Blog15 Best Face Wash for Oily Skin in U.S. [August, 2024]
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Finding the right face wash is crucial for keeping oily, acne-prone skin clear and under control. While oily skin needs special care, the wrong face wash can cause dryness, irritation, and even worsened breakouts. A good face wash will gently cleanse away dirt, impurities, and excess oil without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. With so many products on the market claiming to be the solution for oily skin, how do you know which cleanser is best? We break down the top-rated face washes for oily skin to help you discover your new complexion-clearing favorite. Keep reading to compare our top picks and learn tips for choosing the best face wash for your oily skin type.
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- CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
- CeraVe Face Wash Acne Treatment
- Cetaphil Face Wash
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily S...
- Paula’s Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
- Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Oil-Reducing Cleanser with Aloe
- Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash
- Clean & Clear 2-Pack Day and Night Face Cleanser Citrus Morning B...
- Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Face Wash
- EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
- THAYERS pH Balancing Daily Cleanser
- Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Scrub
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fragrance Free Hydrating Gel Facial Cleans...
- RUGGED & DAPPER – Premium Face Wash -2-in-1 Exfoliating Facial Wa...
- Comparison of Best Face Washes for Oily Skin
- How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin
- Different Types of Face Washes for Oily Skin
- Tips for Using Face Wash on Oily Skin
- FAQs about Best Face Wash for Oily Skin
1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser is specially formulated for people with oily skin. It contains hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture, ceramides to restore the skin’s protective barrier, and niacinamide to calm inflammation. The gentle foaming action removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup without stripping the skin. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
This foaming cleanser is one of the best for oily and acne-prone skin. The ingredients cleanse away oil without completely stripping the skin. Regular use can help maintain a clear, healthy complexion.
2. CeraVe Face Wash Acne Treatment
CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce acne breakouts. The addition of bentonite clay helps absorb excess oil. This acne face wash is formulated to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without irritating the skin or causing dryness.
With 2% salicylic acid, this CeraVe cleanser is one of the best for treating acne and preventing new breakouts. It deep cleans pores while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance.
3. Cetaphil Face Wash
Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Cleanser is a dermatologist-recommended, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic formula. It’s very gentle on sensitive skin yet washes away dirt, oil, and makeup from oily areas without drying. The fragrance-free, soap-free formula contains no parabens or harsh irritants.
As a gentle, fragrance-free option, Cetaphil’s Daily Cleanser is one of the best face washes for oily yet sensitive skin. It cleans without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. The soap-free formula is ideal for everyday cleansing.
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Facial Cleanser is made for oily, acne-prone skin. The oil-free formula contains zinc pidolate to target excess sebum production and lipo hydroxy acid to exfoliate pore-clogging dead cells. The foaming gel texture provides a deep clean without drying the skin.
With oil-absorbing actives, La Roche-Posay’s foaming gel cleanser is one of the best for keeping oily, acneic skin clear. It provides a refreshing deep clean that won’t strip the skin’s natural moisture.
5. Paula’s Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
Paula’s Choice RESIST Foaming Cleanser gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping moisture. It contains antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and soothing botanicals to calm inflammation. The rich foam lifts away impurities from the skin while leaving it smooth and hydrated.
With anti-aging and hydrating ingredients, Paula’s Choice RESIST Foaming Cleanser is one of the best for oily, mature skin. It provides an invigorating cleanse while fighting visible signs of aging.
6. Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Oil-Reducing Cleanser with Aloe
Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Oil-Reducing Cleanser gently removes excess oil, makeup, and debris from pores. It contains antioxidants and botanical extracts to soothe inflammation and regulate oil production. The rich foam cleanses without stripping moisture or over-drying.
As a gentle daily cleanser for oily skin, Paula’s Choice Oil-Reducing Cleanser is one of the best for keeping pores clear while maintaining optimal moisture balance. It leaves skin clean, smooth, and healthy-looking.
7. Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash
Cetaphil Pro Foaming Facial Cleanser is clinically formulated to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without irritating sensitive skin. The oil-free foaming wash contains no fragrances, soaps, sulfates, or parabens that could trigger reactions. The non-comedogenic formula is safe for acne-prone skin.
As a hypoallergenic foaming cleanser, Cetaphil Pro is one of the best face washes for oily, acne-prone skin that gets irritated easily. It provides an invigorating cleanse while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance.
