Best Face Wash for Oily Skin to Effectively Cleanse

For anyone with oily skin, dealing with a good complexion and skin texture can be challenging because of the overproduction of oil. The great news is that there are plenty of oil-fighting products to keep your face looking supple and soft. However, if you don’t lay the foundation with the best face wash for oily skin, then all other products might not work.

Looking to find the perfect cleanser for your oily skin? Below are the 15 best face washes, their pros and cons, and a buying guide to help you know what features you should look out for when choosing a facial cleanser.

What Causes Oily Skin?

There are a variety of causes of oily skin, including;

• Genetics is one of the most popular causes of oily skin types because many people are born with active sebaceous glands that are responsible for producing oil. These glands are more active for younger people as the skin will become less oily the further you are from puberty.
• Climate and where you live can also play a massive role in how your skin is. For instance, the skin will be shinier if you stay in a more humid and hotter area.
• Wrong skin care products can also cause oily skin. Heavier and oily products may give an excess shine.

Are Face Washes for Oily Skin Worth It?

Yes. When it comes to taking care of oily skin, cleansing is one of the most crucial parts of the skin routine. A face wash or a cleanser for oily skin can help rebalance oily and acne-prone skin. In fact, mild acne can be managed using the best facial cleanser at least twice a day.

Here are the best face washes or cleansers for oily skin to help you soak up the excess oil and achieve a shine-free complexion. Whether you’re hoping to control sebum production, fight acne, or do both, the formulas in these cleansers will leave your skin feeling healthy and clean.

What is the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin?

#	Product Image	Product  Name	Amazon Price
1	[amazon fields=”B01N1LL62W” value=”thumb”]	CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Makeup Remover and Daily Face Wash
2	[amazon fields=”B00VMYKCL0” value=”thumb”]	Insta Natural Vitamin C Cleanser – Anti Aging Face Wash
3	[amazon fields=”B00QY1XZ4W” value=”thumb”]	Vanicream Facial Cleanser, Gluten and Sulfate-Free
4	[amazon fields=”B08CQDF382” value=”thumb”]	CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
5	[amazon fields=”B001E96OU6” value=”thumb”]	Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser
6	[amazon fields=”B008IEUERE” value=”thumb”]	Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser
7	[amazon fields=”B00L2BSI64” value=”thumb”]	Bioré Charcoal Daily Face Wash, Oil-Free Facial Cleanser
8	[amazon fields=”B004W24LQ6” value=”thumb”]	Burt’s Bees Face Cleanser, Facial Wash
9	[amazon fields=”B085S7NDYK” value=”thumb”]	Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser
10	[amazon fields=”B074QQDDT7” value=”thumb”]	Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash
11	[amazon fields=”B004CQXYYC” value=”thumb”]	Olay Cleanse Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser
12	[amazon fields=”B0015ZC13I” value=”thumb”]	Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel Cleanser
13	[amazon fields=”B00150GP3U” value=”thumb”]	La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream Cleanser
14	[amazon fields=”B00E4MOSS0” value=”thumb”]	Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash
15	[amazon fields=”B07SY6BQNT” value=”thumb”]	Beauty By Earth Foaming Face Wash, Peppermint Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser

1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Makeup Remover and Daily Face Wash

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Formulated using a blend of ceramides, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Makeup Remover and Daily Face Wash prevent the disruption of the skin barrier and gently cleanses to remove excess oil without stripping the skin or over-drying it. It is safe for use by all skin types, including oily skin, combination skin, dry skin, and sensitive skin types.

The formula features three essential ceramides for cleansing the skin. It doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped, repairing the protective barrier making it more resilient to future damage and early signs of aging. It also features hyaluronic acid to provide moisture and niacinamide that calms and soothes the skin. In addition, the sodium lauroyl lactylates give the cleanser its foaming consistency to help loosen skin impurities.

Pros

• Gentle and hydrating on the skin
• Affordable
• Fragrance-free, non-drying, non-irritating and non-comedogenic
• Maintains the skin’s natural barrier
• For all skin types

Cons

• Lacks specific oil fighting ingredients

2. Insta Natural Vitamin C Cleanser – Anti Aging Face Wash

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If you’re looking for a cleanser that does more than just deep cleanse the skin, the Insta Natural Vitamin C Cleanser – Anti Aging Face Wash might be the perfect choice for you. This gentle cleanser is formulated with Vitamin C extracts to rejuvenate your skin and improve the skin texture. Vitamin C also targets your acne breakouts and nourishes your skin as it recovers from skin inflammation caused by pimples.

