Cleansing might not be the most exciting part of our skincare routine, but it’s one of the most essential that we cannot forget. For those of us with oily skin, finding the right face wash is even more important. The goal? Removing dirt, sweat, and excess oil without stripping your skin or messing with our beloved skin barrier. Get this step right, and you’re setting yourself up for a better complexion.
After testing countless face cleansers, we’ve rounded up the best face washes for oily skin that help prevent breakouts so keep reading and take the notes.
Top Picks: Best Face Washes for Oily Skin
![Paula's Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser for oily skin and acne, removes excess oil and pore-clogging impurities](https://www.caviarfeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6001.avif)
Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser
This gentle cleanser for oily skin is perfect for teens and anyone battling constant breakouts. It effectively removes excess oil and pore-clogging impurities without being harsh.
![Bioderma Foaming Gel cleanser for sensitive oily skin, gentle face wash for acne and oil control](https://www.caviarfeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/f6042e6009bee95a529907a99e890a53-157483__28727a_1.jpg)
Bioderma Foaming Gel
Gentle yet effective, this water-based cleanser is ideal for those on prescription treatments and works well as a gentle face wash for oily skin. It cleans without irritating, making it a lifesaver for sensitive skin types.
![Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin, sulfate-free and dermatologist-tested](https://www.caviarfeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/484703_swatch.jpg)
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Dermatologist-tested and perfect for oily skin, this gel cleanser reduces excess sebum without drying your face out. Plus, it’s free of sulphates, soap, and synthetic fragrances—bonus points for clean beauty lovers.
![First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser for oily skin, deep cleansing gel that removes impurities without dryness](https://www.caviarfeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DeepCleanser5oz.jpg-1024x1024.webp)
First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser
When your skin needs a serious reset, this gel cleanser draws out impurities while leaving the skin feeling soft and balanced. It cleans deeply without that dreaded tightness.
![Kate Somerville EradiKate Sulfur Foaming Cleanser for acne and oily skin, 3% sulfur formula for blackheads and breakouts](https://www.caviarfeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10257_fr.jpg-1024x1024.webp)
Kate Somerville EradiKate™ 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser
This viral TikTok cleanser is one of the best cleansers for oily skin. It is clinically formulated to tackle blackheads, sebaceous filaments, and acne. Pro tip: Leave it on as a mask for 2-3 minutes in your T-zone for even better results.
![La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash for oily and sensitive skin, contains niacinamide and ceramide for hydration](https://www.caviarfeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-07-at-3.36.14 pm.png)
La Roche Posay Effeclar + M Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
A gentle foaming cleanser made with prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3. It’s great for cleansing impurities while keeping your skin’s moisture barrier intact. A great everyday staple.
![Ole Henriksen Oil Control Cleanser with glycolic and lactic acids, deep cleans and unclogs pores for oily skin](https://www.caviarfeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-05-at-4.14.25 pm-429x1024.png)
Ole Henriksen Oil Control Cleanser
Packed with lactic and glycolic acids, this non-stripping formula deeply cleanses and unclogs pores. It’s powerful yet gentle enough for regular use.
![SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Cleansing Gel for aging oily skin, exfoliates and controls oil while brightening complexion](https://www.caviarfeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3606000471467_Blemish-Age-Cleanser-240ml_SkinCeuticals.jpg)
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Cleansing Gel
Designed for aging skin prone to breakouts, this exfoliating gel removes excess oil, decongests pores, and brightens the complexion. It’s skincare multitasking at its best.
![Tatcha The Rice Wash creamy face cleanser for oily skin, hydrates and smooths while removing impurities](https://www.caviarfeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/I-043839-M1-Tatcha-TheRiceWash.webp)
Tatcha The Rice Wash
If you’re after a luxurious cleansing experience, this cream cleanser is lovely. It softens, smooths, and hydrates while clearing away impurities—leaving your skin supple.
How often should I wash my face if I have oily skin?
For oily skin, it’s recommended to wash your face twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. This helps remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities that can clog pores. Over-washing can strip your skin’s natural moisture barrier, so stick to this routine unless otherwise advised by a dermatologist.
How do I choose the right face wash for oily skin?
When choosing a face wash for oily skin, consider the following: Choose products with ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or glycolic acid to help regulate oil production and reduce acne.
Look for non-comedogenic formulas (won’t clog pores).
Opt for gentle cleansers that don’t strip your skin’s natural moisture.
Will a gentle cleanser be effective for oily skin?
Absolutely! A gentle cleanser can be very effective for oily skin, especially if it is formulated with the right ingredients. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash, is gentle yet effective, containing niacinamide to calm the skin while removing excess oil and impurities.
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