8. Clean & Clear 2-Pack Day and Night Face Cleanser Citrus Morning Burst Facial Cleanser with Vitamin C and Cucumber
This 2-pack from Clean & Clear contains both a morning and nighttime cleanser formulated for oily skin. The Citrus Morning Burst cleanser contains energizing vitamin C and cucumber. The Night Relaxing cleanser contains sea minerals to soothe and remineralize. Both provide an invigorating foaming cleanse to remove impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. The oil-free, hypoallergenic formulas are safe for sensitive skin.
With one cleanser for morning and another for night, this Clean & Clear pair is one of the best options for oily skin. Both provide deep cleansing and help maintain a clear, healthy-looking complexion.
9. Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Face Wash
Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser is formulated especially for oily, acne-prone skin. Activated charcoal draws out dirt, oil, and impurities from clogged pores. Salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells that can lead to congestion. The foaming gel formula rinses clean, leaving skin smooth and refreshed.
With detoxifying charcoal and salicylic acid, Biore’s Deep Pore Cleanser is one of the best for clearing congested oily skin and minimizing pores. The deep cleansing gel helps maintain a clear complexion.
10. EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser gently lifts away dirt, oil and makeup from oily areas, leaving skin clean and balanced. It contains amino acids to improve texture and antioxidants to nourish the skin. The foaming gel formula rinses away cleanly without leaving any greasy residue behind. It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive skin.
As a fragrance-free option that’s gentle on sensitive skin, EltaMD Foaming Cleanser is one of the best face washes for oily skin that needs gentle cleansing. It washes away impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
11. THAYERS pH Balancing Daily Cleanser
Thayers pH Balancing Daily Cleanser gently removes impurities while regulating the skin’s pH level. It contains purifying witch hazel, hydrating aloe vera, and chamomile extract to soothe inflammation. The lightly foaming gel formula leaves oily areas clean without tightness or dryness. It’s fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
As a pH-regulating, fragrance-free cleanser, Thayers Daily Face Wash is one of the best for oily yet sensitive skin. It provides gentle cleansing that won’t disrupt the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
12. Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Scrub
Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Scrub is formulated for oily, acne-prone skin. It contains salicylic acid to penetrate congested pores and tiny exfoliating beads to slough away dead skin cells. The oil-free gel formula helps remove excess oil and impurities without over-drying. It leaves skin feeling clean, fresh, and renewed.
With salicylic acid exfoliation, Clean & Clear Deep Action Scrub is one of the best cleansing and sloughing treatments for oily, acne-prone skin. It whisks away pore-clogging impurities to reveal smoother, clearer skin.
13. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser gently cleanses while helping the skin retain moisture. It contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. The non-foaming gel formula removes dirt and makeup without stripping natural oils. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and ideal for normal to dry skin.
As a non-foaming gel cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is one of the best for combination skin that needs gentle cleansing without drying or irritation. It provides moisturization where needed while keeping oily areas clean.
14. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fragrance Free Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleanser gently cleanses while quenching dry skin with hyaluronic acid. The unique gel-cream formula transforms from gel to foam to lift away impurities without stripping moisture. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
With ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser is one of the best face washes for combination skin. It provides customized cleansing and moisturization for smooth, balanced skin.
15. RUGGED & DAPPER – Premium Face Wash -2-in-1 Exfoliating Facial Wash and Foaming Face Cleanser for Men with Oily
Rugged and Dapper Face Wash is a 2-in-1 exfoliating cleanser formulated for men’s skin. It contains aloe vera, willow bark extract, and vitamins to cleanse and nourish skin. Fine grains exfoliate dead cells and remove excess oil without irritation. The foaming gel formula rinses clean, leaving skin smooth and refreshed. It’s paraben-free and contains organic ingredients.
With exfoliating and nourishing ingredients, Rugged and Dapper Face Wash is one of the best for cleansing oily, acne-prone men’s skin while maintaining optimal skin health. It sweeps away pore-clogging debris without harsh drying.
