Oil or Gel Cleanser: Which Hydrates Better?
Oil-to-Milk vs. Gel Cleansers: Which One Keeps Your Skin More Hydrated?
Cleansing is the first and most important step in any skincare routine. But not all cleansers work the same way—especially when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated. At Kajo Cosmetics, we often get questions like:
Should I use your oil cleanser or your gel cleanser? Which one is better for dry skin? Can I use both?
Let’s break it down in a simple way and help you choose what’s best for your skin.
What’s the Difference Between Oil-to-Milk and Gel Cleansers?
Oil-to-Milk Cleanser (Kajo Hydrophilic Cleansing Oil)
✔ Starts as oil, turns into a milky texture when you add water
✔ Removes makeup, sunscreen, and sebum (oil your skin produces)
✔ Doesn’t dry out your skin—instead, it leaves a soft, nourished feeling
✔ Great for dry, sensitive, or mature skin
→ In fact, oil cleansers have been shown to remove up to 96% of sunscreen and 95% of foundation while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier.
Gel Cleanser (Kajo Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser)
✔ Water-based with a light, gel texture
✔ Cleans away sweat, pollution, and excess oil
✔ Modern gel cleansers (like ours!) don’t strip the skin
✔ They hydrate, protect, and leave your skin fresh—perfect for oily or combination skin
→ Some well-formulated gel cleansers can even reduce water loss from the skin by 7.6% after just 4 weeks of use, helping the skin stay more hydrated over time.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
| Product | Key Ingredients | Hydration Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrophilic Cleansing Oil | Almond Oil, Sea Buckthorn, Jojoba, Camellia, Vitamin E | Rich in oils and antioxidants, strengthens skin barrier, prevents dryness |
| Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser | Glycerin, Yogurt Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Gluconolactone | Adds moisture, supports the skin’s microbiome, gently exfoliates without irritation |
→ Cleansers that support the skin microbiome, like those with Bifida Ferment Lysate, may also help reduce inflammation and improve long-term hydration and skin resilience.
Which One Hydrates Better?
Oil-to-Milk cleansers are excellent at restoring the skin's natural oils. This is important if your skin feels tight, dry, or irritated.
Gel cleansers (if well-formulated like ours) clean gently while locking in moisture thanks to ingredients like glycerin and probiotics.
→ Double cleansing with both can deliver the best results—deep cleansing without compromising hydration.
What’s Best for Your Skin Type?
| Skin Type | Best Cleanser for Hydration | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dry / Sensitive / Mature | Hydrophilic Cleansing Oil | Replenishes lipids, comforts skin, protects the barrier |
| Oily / Combination | Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser | Balances oil, hydrates lightly, supports healthy skin with probiotics |
| All Skin Types | Use Both (Double Cleansing) | Deep yet gentle cleanse + maximum hydration and skin barrier support |
How to Use Them Together (Double Cleansing)
Double cleansing means using two steps to clean your face—first oil, then gel. This method gives your skin a deep clean without drying it out.
Step 1: Kajo Hydrophilic Cleansing Oil
– Use on dry skin
– Gently massage to dissolve makeup and sunscreen
– Add a bit of water to emulsify, then rinse
Step 2: Kajo Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser
– Apply on damp skin
– Massage lightly, then rinse
– Pat skin dry and follow with your usual skincare
→ Double cleansing is a method used by many professional estheticians, especially in dry or cold climates, where protecting the skin barrier is key.
Final Thoughts: Which Cleanser Wins?
Both types have their strengths.
If you have dry, sensitive, or mature skin, oil-to-milk is a gentle hero that hydrates while cleansing.
If your skin is oily or combination, our gel cleanser helps you feel clean and fresh without removing too much moisture.
For the best of both worlds, double cleansing is a perfect choice—and Kajo’s duo is made to work beautifully together.
Try Kajo’s Cleansing Duo for Yourself
✨ Our Hydrophilic Cleansing Oil melts away makeup and leaves your skin soft and calm.
✨ Our Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser hydrates and strengthens your skin barrier with every wash.
Double cleanse for double the hydration.
No tight skin, no dryness—just a healthy, clean glow.
