Best Cleansers For Oily Skin: Top 10 Choices In 2022
Control sebum production to keep your skin matte with these facial cleansers for oily skin.
By , Certified Skin Care Coach
Too much of anything is bad. This is especially true when it comes to oily skin. The natural oils in your skin help maintain the skin barrier. However, they can go into overdrive any time! Hence, you end up keeping your compact, anti-sebum powder, and blotting papers handy. But with the right face cleanser, you don’t need to worry about carrying around all these products. A good cleanser helps control excess sebum production and keeps your skin matte for long. Keep scrolling to find out more about the top-rated face washes for oily skin.
In This Article
What Causes Oily Skin?
Your skin type is usually something you are born with. If you have oily skin, it means your glands produce too much sebum (an oily or greasy substance). Sebum is meant to keep your skin naturally moisturized. But with an overdose of sebum, you end up with a shiny-looking, oily face. Besides genetic predisposition, oily skin can also occur due to hormonal changes, diet, stress, and humidity.
One way of tackling oily skin is to wash it regularly. But how often should you wash your face? How often is too often? Let’s discuss this in the next section.
How Often Should You Cleanse Your Face If You Have Oily Skin?
As a rule of thumb, wash your face in the morning, at night, and after you exercise. Use a gentle, foaming cleanser for oily skin to cleanse your face. Harsh or aggressive formulas will remove the healthy moisture from your skin and leave you dry and lifeless.
If you suffer from oiliness throughout the day, even after regular face washes, use an oil-control moisturizer or wipe your face with a moisturizing wipe as and when required. However, remember to moisturize your face whenever you wash it. You can also exfoliate your face thrice weekly to remove excess oil, dirt, and grime from your pores.
So, which cleansers will give you the best mattifying results? We have curated a list of the best cleansers for oily skin below. Take a look!
Best Face Washes And Cleansers For Oily Skin
1. Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash
If you are looking for a drugstore formula, this is the best one out there. Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Foam Wash removes impurities, excess sebum, and all traces of makeup to give you squeaky clean skin. It keeps your face oil-free all day long.
Pros
- Clinically-proven formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- pH-balanced formula
- Suitable for all ages
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
None
2. Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
This cleanser is the winner of the Allure Reader’s Choice Award, 2019. It addresses skin issues, such as oiliness, wrinkles, dullness, and fine lines. Its gel-based formula is powerful yet gentle on your skin. It is so gentle that you can use it for double cleansing as well. This video review will help you understand more about the product.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No formaldehyde-releasing agent
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- 100% vegan
- Recyclable packaging
Cons
None
3. Neocutis Neo-Cleanse Exfoliating Skin Cleanser
This cleanser gently retexturizes your skin. Its gentle exfoliating formula feels comfortable on your skin and is suitable for normal to oily skin. It contains glycerin that prevents stripping your skin of its natural oils. However, the AHA (glycolic acid) in it will increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. You need to apply sunscreen after using this cleanser.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- No artificial colors
- No artificial fragrances
- Not tested on animals
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
Cons
None
4. Burt’s Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream
If you like using completely natural products, this is the cleanser for you. It is a 99.9% natural cleansing cream that removes dirt, makeup, and excess sebum from your face thoroughly. It contains chamomile and aloe vera extracts that soften your skin and keep it feeling fresh for long. If you are still unsure, check out this honest review.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- SLS-free
- Does not cause irritation
- Suitable for all skin types (including extremely sensitive skin)
Cons
None
5. Morpheme Remedies Neem, Tea Tree & Basil Face Wash
This is a 100% soap-free face wash. It contains the goodness of neem, basil, tea tree oil, and lemon oil that provide deep cleansing and get rid of excess sebum and impurities. It is a natural acne fighter (because of the healing ingredients) and helps keep your skin smooth and prevent future breakouts. It helps brighten your skin tone and restore its natural glow and moisture levels.
Pros
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- No artificial fragrance
- Hypoallergenic
- Bio-Active formula
Cons
None
6. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash
If you have oily and acne-prone skin, you need to try out this facial cleanser. It is an oil-free formula with salicylic acid that gently cleanses your skin and pores to help you get rid of the excess oil and acne. It also prevents further breakouts. To find out more about this product, check out this video.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Residue-free
- Clinically-proven
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
None
7. First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Deep Cleanser
Reduce excess oil and draw out impurities with the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Deep Cleanser. It effectively unclogs pores, leaves the skin clean, and balances the complexion. The cleanser is infused with rosemary leaf oil and red clay that balances the sebum production, purifies your skin, and hydrates your skin. In addition, glycerin infused in the cleanser smooths the skin.
Pros
- No artificial colorant
- No alcohol
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Sulfate-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
None
8. Avene Eau Thermale Cleansing Foam
This product has a mattifying effect on your face. It is suitable for oily and sensitive skin types. Its gentle cleansing formula removes dirt and makeup from your face. It contains thermal spring water, which has an instant soothing effect on your skin.