Comparison of Best Face Washes for Oily Skin
| Product | Key Feature 1 | Key Feature 2 |
|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides | Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic |
| CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser | 2% salicylic acid | Helps clear acne and blackheads |
| Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser | Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic | Leaves skin soft, not tight or dry |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser | Contains zinc pidolate | Oil-free formula |
| Paula’s Choice RESIST Foaming Cleanser | Rich antioxidant foam | Soothes inflammation |
| Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Oil-Reducing Cleanser | Aloe vera and antioxidants | Regulates excess oil |
| Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash | Removes excess oil | Suitable for sensitive skin |
| Clean & Clear Morning Burst & Night Relaxing Cleansers | Invigorating foams | Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin |
| Biore Charcoal Cleanser | Detoxifying charcoal | Contains salicylic acid |
| EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser | Amino acids for improved texture | Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic |
| Thayers pH Balancing Daily Cleanser | Balances pH | Aloe vera for hydration |
| Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub | Salicylic acid exfoliant | Oil-free formula |
| CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | Hyaluronic acid and ceramides | Non-foaming cream cleanser |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser | Hydrating hyaluronic acid | Oil-free gel transforms to foam |
| Rugged & Dapper Facial Cleanser for Men | Aloe vera and willow bark extract | Natural exfoliants |
How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin
When choosing a face wash for oily skin, look for formulas that gently cleanse away dirt, oil, and impurities without completely stripping the skin. Avoid harsh, drying cleansers.
Seeking oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas with ingredients like salicylic acid can help keep pores clear of congestion that leads to shine and acne. Cleansers with added botanicals, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid are less likely to cause dryness or irritation.
The texture of the cleanser also matters. Gel, foaming, and cream-to-foam cleansers effectively whisk away excess oil and debris without leaving residue. They also tend to be gentler on reactive skin than bar soaps.
Getting a face wash tailored for your skin type and concerns ensures optimal cleansing results. Be sure to choose products free of fragrances and other common irritants if you have sensitive skin. With the right formulation, you can effectively cleanse oily skin without stripping its natural moisture barrier.
Different Types of Face Washes for Oily Skin
There are several types of face washes specially formulated for cleansing oily, acne-prone skin:
- Foaming cleansers: Foaming cleansers provide deeper cleansing to remove excess oil, makeup, and debris from pores while leaving skin balanced. They come as gels or creams that lather into light, fluffy foam.
- Gel cleansers: Gel cleansers are lightweight and oil-free. Their smooth gel texture glides over skin, lifting away impurities without heavy lather. Many contain exfoliants like salicylic acid to keep pores clear.
- Clay cleansers: Clay cleansers contain purifying clays that draw out dirt, toxins, and excess sebum from pores. The clay also absorbs oil to help mattify the complexion after cleansing. They deeply cleanse congested skin.
- Creamy cleansers: Creamy cleansers often contain active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat acne while cleaning. Their creamy base ensures the ingredients won’t over-dry the skin. Many creamy cleansers transform into a light foam when lathered.
- Cleansing oils: Cleansing oils dissolve oil-based impurities like sebum and makeup for easy rinsing. When mixed with water, the oils transform into a light emulsion that lifts debris without leaving an oily residue. They cleanse while maintaining natural moisture.
- Micellar waters: Micellar waters contain tiny micelles that attract and trap oil, makeup, and impurities. These no-rinse formulas gently cleanse oily skin without harsh scrubbing. They often contain skin-soothing extracts as well.
- Exfoliating cleansers: Exfoliating cleansers slough away dead skin cells and debris with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or physical beads/grains. Removing the buildup helps keep pores clear and minimizes oiliness.
Tips for Using Face Wash on Oily Skin
Using the right techniques while cleansing oily skin makes a big difference in results. Here are some tips:
- Cleanse twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities that accumulate throughout the day and night.
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot water when cleansing – hot water can stimulate oil production.
- Avoid scrubbing or excessive rubbing when cleansing. Use gentle, circular motions instead. Scrubbing can exacerbate oiliness.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleansing to wash away all soapy residue. Leftover residue can clog pores and cause acne flare-ups.
- Apply toner after cleansing to help remove any remaining traces of dirt and oil. Look for oil-reducing toners with ingredients like witch hazel or salicylic acid.
- Follow up your face wash with a oil-control serum or moisturizer suited to oily skin. This helps lock in cleanliness.
- Exfoliate 2-3 times per week to slough off pore-clogging dead cells and excess oil. More frequent exfoliation may cause irritation.
- Use any medicated acne treatments before washing face. This allows the actives to penetrate pores before washing them away.
With the proper face wash and cleansing routine, you can help keep oily skin clear, smooth, and healthy-looking. Be consistent for the best results over time.
