Evening Calm – Natural Makeup Remover Oil

🌙 Why I Created Evening Calm

After long days filled with screen time, city dust, or just the ordinary chaos of life, my skin often felt tired—and my old store-bought removers didn’t help. Even those labeled as “gentle” left my face red or tight. I needed something that respected my skin’s natural balance—no more stinging eyes, no more dry patches.

So I started experimenting.

I wanted a makeup cleansing oil that would effortlessly melt away mascara and SPF, while wrapping my skin in calm. Something that felt like a small act of care at the end of the day.

And the answer was simple: cleansing oils.
They dissolve even waterproof makeup, glide smoothly over the skin without tugging, and—when made with the right plant oils—they nourish, soften, and protect. No more stripping, no more harsh ingredients. Just clean, soft, happy skin.

🌿 Why Oils Work So Well for Sensitive Skin

If you’ve ever experienced burning, stinging, or irritation from a traditional cleanser, you’re not alone. The skin on our face—especially around the eyes—is delicate. And harsh surfactants or alcohol-based removers often disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.

That’s where cleansing oils shine.

Oils are lipophilic—meaning they attract other oils, including sebum and makeup. When applied to dry skin, they gently break down foundation, sunscreen, mascara, and excess sebum, leaving the skin cleansed yet supple.

But not all oils are created equal.

For this formula, I chose:

• Sunflower Seed Oil – lightweight, non-comedogenic, and rich in vitamin E
• Refined Sweet Almond Oil – deeply nourishing yet gentle, perfect for reactive skin
• Durosoft PG4-O (Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate) – a mild natural emulsifier that allows the oil to rinse clean with water. This gentle emulsifier, Polyglyceryl‑4 Oleate (Durosoft PG4‑O), is the same one I featured in my DIY Rosemary Cleansing Body Oil, reinforcing its versatility and skin‑calming properties.

What about essential oils?
For this particular formula, I left them out completely. Since the oil is used around the delicate eye area, it’s best to avoid any potential irritation—especially when it’s not necessary. The plant oils in this blend already provide deep nourishment and cleansing power, without needing added fragrance.

However, if you’d like a subtle scent, you can add a cosmetic-grade natural fragrance that’s formulated for sensitive skin and approved for use near the eyes—just make sure it’s gentle and used at a very low concentration (like 0.5%).

Want to explore more about which oils to choose? Check out my Botanical Oil Guide or compare their pore-clogging potential in the Comedogenic Rating Guide.

🧴 Evening Calm – makeup remover oil

When formulating Evening Calm, my focus was simple: create a soothing skin cleansing oil that removes makeup—even the most stubborn makeup—without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Many commercial removers are effective, yes, but they often rely on harsh surfactants or alcohol that leave your skin feeling tight, irritated, or worse—out of balance.

Instead, I chose a minimalist blend of gentle, nourishing plant oils and one game-changing ingredient: Durosoft PG4‑O, a natural emulsifier that lets the oil rinse off with water, no greasy residue left behind. (You might remember it from my Rosemary Cleansing Body Oil—it’s a favorite for a reason.)

Here’s the exact formula I use for Evening Calm. It’s lightweight, effective, and ideal for sensitive skin types.

💧 Formula – Natural makeup cleansing oil

• Durosoft PG4-O (Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate) – 15%
  A gentle, naturally derived emulsifier that allows the oil to rinse off with water, turning it into a silky cleansing milk on contact. Perfect for skin cleansing without stripping.
• Refined Sweet Almond Oil – 50.5%
  Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, it nourishes the skin while helping to gently dissolve stubborn makeup.
• Sunflower Seed Oil – 33.5%
  A light, non-comedogenic plant oil that supports the skin barrier and works well for all skin types, especially sensitive and reactive ones.
• Vitamin E (Tocopherol) – 0.5%
  Helps preserve the formula and adds antioxidant benefits to soothe tired, irritated skin.
• Natural cosmetic fragrance (optional) – 0.5%
  If you enjoy a mild, calming scent, choose an eye-safe, hypoallergenic cosmetic fragrance. Otherwise, this oil works beautifully unscented.

🛠 How to Make It – Step by Step

Making your own makeup cleansing oil is simple, but proper technique makes all the difference—especially when working with natural emulsifiers like Durosoft PG4-O.

• Weigh your ingredients. Use a precise digital scale to measure each ingredient by weight. Start with Durosoft PG4-O, then add Sunflower Seed Oil, Refined Sweet Almond Oil, and finally Vitamin E (but don’t add it yet!).

• Combine the emulsifier and oils.
  Place Durosoft PG4-O and the two plant oils into a heat-safe beaker. Stir gently to combine.

