You are finding the best acne wash for oily skin, this post is for you. When it comes to finding the best face washes for oily skin, the solution lies in the ingredients list. Some of the most effective oil-regulating cleansers are powered by skin-purifying agents such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, clay and more, which help promote cell turnover and restore balance by removing excess oil from the pores.
But, your oily skin cleanser can’t be too powerful, or else you’ll just end up right back where you started. Over exfoliation can result in the skin creating more sebum, which leads to more oil and blemishes hindering your complexion. That’s why it’s important to find a formula that gently cleanses the skin while also replenishing the skin barrier. These will usually contain humectants among the likes of hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which keep the skin hydrated without clogging the pores or causing damage to the moisture barrier.
The best face washes for oily skin are those that will help you detoxify your skin by removing dirt and pollution, reduce oily skin due to excess sebum secretion and not strip your delicate skin off its moisture and natural suppleness.So, keeping these points in mind, we have listed down the 10 best face washes for oily skin that are made with quality ingredients and without any harmful chemicals.
Below, you’ll find the best acne wash for oily skin that will soak up oil for a shine-free complexion.
Formulated with a unique blend of ceramides to prevent the disruption of the barrier, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser offers a gentle cleanse that removes excess oil with over-drying or stripping the skin.
Developed with dermatologists, the foaming gel formula of the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser gently cleanses the skin to remove excess makeup, dirt and oil. It contains 3 essential ceramides to help protect the skin barrier. Hyaluronic Acid helps to retain the skin’s natural moisture while Niacinamide calms the skin.
From the world of K-beauty comes this effective pore cleansing foam from Innisfree that is made with Jeju volcanic clusters that are known to absorb sebum and dirt from deep within the pores to give you noticeably clearer skin.
Having oily skin doesn’t necessarily make you more likely to have acne, but the two do often go hand-in-hand. No matter your issue, this blemish-busting face wash is the solution. The star of the show is 2% salicylic acid (the maximum strength you can get in an over-the-counter product), one of the best acne-fighting ingredients out there, known for its ability to dissolve oil to keep pores clear and breakouts at bay.
True to its name, it does have a refreshingly citrus-y grapefruit scent, but that grapefruit does more than just smell nice. It’s also a great source of vitamin C, an excellent skin-brightening ingredient.
Micellar waters are fan favorites among both sensitive and oily skin types; the former appreciate that they’re free of potentially irritating detergents, while the latter like that they’re oil-free and don’t leave behind any residue. They work thanks to micelles, tiny particles that attach to and whisk away dirt, oil, and other grime.
This particular option is especially great for oily skin since it has the added benefit of foaming up ever so slightly, leaving your complexion feeling extra clean, though still soft and hydrated. It’s also gentle enough to use on eyes and lips and requires no rinsing. Simply dab some onto a cotton pad and swipe it across your entire face.
For the most reactive skin, dermatologist and co-host of The Doctors Dr. Sonia Batra recommends this “gentle oil-, phthalate-, and paraben-free pH-balanced cleanser.” (It’s also very highly rated in user reviews.) “It contains bromelain to reduce inflammation caused by acne, and apple amino acids to hydrate the skin,” Batra adds. And it’s free of sulfates, which, as dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe explains, “are aggressive surfactants that can wash away your healthy fats and lipids and dry out the skin.” Even though acne sufferers might think they actually want a drying-out effect, overdrying in fact causes the skin to produce more oil, setting off a vicious cycle. And so, says Bowe: “I advise all my patients, but especially those with acne, to avoid sulfates.”
Connecticut-based dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson recommends Neocutis’s Exfoliating Skin Cleanser for oily skin because it harnesses the exfoliating powers of glycolic acid to thoroughly cleanse without over-drying. “It also smooths skin by gently removing superficial epidermal cells,” she says. (Bye-bye, oily, and hello, glowy.)
Hormonal acne is usually characterized as a combination of comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads) and cystic acne.
This, in turn, causes the skin to become oily, explains board certified dermatologist Dr. Rina Allawh, making it crucial to select a cleanser that keeps excessive oiliness under control.
To do just that, she advises investing in this hormonal acne-friendly cleanser, as it uses salicylic acid as an active ingredient to keep greasiness to a minimum.
“I love the Olixia Gummy Cleanser for oily skin, as it has eucalyptus, so is antibacterial,” says Katie White, facialist and founder of re:lax ldn, a skin studio in Hackney. It also “contains skin balancing oils, such as macadamia oil, but doesn’t leave skin feeling oily,” she tells us. “It’s a gummy cleanser that emulsifies into a milk, it lifts makeup, SPF, and excess oil.” The Olixia Gummy Cleanser also contains phenolic acid, which acts as a gentle exfoliant.
To combat acne and blackheads effectively, Mokaya suggests looking for cleansers that pair salicylic and glycolic acids together, as these ingredients can get deep into the pores and promote essential exfoliation.
Similarly, charcoal is another deep-cleaning ingredient to keep in mind, as this ingredient has antiseptic properties and can remove dirt and toxins from the skin.
“Charcoal can absorb dirt, chemicals, toxins, and some acne-causing bacteria from the skin,” Mokaya explains. “Charcoal also has anti-inflammatory properties and decreases the inflammation associated with acne.”
To add charcoal, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid to your skin care routine, she suggests investing in this cleanser, as it combines all ingredients in order to exfoliate your pores.
If your skin is oily, acne-prone, and sensitive, it’s an uphill battle trying to find a cleanser that will relieve your common skin symptoms without doing more harm. Since most face washes for oily skin contain ingredients meant to deep clean and treat breakouts, they can leave your face stripped of its natural pH balance and plagued with redness, itchiness, and irritation.
The Cetaphil PRO Oil Removing Foam Wash, however, manages to be gentle and mild without sacrificing its cleansing power. It’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and formulated to combat acne specifically in people with oily skin. The cleanser contains zinc to give you a good lathering foam and soothe your skin at the same time.
These are some of the best face washes for oily skin to keep it fresh and oil-free. Listed below are a few things to keep in mind before you purchase any of them.
Check the ingredient before buying a face wash. Opt for face washes that contain natural ingredients like tea tree oil, papaya, and aloe vera. They help balance the oil and have a calming effect. Also, check for ingredients like AHA and BHA. They have an exfoliating effect on the skin and prevent acne. Avoid soap-based formulas as they might dry out your skin and cause tightness. Also, buy a face wash that does not contain parabens and SLS.
Synthetic fragrances may cause skin irritation, redness, and rashes. So, avoid any face wash that includes parfum or fragrance on their ingredients list.
The best face wash for oily skin is one that is clinically tested and dermatologically approved. This reduces the risk of skin irritation.
User reviews help you get an idea about the product and how it performs. If you are unsure about any product, check the reviews to evaluate its pros and cons.
Oily skin, in particular, can be hard to treat: skip a cleansing and suddenly you’re blinding people with your shine, but wash too often and you risk drying out your skin (which, weirdly, actually causes it to produce more oil). It’s a total balancing act, but it’s one you can work to get right.
Hopefully, our recommendations will help you find the best acne wash for oily skin.
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