FAQs about Best Face Wash for Oily Skin
Q. What is the best face wash for oily skin?
There are many excellent face washes formulated specifically for oily skin. The best face wash for oily skin will gently cleanse away excess oil, dirt, and impurities without over-drying. Ideal ingredients to look for include salicylic acid to keep pores clear of debris, oil-absorbing clays, charcoal, hyaluronic acid for moisture, and soothing botanicals like aloe vera. Foaming gel cleansers often work well to dissolve oil and rinse cleanly. Our top picks include CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleanser, Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Cleanser, EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser and Thayers Daily Face Wash. Compare formulas to find the gentlest cleanser that keeps oily skin fresh and shine-free without causing dryness or irritation.
Q. Should I use a toner on my oily skin after washing?
Yes, using an oil-control toner after cleansing oily skin can help remove any excess oil, dirt, or makeup residue the face wash may have missed. Look for toners containing ingredients like witch hazel, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid to further cleanse pores and regulate oil. Gently apply toner to a cotton ball and swipe over face and neck after cleansing. Avoid alcohol-based toners as they can be overly drying to the skin. An astringent, oil-fighting toner is a great addition after face wash to keep oily skin clean.
Q. How often can I exfoliate my oily, acne-prone skin?
For oily, acneic skin, it’s best to limit exfoliation to 2-3 times per week at most. While exfoliating helps remove dead cells and debris that cause congestion, overdoing it can lead to dryness, irritation, and increased oil production. Use gentle physical scrubs or chemical exfoliators containing salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid just a few times a week. Always moisturize after to counteract any dryness. Limiting exfoliation protects the skin’s moisture barrier while still keeping pores clear.
Q. Should I use different face washes morning and evening for my oily skin?
You can use the same gentle, non-drying face wash morning and night for oily skin if it works well for your skin. Some people prefer using a deeper-cleaning wash with exfoliators at night when skin needs cleansing the most, and a super mild cleanser in the morning. Just be sure not to over-dry your skin with harsh cleansers. Using a face wash with salicylic acid at night and a soothing, antioxidant wash in the morning can be an ideal combination for keeping oily skin balanced.
Q. Can I just use water to wash my oily skin instead of face wash?
Washing with water alone is not enough to effectively cleanse oily skin and remove impurities. Water does not have the ability to dissolve and rinse away oil, makeup, sunscreen, and debris that clog pores and lead to breakouts. A proper face wash formulated for oily, acne-prone skin is necessary to thoroughly cleanse the skin and regulate excess sebum. Choose a gentle foaming, gel or cream cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or oil-absorbing clays twice daily for clean, shine-free skin.
Q. Is it okay to wash oily skin twice daily?
Yes, dermatologists actually recommend cleansing oily skin twice daily – once in the morning and again at night. This helps remove excess oil, makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants that accumulate throughout the day and night. Washing twice daily can help minimize breakouts.
Q. Are foaming cleansers too harsh for oily skin?
Foaming cleansers are usually suitable for oily skin as long as they are oil-free and soap-free. Foaming cleansers lift away excess oil without completely stripping the skin. Avoid foaming cleansers with sulfates, alcohol, or fragrances as these can dry out the skin.
Q. Should I use a toner after washing my oily skin?
Yes, using a toner after cleansing can help remove any traces of dirt, debris, and excess oil left behind. Look for oil-control toners with ingredients like witch hazel, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid to keep pores clear. Avoid alcohol-based toners as they can be overly drying.
Q. Can I exfoliate my oily skin daily?
No, you should limit exfoliating oily skin to 2-3 times per week at most. Daily exfoliation can cause irritation and damage the skin’s protective barrier, leading to increased oiliness. Use gentle scrubs or chemical exfoliators no more than a few times a week.
Q. Is an SPF moisturizer necessary for oily skin?
Yes, it’s crucial to apply an SPF moisturizer to oily skin daily even though you may feel like you don’t need one. Oily skin is still vulnerable to UV damage which accelerates aging. Look for oil-free SPF moisturizers or hydrating formulas containing hyaluronic acid.
Q. Should I use different face washes morning and night?
You can use the same face wash morning and night as long as it’s a gentle, non-drying formula suitable for oily skin. Alternatively, consider a deeper cleaning wash with exfoliators at night and a more soothing wash in the morning. Just avoid overly drying cleansers.
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