If you’ve got oily skin, you already know how tricky it is to find the right cleanser. Especially when summer hits, and your face feels more like a frying pan than a fresh canvas. While a little glow is nice, no one wants to feel sticky and shiny all day.
The key? A cleanser that balances oil without drying you out. Because here’s the thing—when your skin gets too dry, it actually produces more oil to make up for the loss. That’s why hydration is just as important for oily skin types.
Dermatologists recommend looking for ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): It attracts moisture without clogging pores.
- Salicylic Acid (SA): This deep-cleaning acid unclogs pores and removes dead skin.
- Niacinamide: A superstar for calming inflammation and reducing oil.
Also, lightweight textures like gel and foam work best for oily skin. Now, let’s get into the list—here are 11 cleansers that oily-skinned people swear by:
1. Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser – ₹2,050
A fresh gel formula with natural salicylic acid and soothing grape water. It clears pores and reduces oil without stripping your skin. Great for daily use—but stick to once a day to avoid over-drying.
2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel – ₹3,999
This French favorite uses zinc to clean out excess oil and keep your skin’s pH balanced. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, and ideal if your skin is sensitive and oily.
3. Paula’s Choice Oil Reducing Cleanser – ₹1,870
No-frills, no fragrance—just a solid foaming cleanser that removes makeup, dirt, and oil. Bonus: It has glycerin to keep your skin from feeling tight after washing.
4. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser – ₹699
Budget-friendly, gentle, and packed with niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin. It keeps oil in check without upsetting sensitive skin.
5. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – ₹1,150
A favorite among dermatologists, this one uses ceramides and hyaluronic acid to clean deeply while protecting your skin barrier. Feels light and refreshing every time.
6. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser – ₹1,400
Formulated with Amazonian white clay to absorb oil and gently exfoliate. It leaves skin soft and pores looking smaller—without that dry, tight feeling.
7. Minimalist Salicylic Acid + 2% LHA Cleanser – ₹299
Don’t let the price fool you—this one’s a powerhouse. Two exfoliants (SA + LHA), zinc, and oat extract work together to clear out gunk and calm your skin. Just don’t overuse it—once a day is plenty.
8. Ole Henrikson Oil Control Cleanser – ₹8,142
A luxury pick with botanical ingredients like green tea and eucalyptus, plus gentle exfoliants (glycolic + lactic acid). It controls oil, smooths texture, and smells super fresh.
9. Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel – ₹1,479
Made with milk thistle extract and thermal spring water, this gentle foaming cleanser is perfect for acne-prone, oily skin. It soothes, clears, and keeps oil at bay all day long.
10. Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser – ₹3,400
This one’s for serious acne fighters. It uses two types of salicylic acid—one that keeps working even after you rinse. Green tea helps calm irritation too.
11. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash – ₹849 (Bonus pick)
Simple, effective, and easy to find. This classic formula with salicylic acid cleans deeply and keeps acne under control—no frills, just results.
Final Thoughts:
Having oily skin doesn’t mean you need to strip your face dry. With the right cleanser—one that hydrates and controls oil—you can keep your skin balanced, healthy, and shine-free. Whether you’re after something budget-friendly or luxurious, there’s a pick on this list that’ll work for you.
Also Read : Minimalist Skincare Routine for Busy Women
