Introduction
Oily skin can feel like a never-ending battle—one moment your face is fresh, and the next, it’s shining like a glazed donut. If you’ve ever wondered what causes oily skin or struggled to find a cleanser that removes grease without over-drying, you’re not alone. The key? Choosing the best facial cleanser for oily skin means finding one that deeply cleanses to keep your skin nourished. As someone who has tested countless cleansers to get the best one. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top cleansers to say goodbye to excess shine and clogged pores. Let’s find the perfect match for your skin!
What Causes Oily Skin?
Does your face get oily by midday? I get it—constant blotting, frequent powder touch-ups, and the worry of looking shiny in photos.
what causes oily skin in the first place?
- Sebum–the main cause, your skin’s natural oil. Though sebum keeps your skin healthy, too much of it leads to clogged pores, breakouts, and that all-too-familiar greasy feel.
- Genetics–can determine how active your oil glands are (thanks, family!).
- Hormones, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or stress, can boost sebum production.
- Weather—hot, humid climates make oily skin even worse. Cold weather can cause overcompensation.
- Skincare routine–using harsh products can strip away moisture, tricking your skin into producing more oil.
- The trick? Finding the best facial cleanser for oily skin—one that removes excess oil without damaging your skin barrier.
How to Know If You Have Oily or Dry Skin?
Not sure if your skin is oily, dry, or somewhere in between?
A quick test can help:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait 30 minutes—no moisturizer, no serums. If your skin feels tight or flaky, you likely have dry skin. If it looks shiny all over, it’s oily. And if you have an oily T-zone but dry cheeks, you’ve got combination skin.
Another easy way?
- Blotting paper. Press it onto different areas of your face. If it picks up oil from all zones, you have oily skin. If only the T-zone leaves marks, your skin is a combination. No oil? That’s dry skin.
Knowing your skin type helps you pick the right facial cleanser. For oily sensitive skin, you might need an oil-controlling cleanser. If you want balance, choose a gentle face cleanser.
Now that you know your skin type, it’s time to talk solutions!
The next step? Finding the best face wash for oily skin that keeps your shine in check to keep your skin happy. Let’s dive into that next!
How to Manage Oily Skin with the Right Cleanser
Ever washed your face only to have it turn greasy again within hours?
Oily skin can be stubborn, but the right cleanser makes all the difference. The key is finding a best facial cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping your skin dry.
So, what should you look for? Ingredients like
- Salicylic acid help unclog pores and prevent breakouts
- Niacinamide controls oil and soothes the skin.
- Ceramides are a bonus—they strengthen your skin’s barrier, preventing irritation.
- For best results, wash your face twice a day (morning and night). Overwashing can backfire, so don’t overdo it! Pair your cleanser with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin balanced.
Still unsure which cleanser to pick? Let’s break it down.
Best Brands of Face Wash for Oily Skin
Finding the best facial cleanser for oily skin can feel like a never-ending battle. But here’s the truth—your cleanser matters more than you think.
The Top Contenders:
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser vs. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser:
| Feature | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser |
| Best For | Oily skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin | Very sensitive skin, all skin types |
| Texture | Foamy, light foam that deep cleans | Creamy, non-foaming, gentle for dry skin |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Ceramides, Glycerin | Glycerin, Panthenol, Vitamin E |
| Oil Control | Helps control excess oil and shine | Gentle, but less targeted for oil control |
| Exfoliation | Mild exfoliation due to foamy texture | No exfoliation |
| Best For Acne-Prone Skin | Yes, due to niacinamide and ceramides | Less effective for acne-prone skin |
| Suitable for Sensitive Skin? | Yes, it’s designed for sensitive skin | Yes, ideal for very sensitive skin |
| Skin Benefits | Hydrates, balances oil, strengthens barrier | Hydrates, soothes, and protects skin |
| Price | Generally higher (around $10-$15) | Budget-friendly (around $8-$12) |
| Overall Feel | Refreshing, doesn’t strip skin, feels balanced | Gentle, calming, but not as deeply cleansing |
| What I Love About It | It doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. It balances oil without drying, making it perfect for a daily routine. | It’s super mild. If you have super sensitive skin, this is your best choice. |
Personal Thoughts and Takeaways
Okay, let’s get real. If you’re someone who’s dealing with oily skin and acne (like me, at times), CeraVe is probably going to be your best selection.
- That foamy texture is a game-changer for oily skin.
- It cleanses deeply, leaving no trace of that midday shine, and oil control.
