7 Cleansers You Need if You Have Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Looking for a facial cleanser for oily, acne-prone skin? Look no further. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite facial cleansers— from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—for oily, acne-prone skin to help make your search a bit less daunting. 

Learning how to properly care for oily, acne-prone skin may feel frustrating at times, but starting your skin care routine off with the right cleanser can make a world of difference. If there’s any single piece of advice to offer, it’s that not all formulations are created equal. Most cleansers for oily, acne-prone skin are formulated to help gently cleanse the skin without over-stripping it of moisture. Some can even help address existing blemishes while minimizing the risk for new ones. Whether you’re a gel cleanser loyalist or a cream cleanser patron, rest assured that there’s a facial cleanser out there that’s perfect for your oily, acne-prone skin. Lucky for you, we share a few standouts—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—ahead.

KIEHL'S BLUE HERBAL GEL CLEANSER

This cleanser—formulated with salicylic acid and extracts of cinnamon bark and ginger root—thoroughly cleanses the pores without over-drying the skin. By removing traces of dirt and residue, this oil-free formula helps keep the skin free of new acne blemishes.

Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser, $21.00 MSRP

GARNIER SKINACTIVE CLEAN+ SHINE CONTROL CLEANSING GEL

If you have oily skin, chances are you’ve heard about the benefits of using a cleanser formulated with charcoal. Not only can charcoal help to draw out impurities from the skin’s surface, it can also help keep pores clear of unwanted grime. One of our favorite cleansers formulated with charcoal? Garnier Skinactive Clean+ Shine Control Cleansing Gel. This daily gel cleanser dissolves dirt and makeup from the skin. With prolonged use, the clarity of the skin is visibly improved and the appearance of pores are diminished.

Garnier Skinactive Clean+ Shine Control Cleansing Gel, $7.99 MSRP

VICHY NORMADERM GEL CLEANSER

Vichy Normaderm Gel Cleanser formula combines salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and micro-exfoliating LHA to gently cleanse the skin. The result? Skin that feels soft, velvety, and ultra clean. Bonus: The formula is soap-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and oil-free! 

Vichy Normaderm Gel Cleanser, $18.00 MSRP 

LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR CREAM

Who said cream cleansers are only meant for those with dry skin? This deep-cleansing foaming cream has been formulated with oily skin types in mind. The soft, luxurious formula helps cleanse and purify the skin while reducing excess oil on the surface. To use, lather the cream cleanser with warm water in your hands and massage onto wet skin. Rinse well with water and pat dry.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cream, $22.99 MSRP

CAROL'S DAUGHTER ACAI CLARIFYING FOAMING WASH 

A lightweight foaming face wash formulated for oily skin, Carol’s Daughter’s Clarifying Foaming Face Wash—formulated with acai berry, meadowsweet, and lemongrass—helps control oil production while moisturizing the skin. To use, wet the face with warm water, massage two or three pumps of foam onto the skin, rinse and pat dry.

Carol’s Daughter Acai Clarifying Foaming Wash, $8.00 MSRP

SKINCEUTICALS LHA CLEANSING GEL

If you’re struggling with adult acne, you’ll need a cleanser that can help address your specific concerns. Look no further than SkinCeuticals’ LHA Cleansing Gel, a decongesting cleanser formulated with LHA, glycolic acid, and two forms of salicylic acid for oily or problematic skin.

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel, $40.00 MSRP