Pros
- Soap-free
- Contains moisturizing agents
- Contains glutamic acid
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-drying
Cons
None
9. Olehenriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser
This product is the winner of the Refinery29 Beauty Innovation Award. As the name suggests, it helps your oily skin find a balance by reducing excess sebum and purifying the skin pores. It deeply cleanses your skin by lifting and loosening the dead skin cells clogging your pores. Applying sunscreen is a must after using this cleanser as it contains AHAs.
Pros
- Contains AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid)
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Antiseptic properties
Cons
None
10. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser
This is a unique cream-to-foam cleanser that controls oil without drying out your skin. It removes dirt, excess sebum, and traces of makeup. It also claims to reduce the visibility of enlarged skin pores. It helps restore your skin’s balance and improves its texture.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Suitable for oily to combination skin types
- Colorant-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
None
11. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin
This foaming gel cleanser contains zinc picolinate that removes dirt and excess sebum from your skin effectively. It does not dry out your skin and is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin as well.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic (tested)
- pH-balanced formula
- Contains thermal spring water
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Soap-free
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
12. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
This cleanser has a unique formula that contains three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II). This unique formula cleanses your skin and removes excess oil without hampering the skin barrier. It contains hyaluronic acid that helps retain the moisture levels in your skin and keep it calm.
Pros
- Contains niacinamide
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Fragrance-free
- Developed by dermatologists
- pH-balanced formula
Cons
None
13. Garnier SkinActive Face Wash
Garnier SkinActive Face Wash is made with 96% natural extracts. It is a deep pore cleanser that not only cleanses your skin thoroughly but also visibly reduces the size of your pores. It contains green tea extracts that calm your skin and keep it nourished.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
None
14. Tatcha The Deep Cleanse
This is a daily-use gel cleanser that has an exfoliating effect on your skin. It gently exfoliates your pores, lifts all dead skin cells and impurities, and leaves your skin hydrated and soft. It lathers into a creamy foam and is suitable for even the most sensitive and delicate skin types.
Pros
- Oil-free formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Sulfate-free
- Urea-free
Cons
None
15. Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser
Wash away dirt and impurities from the skin with the Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser. This cleanser is formulated with green clay, bentonite, white kaolin, rice oil ester, and olive oil ester. The esters help to soften the sensitive skin and make the skin look healthier. In addition, the green clay pulls oil, impurities, dirt, makeup, and pollution out of the pores without making the skin dehydrated. Moreover, this cleanser makes the skin softener, balanced, cleaner, and radiant.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free
- Sustainable
- Non-irritating
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
None
16. The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint Facial Wash
This antibacterial face wash is suitable for both men and women. Its gentle formula keeps your skin clean and feeling fresh. It also claims to reduce spots and blemishes.
Pros
- Antiseptic properties
- Contains natural extracts
- Contains tocopherol
- Sulfate-free
- Detergent-free
- Does not irritate your skin
Cons
- The formula keeps changing.
From the reviews above, you might have a fair idea of what the best cleansers for oily skin are made of. Let’s take a look at it in detail below.
What Makes The Best Cleansers For Oily Skin (Buying Guide)
- Oil-Control Ingredients: The formula that offers a thorough cleansing experience but does not use oil for the same is a great product for oily skin types. Look for ingredients like AHAs, red clay, neem, and green tea extracts to remove excess oil from the skin.
- Acne-Control Ingredients: Oily skin is often accompanied by acne outbursts. This is why you need a cleanser that also caters to acne issues. Salicylic acid is found in many good-quality cleansers that treat and prevent acne. Also, you can look for neem, aloe vera, and tea tree oil that provide you relief from irritation, reduce inflammation, and calm your skin.
- Hypoallergenic Formula: Oily skin attracts dirt and experiences acne more than other skin types, keeping the skin irritated. This is why you need to avoid allergens to prevent further damage or breakouts. So, before you buy a product, go through the ingredient list to ensure that it does not contain any harsh ingredients like parabens, sulfates, silicone, or artificial colors or fragrances.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: The aim of using a cleanser for oily skin is to remove excess oil and not strip the essential oil from your skin. Your skin will still need to retain some healthy moisture. This is why every good cleanser must contain a moisturizing ingredient in its formula. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and olive extracts.
Skin has natural oils that act as a protective shield and keep it healthy. But if the oil or sebum is produced excessively, it might turn out ugly by attracting dirt and impurities. So, the skin needs special cleansers that can control excessive sebum and make you appear glowy. The top-notch cleansers listed in our article help you address common skin concerns and keep the skin healthy and fresh all day long. Some cleansers are enriched with natural herbs and can even restore moisture loss and natural glow. Refrain from using those cleansers with sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She conducted thorough research and checked out various online user feedback forums and reviews to prepare this list of the best cleansers for oily skin. These cleansers and face washes control excessive sebum, clean the skin, and purify the pores. The given products are also known to maintain overall good skin conditions.
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