the objective of this invention is to provide an oil - based cleansing composition which retains high performance capability for cleansing , is free from the occurrence of cloudiness in the appearance and does not cause the reduction of the performance capability for massaging , even when water is interfused therein , and further is reduced in the irritation to an eye and is of good safety . an oil - based cleansing composition of this invention is characterized in that comprising a nonionic surfactant having a hlb of 6 to 14 , and an oil component , and said oil - based cleansing composition satisfies the following conditions and : the amount of water in the composition is less than 5 % by mass , and a micellar aqueous solution phase or a bicontinuous microemulsion phase is formed when said oil - based cleansing composition and water are mixed in the ratio of 4 : 6 .