Written by OSEA Staff | Published May 12, 2025
We all know that cleansing and makeup removal are some of the most important steps in your skincare routine. So, many of us were curious to get our hands on the new Ocean Wave Cleanser, which combines two steps in one, making getting unready so much easier. Of course, not all cleansing oils are created equal. Some aren’t great for oily skin, and others can leave behind a greasy film.
Lucky for you, (and us), a few team members with different skin types got to test-drive our new lightweight Ocean Wave Cleanser: a bi-phase cleansing oil and makeup remover. We used it for two weeks, considering everything from the texture and scent to how it felt on our skin, how well it removed makeup, and whether we needed to double cleanse. Ahead, our honest reviews.
Elizabeth Serrano
Affiliate Marketing Coordinator
Skin type: Sensitive & Oily
The Experience:
“This is the most lightweight and hydrating oil cleanser I’ve ever tried. The texture is silky and smooth. It didn’t feel greasy going on, and as I massaged my face, I could actually see the makeup melting off. I’m usually not into scented cleansers, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one: very fresh, a little sweet, and faintly citrusy.”
The Results:
“I was impressed by how well this formula removed my mascara and concealer—just using my fingers. The bottle itself is aesthetically pleasing, and I’d definitely gift it to all my girlfriends. My skin is on the oily side, so I did feel the need to double cleanse after, but I’d use it again, no question.”
My Get Unready Routine:
“Since you’re supposed to use Ocean Wave Cleanser on dry hands and skin, I turn on the shower and, while it’s warming up, oil cleanse at the sink. I have this really nice eucalyptus mist that I spray before getting in. Then, in the shower, I double cleanse with Ocean Cleansing Milk and use the Undaria Algae Body Wash. After drying off, I spritz my linens with Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist and apply a little Vagus Nerve Oil to the back of my neck. Every night, I drink ginger tea before bed, and sometimes I treat myself to chocolate-covered dates and watch reality TV or whatever is on.”
Nina Munk
Copywriter
Skin type: Sensitive & Dry
The Experience:
“I’ve tried pretty much every high-end oil cleanser out there, and this one is easily the most luxurious. I honestly don’t know what kind of sorcery our founder Jenefer worked into this formula—it left my skin feeling freakishly soft. I don’t typically use a makeup remover as part of my routine, so the extra step felt indulgent (in a good way). It removed my waterproof mascara fairly easily and rinsed clean. It didn’t leave behind any residue that would require a second cleanse. And since my skin is very dry, the less cleansing, the better.”
The Results:
“This cleanser left my skin feeling soft and glowing. I love that it’s ophthalmologist tested, and it didn’t burn my sensitive eyes or leave my skin feeling tight or dry. The silky texture feels so premium, and I’m obsessed with the subtle jasmine scent. Plus, the glass bottle and cheerful marigold hue looks gorgeous on my bathroom counter. I’ll keep using it.”
My Get Unready Routine:
“Once my daughter is settled in for the night, I wash my face with Ocean Wave Cleanser. Next, I slather on Dream Night Serum and Dream Night Cream, followed by Dayglow Face Oil. This leaves my skin looking like a baby’s—plump, hydrated, and smooth. I get into bed with a good book. Right now, I’m reading Brave, Not Perfect by Reshma Saujani. I usually make it just a few sentences in before I’m out cold.”
Amanda Battle
Director, Customer Care
Skin type: Blemish-prone & Oily
The Experience:
“I’ve never oil cleansed before because I have oily skin, so I was a bit nervous to try Ocean Wave Cleanser. But the bi-phase formula, which includes water, helped me feel more confident using it. I was surprised that the product didn’t feel greasy on my skin. I loved the scent—it’s very subtle and not at all overwhelming. It has a watery feel rather than a thick oil, and there’s no soapy lather. I don’t wear any makeup, but it was great at washing away sweat and debris after working out.”
The Results:
“Immediately after using this, my face felt very soft, clean, and refreshed. It also felt more hydrated and looked glowing. I didn’t experience any dryness or tightness. I did notice a slight residue after using it. For anyone with acne-prone skin, I would recommend using this as your first cleanse, followed by a stronger cleanser. I use a salicylic acid, acne-targeting cleanser. Salicylic acid is notorious for drying out the skin, and I found that oil cleansing helped minimize its harsh side effects.”
My Get Unready Routine:
“I actually used this in the morning after working out, not at night. I washed my face with Ocean Wave Cleanser before getting in the shower. Then I did the rest of my routine. I’m a skincare minimalist, but I always love to end my routine with the Hyaluronic Lip Booster. It’s incredibly smooth and glides easily onto the lips. It gives me the glossiest finish.”
Mary Pope
Art Director
Skin type: Sensitive & Dry
The Experience:
“I’m a makeup girly and love cleansing oils, so I was excited to try the new Ocean Wave Cleanser. I typically use micellar water but swapped it out for this. It felt a lot healthier for my skin, since I didn’t have to rub or tug to get the makeup off. Plus, there were no harsh chemicals or weird smells. My on-the-drier side skin loves a nourishing cleanser, but I also need something thorough. This lightweight cleansing oil checks both boxes. It swept away my makeup and grime while leaving my skin feeling hydrated and clean.”
The Results:
“I was incredibly impressed with the formula’s performance and finish. My skin was so soft and glowing after that it almost looked like I had already applied some of my skincare. I’ll definitely be replacing my micellar water with this, and maybe some of my other cleansers too.”
My Get Unready Routine:
“If there is one thing I’m serious about, it’s my bedtime routine. Because I wear a lot of makeup, double cleansing is essential. For the first cleanse, I’ll use Ocean Wave Cleanser. For the second, I reach for a targeted treatment cleanser like Ocean Cleanser to make sure every last scrap of the day is off my face. On top of that I apply a dab of my prescription Retin-A and a few drops of Hyaluronic Sea Serum. Next up is eye cream. I use Advanced Repair Eye Cream (trust me, it’s amazing), and Advanced Protection Cream for the rest of my face. By the time The Real Housewives comes on, I’m onto my last step: Essential Hydrating Oil, the only face oil I have ever really loved. Then I’m ready to curl up with my cat, Freak, (and my husband), and completely unwind.”
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