit: Supports skin barrier function and reduces inflammation
Comedogenic rating 3/5 - may cause issues for acne-prone skin in high concentrations.

Lavender Essential OilProven

Steam-distilled from Lavender, known for its soothing and calming properties. Provides the signature aromatherapy experience of the Midnight Recovery line.

  • Properties: Antimicrobial, calming, anti-inflammatory
  • Components: Linalyl acetate (~50%), Linalool (~35%)
  • Benefit: Helps soothe redness and calm irritated skin
Contains fragrant components that may cause sensitivity in some individuals. Patch test recommended.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven

A powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage while providing conditioning benefits.

  • Function: Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning
  • Benefit: Helps prevent oxidative damage to skin
  • Stability: Helps preserve other ingredients in the formula

24 ingredients

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Zea Mays Germ Oil/Corn Germ Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate, Oenothera Biennis Oil/Evening Primrose Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Squalane, Coriandrum Sativum Seed Oil/Coriander Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil/Lavender Oil, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil/Rosemary Leaf Oil, Linalool, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Glycine Soja Oil/Soybean Oil, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Soap, Silicones, Synthetic Dyes, Phthalates
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser
2
Water Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Night Cream
6
Face Oil

Use as the first step of your PM double cleanse routine. Follow with Midnight Recovery Concentrate for optimal nighttime recovery.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Dispense Product

Pump 3-4 pumps of cleansing oil into dry hands.

2

Massage Into Skin

Apply to dry face including eye area. Massage gently in circular motions to dissolve makeup and impurities.

3

Add Water & Emulsify

Wet hands and continue massaging. The oil will transform into a milky emulsion.

4

Rinse & Follow Up

Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow with Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Eye Cream.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You wear makeup daily and need effective removal
  • You have normal, dry, or combination skin
  • You enjoy aromatherapy and relaxing scents
  • You want a luxurious nighttime cleansing ritual
  • You need to remove waterproof makeup
  • Your skin feels dry or tight after cleansing

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
  • You are sensitive to essential oils or fragrance
  • You are pregnant (especially first trimester)
  • You prefer fragrance-free products
  • You have very oily, acne-prone skin
  • You need a budget-friendly option
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Normal Skin
Excellent

Ideal match. Balances skin while removing impurities without disrupting natural moisture levels.

Dry Skin
Excellent

Nourishing botanical oils leave skin soft and hydrated, never stripped or tight.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well across different zones. Rinses clean without leaving oily residue.

Oily Skin
Moderate

Non-comedogenic and rinses clean, but some with very oily skin may prefer a lighter formula.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Gentle formula, ophthalmologist tested. Patch test recommended due to essential oils.

Acne-Prone
Moderate

Non-comedogenic per brand claims, but contains ingredients that may trigger some individuals. Not fungal acne safe.

08

Results timeline

ONGOING
Immediate

Clean, Soft Skin

Makeup and impurities effectively removed. Skin feels clean, soft, and never stripped or tight.

95% noticed immediately
1-2 Weeks

Improved Skin Texture

Regular use leads to smoother, more balanced skin. Pores appear cleaner and less congested.

78% noticed improvement
4-6 Weeks

Enhanced Radiance

Consistent double cleansing routine reveals brighter, more radiant complexion. Better product absorption.

72% noticed radiance
Ongoing

Maintained Skin Health

Continuous use as part of Midnight Recovery routine supports optimal nighttime skin repair and renewal.

85% would repurchase
09

Ratings by platform

2K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
850+
Reviews
Main complaint: Strong lavender scent can be overwhelming for some users
Sephora
4.3
Rating
420+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can sting sensitive eyes if not used carefully
Ulta
4.4
Rating
280+
Reviews
Main complaint: Expensive for the size, runs out quickly with daily use
Kiehl's Website
4.7
Rating
600+
Reviews
Main complaint: Wish the bottle was larger for the price point
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Effectively removes all makeup including waterproof
  • Leaves skin soft and hydrated, never stripped
  • Luxurious aromatherapy experience with lavender
  • Emulsifies well and rinses clean
  • Non-comedogenic formula
  • Safe for use around eye area
  • Beautiful packaging with pump dispenser
  • Part of beloved Midnight Recovery line

Criticized

  • Strong essential oil scent may overwhelm some
  • Expensive compared to drugstore alternatives
  • Bottle size small for daily use
  • Can sting sensitive eyes
  • Not fungal acne safe
  • Contains potential allergens (essential oils)
  • May cause breakouts in some acne-prone users
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Deep Cleansing Oil
$29
Budget Pick

Japanese olive oil-based formula. Slightly thicker texture, subtle rosemary scent. Excellent makeup removal at a lower price point. 200ml size offers better value.

