Best Face Wash for Oily Skin, as Recommended by Dermatologists

Cleansers are key to maintaining a healthy complexion. Creating a routine and product line-up designed to keep your face clean and clear depends on your skin type. For oily skin, finding a gentle and non-comedogenic product will help keep your skin healthy and fresh. The balancing act is finding a face wash for oily skin that protects, hydrates, and keeps your pores unclogged to prevent breakouts.

Our top picks for the best face wash for oily skin

Read, also: Best Face Washes for Acne Prone Skin, According to Experts

What to consider when buying face wash for oily skin

Ingredients

When considering a face wash to purchase for oily skin, look for ones with lighter oils, says Dr. Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. “You want to find ones that mimic the qualities of your own sebum, like squalane and jojoba,” she says.

Skin type and breakouts

“If you are prone to blemishes, you can also use cleansers with ingredients that will help clarify the pores and prevent breakouts, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide,” says Dr. Yadav.

Texture of face wash

Those with oily skin should consider foaming and gel formulas to help cut through the oil on their skin and not leave moisture behind like a creamy face wash, Dr. Yadav advises.

Price point and size

Just like anti-aging serums and eye creams, affordability and budget will likely dictate the type of face wash you purchase, so I rounded up a range of options from splurges to steals.

How we selected the best face washes for oily skin

I selected my top picks with the help of dermatologists who advised me on the types of ingredients you should look for in a face wash if your skin is oily and how to best care for oily skin. I also talked with friends and colleagues, personally tested cleansers, and searched through hundreds of reviews. My “best of” list covers a range of affordable options to treat oily skin.

How to tell if you have oily skin?

“One of the easiest ways to tell if you have oily skin is how much shine your skin develops, especially in the t-zone, throughout the day,” explains Dr. Yahav. “If you try blotting your skin with a blotting paper, oily skin will leave behind significant residue while dry skin will leave little to nothing on the paper. Oily skin is also more prone to enlarged pores than dry skin.”

What ingredients should people with oily skin look for?

The following ingredients are recommended by dermatologists:

• Squalane to keep pores clean and hydrated
• Jojoba to soothe inflammatory skin
• Anti-inflammatory salicylic acid for redness and acne-prone skin
• Retinol for clogged pores
• Niacinamide for helping to regulate oil production

What ingredients should people with oily skin avoid?

If you have oily skin, avoid ingredients like petroleum or coconut oil which will block your pores. You should also steer clear of jelly-based or wax-based products. Look for face washes in gel form versus creams.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How often should you wash your face?

“For oily skin, I do recommend twice daily cleansing, and for that PM cleanse, I typically recommend double cleansing: one cleanser to remove makeup and the next cleanser to remove sebum,“ says Dr. Rachel Reyes-Bergano, medical director of SkinSpirit Pasadena in California.

Is CeraVe good for oily skin?

CeraVe brands offer products that are good for oily skin because they help restore your skin’s barrier but they won’t clog your pores. Finding the best face wash can be a challenge but CeraVe’s lineup makes it easier.

What should you not use on oily skin?

Dr. Yadav recommends that individuals with oily skin avoid products with excess oils and products that may clog their pores. Dr. Reyes-Bergano says thick and creamy cleansers can potentially cause pore congestion and should be avoided if you have oily skin.

How do you use a face wash for oily skin?

Use lukewarm water to rinse your face, then take a small amount of face wash and gently apply it in circular motions to your face. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.