If your skin turns shiny by noon, makeup slides off by 3 PM, and breakouts pop up like clockwork — your cleanser might be the problem.
The right face wash for oily skin doesn’t just remove dirt. It controls excess sebum, unclogs pores, balances pH, and prevents breakouts without stripping your barrier.
After researching dermatologist recommendations, ingredient lists, and real-user feedback, here are the 8 best face washes for oily skin in 2026 that actually work — whether you want drugstore value or luxury results.
TOP PICKS
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Best Overall for Oily & Combination Skin
Why We Love It:
This cleanser hits the sweet spot between simplicity and performance. It foams just enough to lift away oil, sweat, and makeup without stripping or drying your skin. The magic is in the ceramides — they help protect your skin barrier while niacinamide calms redness and irritation. Perfect for everyday use, it leaves skin feeling fresh, balanced, and never tight. A must-have for anyone who wants effective cleansing with zero drama.
Worth Noting:
It won’t aggressively treat acne — it’s more about maintaining balance.
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid
Type: Foaming Gel
Size: 12 oz
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Best for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
Why We Love It:
Salicylic acid (SA) is the MVP for oily skin, and this cleanser delivers it in the gentlest way possible. Instead of harsh scrubbing, it exfoliates inside pores to clear blackheads and prevent breakouts. Meanwhile, ceramides and niacinamide ensure your skin doesn’t overreact. If clogged pores and rough texture are your nemesis—this is the weapon you want.
Who It’s For:
Oily, congested, or acne-prone skin types.
Worth Noting:
If you’re sensitive, start slow (3–4x per week).
Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Ceramides, Niacinamide
Type: Gel Cleanser
Size: 8 oz
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser
Best Cream Cleanser for Oily Skin
Why We Love It:
Oily skin doesn’t always tolerate aggressive foams—and that’s where this creamy cleanser wins. It uses salicylic acid to gently target breakouts while aloe keeps irritation at bay. The texture feels more like skincare than medicine, making it perfect for sensitive, reactive skin that still needs serious oil control.
Who It’s For:
Those with oily skin that leans sensitive.
Worth Noting:
Doesn’t foam much — which some users actually prefer.
Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Aloe
Type: Cream Cleanser
Size: 4.2 oz
Codex Labs Balancing Foaming Face Cleanser
Best Clean Formula Option
Why We Love It:
Clean beauty fans rejoice — this cleanser uses plant-powered science to balance sebum production without stripping your skin. It doesn’t just wash oil away; it helps your skin produce the right amount of it. The light foam feels refreshing and clean, yet soft enough for daily use. If ingredient transparency matters to you, this cleanser stands out.
Who It’s For:
Oily skin lovers who prefer clean, science-backed ingredients.
Worth Noting:
Premium price point.
Active Ingredients: Botanical extracts, prebiotic technology
Type: Foaming Cleanser
Size: 5 oz
Cosmedix Purity Clean
Best Exfoliating Cleanser for Oily Skin
Why We Love It:
Think of this as a mini facial in a bottle. Lactic acid gently resurfaces dull skin while tea tree oil helps control excess oil — giving you a smoother, brighter, more refined complexion. It tackles oil without creating that dry tight feeling, and many users report noticeable improvement in texture and overall clarity.
Who It’s For:
Oily skin that needs smoothing and a glow.
Worth Noting:
Contains essential oils — patch test if sensitive.
Active Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Tea Tree Oil
Type: Gel Cleanser
Size: 5 oz
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder Cleanser
Best Deep Pore Detox
Why We Love It:
This is a satisfying experience in every sense. The powder transforms into a gentle foam that feels deeply cleansing but never abrasive. Amazonian white clay absorbs excess oil and detoxifies pores like few other formulas can. It’s a great once- or twice-weekly reset that leaves skin feeling ultra-clean and clarified.
Who It’s For:
Oily skin that feels congested or textured.
Worth Noting:
Requires mixing with water — slightly less convenient.
Active Ingredients: Amazonian White Clay
Type: Powder-to-Foam
Size: 3.5 oz
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Facial Wash
Best Dermatologist Favorite for Acne
Why We Love It:
Dermatologists often recommend this one, and for good reason. Zinc pidolate helps remove dirt and oil at the source, reducing shine without stripping. The gel texture lathers gently and rinses clean—leaving skin matte, calm, and ready for treatment serums or moisturizers. A reliable classic for oily, sensitive skin.
Who It’s For:
Oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types.
Worth Noting:
Slight medicinal scent.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Picolinate
Type: Foaming Gel
Size: 13.5 oz
Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser
Best Luxury Cleanser for Oily Skin
Why We Love It:
This luxurious gel cleanser balances clarifying power with indulgent texture. Matcha and mugwort soothe irritation and help lock in moisture, while willow bark and Japanese coix seed gently draw out oil and impurities. It leaves skin feeling purified, smooth, and glow-ready — plus, it preps the skin so makeup actually sticks. Users love how soft and comfortable it feels even with daily use.
Who It’s For:
A great no-frills luxury option to tackle oily skin without over-drying it.
Worth Noting:
One tester wished it targeted active breakouts more aggressively but noticed reduced oil production by the end of the day over time.
Active Ingredients: Japanese Kyo-Matcha, BHA botanical alternatives, Japanese Mugwort
Type: Gel
Size: 5 oz
FAQ
1. What is the best face wash for very oily skin?
The best face wash for very oily skin contains oil-regulating ingredients like salicylic acid, zinc, clay, or niacinamide. These help control excess sebum without stripping your skin barrier.
2. Is salicylic acid good for oily skin?
Yes, salicylic acid (BHA) is one of the best ingredients for oily and acne-prone skin. It penetrates inside pores to dissolve oil buildup and prevent blackheads.
3. Can oily skin use a cream cleanser?
Absolutely. Oily skin doesn’t always need aggressive foaming. If your skin is oily and sensitive, a cream-based formula like Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser can clear pores without causing irritation or rebound oil production.
4. Why does my skin feel oilier after washing?
This usually happens when your cleanser is too harsh. Over-stripping removes protective oils, and your skin compensates by producing more sebum.
5. Do clay cleansers help with large pores?
Yes. Clay absorbs excess oil and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. For a deeper detox experience, Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder Cleanser is especially effective 2–3 times per week.