- It strengthens your skin’s barrier, and keeps it healthy and happy.
Cetaphil might be your best choice–
- If your skin is really sensitive and you prefer something gentler
- If you can’t deal with harsh products and Cetaphil is gentle enough to use every day without any irritation.
- It won’t do as much for oil control or acne. So, it’s not your go-to if you’re really fighting those oil battles.
Dermatologist-Approved Brands for Oily Skin
Besides CeraVe and Cetaphil, other dermatologist-recommended brands include:
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar – Perfect for acne-prone skin with salicylic acid and oil-controlling ingredients.
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash – A budget-friendly option with salicylic acid to fight breakouts.
- Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser – A great pick if you’re looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser for oily, sensitive skin.
Want to keep your skin fresh and shine-free? Choosing a cleanser for oily sensitive skin is the first step to a healthier glow!
What makes the Facial Cleanser Best for Oily Skin?
Let’s be real—oily skin can be frustrating. You wash your face in the morning, and by noon, it’s greasy again.
Key Ingredients to Look For
Not all cleansers work for oily and acne-prone skin. The best ones should be:
✅ Foaming and oil-free – These help remove excess oil without clogging pores.
✅ Non-comedogenic – Meaning they won’t cause breakouts.
✅ Packed with skin-loving ingredients:
- Salicylic acid – Exfoliates and clears clogged pores.
- Niacinamide – Controls oil and calms irritation.
- Ceramides – Strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
Ready to give your skin the care it deserves?
What Facial Cleanser Is Best for Oily Skin?
Not all cleansers are created equal—especially when it comes to oily and acne-prone skin. You need a foaming formula that is non-comedogenic and oil-free. It cleans deeply but won’t irritate your skin.
Here are two top dermatologist-approved options:
If I had to pick just one cleanser for oily skin, it would be CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. Why? Because:
✅ Dermatologist-recommended
✅ Foaming, oil-free, and non-comedogenic
✅ Contains niacinamide and ceramides to balance skin
✅ Daily cleanser for oily skin.
✅ Removing dirt, oil, and makeup to keep your skin hydrated.
But if you’re also dealing with acne and clogged pores, the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is another top choice.
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser –
- Struggling with acne, blackheads, or large pores.
- Including salicylic acid gently exfoliates and uncloging pores, helping prevent breakouts.
- Strong yet gentle to be ideal for oily sensitive skin.
Final Tips for Oily Skin Care Routine
Let’s be real—managing oily skin can feel like an endless battle against shine and breakouts. But with the right routine, your skin can look fresh and healthy without feeling greasy.
- First, never skip moisturizer. Surprisingly, when your skin is dehydrated, it compensates by producing more oil to make up for the moisture deficiency. A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer like CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream or Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer helps keep skin balanced. It won’t clog pores.
- Second, avoid overwashing. Washing your face too often strips your skin, causing it to produce even more oil. Stick to cleansing twice daily with a gentle facial cleanser designed for oily skin, like the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser.
- Third, exfoliate wisely. Oily skin benefits from exfoliation, but overdoing it can lead to irritation. A facial cleanser for acne-prone skin, such as the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, contains salicylic acid. It unclogs pores and prevents breakouts.
- And finally—sunscreen. Yes, even if you have oily skin. Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen to protect your skin without making it greasy.
FAQs:
- What causes oily skin? Oily skin happens when your sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. Genetics, hormones, weather, and even skincare habits can play a role. A proper facial cleanser can help manage excess oil without over-drying.
- Can I use a face cleanser twice a day? Yes! Washing your face in the morning removes overnight oil buildup, and cleansing at night clears away dirt and makeup. Just don’t overdo it—harsh scrubbing can trigger even more oil production.
- How can I shrink large pores on oily skin? You can’t shrink pores, but you can make them look smaller. Use a cleanser with salicylic acid, like CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser. This helps keep pores clear and prevents buildup.
- Should I use an exfoliating cleanser every day? It depends on your skin type. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, using an exfoliating cleanser 2-3 times a week can help unclog pores. The Renewing SA Cleanser is gentle enough for regular use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right facial cleanser for oily skin is more than controlling oil. It’s also about keeping your skin healthy, balanced, and free of breakouts. If you’re looking for a daily cleanser, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a fantastic choice. For those struggling with acne and clogged pores, the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is a game-changer.
The best skincare routine is the one you stick to. Choose a facial cleanser recommendation that fits your skin’s needs, pair it with the right moisturizer, and be consistent. Your skin will thank you!