15 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 some of our favorite facial cleansers—from the L’Oréal 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’Oréal 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, $22 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 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 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 MSRP

ACNEFREE OIL-FREE ACNE CLEANSER

With a formula that’s comprised of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide—a fierce combatant of acne for many—this cleanser is able to address existing breakouts and keep new ones from forming. To use, gently massage a dime-sized amount of cleanser into your skin. You can do this twice day—in the morning and in the evening—every day of the week.

AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser, $4.96 MSRP

CERAVE HYDRATING CLEANSER BAR

If you have oily, acne-prone skin, try the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar. The bar gently cleanses the skin of pesky impurities and makeup while locking in moisture with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. To use, wet your skin with warm water, later the cleanser into your skin, and rinse.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar, $4.47 MSRP

LANCÔME BI-FACIL FACE

We love our double-duty products. With the Lancôme Bi-Facil Face, you can both cleanse your skin and remove makeup at the same time. Even waterproof makeup is no match for the Bi-Facil Face, and the formula is gentle enough for the most sensitive of skin.   

Lancôme Bi-Facil Face, $40 MSRP

KIEHL’S CALENDULA DEEP CLEANSING FOAMING FACE WASH

If you’re a fan of skin care products which incorporate flowers into their formula, then you’ll love the Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. More commonly known as “marigold,” the calendula in this face wash helps to soothe the skin as its other active ingredients cleanse. Previously-oily skin will end up looking refreshed and revitalized post-application.

Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, $29 MSRP

GARNIER SKINACTIVE MICELLAR ALL-IN-1 MATTIFYING CLEANSING WATER

The thing about oily skin is that it has a constant sheen. If you’d like your skin to have more of a radiant glow than a sebum shine, mattifying products is the way to go. With the Garnier SkinActive Micellar All-in-1 Mattifying Cleansing Water, for example, your makeup and excess impurities will all be lifted away for skin that’s perfectly clean and mattified. Use it daily in the morning and in the evening by gently wiping a pad over your face, no rinsing required!     

We go into detail about Garnier’s full line of micellar cleansers, here!

Garnier SkinActive Micellar All-in-1 Mattifying Cleansing Water, $8.99 MSRP

CLARISONIC PORE & BLEMISH GEL CLEANSER

Acne-prone skin types can use the Clarisonic Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser. With a formula of 2% salicylic acid, this acne treatment can be applied directly to moistened skin or with a brush head for total blemish control.   

Clarisonic Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser, $19 MSRP

KIEHL’S “MADE FOR ALL” GENTLE BODY CLEANSER

Oily skin and breakouts don’t just pertain to the face. To make sure the rest of your body is covered, pick up a bottle of Kiehl’s “Made for All” Gentle Body Cleanser. A formula so gentle that it can be used on anyone aged 3 and up, this full-body cleanser (face included) has a unique gel texture which will give skin a long-lasting refreshed feel.

Kiehl’s “Made for All” Gentle Body Cleanser, $30 MSRP

LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR CLEANSING TOWELETTES

Cleansing towelettes are a skin care favorite for a multitude of reasons. They’re extremely convenient: just toss them into a purse or backpack, and you have the ability to cleanse your face according to your schedule. They’re also super effective. With the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleansing Towelettes, your skin will be feeling clean, smoothed, and refreshed upon use.   

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleansing Towelettes, $9.99 MSRP

CERAVE HYDRATING FACIAL CLEANSER

One main concern someone may have with cleansers is the potential of drying out their skin. That concern is nonexistent with the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Developed with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, the formula will cleanse and hydrate your skin while restoring its natural protective barrier. To use, start by wetting your skin with lukewarm water. Then massage the cleanser gently into your skin and rinse it on off. 

To check out even more CeraVe cleansers there are available, click here! 

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $13.29 MSRP

Still unsure which cleanser is the best for your skin? Find out by taking our quiz here to see which one is right for you!