It is also used as a brightening face wash to correct hyperpigmentation and get an even skin tone. It provides that healthy glow and effectively cleanses the skin to remove oil. Furthermore, it is free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and synthetic dyes, ensuring that this product is not harmful to your skin.

Pros

• Naturally derived ingredients
• Corrects hyperpigmentation
• Brightens the skin
• Minimizes pimples and blemishes
• Safe for use
• Anti-aging cleanser

Cons

• If used too much, it may dry out your skin

3. Vanicream Facial Cleanser, Gluten and Sulfate-Free

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The Vanicream Facial Cleanser, Gluten and Sulfate-Free is another real treat for your face, especially if you have sensitive skin. This is because it is completely natural and free from dyes, fragrances, parabens, botanical extracts, and formaldehyde. This cleanser will not only clear the clogged pores but also prevent your pores from clogging by keeping your pores tight and preventing impurities from causing breakouts and pimples.

Pros

• It helps remove oil, dirt, and makeup
• It won’t clog pores
• Sulfate-free and gluten-free
• Gentle on the skin
• Smooth and soft skin

Cons

• Has a chemical smell

4. CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

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Unlike other cleansers in the market today, the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is slightly more hydrating, making it an excellent option for everyday use. It offers the right balance between a gentle and very mild cleanser. In addition, it features a nice foaming action which makes it very effective in removing excess oil whenever your skin starts to feel a bit oiler, especially on a hot summer day.

The hyaluronic acid and amino acids complex support the natural moisturizing factors that are known to attract and retain moisture. It is also formulated using three essential ceramides to maintain and restore the skin’s natural barrier.

Pros

• Very hydrating on the skin
• Affordable
• Makeup removable
• A rich cream that transforms into a foam
• Removes excess oil and dirt

Cons

• Lacks specific oil-fighting ingredients

5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser

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Looking for an active acne-fighting cleanser? This Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser boasts an active formula that helps minimize the skin’s redness and unclog pores. Its formula features salicylic acid as well as aloe vera and chamomile extracts to keep your skin hydrated and fresh all day. If you’re prone to breakouts, this face wash will gently exfoliate the skin to remove the oil, dirt, and impurities.

The 2% salicylic acid, which is the maximum strength for an over counter product, helps clear out pores and minimize the whiteheads, blackheads, and sometimes milia. Another great ingredient in this exfoliating cleanser is beta hydroxy acid helps dissolve excess oil for both oily and sensitive skin.

Pros

• Effective oil fighting ingredients
• Affordable
• Micloclear technology to clear up blackheads and acne
• Oil-free, residue-free, and non-comedogenic formula
• Prevents future breakouts
• Gently cleanses the pores

Cons

• If overused, it can be a bit drying

6. Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser

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Designed to clean your face without overdrying it, the Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser is formulated with coconut oil and rich lather that strips off excess oil from your face leaving the skin soft. This foaming cleanser and hypoallergenic face wash remove all the dirt and excess sebum from your skin without having to worry about your skin looking dull. In addition, it features hydrating glycerin to provide the skin with the required moisture.

Pros

• Rich and gentle lather
• Leaves the skin looking refreshed and clean
• Doesn’t dry out the skin
• Thoroughly cleanses out the oil and dirt from the face
• Great for sensitive skin

Cons

• The coconut scent may be unpleasing to some people

7. Bioré Charcoal Daily Face Wash, Oil-Free Facial Cleanser

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The Bioré Charcoal Daily Face Wash is a purifying cleanser that comes with an oil-free and hypoallergenic formula which is great for oily skin. This means that this product won’t cause any form of irritation or breakouts on your skin. It is designed to deep cleanse and purify your skin, providing a gentle radiance and clearing the clogged pores, making the skin less prone to breakouts.

It is infused with Biore Skin Purifying technology and a deep cleansing natural charcoal that helps prevent the occurrence of new acne blemishes. In addition, its non-comedogenic cleansing molecules target the dirt and other impurities on the face for smooth and soft skin.

