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Astaxanthin, one of the most potent antioxidants used in cosmetic formulations, plus rosemary leaf extract (carnosic acid, carnosol) and vitamin E. Protection in every cleanse.
A five-component ceramide complex at the exact 2:1:0.001:1:1 molar ratio found in healthy skin. Built into the cleanser itself; not saved for your moisturizer.
Oil-based emulsification dissolves sunscreen and makeup at the surface. Rinses clean. No residue, no disrupted moisture barrier, no second cleanse required.
Dual ferment complex (Bacillus + Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate) and naturally preserved with Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate. No synthetic preservatives.
Formulated for the skin’s natural acid mantle. No alkaline disruption, no rebound sensitivity. Just clean skin that stays in balance after every rinse.
Every hero ingredient is backed by published, peer-reviewed research. Citations are listed on this page, not marketing claims.
Most cleansers remove what’s on your skin. This one protects what’s underneath while it works.
Clean skin that’s still protected. That’s the difference.
| Focus | Makeup and sunscreen removal · Barrier protection during cleansing |
| Skin Type | All skin types, including sensitive and dry |
| Key Concerns | Sunscreen residue, makeup buildup, post-cleanse tightness, barrier stripping |
| Texture | Lightweight oil → milky emulsion on contact with water |
| Key Actives | Chondrus Crispus · Ceramide Complex (NP + AP + EOP + Phytosphingosine + Cholesterol) · Astaxanthin · Mixed Tocopherols · Rosemary Leaf Extract |
| Use | PM first cleanse (daily), optional AM |
| Size | 5 fl oz / 150 mL |
| pH | 5.0–6.0 (balanced for skin) |
The Hydrating Oil Cleanser – Red Algae is the first step in the Leiba routine. Designed to clear the day without compromising what keeps your barrier intact.
The three-layer defense system:
Emulsifies on contact with water into a lightweight milk that rinses clean. No residue, no film, no tightness.
Packaging: Pump bottle for controlled dispensing. No air exposure to the formula.
Pro tip: Oil cleansers only work on dry skin. Wet hands or a wet face will cause the oil to emulsify before it’s had time to dissolve debris.
Step 1 · You are here
“I used to think cleansing was the boring step. Something you get through so you can apply the products that actually matter. I was wrong, and my skin paid for it.
I was using a foaming cleanser that left my face feeling “clean,” which I now know meant stripped. Every serum I applied after was fighting an uphill battle because the barrier underneath was compromised from the first step. When I switched to oil cleansing, the difference was immediate.
Same products, same routine, better results. Because the canvas was finally intact.
The formula I wanted didn’t exist. Most oil cleansers are just carrier oils with an emulsifier. I needed one that actually contributed something — red algae for conditioning, ceramides to replace what cleansing takes away, and an antioxidant system strong enough to matter at the rinse-off stage. Astaxanthin was the answer. Up to 6,000 times more potent than vitamin C; not as a marketing claim, but as published antioxidant data.
This is Step 1 for a reason. Everything after it works better because of it.”
Oil dissolves oil. Sunscreen, makeup, and sebum are oil-based — water-based cleansers can’t fully dissolve them. A clinical study found cleansing oil left only 5.8% sunscreen residue versus 36.8% for foaming cleanser.¹ It also caused less dryness. If you wear SPF daily, an oil cleanser is the only first step that actually works.
This emulsifies with water and rinses clean — most people don’t need a second cleanser. If you wear heavy or waterproof makeup, a follow-up with a gentle water-based cleanser can help. For daily sunscreen and light makeup, this is enough.
No. The formula emulsifies completely on contact with water — it doesn’t leave an oil film. Oil cleansing actually helps clear congestion because it dissolves the sebum plugs that clog pores. The ceramides support barrier function, which reduces the reactivity that leads to breakouts.
Yes. This formulation is fragrance-free. No essential oils, no lavender, no citrus extracts. Chondrus crispus has published anti-inflammatory properties. The ceramide complex mimics what healthy skin produces naturally. Patch test if your skin is highly reactive, but this was formulated with sensitive skin as the baseline.
Yes, but it’s most valuable as a PM first cleanse when you have a full day of sunscreen, makeup, and environmental debris to remove. In the morning, your skin only has overnight sebum — a gentler rinse or even water alone may be sufficient. That said, if your skin feels better with an AM oil cleanse, it won’t cause any harm.
DHC is olive oil-based with a simple formula — effective at removal but doesn’t contribute actives. Banila Co uses synthetic esters with some botanical extracts. Neither contains ceramides, astaxanthin, or red algae. This formula doesn’t just clean — it protects the barrier and delivers antioxidants during the cleansing step. Different price point, different formulation philosophy.
¹ Chen et al. The optimal cleansing method for the removal of sunscreen. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020;19(3):580–586. PubMed ID: 31157512.
² Lomartire S, et al. An Update on the Chemical Constituents and Biological Properties of Selected Species of an Underpinning Genus of Red Algae — Chondrus. Marine Drugs. 2024;22(1):47. PMC10817618.
³ Ishida K, et al. Clinical significance of the water retention and barrier function improvement of ceramide-containing preparations. The Journal of Dermatology. 2022;49(5):e157–e167. PMC9293121.
⁴ Donoso A, et al. The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions. Molecules. 2022;27(21):7167. PMC9655540.
⁵ Wang Y, et al. Effects of a Ceramide-Containing Glycinate-Based Cleanser on Skin Barrier Function. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025. PMC12268312.
1Chen et al. The optimal cleansing method for the removal of sunscreen: water, cleanser or cleansing oil? J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(3). doi:10.1111/jocd.12995. — Oil cleansing left 5.8% waterproof-sunscreen residue vs 36.8% for foaming cleanser.
2López-Hortas L, Torres MD, Falqué E, Domínguez H. Physicochemical Evaluation of Personal Care Products Developed with Chondrus crispus Fractions. Marine Drugs. 2022;20(11):695. doi:10.3390/md20110695. PMC9692426. — Chondrus crispus antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-inflammatory activity
3Spada F, et al. A daily regimen of a ceramide-dominant moisturizing cream and cleanser restores the skin permeability barrier in adults with moderate eczema: a randomized trial. Dermatologic Therapy. 2021;34(3):e14970. doi:10.1111/dth.14970. PMC8459234. · Kono et al. Clinical significance of the water retention and barrier function-improving capabilities of ceramide-containing formulations: a qualitative review. J Dermatol. 2021. PMID: 34596254. — Ceramide formulations improve barrier function and reduce TEWL (review of 12 studies).
4Es-Sai B, et al. Gamma-Tocopherol: A Comprehensive Review of Its Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Properties. Molecules. 2025;30(3):653. doi:10.3390/molecules30030653. · Loussouarn M, et al. Carnosic Acid and Carnosol, Two Major Antioxidants of Rosemary, Act through Different Mechanisms. Plant Physiol. 2017;175(3):1381–1394. PMID: 28916593. · Astaxanthin antioxidant review, PMC9655540. — Antioxidant shield: tocopherols, rosemary diterpenes, and astaxanthin.
5Preservation efficacy demonstrated by ISO 11930 Criterion A challenge testing (formulation data). — Dual-ferment system; microbiome-supporting.
