People with oily skin often need to wash their face more often than people with dry, normal, or combination skin. This is not necessary if you use one of the best facial cleansers for oily skin that cleanses and absorbs excess oil without leaving your skin completely dry. Many options, including our top pick (Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Cleansing Gel), also help control future oil production over time with ingredients like salicylic acid.
But no two people have the same needs, even if they both have naturally oily skin. This is because, in addition to being oily, some people also have more sensitive or acne-prone skin (this is a common association). Budget can also play a role when looking for a new cleanser for oily skin, and luckily there are plenty of great options on both fronts. Read on to discover the best facial cleansers for oily skin.
Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Cleansing Gel with AHA/BHA
This oily-skinned (and acne-prone) writer has tried many face washes, and Dr. Dennis Gross is a no-brainer. First, the foaming gel formula uses alpha-hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate surface cells (and prevent clogged pores). Plus, it uses salicylic acid – a favorite ingredient of both experts in this article – to balance oil levels and remove excess sebum from pores, preventing shine and flaking. Despite its hard work (and the tingling sensation you may experience during its effects), you can use it twice a day to keep oil levels in check without irritating your skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar cleansing treatment gel
If you're looking for an affordable cleanser that thoroughly cleanses and keeps pores clear, La-Roche Posay with Salicylic Acid and Lipohydroxy Acid is a great option to completely remove dead skin cells and prevent future blockages. It is a serious enemy of blackheads and is also very hydrating and nourishing compared to other drugstore cleansers.
La Mer cleansing foam
La Mer Foaming Face Wash contains the brand's Miracle Broth Complex, which in this cleanser helps revitalize and stimulate the skin, firming it and fighting dullness. While you don't find a list of oil-busting ingredients (like salicylic acid or clay) in this recipe, remember that your cleanser doesn't have to be the main ingredient that increases the oiliness of your skin. Instead, oils should be rinsed off gently without drying out the skin or running the risk of sebum buildup or acne. From this perspective, La Mer's nutrient-rich, skin-soothing formula is perhaps the most impressive on this list.
CeraVe SA Update Cleaner
CeraVe will forever be a favorite among dermatologists, and Dr. Zenovia describes herself as a fan of salicylic acid-based cleansers in gel foam form. “This is a great, economical product that can be used on a daily basis to combat oil,” he says. This is ideal if your skin varies between oily and normal, or if it's oily in some areas and dry or normal in others (also called combination skin). Like all CeraVe products, this formula is enriched with ceramides which help maintain skin moisture levels and act as a defense against toxins.
Clay for cleaning cardboard
Cardon's signature facial cleanser has two main ingredients. It uses skin-softening clay, creating a soothing foam that penetrates deep into pores to draw out excess oil and remove surface impurities, while maintaining moisture levels. Secondly, there's the brand's popular ingredient, aloe vera extract, which soothes the skin, perhaps even better than aloe vera itself.
Murad cleaning detergent
Murad's Daily Cleanser contains a moderate dose of salicylic acid, which helps keep pores clear and skin soft without drying it out. Maintaining this balance helps regulate oil production and keeps skin hydrated, but not too moist. Soothes and fights hyperpigmentation with the addition of green tea extract.
Dermalogica daily microfoliant
doctor. Zenovia loves Dermalogica Daily Cleanser because it gently exfoliates the skin with salicylic acid while reducing acne and excess sebum. This cleanser is made of rice powder and cream mixed with water in your hands. This product also contains papaya extract, colloidal oatmeal and white tea to make your skin smoother and brighter.
Kate Somerville Daily Acne Cleanser
Sulfur is one of Dr. Zenovia's recommended active ingredients that can be used to prevent and reduce the appearance of acne and reduce the oil content in the skin. Kate Somerville's gentle, clinically effective sulfur cleanser is our favorite for its breathable formula. Contains oat extract to absorb excess sebum and balance sebum production, as well as plant extracts to soothe skin and prevent irritation.
Why you should trust the reliable Forbes magazine
The Forbes Verified Beauty team has extensive experience reviewing the best skincare products in various categories. Author Adam Hurley has been covering skincare topics like acne cleansers and the best moisturizers for men for a decade. In this article we draw on the expertise of dermatologist Dr. Asmi Sanghvi and Dr. Zenovia Gabriel analyzes the key ingredients to consider and avoid when choosing the best facial cleanser for oily skin. Jane Song, Senior Beauty Editor, who edited this article, has conducted extensive research on old and new beauty brands in a variety of categories for more than a decade.
We update this article regularly to check pricing accuracy and availability. We also review our product selection and review customer reviews. In the November 2023 update, we added three new products: our top picks from Dr. Dennis Gross, La Mer Luxury Facial Cleanser, and Cardon Sensitive Cucumber.
How we chose the best cleansers for oily skin
In our exhaustive search for the best facial cleanser for oily skin, we tested several options – and continue to do so as new versions emerge – and studied product reviews and ratings. When making our choices, we also consider price, ingredients and recipe variations. Finally, we've gathered the best product recommendations from experts Sanghvi and Gabriel to ensure our list includes picks from the most professional and trustworthy sources.
What should you consider when washing your face if you have oily skin?
If you have oily skin, you should pay attention to the most important ingredients when cleansing your face. Here you can find out what you should pay attention to.
equality
Sanghvi highly recommends gel or foam formulas for people with oily skin. She also recommends avoiding cream or milk cleansers when checking for oil, as they're better suited to dry skin.
Ingredients to avoid
When choosing the best cleanser for oily skin, it's important to know which ingredients to avoid—perhaps even more important than knowing which ingredients to look for. Sanghvi specifically suggests avoiding mineral oil and lanolin. Mineral oil can clog pores and make oily skin worse, and lanolin is a heavy, oily ingredient that can trap dirt and oil in your pores, she says. Speaking of clogged pores, there's another ingredient you should avoid if you're especially prone to acne. “Coconut oil and cocoa butter are full of heavy ingredients that clog pores, and isopropyl myristate can increase the penetration of other ingredients that clog skin pores and cause acne,” says Sanghvi.
Main component
When it comes to ingredients you'll need in a cleanser for oily skin, at the top of the list is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates pores to balance oil levels and clear clogged pores . Other popular choices include charcoal and clay for their cleansing and pore-refining properties.
Sanghvi points out a few additional ingredients that make great cleansers: niacinamide, tea tree oil, and green tea extract. “Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation and improve the skin's barrier function,” she said. “Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great ingredient for acne-prone skin. Finally, green tea extract is rich in antioxidants that reduce sebum production, prevent acne and soothe irritated skin,” adds Xenovia. and sulfur is also a great ingredient to look for if you have oily , acne-prone skin, as it can prevent bacteria from forming and reduce sebum levels in the skin.