The 9 Best Cleansers for Oily Skin in 2025
Oily skin can be a challenge to manage. Whether you wake up with a shiny T-zone, struggle with midday oil buildup, or constantly battle breakouts, finding the right cleanser is essential. The best cleansers for oily skin remove excess oil without stripping away moisture, balance sebum production, and help prevent clogged pores.
And let’s be honest—there’s nothing worse than washing your face only to have it feel overly dry or, worse, even oilier than before. If you’ve tried countless products and still feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle against grease and acne, you’re not alone.
The key is choosing a cleanser with the right ingredients. To help you find the best one for your skin, we researched and tested multiple options, focusing on formulas that effectively cleanse without over-drying. Below are the nine best cleansers for oily skin, packed with expert-approved ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and clay to keep shine under control.
1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is a go-to for oily and acne-prone skin. Formulated with gentle surfactants, this cleanser deeply cleanses without irritating sensitive skin.
Why it’s great:
Soap-free and sulfate-free, so it won’t over-strip the skin
Infused with zinc pidolate to help reduce excess oil
Leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed without a tight, dry sensation
This gel-based cleanser lathers well and removes dirt, oil, and impurities effectively. Plus, it’s dermatologist-recommended and suitable for sensitive skin.
2. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that delivers results, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is an excellent choice. It’s developed with dermatologists and contains a blend of ingredients that work to balance oily skin.
Why it’s great:
Contains ceramides to restore the skin barrier
Infused with niacinamide to calm inflammation and redness
Includes hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration levels
Unlike harsh cleansers that strip your skin, this foaming cleanser removes excess oil while keeping your skin’s protective barrier intact. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it great for sensitive skin types.
3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash is a tried-and-true favorite for those struggling with breakouts. With 2% salicylic acid, it penetrates deep into the pores to clear out oil, dirt, and acne-causing bacteria.
Why it’s great:
Contains salicylic acid to treat and prevent breakouts
Oil-free formula won’t clog pores
Helps to reduce inflammation and redness
This classic cleanser is ideal for those dealing with frequent breakouts and blackheads. It’s also gentle enough for daily use and pairs well with a good moisturizer to keep skin balanced.
4. Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
If you’re into clean beauty, you’ll love the Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser. Packed with antioxidants from kale, spinach, and green tea, this cleanser provides a deep yet gentle cleanse while fighting free radicals.
Why it’s great:
Contains plant-based antioxidants to support healthy skin
Non-stripping formula that won’t dry out your skin
Removes excess oil while leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed
This gel-based cleanser is excellent for oily skin types who want a natural, non-toxic option that still works effectively. Plus, the fresh, clean scent makes washing your face feel like a treat.
5. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
For those dealing with persistent breakouts and clogged pores, The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser is a powerhouse. It gently exfoliates while deeply cleansing to keep your skin clear and smooth.
Why it’s great:
Contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and clear pores
Zinc compound helps reduce oiliness
Lightweight gel formula that won’t leave residue
This cleanser is a great option for anyone struggling with blackheads, breakouts, and excess oil production. It’s affordable, effective, and simple to incorporate into your skincare routine.
6. Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Paula’s Choice is known for science-backed skincare, and their Pore Normalizing Cleanser is a fantastic choice for oily and acne-prone skin.
Why it’s great:
Contains 0.5% salicylic acid to unclog pores and fight breakouts
Gentle gel formula that won’t strip skin
Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin
This lightweight gel cleanser effectively removes excess oil while keeping breakouts at bay. It’s a great daily cleanser for anyone struggling with acne-prone skin.
7. Bioderma Sébium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel
Bioderma’s Sébium line is designed specifically for oily skin, and this purifying gel cleanser helps balance sebum production while providing a deep clean.
Why it’s great:
Enriched with zinc sulfate and copper sulfate to reduce oiliness
Non-drying, soap-free formula
Helps prevent future breakouts by controlling excess sebum
This dermatologist-approved cleanser is a great option for those who want a gentle yet effective solution for managing oily skin.
8. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
If you prefer a K-beauty staple, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a must-try. It gently exfoliates while maintaining your skin’s natural pH balance.
Why it’s great:
Contains tea tree oil to help control excess oil and soothe skin
Slightly acidic formula that supports a healthy skin barrier
Removes dirt and impurities without causing irritation
This cleanser is perfect for those looking for a refreshing, non-stripping cleanser that works well in a multi-step skincare routine.
9. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
For those with oily yet sensitive skin, the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser offers an ultra-mild option that removes excess oil without irritation.
Why it’s great:
Free from harsh ingredients like sulfates, dyes, and fragrances
Non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested
Suitable for reactive skin prone to redness and irritation
This gentle yet effective cleanser is perfect for those who want a simple, no-fuss solution for managing oily skin while avoiding irritation.
How to Choose the Best Cleanser for Oily Skin
When shopping for a cleanser, there are a few key things to consider to ensure you’re getting the right one for your skin:
1. Look for Oil-Control Ingredients
Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, zinc, and clay help control excess oil while preventing breakouts.
2. Avoid Harsh Sulfates and Alcohol
These can strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier, causing it to produce even more oil.
3. Opt for Non-Comedogenic Formulas
Non-comedogenic cleansers won’t clog your pores, which is essential for oily and acne-prone skin.
4. Consider Your Skin’s Sensitivity
If you have sensitive skin, choose gentle formulas free of artificial fragrances and irritants.
How often should I wash my face if I have oily skin?
It’s recommended to wash your face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. Over-washing can lead to excessive dryness, which may cause your skin to produce even more oil to compensate. If you feel particularly oily during the day, you can rinse with water or use oil-absorbing blotting papers instead of washing again.
Can I use a foaming cleanser if I have oily skin?
Yes! Foaming cleansers are often ideal for oily skin since they help remove excess sebum and leave your skin feeling fresh. However, be sure to choose a gentle, sulfate-free foaming cleanser to avoid excessive drying or irritation.
Should I use an exfoliating cleanser daily?
Exfoliating cleansers, especially those with salicylic acid, can be great for oily and acne-prone skin, but using them daily may be too harsh. Aim to use an exfoliating cleanser 2-3 times per week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. On other days, stick to a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser to maintain balance.
Can using the wrong cleanser make my skin oilier?
If your cleanser is too harsh, it can strip away natural oils, causing your skin to produce even more sebum to compensate. This can make your skin even oilier over time. Stick to gentle, non-comedogenic formulas designed for oily skin to maintain a healthy balance.
How long does it take to see results from a new cleanser?
Results vary from person to person, but typically, you’ll start noticing changes within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. If you’re using a cleanser with active ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, you may see improvements in breakouts and oiliness within a couple of weeks. However, if irritation or excessive dryness occurs, consider switching to a milder formula.