9 Face Washes for People With Oily Skin

Oily skin is usually caused by overactive sebaceous glands that produce an excess of sebum — one of the skin’s natural sources of hydration — that subsequently adds a visible layer of unwanted shine to your skin. While oily skin can occur for a number of reasons, a key step in keeping that excess oil under control is cleansing.

When it comes to oily skin types, balance is essential. Often, you can find balance by cleansing your skin twice a day, morning and night, with a cleanser specifically formulated for your skin type. However, if you’re using a cleanser that is too harsh for your skin, not only will it help remove the appearance of excess oil from the surface of the skin, but it can also strip the skin of the natural oils it needs to stay hydrated. When this occurs, the sebaceous glands kick into overdrive, producing even more oil to overcompensate for what is perceived as a loss of moisture. To help you find a cleanser that works well for your oily skin, we rounded up a few of our favorites, ahead.

Acne Free Oil Free Acne Cleanser

Designed to keep oil and acne-prone skin under control, this cleanser from Acne Free contains blemish-fighting benzoyl peroxide and other skin-friendly ingredients. While the benzoyl peroxide works to clear pores, ceramides in the face wash nourish the skin and help lock in moisture.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser

Remove impurities, oil, face and eye makeup with La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser. It’s formulated with the brand’s Prebiotic Thermal Spring Water, niacinamide and ceramide-3 to effectively cleanse the skin of impurities and balance the skin’s natural pH factor. The oily skin face wash is free of soap, sulfates, oil, fragrance, parabens and is non-comedogenic, too.

Garnier Clean+ Shine Control Cleansing Gel

Control shine and keep excess oil at bay with Garnier’s Clean+ Shine Control Cleansing Gel. Formulated with charcoal, this drugstore facial cleanser draws out impurities, such as makeup, dirt and excess oil, leaving behind skin that’s deeply cleansed and shine-free. The charcoal cleanser is non-comedogenic — meaning it won’t clog your pores — gentle on the skin, allergy-tested and oil-free.

Clarisonic Pore and Blemish Gel Cleanser

Reduce the look of pores — as well as, excess oil and shine — with Clarisonic’s Deep Pore and Blemish Gel Cleanser. Formulated with salicylic acid, zinc, peppermint extract and a fruit acid trio, this foaming gel face wash uses its combination of pore-refining ingredients to remove impurities and excess sebum without overdrying or irritating the complexion.

Vichy Normaderm Gel Cleanser

If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, this drugstore face wash will help you get it under control. It can purify pores, remove excess oil and prevent new skin imperfections from forming. Skin will feel softer, smoother and fresher with every use.

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel

This cleanser by SkinCeuticals targets excess sebum and cleanses the pores with its exfoliating gel formula. It contains glycolic acid and two forms of salicylic acid to decongest pores to reveal a brighter and more even complexion.

L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

We love micellar waters for cleansing oily skin in a pinch and removing excess oil on the go. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin is formulated with micelle technology to gently gently yet effectively remove pore-clogging dirt and debris from the surface of the skin.

Lancôme Gel Pure Focus Deep Purifying Cleanser Oily Skin

Your search for a luxe facial cleanser that can provide the skin with a deep cleanse and reduce the look of excess oil and shine ends here. Lancôme’s Gel Pure Focus Deep Purifying Cleanser Oily Skin is a transparent gel formula that transforms into a delicate foam to deliver a fresh cleanse. It reduces the appearance of shine, minimizes the look of pores and cleanses the skin for a mattified look.

Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment

Purify your skin and remove any traces of dirt and oil with this acne cleanser by Kiehl’s. It’s formulated for acne-prone skin and helps clear blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads — all common side effects of oily skin — for a clear complexion. The foaming texture contains the brand’s iconic Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, as well as salicylic acid.

Read More:

The Best BB Creams for Oily Skin

11 of the Best Facial Serums That Can Help Transform Your Skin

How to Deal With Shoulder Acne (Because It’s a Thing That Happens)