Pros

• Targets excess oil and dirt
• Purifies and detoxifies the skin
• Doesn’t strip the skin
• Energizes your skin
• Deep cleans the skin

Cons

• It has a menthol smell which might be unpleasant to some people

8. Burt’s Bees Face Cleanser, Facial Wash

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With the aloe and rice extracts that are infused in the Burt’s Bees Face Cleanser, Facial Wash, this product will leave the skin looking and feeling refreshed with every wash. It features all-natural ingredients making it a great option for sensitive and oily skin. It helps minimize the stuffy feeling and aggressive acne on your skin that causes irritation, leaving your skin radiant and fresh all day. It is a hypoallergenic cleanser that is dermatologist tested to be effective.

Pros

• Great for sensitive skin
• Provides intense moisture
• Leaves skin refreshed
• Soothe inflammation
• Doesn’t cause irritation or redness
• Gives a healthy-looking complexion

Cons

• Might not be able to remove some makeup

9. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser

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Another gentle and dermatologist tested cleanser is the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser which leaves your skin feeling fresh all day long. It is a great option for people with sensitive skin types and is highly reactive to cleansers and soaps. In addition, it contains hydrophobically modified polymers that clean and removes oil and dirt with no disruption of the outer layer of the skin.

This over-the-counter cream cleanser is very gentle whether you have acne, eczema, or rosacea. It is designed to clean out the face without irritating or stripping the skin. While it may seem better suited for dry and irritated skin, it has an oil-free formula which means it can also be used for oily skin.

Pros

• Oil-free, soap-free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergic formula
• Gentle for sensitive skin
• Effectively cleanses the skin
• No residue
• Doesn’t disrupt the natural moisture on the skin’s surface.

Cons

• Won’t foam or lather easily

10. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash

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Looking to improve the overall feel and look of your skin with an amazing oil-free cleanser? The Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash is designed to mattify your skin, reducing redness and irritation as well as clear out clogged pores that may cause more pimples. This product not only cleanses the face but also reduces the excess sebum on oilier skin.

It is one of the simplest micellar water to use since there is no rinsing or harsh rubbing to achieve refreshed skin. It is a powerful but gentle cleanser that provides an oily skin type with a matte finish. The naturally derived ingredients and matte formula leave the skin looking healthy and fresh.

Pros

• Naturally derived ingredients
• No drying
• Removes oils and makeup
• Mattifying formula
• Healthy and soft face

Cons

• Terrible smell

11. Olay Cleanse Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser

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If you want a face that pampers your sensitive skin or blemish-prone skin, the Olay Cleanse Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser is a great option. This product is chemical and fragrance-free and provides your skin with a gentle boost. This foaming cleanser features glycerin, a moisturizing agent that helps pull water from the air into your skin. For people who use stronger acne products that have ingredients such as retinoids, this cleanser is gentle enough to reduce the chances of drying out your face.

Pros

• Fragrance-free
• No irritation
• Glycerin for hydrating
• Removes dirt and oil effectively
• Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic

Cons

• A weird consistency

12. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel Cleanser

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For those who find a foaming cleanser too drying, the Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel is a gel cleanser that has moisturizing elements to cool the skin and balance it out. In addition, it features alpha hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes that exfoliate the impurities gently from the skin. This gel cleanser also includes citrus and papaya to help exfoliate the skin gently. The grapefruit in the formula will also help rejuvenate the skin with a brightening boost.

Pros

• Rejuvenates the skin
• Break down dead skin cells
• Leaves the skin clean
• Gives a brightening boost
• No drying or irritation

Cons

• Strong scent

13. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream Cleanser

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Known as the best cleanser for hyper oily skin, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream Cleanser is also the best face wash for oily skin. This foaming cleanser clears out the dead skin cells and works on common acne concerns like pimples, blackheads, and pimples.

