10 Face Cleansers for Oily Skin

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cleanser for oily skin
Author Name: Beth Rush
Date: Thursday January 23, 2025

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Oily skin can be a real challenge, as it usually means dealing with other skin problems, such as clogged pores, shiny complexion and breakouts. Your cleanser plays a crucial role in keeping your skin free from irritants that could potentially worsen your skin condition. Find the best cleanser for oily skin in this list.

woman applying skin care

1. Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse

One thing about people with oily skin is that they struggle with shiny faces. This gentle cleanser contains exfoliating properties to reduce the appearance of oiliness and help slough off dead skin cells, giving way to a brighter complexion. The Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse gel contains AHAs and BHAs to help reduce acne scarring, repair rough skin and target other texture concerns. 

It has glycerin to help boost cell turnover and mandelic acid, an underrated exfoliating AHA that can help brighten the complexion and cause less irritation for people with sensitive skin. Despite having exfoliating properties, you can use it twice daily.

$27.00 on Amazon

2. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

If you love gentle and foaming cleansers that don’t leave your face ultra-squeaky clean, this one’s for you. CeraVe is a cult favorite for many reasons — the ingredients are simple, the packaging is lovely, and the products are formulated to be gentle yet effective on the skin. This is the ideal cleanser for oily skin because it has three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which calms the skin. 

Moreover, its sodium lauroyl lactylate content gives the foaming consistency to help remove skin impurities.

$15.48 on Amazon 

3. COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

According to Dr. Davin Lim, if you have acne-prone skin, look for an exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid or retinol. Lucky for you, COSRX has got both of these benefits. It’s gentle, meaning it won’t disrupt your skin barrier, and it has salicylic acid — a BHA known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, remove dead skin cells and unclog pores from dirt, oil and grime. It also contains tea tree oil, which is anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for people with mild acne. 

Use a small amount and rub it between your fingertips until it lathers into a nice amount of bubbles, then apply in a circular motion.

$12.05 on Amazon

4. Vichy Normaderm Daily Acne Face Wash

The Vichy Normaderm Daily Acne Face Wash is a cleanser for oily skin that helps with blemish control. It can help remove everything from pollution particles to other dirt. It’s a foaming liquid gel that provides maximum cleaning action without drying the face too much. The brand claims that after a week, your skin will look clearer and after four weeks, pore appearance, blackheads and acne blemishes will be visibly reduced. 

Give this a try if you have oily and sensitive skin or are willing to try other products from the same brand. It appears to work synergistically with the Acne Control Moisturizer and Acne Rescue Spot Corrector.

$18.39 on Amazon 

5. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser

woman with skin care product on face

There’s no denying that La Roche-Posay is one of the best in skin care. While the brand is mostly known for its serums, this cleanser deserves the same attention. This daily cleanser is gentle enough even for those with dry skin. It sloughs away excess oil, makeup and pollution particles while maintaining the skin’s natural pH so you won’t feel excessive dryness. It’s infused with ceramide, glycerine and niacinamide, which helps moisturize and calm the skin.

If you’re looking for a sign to jump on the La Roche-Posay bandwagon, this is it. This product is the perfect starting point for trying the brand’s products.

$17.99 on Amazon

6. Lancôme​ Créme Radiance Cream-to-Foam Face Cleanser

This cleanser from Lancôme​ is ideal if your main concerns are uneven skin tone, texture and excessive oiliness. While it’s designed to target multiple skin issues, it’s mild enough to protect your skin barrier. It’s worth the price, especially if you’re looking for a lux addition to your routine. 

Many users claim that it effectively removes makeup without irritating the skin. Plus, you only need a tiny amount for it to work exceptionally. 

Therefore, if you wear makeup daily and have oily skin, consider splurging on this product.

$30.40 on Amazon

7. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Mousse

Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Mousse is an excellent cleanser for oily skin because it’s hydrating and effectively removes even the longest-wearing makeup. It has a creamy formula that foams up luxuriously to eliminate even the most stubborn mascara, making it ideal if you wear makeup regularly. Aside from its powerful cleansing benefits, it doesn’t feel stripping and is unscented, which is a significant consideration for some.

$24.22 on Amazon

8. Pai PHAZE PHA Clarifying Face Wash

Polyhydroxy acids (PHA) are a milder form of AHA that helps exfoliate the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. Pai also contains chicory root-derived prebiotic inulin, which helps boost the skin barrier and slough off dirt without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Pai also uses environmentally friendly ingredients, making it ideal if you prefer clean products.

$39.00 on Amazon

9. ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam

The ANUA Heartleaf Quercentinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam is a must-try if you prefer cleansers with exfoliating benefits. It contains salicylic, which helps remove dead skin cells and control oil production. It also has quercetinol extracted from Heartleaf — an ingredient known to reduce inflammation, resulting in smooth and calm skin that lasts after washing. It also has hyaluronic acid and glycerin to give the skin much-needed hydration.

$13.00 on Amazon

10. Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser

Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser is a gel-based cleanser that deeply exfoliates and cleanses the skin, making it ideal for people with oily skin. It contains jojoba and willowherb, which help calm inflammation and reduce visible redness. The product also contains charcoal powder, which helps absorb excess oil and impurities that may clog pores. 

This charcoal cleanser is ideal for excessively oily skin. Do not try it if you’re irritated, as it may sting.

$15.98 on Amazon

Try the Best Cleansers for Oily Skin

woman applying skin care

Cleanser is vital in any skin care routine, especially for people with oily skin. That way, you can help keep breakout, shiny skin and clogged pores at bay. Remember to choose the product that best suits your skin concerns.

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