If you have oily skin, choosing the right cleanser can feel like an ongoing battle, especially when the humidity of summer kicks in. While dewy skin may be a trend, that shine paired with stickiness is far from ideal.
The best cleansers for oily skin regulate oil production without stripping your skin of essential moisture. As Dr. Elena Martínez explains to Vogue España, the key is finding products that “provide the skin with the water it lacks and help it retain the moisture it naturally produces.” Here, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a star ingredient.
HA attracts and holds moisture, which may seem counterintuitive for oily skin, but dehydration prompts your skin to produce even more oil. This non-comedogenic ingredient won’t clog your pores, making it an excellent hydrator for oily skin types.
Salicylic acid (SA) is another must-have. This oil-soluble exfoliant penetrates deep within the skin, dissolving dead skin cells and clearing pollutants trapped in your pores. It helps combat the excess oil that often leads to clogged pores and breakouts.
Niacinamide is a great option for tackling excess sebum. It regulates oil production, restores the skin barrier and calms inflammation.
When selecting a cleanser, aim for lightweight formulations like gels, foams, and serums—anything that cleanses without feeling sticky. Here are 11 of the best cleansers for oily skin to help you achieve the perfect balance:
Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser
Formulated with natural salicylic acid, this lightweight gel cleanser is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. It also contains organic grape water that soothes and hydrates, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. This cleanser effectively reduces excess oil and tightens pores but should be used once a day due to its salicylic acid content, which can be potent with frequent use. Ideal for targeting blemishes without drying out your skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Facial Wash for Oily Skin
Zinc-pidolate, known for its purifying properties, helps to remove excess oil while maintaining your skin’s natural pH balance. This gel facial wash is gentle yet effective, ideal for those with sensitive skin. It doesn’t strip moisture, leaving skin clean and balanced—perfect for daily use.
Paula’s Choice Oil Reducing Cleanser
This fragrance-free cleanser is a great option for oily skin types, even those wearing makeup. It uses coconut-derived ingredients to remove oil, dirt and makeup, while glycerin keeps your skin moisturised. The gentle foaming action ensures that your skin feels refreshed, not dry, after every wash.
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil’s affordable cleanser is designed to remove excess oils and dirt without irritating the skin. It contains a soothing blend of niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin to hydrate and protect your skin’s natural barrier. Free from parabens and mineral oils, it’s ideal for those with sensitive, oily skin.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
This foaming gel cleanser is enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which help maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier while cleansing away oil and impurities. It’s perfect for oily skin that needs deep cleaning without feeling stripped or tight.
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser
Amazonian white clay helps to absorb excess oil and impurities, while the non-drying, foaming formula gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells. This cleanser helps to deeply purify pores without making your skin feel tight or uncomfortable, making it a great option for oily skin in need of regular exfoliation.
Minimalist Salicylic Acid + 2% LHA Cleanser
This exfoliating cleanser combines salicylic acid with Capryloyl Salicylic Acid for multi-layered cleansing. Zinc and oat extracts help soothe and hydrate the skin, while the exfoliants work to clear out oil and dead skin cells. Due to its active ingredients, use this product once a day to avoid over-exfoliation.
Ole Henrikson Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser
With a unique blend of botanicals like green tea, eucalyptus, algae and Irish moss, this refreshing cleanser absorbs excess oils while maintaining hydration. Glycolic and lactic acids exfoliate and refine skin texture, leaving your complexion smooth, balanced, and refreshed without being stripped.
Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Featuring Comedoclastin™ from milk thistle extract, this gently foaming gel reduces excess sebum and helps prevent breakouts. The addition of Avene Thermal Spring Water calms and soothes, leaving your skin feeling soft and balanced while controlling oil throughout the day.
Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser
This clarifying cleanser uses two types of salicylic acid, one of which is encapsulated to continue working after rinsing. It’s designed to dissolve oil, unclog pores and prevent acne. Green tea extract provides antioxidant protection and reduces irritation, making it ideal for oily skin prone to breakouts.