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?

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

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin with...

• [ FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER ] Dispenses as a clear gel cleanser and transforms into a foam as you lather. Cleanses without leaving skin...
• [NON- DRYING FACE CLEANSER] Fragrance-free, paraben free, non-comedogenic, non-drying, and non-irritating. Gently refreshes and effectively...
• [ MULTI-USE SKIN CARE ] Skin Cleanser for face and/or body and can be used as a hand wash. Suitable for daily cleansing morning (AM) and...
• [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products,...
• [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS & #1 DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED SKINCARE BRAND ] CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and has...

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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.

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

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InstaNatural Vitamin C Face Wash, Anti Aging Face Wash and Exfoliating...

• Vitamin C Cleanser refines skin tone and texture, hydrates and refreshes, decreases the appearance of blackheads and pores, and helps reduce...
• Ingredients: Infused with the natural antioxidant Vitamin C and extracts such as Green Tea, Chamomile, and Sugar Cane, our face wash defends...
• What to Expect: 89% of customers said they felt an overall improvement in skin after using our cleanser. It is the ultimate facial cleanser...
• Best Paired With: Our face cleanser pairs perfectly with InstaNatural's Vitamin C Serum and Vitamin C Moisturizer for the ultimate...
• InstaNatural Core Clean Promise: Our skin care products are formulated without 1500+ ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, synthetic...

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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.

3. Vanicream Facial Cleanser, Gluten and Sulfate-Free

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Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser with Pump Dispenser - 8 fl oz -...

• Gentle cleansing: Effective, yet gentle to sensitive skin, this face cleanser helps remove dirt, oil and makeup without drying the skin;...
• Ingredients for sensitive skin: Formulated to avoid common chemical irritants and harsh cleansing agents; betaine-free, gluten-free,...
• Soothing formula: Free of sulfates, dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers
• Dermatologist tested: This non-comedogenic cleanser won’t clog pores; awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association
• Please note: There are no fragrances or masking fragrances in Vanicream products, but there may be a slightly different aroma to each batch;...

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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.

4. CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

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CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser | Hydrating Makeup Remover and...

• [ ALL-IN-ONE FACIAL CLEANSER ] One-step skin care for daily facial cleansing, face and eye makeup removal while providing long-lasting...
• [ CREAM CLEANSER TO FOAMING CLEANSER ] Dispenses as a rich cream and transforms into a foam as you lather into skin. Non-drying formula,...
• [ DRY SKIN FACE WASH ] Formulated with hyaluronic acid and amino acids to support skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), known to...
• [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products,...
• [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS & #1 DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED SKINCARE BRAND ] CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and has...

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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.

5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser

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Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Face Wash, Daily Cleanser with...

• 9.1-fluid ounce pump bottle of Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash with 2% salicylic acid acne treatment to help fight and prevent acne...
• This unique formula gently cleanses deep down into pores with conditioners while salicylic acid acne treatment helps prevent future...
• Oil-free cleanser features a clinically proven MicroClear technology to help boost delivery of salicylic acid, an acne medication to help...
• Residue- and oil-free formula is non-comedogenic so it won't clog pores. This daily acne face wash also rinses clean without over drying or...
• Use this acne face wash as part of a daily skincare routine. Consider this product if you've liked cleansers from Proactiv, Clearasil,...

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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.

6. Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser

Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser, Oil-Free Daily Face...

• 8-fluid ounces of Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser to gently and effectively cleanses skin without over-drying
• Daily face wash works to removes dirt, oil and makeup for skin that is clean, refreshed and healthier looking
• Intended for daily use, this face cleanser features ingredients derived from coconut oil and washes away impurities while rinsing clean for...
• This face wash has a gentle, yet rich lather to help prevent breakouts and features a unique oil-free formula that leaves skin feeling clean...
• Recommended as part of a 3-step routine with Clean & Clear Essentials astringent & moisturizer, use this facial cleanser by mixing with...

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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.

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

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.

8. Burt's Bees Face Cleanser, Facial Wash

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Burt's Bees Face Cleanser, Facial Wash for Sensitive Skin, Natural...

