Oily skin can be a real struggle to deal with, especially when it comes to finding the right facial wash.
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are truly effective at controlling oil and preventing breakouts.
As well as causing acne breakouts, oily skin can also lead to various other skin issues and concerns, such as enlarged pores, skin irritation, an excessive shine to the skin, and a dull complexion.
This is why it is so important to manage oily skin and keep it under control to prevent these issues from developing or worsening (see also "Best Sunscreen For Oily Skin").
As mentioned, finding the right facial wash for your oily skin can be a challenge, but that's where we come in!
In this article, we are going to be looking at some of the best facial washes for oily skin, based on their ingredients, effectiveness, and customer reviews.
Whether you're dealing with occasional shine or persistent acne, we've got you covered with options that will leave your skin feeling fresh, clean, and balanced.
The Best Oily Skin Facial Washes
Below is our hand-picked list of six particularly noteworthy choices when it comes to facial washes specifically for oily skin.
No matter what kind of issues you are facing with your oily skin, you are sure to find a choice that suits you from our list! With this in mind, let's take a closer look at each option.
EDITORS CHOICE
BEST VALUE
OUR TOP PICK
Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash is a gentle yet effective facial wash that is specifically designed for those with oily skin.
This foam wash contains zinc technology, which helps to control and reduce excess oil production, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean.
One of the things that sets Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash apart is its gentle formula.
It is free from harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and parabens, and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores.
This makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin, as it won't cause any irritation or redness.
Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash is a fantastic option for those looking for a gentle yet effective facial wash that will leave their oily skin feeling clean, refreshed, and balanced.
Pros
- A gentle and non-irritating formula that is suitable for sensitive skin
- Contains zinc technology that helps control and reduce excess oil production
- Removes dirt, impurities, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture
- Leaves the skin feeling fresh, clean, and balanced
- Free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates and parabens
- Non-comedogenic and won't clog pores
Cons
- May not be as effective for those with severe or persistent acne
- May not lather as much as other foam cleansers, which some users may find unsatisfying
EDITORS CHOICE
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne and Redness Facial Cleanser is a fantastic option for those dealing with acne-prone, oily skin.
This cleanser is specially formulated to clear breakouts and reduce redness, leaving your skin looking and feeling its best.
One of the key features of this facial cleanser is its oil-free formula, which helps to control and reduce excess oil production, a common culprit of acne breakouts.
It also contains salicylic acid, a powerful ingredient that helps to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin, leaving it smoother and clearer.
In addition to its acne-fighting properties, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne and Redness Facial Cleanser is also gentle and soothing on the skin.
It contains chamomile and aloe vera, which help to calm and reduce any redness or irritation, leaving your skin feeling comfortable and balanced.
This is a great choice of facial wash for oily skin for those looking to clear up acne breakouts and reduce redness, without drying out or irritating their skin.
Its gentle yet effective formula will leave your skin looking and feeling its best.
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid, a powerful ingredient that helps to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin
- Helps to control and reduce excess oil production, which is a common cause of acne breakouts
- Soothes and calms the skin with chamomile and aloe vera, reducing redness and irritation
- Oil-free formula won't clog pores or cause breakouts
- Gentle enough for daily use
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with sensitive skin, as salicylic acid can be drying and irritating
BEST VALUE
This next choice is well suited to those with oily or combination skin who are looking for a deep yet gentle cleanser.
This luxurious cleanser contains a unique blend of ingredients that work together to purify and refine the skin.
The red clay within this cleanser is a key feature, as it helps to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin, leaving it deeply cleansed and refreshed.
It also contains rosemary leaf oil, which helps to invigorate and stimulate the skin, promoting a healthy, radiant complexion.
In addition to its purifying properties, First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Deep Cleanser with Red Clay is also incredibly gentle on the skin.
It contains aloe vera, which helps to soothe and calm any irritation or redness, as well as glycerin, which helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Deep Cleanser with Red Clay is an excellent choice for those with oily or combination skin who are looking for a deep yet gentle cleanser.
Its unique blend of ingredients works to purify and refine the skin, while also leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Pros
- Contains red clay, which helps to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin
- Rosemary leaf oil helps to invigorate and stimulate the skin, promoting a healthy, radiant complexion
- Aloe vera helps to soothe and calm any irritation or redness
- Glycerin helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple
- Free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Can be expensive compared to other facial cleansers on the market
RUNNER UP
This next facial cleanser is another excellent choice for oily skin as well as sensitive or combination skin.
This fragrance-free cleanser is specifically formulated to remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser is known for its ability to purify the skin without causing irritation or dryness.
It contains prebiotic thermal water, which helps to soothe and hydrate the skin, as well as niacinamide, which helps to reinforce the skin's protective barrier, improving its overall health and resilience.
As well as being free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates, soap, and fragrance, making it a great option for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser is a great option for those with sensitive or combination skin who are looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser.
Its unique blend of ingredients works to purify and hydrate the skin, while also reinforcing its natural protective barrier.
It's also free from harsh chemicals, making it a safe and gentle option for those with reactive skin.
Pros
- Gentle yet effective formula that removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture
- Contains prebiotic thermal water and niacinamide to soothe, hydrate, and reinforce the skin's protective barrier
- Fragrance-free and free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates and soap, making it a safe option for those with sensitive or reactive skin
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores or cause breakouts
- Creates a luxurious, foaming lather that feels refreshing and invigorating on the skin
Cons
- May not remove heavy or waterproof makeup as effectively as some other cleansers
- Can be more expensive than some other facial cleansers on the market
RUNNER UP
Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Face Wash is a popular option for those with oily or acne-prone skin who are looking for a deep cleansing and purifying experience (see also "Best Face Wash For Dry Skin").
