13 Best Face Washes for Oily Skin to Keep Shine at Bay
Clear out blackheads and acne while you're at it.
Medically reviewed by Mona Gohara, M.D
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Getting oily skin under control can be as aggravating as the shine itself. You may have tried strong chemical face peels or harsh cleansers, only to be left with dry skin or even more oil. Over-cleansing and excessive exfoliation can actually backfire, causing your sebaceous glands to compensate by producing too much oil. Fear not! The key to managing oily skin (and treating acne) lies in choosing the right cleanser.
Our top picks:
For oily skin, it's all in the ingredients. Niacinamide is a valuable ingredient for regulating oil on the surface, while salicylic acid effectively removes excess oil from deep within the pores, according to Alexis Stephens, D.O., F.A.O.C.D., F.A.A.D., a dermatologist at Parkland Dermatology in Coral Springs, Florida and part of Urban RX's Melanin Expert Network. "If you have oily-prone skin, it's best to cleanse with either foaming or gel cleanser to ensure adequate removal of excess dirt and oil from your skin," says Dr. Stephens.
To get you closer to finding the best cleanser for oily skin, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab rigorously evaluated a wide range of products, spanning from luxury to drugstore brands. Our most recent cleanser test included assessing 256 products from 96 different brands. These cleansers were scrutinized by 408 consumer testers who evaluated criteria such as application, texture, scent, makeup and impurity removal, oil control, as well as post-use effects like skin condition, irritation and dryness. In total, our Beauty Lab pros gathered 4,512 data points to determine the ultimate facial cleanser formulas.
Below, you'll discover the top-performing cleansers specifically suited for oily skin, including recommendations from dermatologists, experts and popular choices endorsed by online shoppers. For more skincare and makeup formulated specifically for oily skin, consult our guides to the best moisturizers, toners, sunscreens and foundations for this skin type.
Touting viral fame and dermatologist approval, CeraVe skincare keeps flying off the shelf — this foaming facial cleanser, included. GH Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek found that it lathered and cleansed skin well without abandoning skin of moisture. No potentially irritating fragrances are found here, either. Only the brand's staple ceramides, plus hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. "My skin felt clean but not tight," Wnek says. Plus, it comes in mini sizes perfect for travel.
Long lauded for its ability to gently remove dirt, makeup and impurities, micellar water now comes in the revolutionary form of a foaming cleanser. Safe for the face, lips and eyes, this face wash also helps regulate oil. One reviewer writes: "I have pretty oily skin, and it’s so gentle on my skin, removing the harsh oils without making my face dry."
Whether you need a gentle tattoo lotion or a solid body scrub, First Aid Beauty comes to the rescue by catering to nearly every skincare need, and effectively so. Beauty lovers enjoy its red clay base that aims to lure out impurities and absorb excess oil and sebum while the anti-bacterial rosemary leaf oil treats pimples. Topping it off, hydrating glycerin makes skin feel smooth and supple.
Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution Intensive Purifying Gel
Give skin that squeaky clean feeling thanks to Vichy's face wash, which deeply cleanses pores. It's Wnek's go-to face wash for oily, acne-prone skin as it treats her hormonal acne without leaving skin out to dry. She attests that its salicylic acid formula cleans out pores and minimizes new breakouts.
When plagued by oily skin, chances are you also need a solid face scrub on deck to keep oil and clogged pores at bay. Origin's citrus-scented face scrub impressed our testers with its cleansing and light exfoliating powers, sans irritation. One tester with oily skin says it visibly minimized shine after just one week. "My face is so soft, I haven't had a soft face in years," a tester adds.
Looking for a gentle cleanser that still packs a punch without leaving skin feeling stripped? La Roche-Posay's purifying foam cleanser is formulated with oily skin superstar niacinamide, which helps banish oil throughout the day. "It feels more gentle and doesn’t leave skin feeling overly dry after washing," says Wnek.
Neutrogena Clear Pore 2-in-1 Facial Cleanser & Clay Mask
Skincare can feel like a chore, but Neutrogena's face wash grants you the feeling of a cleansed face, plus the deep clean of a clay mask all in one. A crossover hit in our blackhead mask guide, Neutrogena's formula uses benzoyl peroxide as its star ingredient to kill certain bacteria that contribute to acne growth. Just take note that this formula is made with fragrance.
Cetaphil earns cult status with its noteworthy no-frills offerings. Our Lab found that this cleanser works wonders for both oily skin and all skin types. The non-comedogenic and soap-free formula helps remove excess oil without stripping skin. "Oil production has decreased throughout the day, and my skin appears smoother," one tester reports. Testers also say it left skin feeling soft and hydrated.
This face wash accomplishes an impressive feat — it feels deeply cleansing without making skin feel tight or stripped. Japanese luffa fruit works as a gentle exfoliant that helps clarify skin. "This is the best cleanser for my oily skin," one reviewer says. "I find it does exactly as the name suggests while leaving my skin soft and not feeling over-stripped."
Dr. Stephens recommends this unique cleansing bar for anyone with oily skin. "[It's] formulated with salicylic acid, niacinamide, sulfur and ingredients that promote an even skin tone and decrease acne while promoting oil regulation," she says. Simply wet the included sponge with warm water and rub across the cleansing bar to create a creamy lather. Gently massage onto the face using small circular motions. Once cleansed, rinse and wring the sponge, letting it fully dry atop the jar.
Though it's marketed for sensitive or post-procedure skin, the Lab found this cleanser a good option for every skin type, naming it one of the best skincare products. It received the highest overall score for a pleasant texture and a generous lather. One tester with sensitive, oily skin says: "[It] did not dry my skin — seems to calm the redness a little. I can tell that this is a high-quality product with really nice ingredients that my skin is very happy with."
Skincare powerhouse niacinamide is the main character of this gel cleanser. With a super-light, jelly-like texture, it helps cleanse pores and banish oil. "I have very oily skin in some areas and dry in others, this cleanser makes sure that my whole face feels very clean without making it feel stripped," one reviewer says.
A tried-and-true favorite for those with oily and acne-prone skin, this Neutrogena face wash will always be a go-to product. Salicylic acid works to penetrate pores and dissolve impurities. "This face wash has worked best for me since it gently unclogs my pores and gets my skin cleaner without being overly drying or irritating," an online shopper says.
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