
Anointed & Cleansed: The Biblical Beauty of Oil Cleansing
When we think about oil, we often think of anointing—setting something apart for God’s purpose. In Scripture, oil was used to consecrate, to heal, and to bless. It’s a beautiful picture of how God uses what He created to purify and restore.
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
— Psalm 23:5
But did you know oil can also be one of the most effective ways to cleanse the skin?
Today, let’s talk about oil cleansing—a method that’s been used for centuries and is finally getting the attention it deserves. It might sound strange at first (cleaning your face with oil?), but once you understand the science and simplicity behind it, you’ll never look at your skincare routine the same way again.
🧴 What Is Oil Cleansing?
Oil cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: using plant-based oils to clean the skin. The concept is based on a simple principle: like dissolves like. The oil you massage into your skin dissolves the oils already clogging your pores—sebum, makeup, sunscreen, and grime—and gently lifts them away without stripping your skin’s natural barrier.
Unlike traditional foaming cleansers that can dry out or irritate the skin, oil cleansing leaves your face clean, soft, and balanced.
💡 Why Oil Cleansing Works
- It dissolves excess sebum and impurities. Plant oils bind to the oils on your skin, unclogging pores without harsh surfactants.
- It preserves your moisture barrier. Harsh cleansers can damage your skin’s natural defenses, but oils help nourish and protect it.
- It’s gentle for all skin types. Whether you’re oily, dry, acne-prone, or sensitive, the right oil can help restore balance.
- It supports God-designed skin function. Oil cleansing works with your skin, not against it, honoring the design God built into our bodies.
🌿 Best Oils for Oil Cleansing
Here are some of our favorite oils—each one with unique, God-given benefits:
- Jojoba Oil: Closest to the skin’s natural sebum. Great for all skin types, especially acne-prone or sensitive skin.
- Castor Oil: A thick, deep-cleansing oil that helps draw impurities from the pores. Best used in small amounts, blended with other oils.
- Grapeseed Oil: Light and non-comedogenic. High in linoleic acid, making it a great choice for oily or blemish-prone skin.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Gentle and rich in vitamin E. Ideal for dry, irritated, or aging skin.
- Olive Oil: Deeply moisturizing and full of antioxidants. Best for dry or mature skin types.
- Sunflower Oil: Gentle, nutrient-rich, and fast-absorbing. Wonderful for sensitive or inflamed skin.
- Hemp Seed Oil: 💚 A true multitasker!
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
- High in linoleic acid (helps balance oily skin)
- Contains gamma-linolenic acid (anti-inflammatory)
- Rich in vitamins A and E
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
Tip: Use it alone or blend with castor or jojoba oil for a powerful, skin-balancing cleanser. Choose cold-pressed, unrefined hemp seed oil for best results.
🧼 How to Oil Cleanse: Step-by-Step
You don’t need a complicated ritual—just clean hands, a good oil blend, and a soft cloth.
- Start with dry skin: Pour about a quarter-sized amount of oil into your palm. Warm it between your hands, then gently massage it into your face for 1–2 minutes. The longer - the better! (I love to do this before the shower so I can have plenty of time to work the oil into my skin.)
- Steam and wipe: Soak a soft washcloth in warm (not hot) water. Lay it over your face for 15–30 seconds. Then gently wipe away the oil and debris.
- Repeat if needed: If you wore heavy makeup, you can do a second cleanse or follow up with a gentle soap. Otherwise, rinse and moisturize as usual.
✨ Who Can Benefit from Oil Cleansing?
- Dry skin: Restores natural oils and locks in moisture.
- Oily skin: Helps balance sebum production and reduce breakouts.
- Acne-prone skin: Gently clears clogged pores without aggravating inflammation.
- Sensitive skin: Calms and softens without irritation.
✝️ Oil in the Word
Oil is mentioned throughout Scripture—not just as fuel or fragrance, but as a symbol of consecration, healing, and God's favor.
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
— James 5:14
Just as oil was used to heal in biblical times, it continues to minister to our bodies today. What a gift that even something so humble as oil can be used to cleanse and care for the body He knit together with such intention.
🛒 Try It for Yourself
Want to experience the nourishing power of oil cleansing?
Create your own blend using:
- 2 parts hemp seed oil
- 1 part jojoba oil
- 1/2 part castor oil (optional for deeper pore cleansing)
Or check out our handcrafted facial oils—made with purpose, prayer, and premium ingredients from God’s creation.