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Light Work™ Cleansing Oil

Name: Light Work™ Cleansing Oil
Brand: Pai Skincare
SKU: PAI-1085
Price: 54.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$54.00

100ml / 3.4 fl.oz

Our award-winning Rosehip Cleansing Oil. Lifts away makeup, SPF, and the day's buildup with zero surfactants, so your skin barrier stays completely intact.

Benefits:

Effortless cleansing
Brightens
Softens
Patch tested

GUIDE TO LAYERING:

Step 1: Cleanser

Light Work™ Cleansing Oil

$54.00

/ 100ml / 3.4 fl.oz

Step 2: Moisturiser

Pai Skincare Moisturiser The Anthemis Chamomile & Rosehip Soothing Moisturiser

The Anthemis™ Soothing Moisturizer

$69.00

/ 50ml / 1.7 fl.oz

Step 3: Face Oil

Rosehip Bioregenerate™ Rejuvenating Overnight Face Oil

$54.00

/ 30ml / 1.0 fl.oz

Add full routine - save 10%

Light Work™ Cleansing Oil

$54.00

Why You'll Love It

Tough on makeup, kind on skin.

This 100% natural cleansing oil dissolves the day's buildup and eye makeup in a single pass. No tugging, no sting, no drama. Think crisp, clean sheets — only for your face.

The science is straightforward. Oil bonds to oil, which comes in handy when you're up against waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and everyday grime. Light Work latches onto excess sebum and any makeup oils sitting on the skin, then sweeps it all away. Add a splash of water and the formula turns milky as it emulsifies, rinsing clean and carrying the day with it. No detergents, no surfactants, no stripping. Just the natural polarity of castor oil pulling its weight.

Most cleansing oils on the market rely on synthetic emulsifiers to make sure they rinse cleanly. Light Work doesn't bother. Translation: no detergent residue lingering in your skin once you've washed. That's the gap between skin that feels stretched and skin that just feels like itself.

Built around the same CO2-extracted Rosehip Oil that anchors our bestselling BioRegenerate, paired with a barrier-friendly sunflower seed oil base rich in linoleic acid, this sting-free formula leaves skin feeling softer, nourished, and truly radiant.

"Our customers requested a cleanser that made light work of heavy-duty make-up. The brief? Gentle on skin without compromising on efficacy, no eye-stinging, and no palm oil please. This cleansing oil glides over skin, lifting away every kind of impurity. Even stubborn waterproof mascara is politely sent packing."

SARAH BROWN
FOUNDER, PAI SKINCARE

When should I use Light Work?

Use Light Work in the evening as the first step in a double-cleanse routine. Apply 2-3 pumps to dry skin, massage for 30-60 seconds, then add lukewarm water to emulsify and rinse. Follow with a water-based cleanser for a thorough double cleanse, or use alone for a lighter single cleanse.

Will Light Work remove waterproof mascara?

Yes. The oil formula works on the principle that oil clings to oil, so it dissolves waterproof mascara, heavy-duty makeup and mineral SPF on contact, with no rubbing or stinging. It's a favourite backstage among makeup artists for removing even the most stubborn products before red carpets and photoshoots.

I have oily skin. Will Light Work be suitable for me?

It's a great match for oily skin. The oils bind to excess sebum and impurities during the massage, then emulsify when you add water and rinse completely away. The formula is non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores, and it's 96-hour patch tested for tolerance on reactive skin.

Can I use Light Work if I don't wear makeup?

Absolutely. Even without makeup, your skin accumulates pollution particles, excess sebum and environmental grime throughout the day. Light Work dissolves all of it, while its Sunflower Seed Oil base (rich in linoleic acid) actively supports your skin barrier during cleansing rather than stripping it.

Is Light Work suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers?

Yes. Because the formula contains no surfactants, detergents or alcohol, there's nothing to sting or irritate delicate eye skin. It dissolves eye makeup through gentle oil-to-oil contact rather than rubbing, and it's been 96-hour patch tested for tolerance on volunteers with reactive skin. If you wear contacts, just remove them before cleansing as you would with any oil-based product.

Is Light Work safe to use during pregnancy?

Yes, Light Work is certified pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. It contains 0.78% essential oils, which is well within safe limits. That said, some experts suggest avoiding all essential oils in the first trimester, so check with your midwife if you're unsure.