It is formulated with zinc picolinate that helps cleanse the impurities and helps minimize the excess sebum production without drying the skin. This soap-free cleanser is designed with oily skin in mind, which means it can only be used for oily skin types.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Soap-free but lathers nicely.
• Thoroughly cleanses the skin
• A soft and creamy lather
• Minimizes acne and premature aging
• Compact design

Cons

• Not cruelty-free

14. Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash

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Since the Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash has a soap-free and oil-free formula that ensures excessive oil production is not provoked and reduces irritation on the skin, especially for sensitive skin. As one of the face washes for sensitive skin, this cleanser is made with gentle botanicals that help clean out makeup, dirt, and pollution off your face. In addition, it is formulated with purifying lemongrass, refreshing mint and aloe vera that soothes skin.

Pros

• Refreshing mint
• Clarify and clean the face
• Soothes the skin leaving it growing
• Dissolves makeup and dirt from the skin

Cons

• The scent may be irritating to some people

15. Beauty By Earth Foaming Face Wash, Peppermint Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser

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The Beauty By Earth Foaming Cleanser is formulated with essential oils and aloe vera gel to ensure no more breakouts. It gradually reduces the pimples and blemishes on your face. This sulfate-free cleanser will penetrate your pores for a deep cleanse and helps prevent excess oil production and sebum production. The aloe vera leaf juice will naturally draw out the toxins that help keep the breakouts away and tea tree oil for detoxification and anti-inflammatory properties.

Pros

• Naturally reduces blemishes
• Gives a glowing complexion
• Good quality ingredients
• Detoxification and anti-inflammatory properties
• Effectively dirt and oil from the face

Cons

• Not the best for acne skin

What Do You Consider Before Purchasing the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin?

1. Ingredients

Before buying a face wash, it is vital to check the ingredients used in the formula. It is advisable to choose face washes that have natural ingredients like aloe vera, papaya, and tea tree oil as they have a soothing effect and help balance the oil on the skin. Furthermore, check for ingredients such as BHA and AHA as they help prevent acne and give an exfoliating effect on the skin.

Avoid products with soap-based formulas as they will only cause tightness and dry out your skin. It is also essential to find a cleanser with no SLS and parabens.

2. Fragrance

When it comes to skincare, it is important to choose products that have fragrance-free formulas. This is because synthetic fragrances may cause skin redness, rashes, and irritation. Therefore, stay away from any face wash that has added fragrance or perfume.

3. Consistencies

Facial cleansers come in a wide range of options. While some of them have clean and gel-like consistencies, some others have a creamy and thick consistency. Before picking between the different consistencies, think about your skin type and skin tone since different consistencies will match different skin types. For people with oily skin, gel and foamy consistencies are the best.

Proper Skin Care for Oily Skin

For people who have an oily skin type, here are some essential tips you should consider in order to achieve healthy skin.

1. Wash Your Face Regularly to Remove Excess Oil and Dead Skin Cells

Washing your face regularly will not only clear out excess oil but also remove dead skin cells and regulate the amount of sebum on the skin. However, you need to choose the right cleanser or face wash to achieve these benefits. Luckily, we have reviewed some of the best face washes in the market today, and you can pick one from the list.

2. Apply a Face Mask

Oily skin, especially oily sensitive skin, requires proper care and using a good face mask will give your skin great improvements. Using a face mask at least twice a week can help reduce the effects of stress on your skin, improve skin appearance, and soothe your skin.

3. Use a Dry and Clean Towel

To dry your face after cleansing, use a clean and dry towel for patting your face dry. Never use a wet towel that you had used earlier or the previous day. Ensure your towel is dry and clean before using it to avoid additional breakouts.

4. Use a Moisturizer

Since a facial wash will strip the oil and dirt on your face, it is essential to use a moisturizer for oily skin. Once your face is cleaned and dried, apply a gentle moisturizer to restore the moisture in your skin and keep your skin looking soft.

Frequency Asked Questions (FAQs) on Face Washes

1. Is salicylic acid good for oily skin?

Yes, salicylic acid will break down the fatty compounds on the skin surface like the sebum or skin’s natural oils. People with oily skin should add salicylic acid to reduce sebum levels and help remove the excess oils on the skin.

2. How does one choose a face wash for oily skin?

When it comes to choosing a face wash for oily skin, you should consider a number of factors. First, avoid a face wash with alcohol or oil as it will only amplify the oily skin type. Second, if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin., use a salicylic-based cleanser twice a day to unclog pores and get rid of the excess oil.