This face wash features natural charcoal, which helps to draw out impurities and unclog pores, leaving the skin feeling fresh and clean (see also "Best Face Wash For Men").
It's also infused with skin-purifying technology, which helps to control excess oil and prevent breakouts.
One of the great things about this facial wash is its versatility, as it can be used as a daily cleanser to help maintain clear skin or as a deep cleansing mask to give your skin a more thorough detox.
Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Face Wash is a fantastic option for those looking for a deep cleansing and purifying experience.
It's natural charcoal and skin-purifying technology work together to control oil and prevent breakouts, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean.
Plus, its versatility as both a daily cleanser and a deep cleansing mask makes it a great addition to any skincare routine.
Pros
- Contains natural charcoal, which helps to draw out impurities and unclog pores
- Infused with skin-purifying technology to control excess oil and prevent breakouts
- Versatile product that can be used as a daily cleanser or a deep cleansing mask
- Provides a deep cleansing and purifying experience, leaving the skin feeling fresh and clean
Cons
- Some users may not like the texture of the product, which is quite thick and sticky
RUNNER UP
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a gentle yet effective cleanser that is designed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
It's formulated with ceramides, which help to restore the skin's natural barrier and retain hydration, as well as niacinamide, which helps to calm and soothe the skin.
This cleanser creates a rich, foaming lather that feels luxurious on the skin and rinses away easily, leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed.
It's also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts.
One of the great things about CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is that it's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
It's also gentle enough to use both morning and night and can be used in conjunction with other CeraVe skincare products for a complete skincare routine.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a fantastic option for those looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser that won't strip the skin of its natural moisture.
The ceramide and niacinamide formula helps to restore the skin's natural barrier and soothe irritation, making it a great choice for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Formulated with ceramides and niacinamide to help restore the skin's natural barrier and soothe irritation
- Creates a rich, foaming lather that cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture
- Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, which means it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts
Cons
- While it is fragrance-free, some users may still experience irritation or sensitivity due to other ingredients in the formula
Best Face Wash For Oily Skin Buyer’s Guide
Now that we have looked at some of the best options when it comes to an oily skin facial cleanser, let's now take a look at the features that you need to look out for when it comes to picking out the right facial wash for you.
Oil Control
A face wash designed for oily skin should be able to effectively control excess oil production without stripping the skin of its natural moisture (see also "Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin").
Look for products that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or clay, which can help to regulate oil production.
Non-Comedogenic
Make sure that the face wash is non-comedogenic, which means that it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts. This is especially important if you have acne-prone skin.
Gentle Formulation
While it's important to control excess oil, you don't want to use a face wash that is too harsh and can damage the skin's natural barrier.
Look for products that are formulated with gentle ingredients such as natural extracts or soothing oils.
pH-Balance
A face wash with a pH-balanced formulation can help to maintain the skin's natural pH balance, which can prevent the overproduction of oil.
Fragrance-Free
Fragrances can irritate the skin, which can cause inflammation and oil production. Look for fragrance-free products to avoid these issues.
Suitability For Your Skin Type
When selecting a facial wash for oily skin, it is important to consider its suitability for your specific skin type.
Oily skin can be accompanied by other skin concerns such as acne, sensitivity, and aging, and it is important to choose a product that is tailored to address these concerns while also controlling excess oil.
For oily and acne-prone skin, look for a face wash that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these ingredients can help to control oil and prevent breakouts.
Avoid harsh scrubs or cleansers with beads that can further irritate the skin.
For sensitive and oily skin, choose a gentle, non-irritating facial wash that does not contain harsh ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, or fragrances.
Look for a product with natural, soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
For mature oily skin, a facial wash that contains ingredients like glycolic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help to exfoliate and brighten the skin while also controlling excess oil.
Avoid products with harsh abrasives that can damage the skin.
Choose a facial wash that is designed for combination skin if you have this, as this type of skin can be oily in some areas and dry in others.
Look for a product that contains gentle cleansing agents and ingredients that balance the skin, like witch hazel or tea tree oil.
Price
Price is also an important consideration when choosing a face wash for oily skin. While there are many affordable options available at drugstores, some high-end brands can be more expensive.
However, it's important to remember that price doesn't always indicate the quality of the product.
Whilst setting up and maintaining your budget is a necessity, don't forget to focus on the features and ingredients that are most effective for oily skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Oily Skin?
Oily skin is caused by an overproduction of sebum, which is natural oil produced by the skin. Sebum is necessary to keep the skin moisturized and healthy, but when too much is produced, it can lead to oily skin.
This can be influenced by genetics, hormones, and other factors. Other factors that can contribute to oily skin include stress, diet, and certain medications.
Can I Use A Face Wash For Oily Skin If I Have Sensitive Skin?
Yes, there are many face washes designed for oily skin that are also suitable for sensitive skin.
Look for gentle formulations that don't contain harsh ingredients such as alcohol or fragrances.
Should I Use A Toner With My Oily Skin Facial Wash?
Definitely! Using a toner after washing your face can help to further remove impurities and control oil.
Look for toners that are designed for oily skin and don't contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients.
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