What certifications does Light Work have?

Light Work is COSMOS Organic certified (91% organic, 100% natural), Vegan Society registered, and Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certified. It's also dermatologist tested and approved, and has been 96-hour patch tested for tolerance on volunteers with reactive skin.

Why is rosehip oil in a cleanser?

Light Work contains the same CO2-extracted Rosa Canina seed and fruit oil used in Pai's bestselling Rosehip BioRegenerate treatment oil. It's rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 plus carotenoids that brighten the appearance of skin during the cleansing massage. Think of it as a treatment step built into your cleanse, prepping skin for whatever comes next.

Why doesn't Light Work leave my skin feeling tight after cleansing?

That tight, stripped feeling comes from surfactants in conventional cleansers removing your skin's own barrier lipids alongside makeup and grime. Published research (Walters et al., Dermatology Research and Practice) confirms surfactant residue remains embedded in the stratum corneum even after rinsing, continuing to disrupt its structure and cause dryness. Light Work contains zero surfactants, so it dissolves impurities through oil-to-oil affinity and leaves nothing behind that could strip or irritate your barrier.

What makes Light Work different from other cleansing oils?

Most cleansing oils contain synthetic surfactants or PEG-based emulsifiers to help them rinse off, which can leave detergent residue on your skin. Light Work uses Castor Oil, which is 90% ricinoleic acid, a naturally polar fatty acid that interacts with water to turn the formula milky and rinse clean without synthetic help. It's also fully anhydrous (no water in the formula), so it doesn't need the preservatives that water-based cleansers require.

Why should I choose Light Work over micellar water or makeup wipes?

Micellar waters and wipes both rely on surfactants and preservatives (like ethylparaben or benzalkonium chloride) that sit on your skin, since they're designed to be left on or wiped off rather than rinsed. Light Work is anhydrous and surfactant-free, so there's no detergent or preservative residue left behind. You also skip the waste from cotton pads and single-use wipes.

Overall rating: 4.787879 / 5 from 561 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

This natural cleansing oil effectively removes makeup and impurities without irritation, leaving skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated. Its gentle formula and pleasant smell are highly praised by customers.

Summary topics

Makeup Removal Effectiveness (7%): Customers expressed appreciation for how effectively this product removes makeup effectively while also feeling hydrating and soothing.
Skin Feel After Use (24%): A significant number of customers loved how the cleansing oil made their skin feel clean, refreshed, and soft.
Overall Cleanser Quality (33%): Many customers loved the cleanser, describing it as lovely, fantastic, and the best they've ever used.
Product Texture (4%): It was observed by customers that the product has a lovely, smooth texture and leaves the skin feeling fresh.
Product Smell (17%): Based on a significant number of customers, the general consensus is that the product has a lovely and pleasant smell.

Review topics: ["size","smell","weight","colour","results","quality","feels","issues","improvement","skin","packaging","price","texture","looks","oil","cleanser","face","bottle","eyes","makeup","fragrance","ingredients","irritation","removes","residue","consistency","breakouts","works","spots","redness"].

Review highlights

"Lovely cleansing oil which strips away makeup and makes your skin feel so soft." — JENNY E.
"Wonderful product, love the scent and it takes off stubborn eye make up effortlessly without drying my skin." — Rhona C.
"love this gentle cleanser, best one so far, doesn't dry out my skin, smells lovely and I love the color too :)" — Kristina E.

Reviews

"This is by far the best facial cleanser I’ve ever used. I have very dry skin. Even in the summer, my skin is flaky and tight feeling. Well, it used to be…the Light Work Cleanser packs a punch with the cleansing PLUS it keeps my skin hydrated during the summer without additional products. This is THE winner for me. Go ahead! Give it a whirl!"

— Jami (5/5)

Una neteja suau i agradable

"M’ha agradat molt! Té una textura molt agradable, elimina bé el maquillatge i la protecció solar i es retira fàcilment amb aigua. Deixa la pell suau i gens tibant. I l’olor m’encanta! És un producte que probablement repetiré."

— Altea R. (5/5)

My favourite

"Oily skin loves oils and to clean it is best with oil too. I love how good and gentle it cleans the skin and removes makeup and spf. I rarely use gel as second cleanse and have no breakouts. Been using it I think over 2 years in rotation with other oil cleanser that have got no essential oils and no fragrance as my skin sometimes reacts"

— Nataliia M. (5/5)

Don’t EVER change this !