• Heat the mixture.
  Warm the beaker in a water bath to about 70°C, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes fully uniform and homogenous. This step helps the Durosoft blend thoroughly into the oils.

• Remove from heat.
  Once everything is smooth and well combined, take the beaker out of the water bath.

• Cool slightly, then add Vitamin E.
  Allow the mixture to cool to around 40°C, then stir in Vitamin E. If you’re using a cosmetic fragrance, now’s the time to add it—no more than 0.5%.

• Bottle and label.
  Pour the finished oil into a clean, sterilized bottle (a glass pump or dropper bottle works best). Let it cool fully before sealing the container.

• Store properly.
  Keep in a cool, dark place. Use within 3 to 6 months for maximum freshness and performance.

🧼 How to Use makeup cleansing oil

Using Evening Calm is more than just a routine—it’s a mini ritual. This makeup cleansing oil gently dissolves makeup, unclogs pores, and nourishes your skin in the process. Here’s how to get the most out of it:

1. Start with dry hands and a dry face.
   Apply 3–4 pumps of the oil directly to your face. No water yet! Oil works best when it can bond with makeup and excess sebum first.
2. Massage slowly and mindfully.
   Use your fingertips to massage the oil into your skin in circular motions. Focus on areas with buildup or waterproof eye makeup. The oil will soften everything, making it easy to remove without rubbing or tugging.
3. Emulsify with water.
   Wet your hands with warm water and continue massaging. The oil will transform into a light milky texture thanks to the emulsifier, giving you an effective yet gentle skin cleansing experience.
4. Remove thoroughly.
   Wipe off with a soft, damp cloth or rinse well with lukewarm water. Your skin should feel clean, calm, and soft—never tight.
5. Follow with toner or balm (optional).
   If you’d like, apply a hydrating mist or soothing balm to seal in moisture and complete the ritual.

This cleanser is packed with nourishing ingredients, so it’s perfect for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin types—and it’s gentle enough to use around the eyes.

💚 A Slow Evening Ritual for Your Skin

Unlike foam or gel facial cleansers that often leave your skin feeling stripped, oil cleansers offer something different: balance. They work in harmony with your natural oil production, helping to cleanse without triggering dryness or irritation.

At the end of a long day, Evening Calm becomes more than just a cleanser—it’s a gentle ritual.

You apply the warm oil, close your eyes, and gently massage it in. It starts to dissolve makeup and impurities, even the most stubborn waterproof mascara or sunscreen, while the plant oils nourish and comfort your skin.

This slow rhythm encourages your nervous system to unwind. You’re not just removing the day’s buildup—you’re making space for rest, breath, and softness.

It’s ideal for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin types. And for anyone who wants to feel calm, clean, and cared for—without compromising the skin’s delicate barrier.

Finish with a hydrating toner or soothing balm, and you’ve created a full-circle moment of self-care.

🌿 Final Thoughts – End Your Day with Calm

Your evening routine doesn’t have to feel rushed or complicated. With the right blend of nourishing plant oils, you can turn even a simple cleanse into a grounding ritual.

Evening Calm isn’t just a facial cleanser—it’s a gentle companion for sensitive skin. It effortlessly removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime without disrupting your natural oil production or leaving residue that might clog pores.

Unlike some water-based cleansers that can strip the skin or dry it out, this formula respects your skin barrier. It’s especially comforting if you struggle with dryness, reactivity—or even oily skin that gets unbalanced by harsh products.

You’re in full control of what touches your skin, down to the last drop. And that’s the real beauty of DIY.

✨ Ready to try it? Let me know how Evening Calm feels on your skin—or explore more recipes with DIY Skincare Recipes.

Looking for a morning version? Don’t miss my Morning Green – Rosemary Cleansing Body Oil—perfect for awakening the senses.

And if you’re curious how to make your own infusions, this guide is for you: How to Make Herbal Macerates 🌿

🛍 Optional Purchase: Melvita Rose Milky Cleansing Oil

If you don’t feel like making your own cleansing oil—or you like the convenience of a ready-made product—consider Melvita Rose Milky Cleansing Oil:

• Organic wild rose extract + plant oils
• Emulsifies into a soft milk on contact with water
• Gently removes even stubborn waterproof makeup without leaving an oily film
• Vegan, COSMOS-organic certified, suitable for all skin types

It’s a lovely facial cleanser that complements Evening Calm—effortless to use when you need a quick, nourishing cleanse.

You can grab it from Melvita’s website or trusted retailers.

Thanks for spending this evening with me. 💚
May your skincare be slow, intentional, and full of calm.

Kristina