My Honest Take on the West&Month Pore Cleansing Oil: Is It Actually a Game-Changer?
Listen, I’ve been through the ringer with makeup removers. For years, I was that person using those scratchy makeup wipes that felt like sandpaper on my face. Then I moved to micellar water, which was okay, but I always felt like I was tugging at my eyelashes to get that stubborn waterproof mascara off. Finally, everyone on my feed started talking about “double cleansing” and “oil pulling” for your pores. I was skeptical. Putting oil on my already oily-combination skin sounded like a recipe for a breakout disaster.
But then I kept seeing the West&Month Pore Cleansing Oil pop up. It claimed to be gentle, moisturizing, and—most importantly—non-greasy. I decided to bite the bullet and give it a shot. Here is my totally unfiltered, honest experience after using it for the last three weeks.
First Impressions: The Texture and the Vibe
When the bottle arrived, the first thing I noticed was the packaging. It’s clean, functional, and has a pump that actually works (don’t you hate it when pumps squirt oil everywhere but your hand?). The price sits at $29.99, which I’ll be honest, felt a little steep compared to drugstore brands, but I was hoping the quality would justify the cost.
The texture is what really surprised me. I was expecting something heavy, like olive oil, but the West&Month Pore Cleansing Oil is incredibly lightweight. It’s almost silky. When I first pumped it into my dry hands, it felt more like a thick serum than a heavy cooking oil. It has this very faint, fresh scent—nothing overwhelming or “perfumy,” which is a massive plus for my sensitive nose.
I gotta say, the “slip” of this oil is incredible. You don’t have to pull at your skin at all. It just glides. I started massaging it into my dry face (this is key, don’t wet your face first!), and I could literally see my foundation and concealer just melting away into a beige slurry. It was gross but also strangely satisfying.
Does West&Month Really Work for Stubborn Makeup?
The real test for any cleanser is the “Eyes and Lips” test. I wear a long-wear matte lipstick that usually requires a prayer and a lot of scrubbing to remove. I also use a waterproof mascara that is notorious for leaving “raccoon eyes” the next morning even after washing.
I applied a little extra oil to my lashes and let it sit for about 30 seconds. I gently massaged my lids, and I’m not joking—the mascara just dissolved. No stinging. No blurry “oil eyes” that last for an hour. Just clean skin. The lipstick came off just as easily. It’s rare to find something that is gentle moisturizing for face, eyes & lips all in one go without causing some sort of irritation.
The Science Stuff (Simplified)
I’m not a chemist, but I did look into what’s actually in this stuff. It features something called Houttuynia extract. I had to Google that one. Apparently, it’s a plant extract known for being super soothing and rich in antioxidants. It’s probably why my face doesn’t feel tight or red after I wash it. It also contains butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which helps keep the formula stable and fresh.
The big claim here is “regulating oil.” You’d think putting oil on your face would make you oilier, but it’s actually the opposite. The West&Month Pore Cleansing Oil helps dissolve the “bad” oils (sebum and oxidized gunk) in your pores and replaces them with moisture. My T-zone has actually been less shiny during the day since I started using this at night. Can you believe that?
✅ Pros
- Melts waterproof makeup like butter
- Absolutely no stinging in the eyes
- Leaves skin feeling soft, not “squeaky” dry
- Houttuynia extract helps calm redness
- Lightweight, non-greasy finish after rinsing
❌ Cons
- $29.99 is a bit of an investment
- The bottle is plastic (I’d love glass for the price)
- Available mostly online, hard to find in local shops
How It Compares to the Competition
I’ve tried a few other oils in my time, so I figured a quick comparison would help you decide if this is the best pore cleansing oil for your specific needs.
| Feature | West&Month Oil | Typical Drugstore Oil | High-End Luxury Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $12.00 – $15.00 | $45.00+ |
| Texture | Silky & Lightweight | Can be heavy/greasy | Ultra-refined |
| Eye Safety | No sting, very safe | Often stings eyes | Usually safe |
| Key Ingredient | Houttuynia Extract | Mineral Oil base | Essential Oils |
The “Grit” Factor: Does It Really Clean Pores?
Here’s the thing—if you massage this oil into your nose and chin for about 2-3 minutes, you might start feeling these tiny little “grains” under your fingers. It’s gross, but it’s actually the hardened sebum being pulled out of your pores. Since I started using the West&Month Pore Cleansing Oil, the blackheads on my nose have visibly shrunk. They aren’t gone (I don’t think anything makes them disappear forever), but they are much less noticeable.
I also love how it emulsifies. When you add water, it turns into this milky liquid that washes away effortlessly. There’s no film left behind. I usually follow up with a very gentle water-based cleanser (the second step of double cleansing), and my skin feels buttery smooth afterward.
🎯 Who Should Buy This?
- The Heavy Makeup Wearer: If you use primer, foundation, and waterproof products, this will save your life.
- Sensitive Skin Types: If most cleansers leave you red and itchy, the Houttuynia extract in this is a game-changer.
- The “Congested” Skin Type: If you struggle with clogged pores but hate harsh scrubs, this is a much gentler way to clear them out.
Is it Worth the Price?
I know, $29.99 for a cleanser seems like a lot when you can get a giant bottle of something else for ten bucks. But here’s the thing: I use way less of this than I did with my old micellar water. Two pumps is all you need for your entire face. One bottle has lasted me three weeks and I’ve barely made a dent in it. Plus, the fact that it doesn’t irritate my eyes is worth the extra ten dollars alone. I’ve spent more on “luxury” oils that performed half as well as this one.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I