"Please don’t EVER change this. I love this product and my skin feels like my favourite dog does when he rolls over in front of a warm fire after a cold walk .. it’s poetry"

— Mandy I. (5/5)

"My favourite cleanser, so gentle on my red, delicate skin."

— L (5/5)

Very effective

"This is by far the most effective cleanser I have ever used and I have used a LOT over the years! So easy to use, smells lovely and most importantly, leaves your skin feeling clean, fresh and not tight and uncomfortable. Truly lovely product. Since using Pai Skincare over the past 6 weeks my skin looks and feels AMAZING. Calm, fresh, revitalised. I can actually go makeup free (but with SPF of course!). So many people have commented on my lovely skin!"

— Vanessa (5/5)

This product easily gets all

"This product easily gets all my makeup off gently in them use the Phaze PHA Clarifying face wash. What a great combo."

— Pauline R. (5/5)

Really great cleanser

"Just a really great cleanser that can be used over the eyes, doesn’t sting, removes make up effectively & is in a bottle with a pump so easy to use"

— Rebecca M. (5/5)

My skin is so much clearer and more hydrated

"Great product. I find best results following up with a warm facecloth and then the Middlemist cleanser. The only cleanser(s) that’s worked for my hypersensitive, rosacea skin - ever! In my mid 20’s and have hardly had a spot or blemish since using this system. Particularly effective to use as a cleansing duo (effectively removes makeup & spf) and the positive impact on my skin quality has been an unexpected bonus."

— Genevieve V. (5/5)

Love this product!

"Love this product, my sensitive skin feels amazing. Customer service was also super lovely"

— Aysha D. (5/5)

Q&A

Can this be used as a cleanser on it's own or does it need to be part of a double cleanse? Did this product used to have almond oil in it?: Hi Anna! Our Light Work Cleansing Oil works well as part of a double cleanse to remove makeup and/or SPF but it can be used alone to remove dirt and impurities too. It hasn't ever contained Almond Oil but you may be thinking of our [Middlemist Seven Cream Cleanser](https://www.paiskincare.com/products/camellia-rose-gentle-hydrating-cleanser?srsltid=AfmBOorpTU25xOzM22M-UbuYGoxTE8fudHAKxt09H-k0NhAWmVCVkwFM). We hope this helps! Pai Customer Experience Team
Hello Pai team. I have recently started using the Light Work cleanser as my first cleanse and I am finding it removes my SPF well. I have been battling with acne for a while and was making some great progress, however have now noticed the reappearance of acne spots since starting to use the cleanser. This could just be a coincidence however I am wondering if I am perhaps using too much or whether the olive oil as the main ingredient is just too heavy for my skin? Any advice would be gratefully received :): Hi Caroline, We would love to help you on your skin journey. Could you kindly contact our customer support team where one of our skin coaches can help you further regarding the concerns you have? Pai Customer Experience Team
Hi, my pai cleanser seems to have an expiry date of 08/2022 on the box. I only just opened it today. Can I still use it or do I need to bin it? :(: Hi Nam, unfortunately we don't recommend using our products once they have passed the expiry date as the ingredients will have started to deteriorate and they will no longer be as effective. Pai Customer Experience Team
Would this be best used as a first or second cleanse? And could it be used twice for double cleansing. Thanks: Hi Hannah, thanks for your question! Our Light Work Cleansing Oil is best as the first cleanse in your double-cleanse routine to remove makeup and SPF. You can use it twice if you prefer or you can follow with our [Middlemist Seven Cream Cleanser](https://www.paiskincare.com/products/camellia-rose-gentle-hydrating-cleanser?utm_source=zendesk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=zendesk-email) to gently lift away dirt and impurities. We hope this helps! Pai Customer Experience Team
On the box it says avoid contact with eyes. How do you get mascara off then?: Hello Lynne! You can use the Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil to remove eye makeup, we just say to avoid direct contact to discourage applying product directly into your eyes. Gently massage the oil over and around the eyes, while keeping them firmly closed, to lift away mascara and eye makeup. Hope this helps! Jess, Pai Customer Experience Team.

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