72% Match
Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
$23
Budget Pick

K-beauty sherbet-to-oil balm texture. Fragrance-free option available. Different sensorial experience but similarly effective at makeup removal.

68% Match
Oat Cleansing Balm
$12
Budget Pick

Balm-to-oil texture with soothing oat extract. More gentle, fragrance-free formula. Great for sensitive skin at a fraction of the price.

75% Match
Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
$36
Similar Price

Similar price point with balm texture. Contains moringa and papaya enzymes. More exfoliating action, different botanical profile.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Deep Cleansing Oil
Key Ingredient 100% Organic Olive Oil
Texture Medium-weight Oil
Fragrance Light Rosemary
Fungal Acne Safe No
Price/ml $0.15/ml
Precleanse Cleansing Oil
Key Ingredient Apricot + Rice Bran Oil
Texture Lightweight Oil
Fragrance Citrus Botanical
Fungal Acne Safe No
Price/ml $0.34/ml

Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Oil

Key Ingredient Japanese Camellia Oil
Texture Rich Silky Oil
Fragrance Light Floral
Fungal Acne Safe No
Price/ml $0.32/ml
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat

Packaging

Opaque glass bottle with pump dispenser for hygienic dispensing

Travel Friendly

175ml exceeds TSA carry-on limit (100ml). Consider purchasing travel size or decanting

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This product contains essential oils including Lavender, Rosemary, and Geranium which are generally advised to avoid during the first trimester of pregnancy. Evening Primrose Oil safety during pregnancy is also inconclusive. Consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, and Glyceryl Stearate Citrate which can feed malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne. If you have malassezia folliculitis, look for an oil cleanser with a simpler ingredient list free of esters and fatty acids.

Yes! As a first-step cleanser, this product is used and rinsed off before other skincare. It won't interact negatively with active ingredients applied afterward. In fact, double cleansing helps ensure a clean canvas for better absorption of retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids in your routine.

This cleansing oil is best suited for normal, dry, and combination skin types. It works particularly well for those who wear makeup daily and want a luxurious, nourishing cleanse. Those with very oily or acne-prone skin may want to patch test first, and those with fungal acne should avoid this product.

You'll notice immediately clean, soft skin after first use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, expect improved skin texture and clearer pores. After 4-6 weeks, many users report enhanced radiance and better absorption of other skincare products in their routine.

Use this as the FIRST step of your PM skincare routine. Apply to dry skin to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, then emulsify with water and rinse. Follow with a water-based cleanser (double cleanse method), then continue with toner, serums, and Midnight Recovery Concentrate or night cream.

Kiehl's states this product is non-comedogenic and ophthalmologist tested. However, it contains some ingredients with moderate comedogenic potential (Evening Primrose Oil rated 3/5, Ethylhexyl Palmitate rated 2-4/5). Most users don't experience clogged pores, but individual reactions vary. Patch test if you're prone to breakouts.

The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. With daily use of 3-4 pumps, the 175ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain optimal freshness and efficacy of the botanical oils.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.4 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil is a luxurious, effective makeup-removing cleanser that delivers on its promises for normal, dry, and combination skin types. The aromatherapy experience with lavender makes nighttime cleansing feel spa-like, and the non-comedogenic formula leaves skin soft without residue. However, the premium price point, strong essential oil scent, and ingredients that aren't fungal acne safe limit its universal appeal. Best for those who appreciate sensorial skincare experiences and don't have fungal acne concerns.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Tocopherol
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Tocopherol
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
41% 12% 45%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 24 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 B
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
0 Unknown
Zea Mays Germ Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Isopropyl Myristate
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance, Binding Agent, Binding
1 A
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
0 Unknown
Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
Emulsifying
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS