10 Best Cleansers for Oily Skin

1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Description:
This dermatologist-recommended cleanser is ideal for oily skin. It effectively removes excess oil and dirt without disrupting the natural skin barrier.

Key Ingredients:
Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid

Pros:

• Non-drying and gentle
  
• Strengthens skin barrier
  
• Foams well and rinses clean
  

Cons:

• May not effectively remove heavy makeup
  

Best Way to Use:
Use twice daily. Apply to wet skin, gently massage for 30 seconds, and rinse thoroughly.

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel

Description:
A gentle foaming gel that purifies oily skin without over-drying. Ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin, and enriched with soothing thermal spring water.

Key Ingredients:
Zinc PCA, Thermal Spring Water

Pros:

• Soap-free and fragrance-free
  
• Balances oil levels
  
• Suitable for sensitive skin
  

Cons:

• Not hydrating enough for dry skin types
  

Best Way to Use:
Lather a small amount in your hands, apply to damp skin, and rinse thoroughly.

3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Description:
A classic, affordable salicylic acid face wash that targets breakouts and excessive oil. Great for teens and adults alike.

Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid (2%)

Pros:

• Unclogs pores
  
• Affordable and accessible
  
• Recommended by dermatologists
  

Cons:

• Can be drying if overused
  
• Avoid contact with eyes
  

Best Way to Use:
Use once or twice daily on damp skin. Avoid scrubbing and rinse thoroughly.

4. Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser

Description:
A lightweight gel cleanser designed for oily and acne-prone skin that removes makeup, oil, and impurities without irritation.

Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid, Panthenol

Pros:

• Gentle enough for daily use
  
• Removes dirt and light makeup
  
• Non-irritating formula
  

Cons:

• Doesn’t lather like foaming cleansers
  

Best Way to Use:
Use morning and night. Massage into damp skin and rinse with lukewarm water.

5. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Description:
A cult-favorite Korean cleanser that balances the skin’s pH and gently exfoliates using tea tree oil and BHA.

Key Ingredients:
Tea Tree Oil, Betaine Salicylate (BHA), Betaine

Pros:

• Balances skin pH
  
• Helps reduce breakouts
  
• Gentle for AM use
  

Cons:

• May not suit extremely dry skin types
  

Best Way to Use:
Use in the morning on damp skin. Gently massage and rinse with lukewarm water.

6. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Description:
A budget-friendly, deep-cleansing face wash that helps reduce excess oil and prevent clogged pores with 2% salicylic acid.

Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid (2%), Zinc

Pros:

• Unclogs pores
  
• Controls oil and shine
  
• Affordable and effective
  

Cons:

• May cause irritation for sensitive skin if overused
  

Best Way to Use:
Use daily on damp skin, especially in the T-zone. Avoid the eye area.

7. Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

Description:
This creamy gel transforms into a rich foam, lifting away dirt and oil while soothing skin with calendula extract.

Key Ingredients:
Calendula Extract, Glycerin

Pros:

• Soothes while cleansing
  
• Great for combination to oily skin
  
• Rich lather
  

Cons:

• May not suit very dry or eczema-prone skin
  

Best Way to Use:
Use twice daily. Lather a small amount in your palms, massage into skin, and rinse.

8. Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

Description:
An antioxidant-rich cleanser powered by kale, spinach, and green tea. Balances oil production while nourishing the skin.

Key Ingredients:
Kale, Spinach, Green Tea

Pros:

• Nutrient-packed and gentle
  
• Balances and refreshes skin
  
• Vegan and eco-friendly formula
  

Cons:

• Glass bottle packaging (less travel-friendly)
  
• Slightly pricey
  

Best Way to Use:
Massage 1–2 pumps into damp skin, leave on for 30 seconds, then rinse.

9. Bioderma Sébium Gel Moussant

Description:
A soap-free purifying gel specially formulated for oily and combination skin. It regulates sebum and cleanses without irritation.

Key Ingredients:
Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate

Pros:

• Controls oil production
  
• Non-comedogenic
  
• Dermatologically tested
  

Cons:

• May feel slightly drying in colder climates
  

Best Way to Use:
Use morning and evening. Apply to moist skin, lather, and rinse thoroughly.

10. Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Description:
A high-performance acne cleanser featuring encapsulated salicylic acid that treats current breakouts and helps prevent future ones.

Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid, Green Tea Extract

Pros:

• Targets breakouts
  
• Reduces redness and inflammation
  
• Long-lasting effect
  

Cons:

• Strong for very sensitive skin
  
• Higher price point
  

Best Way to Use:
Use 1–2 times daily. Massage gently onto damp skin and rinse well.