If you have oily skin, you know how tricky it can be. Sometimes your face looks fresh and glowing, but other times it feels super greasy. The thing is, trying to completely dry out the oil can actually make things worse. Like, drying your skin too much tricks it into making even more oil — and that just leads to more shine and breakouts. So yeah, not the move.
What’s Actually Going On with Oily Skin?
Your skin naturally makes oil (called sebum) to keep itself hydrated and protected. But if there’s too much, it clogs pores and causes pimples. And honestly, oily skin usually runs in the family—so you can blame your parents for this one!
How to Manage It?
The trick is to keep that oil in check without stripping your skin. Look for cleansers with gentle peeling ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid — they help balance oil without harshly drying out your face. And avoid super strong cleansers or layering too many products because that can mess up your skin barrier and make things worse.
Here Are the Best Face Washes for Oily Skin Right Now — Recommended by Dermatologists:
1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Best overall face wash for oily skin.
Why? It’s gentle but effective, foams up nicely, and cleans without stripping your skin. It has ceramides to repair your skin’s barrier, hyaluronic acid for moisture, and niacinamide to calm irritation. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to find.
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
A reader favorite.
Great if you want something a bit deeper but still gentle. It removes makeup and oil while being kind to your skin. Contains ceramides, niacinamide, and soothing thermal spring water.
3. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
Perfect if you want a gentle foaming cleanser that won’t dry you out. Recommended by skin experts because it cleans deeply but keeps your skin barrier safe.
4. Olay Cleanse Gentle Foaming Cleanser
This one’s got glycerin, which pulls moisture into your skin, so it won’t dry you out. Good if you’re using stronger acne treatments too.
5. CosRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
If foaming washes feel too harsh, try this gel cleanser. It’s super gentle, balances your skin’s pH, and keeps your skin soft without tightness. Great for oily skin that’s sensitive or breaking out.
6. Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser
A bit pricier but packed with antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and K. It clears breakouts without drying your skin and smells nice too—kind of like a mini spa treat.
Best for Acne-Prone Oily Skin:
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep-Cleansing Foaming-Cream Cleanser
Great for really oily skin with acne. It loosens dead skin and gets rid of oil and blackheads, but can feel a little drying—so it’s perfect if your skin is super oily. - Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Contains salicylic acid to clear clogged pores and prevent breakouts, plus soothing aloe. A solid choice for acne-prone oily skin. - Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser
Contains benzoyl peroxide but is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Also has zinc and licorice root to calm redness and control oil.
Best Exfoliating Face Washes for Oily Skin:
- BeautyPie AcidEnzyme Exfoliating Face & Body Cleanser
Contains papaya enzymes to gently remove dirt, oil, and sunscreen without needing to double cleanse. Works for face and body too. - Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
Has glycolic acid to help even skin tone and reduce oil production, without being harsh. - SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
A gentle mix of salicylic and glycolic acids for light exfoliation. Great for managing oil without stripping skin. - Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Gentle exfoliation with papaya enzyme and grapefruit extract. Good for oily skin and perfect for a simple routine.
Quick Tips:
- Avoid harsh, drying cleansers.
- Look for gentle foaming or gel cleansers with ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid.
- Don’t overdo it—too many products can mess up your skin barrier.
Also Read : Skincare Routine for Dry Acne-Prone Skin: Balance & Heal
