Does your skin always look shinier or feel a bit oily? As temperatures heat up, dealing with excess shine and clogged pores can feel like a daily battle. But washing your face properly can make a difference. We’ve rounded up our top editor’s picks for the best facial cleansers to tackle oily skin and help you enjoy youthful and flawless skin.
Why does oily skin need special attention?
Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and pimples. The skin’s surface can also be shiny or oily throughout the day. Due to these conditions, oily skin needs targeted care and choosing the right cleanser is important to address these issues.
Traditional cleansers can be too harsh and strip the skin, causing it to overproduce oil. However, formulas that are too gentle may not effectively remove built-up dirt and impurities. The key is to find a cleanser that provides the perfect balance – deep cleansing without leaving skin dry or irritated.
Types of Facial Cleanser You Should Use for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, there are two main cleansers you should consider trying:
- Regular facial cleanser: The first type is a simple facial cleanser that effectively breaks down and removes excess oil without over-drying the skin. These cleansers often contain a mixture of surfactants, emollients, and moisturizers that can thoroughly clean without stripping the skin. The surfactants used are typically ionic and highly detergents, but the formulation is designed to avoid leaving the skin feeling tight or dehydrated.
- Active detergent: The second type of cleanser for oily skin contains active ingredients that help unclog pores and exfoliate. dead skin cells can adhere to the skin due to excessive sebum production. Ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be helpful in this regard. Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and chemically exfoliate the skin, while benzoyl peroxide can be effective in killing acne-causing bacteria.
The importance of exfoliation
Exfoliation is another important step for oily skin. Removing dead cells helps unclog pores and prevent acne. But be careful not to rub too hard as this can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, causing more oil to be released onto the skin’s surface. Aim for gentle physical or chemical exfoliation once or twice per week.
1. Strawberry sugar exfoliating cleanser — Fresh
This exfoliation wash one’s face from luxury skincare brand Fresh is a real treat for oily skin. The standout ingredient is real strawberry seeds, which gently exfoliate to wash away dead skin cells and unclog pores. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid then work to deeply moisturize, leaving skin soft and smooth. Plus, the delicious strawberry smell is an added mood-boosting bonus.
What it does: Physical exfoliation from strawberry seeds helps remove built-up oil, dirt, and impurities that can lead to breakouts on oily skin. The formula also contains fruit extracts and antioxidants to calm inflammation and soothe redness.
2. Purifying facial cleanser – Tula
For a deeper clean, use Tula’s Purifying Facial Cleanser. This gentle cleanser uses probiotic extracts and chicory root to detoxify and improve skin barrier function. This cleansing formula helps remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup without over-drying your skin. It leaves your skin feeling fresh, refined and comfortable.
What it does: Tula’s probiotic-based formula helps regulate oil secretion and minimize pores. It also contains soothing ingredients like green tea and aloe vera to soothe irritation.
3. Oil-free acne cleanser — Neutrogena
Neutrogena’s oil-free facial cleanser is an affordable option that effectively targets oily, acne-prone skin. It contains 2% salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. The formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic, ideal for those with shiny T-zones or persistent blemishes.
What it does: This facial cleanser has a non-drying formula that can clear existing acne and prevent new ones from forming on oily skin.
4. Acne cleanser – Peter Thomas Roth
For a deeper clean, try Acne Clearing Wash by Peter Thomas Roth. It contains 2% salicylic acid which penetrates deep into pores and dissolves oil and dirt buildup. Glycerin also helps hydrate the skin so it doesn’t feel tight or dry after use.
What it does: The salicylic acid in this cleanser works to unclog pores, clear existing acne, and prevent future blemishes from forming on oily skin.
5. Purifying Facial Cleanser — Murad
Murad’s purifying facial cleanser has long been a favorite for oily and acne-prone skin types. It uses a combination of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids to exfoliate and unclog pores. It also contains soothing botanicals like licorice root to calm inflammation.
What it does: This multi-tasking cleanser helps control oil, fade blemishes, and refine skin’s texture without irritation or dryness.
6. Daily facial cleanser — Cetaphil
For a gentle yet effective option, you can’t go past the classic Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. This non-foaming formula cleans without stripping, leaving skin soft, smooth and balanced. It is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, suitable for even the most sensitive oily skin.
What it does: Cetaphil’s gentle facial cleanser removes impurities and excess oil without disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier. It even works on dehydrated skin which, although shiny, can still look tight or wrinkled.
Look and feel your best
No matter your budget or specific skin type, there’s an effective facial cleanser for you. The key is to find the right formula that meets your individual skin care needs. One benefit of today’s skin care market is that there are so many great options at many different price points, and it only takes a little research to find the right cleansing product for you.
