Our Top 6 Face Washes for Oily Skin

Does your skin always look extra shiny or feel slightly too greasy? As the temperature heats up, dealing with excess shine and clogged pores can feel like a daily battle. But the right face wash can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up our top editorial picks for the best face washes to tackle oily skin and help you enjoy a fresh and flawless complexion.

Why Oily Skin Needs Special Attention

Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. The skin’s surface may also appear shiny or greasy throughout the day. Due to these conditions, oily skin requires targeted care, and choosing the right face wash is crucial to managing these issues.

Traditional cleansers can be too harsh and strip the skin, causing it to overproduce oil. However, formulas that are too gentle may not effectively remove built-up grime and impurities. The key is finding a face wash that strikes the perfect balance — deeply cleansing without leaving skin dry or irritated.

Types of Cleansers You Should Use for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, there are two main types of cleansers you should consider trying:

• Plain Cleansers: The first type is plain cleansers that effectively break down and remove excess oil without overly drying your skin. These cleansers typically contain a blend of surfactants, emollients, and humectants that can cleanse thoroughly without stripping the skin. The surfactants used are often ionic and have high detergency, but the formula is designed to avoid leaving the skin feeling tight or dehydrated.
• Active Cleansers: The second type of cleanser for oily skin contains active ingredients to help decongest pores and exfoliate away dead skin cells that can cling to the skin due to excess sebum production. Ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be helpful in this regard. Salicylic acid helps decongest pores and chemically exfoliate the skin, while benzoyl peroxide can be effective at killing acne-causing bacteria.

Importance of Exfoliation

Exfoliation is another vital step for oily skin. Removing dead cells helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts. But be careful not to over-scrub, as this can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, causing more oil to be released to the surface of the skin. Aim for a gentle physical or chemical exfoliant once or twice per week.

1.  Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash — Fresh

This exfoliating face wash from luxury skincare brand Fresh is a real treat for oily complexions. The star ingredient is real strawberry seeds, which gently exfoliate to sweep away dead skin cells and unclog pores. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid then go to work to deeply hydrate, leaving skin soft and smooth. Plus, the delicious strawberry scent is an added mood-boosting bonus.

What it does: The physical exfoliation from the strawberry seeds helps slough off built-up oil, dirt, and impurities that can lead to breakouts on oily skin. The formula also contains fruit extracts and antioxidants to soothe inflammation and calm redness.

2.  Purifying Face Cleanser — Tula

For a deeper clean, reach for Tula’s Purifying Face Cleanser. This gentle face wash uses probiotic extracts and chicory root to detoxify and improve skin barrier function. This cleaner’s formula removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup without over-drying. It leaves your skin feeling refreshed, refined, and comfortable.

What it does: Tula’s probiotic-based formula helps regulate oil production and minimize the look of pores. It also contains soothing ingredients like green tea and aloe to calm irritation.

3.  Oil-Free Acne Wash — Neutrogena

Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash is a budget-friendly option that effectively targets oily, acne-prone skin. It contains 2% salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. The formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it ideal for anyone with a shiny T-zone or persistent blemishes.

What it does: This face wash has a non-drying formula that can clear existing acne and discourage new pimples from forming on oily skin.

4.  Acne Clearing Wash — Peter Thomas Roth

For a deeper clean, try Peter Thomas Roth’s Acne Clearing Wash. It contains 2% salicylic acid to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve built-up oil and debris. Glycerin also helps hydrate the skin so it doesn’t feel tight or dry after use.

What it does: The salicylic acid in this face wash works to unclog pores, clear existing breakouts, and prevent future blemishes from forming on oily skin.

5.  Clarifying Cleanser — Murad

Murad’s Clarifying Cleanser is a longtime favorite for oily and acne-prone skin types. It uses a combination of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids to exfoliate and decongest pores. It also contains soothing botanicals like licorice root to calm inflammation.

What it does: This multi-tasking face wash helps control oil, clear blemishes, and refine the skin’s texture without causing irritation or dryness.

6.  Daily Facial Cleanser — Cetaphil

For a gentle yet effective option, you can’t go wrong with the classic Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. This non-foaming formula cleanses without stripping, leaving skin soft, smooth, and balanced. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for even the most sensitive oily complexions.

What it does: Cetaphil’s gentle face wash removes impurities and excess oil without disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier. It even works for dehydrated skin, which, although shiny, can still look tight or have fine lines.

Look and Feel Your Best

No matter your budget or specific skin type, there’s an effective facial cleanser out there for you. The key is finding the right formula that addresses your individual skin care needs. One benefit of the current skincare market is the abundance of great options available at varying price points, and it only takes a bit of research to find the right cleansing product for you.