• SENSITIVE SKIN: Burt’s Bees sensitive skin facial cleanser is clinically shown to provide moisture without causing redness or irritation,...
• NATURAL FACE CLEANSER: Infused with rice extracts and aloe vera, Burt’s Bees 98;9% natural origin fragrance-free sensitive face cleanser...
• DERMATOLOGIST TESTED: Burt’s Bees hypoallergenic cleanser face wash for sensitive skin is Dermatologist and allergy tested, and was...
• BURT'S BEES SKIN CARE: Use Burt’s Bees facial cleanser wash as a part of your daily Burt's Bees 5 product sensitive face care regimen for...
• #1 Dermatologist Recommended Natural Skincare Brand

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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.

9. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser

Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

• 5.8-fluid ounce bottle of Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleansing Face Wash for sensitive skin that gently and effectively cleanses skin...
• Our effective yet gentle facial cleanser washes away dirt, oil, and bacteria and removes makeup while leaving skin feeling soft and clean....
• From a dermatologist recommended skincare brand, this gentle foaming facial cleanser is designed specifically for sensitive skin
• Featuring an oil-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formula, this extra gentle foaming face wash is clinically proven to be...
• Unlike other cleansers that can leave behind residue, this gentle daily face wash rinses completely clean and combines the superior...

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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.

10. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash, For Oily Skin, 6.7 fl...

• Mattifying Micellar Foaming Cleanser For Oily Skin: Use as a facial cleanser in the AM and as a makeup remover in the PM, This cleanser...
• Mattifying Micellar Foaming Cleanser is powerful yet gentle; It's simple, micellar foaming cleanser lifts away dirt, makeup, and excess oil...
• Our Best Micellar Water For You: You've seen Garnier micellar waters on the Best Drugstore Makeup Remover lists; Which Micellar Water is...
• Garnier SkinActive was developed with gentle formulas and naturally derived ingredients to leave your skin looking fresh and healthy, no...
• Commited to making Garnier a greener beauty brand: As a leading global beauty brand, we aspire to create a positive impact by paving the way...

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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.

11. Olay Cleanse Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser

Olay Cleanse Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin,...

• Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser formula created to address the special needs of sensitive skin types
• Formula, with glycerin, gently cleanses away dirt and impurities without causing irritation
• The rich, foamy lather leaves your skin feeling fresh and looking clear
• 100% fragrance-free formula that's suitable for sensitive skin types
• Dermatologist-tested, oil-free and soap-free

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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.

12. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel Cleanser

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel for All Skin Types| Oil-Free Face...

• [DEEP-CLEANSING, DAILY FACE CLEANSER] for all skin types
• [LEAVES YOUR SKIN LOOKING] bright and refreshed
• [FORMULATED] With PAPAYA & GRAPEFRUIT to help remove excess oil and dulling surface impurities
• [FREE FROM] sulfates, phthalates and gluten, as well as vegan, cruelty-free and made in the USA
• Removes the day’s make-up, dirt and oil without drying the skin.

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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.

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

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Facial Cleanser, Cream...

• Helps deeply cleanse, unclog and shrink pores without over-drying skin
• Transforms into a soft, rich foam which rinses off easily
• This cream cleanser for oily skin helps to cleanse skin thoroughly and visibly minimize the look of pores while removing excess oil.
• Gentle enough for everyday use, safe for sensitive skin
• Formulated with Salicylic Acid known for its effective exfoliating properties to help clear and refine the appearance of pores. An ideal...

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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.

14. Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash

Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash - Deep Cleans and Refreshes for Normal...

• This invigorating foaming face wash dissolves away dirt and makeup
• 100% oil-free and soap-free
• Gentle botanicals clean and clarify
• Refreshing mint, purifying lemongrass and soothing aloe leave skin simply clean, simply glowing
• Just right for normal to oily skin

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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.

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

Foaming Face Wash - Made with Organic Ingredients, Peppermint Tea Tree...

• Reduce blemishes naturally: By combining soothing natural ingredients, our foaming face wash eradicates impurities that cause acne and other...
• Cleanse with foam for a glowing complexion: Because the foaming face wash penetrates the skin at a deep level, it will pressure wash your...
• Only the good stuff: You don’t have to jeopardize your skin health by using products with low quality or worse - damaging ingredients....
• No more breakouts: Caused from over-drying your skin. Forget cleansers that only work for certain people. Our facial cleanser is formulated...
• Love it or let us know: We know you’re gonna love what our foaming face wash can do. Experience the benefits for yourself, risk-free: If...

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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.

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.