10 Best Face Cleansers for Oily Skin to Banish Shine & Breakouts Fast

Oily skin can be a real challenge—especially when it leads to unwanted shine, clogged pores, and breakouts. But with the right facial cleanser, managing excess oil and maintaining a balanced, clear complexion becomes much easier. The key lies in choosing products specifically formulated to target oily skin concerns, such as acne, enlarged pores, and sebum overproduction, without stripping the skin of essential moisture.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the 10 best face cleansers for oily skin—each carefully selected for its oil-fighting power and gentle ingredients. Whether you’re dealing with acne-prone skin or just want to cut the midday shine, there’s something on this list that’s bound to work wonders for your routine.

Our Top Picks

• Best for Daily Use: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Facial Wash
• Best for Gentle Exfoliation: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
• Best for Oil Control: Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Facial Wash – Best for Daily Use

This gentle foaming gel cleanser is specifically formulated for oily and sensitive skin. It effectively removes excess oil and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural balance. Enriched with zinc PCA, it helps reduce sebum production and has antibacterial properties. The minimalist formula ensures a clean feel without over-drying, making it suitable for daily use.

Pros

• Reduces excess oil and shine
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Non-comedogenic and soap-free

Cons

• May lack hydrating ingredients
• Contains fragrance, which might not suit everyone

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser – Best for Gentle Exfoliation

CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser combines salicylic acid with ceramides to exfoliate and cleanse oily skin gently. It removes dirt and oil while maintaining the skin’s protective barrier. The inclusion of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid helps soothe and hydrate the skin. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for daily use.

Pros

• Gently exfoliates without harsh microbeads
• Maintains skin’s moisture balance
• Fragrance-free and non-irritating

Cons

• May not provide a deep cleanse for very oily skin

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash – Best for Oil Control

Cetaphil’s DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash is designed for oily and acne-prone skin. It effectively removes excess oil, impurities, and makeup without stripping the skin. The formula includes zinc technology to reduce shine and maintain a matte finish. It’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Pros

• Effectively removes excess oil and impurities
• Maintains skin’s natural moisture barrier
• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic

Cons

• Foam texture may not appeal to everyone
• May not provide deep exfoliation

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash – Best for Acne-Prone Skin

This dermatologist-recommended cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid to treat and prevent acne. It penetrates deep into pores to remove oil and impurities without over-drying. The formula includes soothing agents like aloe and chamomile extracts to calm the skin. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it ideal for oily, acne-prone skin.

Pros

• Effectively treats and prevents breakouts
• Deeply cleanses without over-drying
• Non-comedogenic and oil-free

Cons

• Contains fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin
• May cause dryness if overused

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel – Best for Adult Acne

This cleanser is formulated with a combination of lipo-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to exfoliate and decongest pores. It’s designed for aging skin prone to breakouts and excess oil. The gel formula helps refine skin texture and minimize the appearance of pores. It’s suitable for oily and combination skin types.

Pros

• Triple acid formula exfoliates and clears pores
• Improves skin texture and clarity
• Suitable for oily, aging skin

Cons

• May be too potent for sensitive skin
• Higher price point compared to other cleansers

Kate Somerville EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser – Best for Hormonal Breakouts

This daily cleanser contains 3% sulfur to combat acne and reduce oiliness. It helps clear existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts. The formula includes oat extract to soothe the skin and reduce redness. It’s suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Pros

• Contains sulfur to treat and prevent acne
• Soothes and calms irritated skin
• Helps control excess oil production

Cons

• Sulfur scent may be off-putting to some users

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel – Best for Enlarged Pores

This cleansing gel combines alpha and beta hydroxy acids to exfoliate and cleanse the skin. It helps remove excess oil, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. The formula is enriched with soothing botanicals to minimize irritation. It’s suitable for oily and combination skin types.

Pros

• Exfoliates and cleanses simultaneously
• Improves skin clarity and texture
• Contains soothing botanicals to reduce irritation

Cons

• May cause sensitivity if used with other exfoliating products

Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser – Best for Deep Cleansing

This warming gel cleanser contains activated charcoal to draw out impurities and excess oil. It also includes glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin. The formula is enriched with vitamin C and licorice root extract to brighten the complexion. It’s suitable for oily and combination skin types.

Pros

• Detoxifies and purifies the skin
• Gently exfoliates and brightens complexion
• Free from artificial fragrances and preservatives

Cons

• Warming sensation may not be suitable for sensitive skin
• May cause dryness if overused

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser – Best for Sensitive Oily Skin

Vanicream’s Gentle Facial Cleanser is formulated for sensitive and oily skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without irritating the skin. The formula is free from common irritants like fragrances, dyes, and parabens. It’s non-comedogenic and suitable for daily use.

Pros

• Free from common irritants and allergens
• Gentle yet effective cleansing
• Suitable for sensitive and oily skin

Cons

• May not provide deep cleansing for very oily skin
• Lacks exfoliating properties

Ahaglow Advanced Face Wash – Best for Exfoliating Oily Skin

Ahaglow Advanced Face Wash contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to exfoliate and cleanse the skin. It helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce excess oil. The formula includes vitamin E to nourish and protect the skin. It’s suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Pros

• Exfoliates and cleanses effectively
• Reduces excess oil and unclogs pores
• Contains vitamin E for skin nourishment

Cons

• May cause sensitivity to sunlight; sunscreen is recommended

Want clearer, healthier-looking skin? Choose smart. Cleanse right. And watch your skin transform. Remember, consistency is key. Pair your chosen cleanser with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen to complete your skincare routine.