The independent perfume line Aroma M has quietly expanded its catalogue to include a line of camellia oil-based skincare products, adding new items one by one. I’m already a devoted fan of the collection’s facial oil and hair oil, but the Camellia Cleaning Oil took me a while longer to try. That’s only because I’ve never cleansed with oils before, as much as I love them for post-washing treatment. I don’t know why; the time just had to be me right for me to experiment.

This product is “a rich emollient oil that penetrates deeply to draw out impurities and is suitable for all skin types.”  Its ingredients (all organic) are camellia seed oil, rice bran oil, golden jojoba oil, vitamin E, and essential oils of neroli, yuzu, rosemary, and frankincense. No silicones, no fillers, no synthetic preservatives!

Thanks to Aroma M, I now have a new evening cleansing routine that I alternate with my beloved Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I dampen my face with warm water, dispense the Camellia Cleansing Oil into the palm of my hand a drop or two at a time, and massage it slowly and gently into my facial skin. I rinse it off with warm water and a cotton pad or a muslin face cloth, pat my face dry with a towel, and then apply a facial oil or cream for overnight nourishment and hydration.

This oil has an almost silky texture. My skin seems to love it, and I enjoy the almost meditative experience of applying and massaging it. Aroma M recommends 5-6 drops per use, but like my friend Gaia (The Non-Blonde), I found that I needed to use more than that.

This cleanser is a small luxury, and one that gives lasting benefits. If you’re considering the “oil cleansing method,” this is a beautiful way to dip into it.

Aroma M Camellia Cleansing Oil is available in 100 ml bottles (as well as sample sizes) through the Aroma M website.

Product source: I received a trial-size bottle of this product as a press sample. I purchased a full-size bottle afterwards.

Images: Mary Cassatt, Woman Bathing (1890-91), via Metropolitan Museum of Art.