The 10 Best Facial Cleansers For Oily Skin In 2026
Oily skin brings its own set of challenges, and sometimes all it takes is a change of skincare products to get your skin back on track. Using a facial wash or cleanser designed for oily skin can help keep oil and pimples away.
Whatever the cause of your oily skin, using the correct face wash for your skin can make all the difference. I’ve put together the best facial cleansers for oily and acne-prone skin.
Included are oil-based cleansers, gel-based cleansers and water-based cleansers, there’s a face wash for skin type and every budget. Let’s get into the 10 best face washes and facial cleansers for oily skin!
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My Top Picks
Best Overall: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Best Foaming: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
Best Brightening: Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
Best Water-Based: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser
Best Dermatologist-Tested: La Roche Posay Cleansing Gel
Best for Acne-Prone: Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Best Sustainable: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
Best for Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Facial Cleanser
Best Drugstore: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser
Best For Pores: Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Cleanser
Best Overall: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a gentle 3-in-1 cleanser that removes makeupโincluding stubborn mascaraโsoothes, and nourishes the skin in one step. Its mild formula makes it ideal for both face and eye makeup, without irritation.
The cleanser is enriched with amino acidโrich soy proteins to improve elasticity, cucumber and rose water to calm and soothe, and borage seed oil to nourish and soften. It cleanses effectively, unclogs pores, and removes dirt without stripping the skinโs moisture barrier, leaving your skin feeling fresh, balanced, and comfortable.
Best Foaming: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

CeraVe is known for straightforward, reliable, and affordable skincare, and the Foaming Facial Cleanser is no exception.
This gentle, non-irritating foaming cleanser starts as a clear gel and transforms into foam with water, effectively removing excess oil without stripping essential moisture.
Its formula includes ceramides to repair the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid to balance oil production while keeping skin hydrated. Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin, itโs a simple yet highly effective cleanser for oily skin.
Best Brightening: Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

Many think oil-based cleansers arenโt suitable for oily skin, but the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel proves otherwise. Its unique gel-to-oil texture transforms from a pink balm into a cream when mixed with water, effectively removing makeup, dirt, and impurities without irritating the skin.
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily, it gently exfoliates, brightens dull skin, and helps maintain the skinโs natural pH balance. A small downside is that it contains fragrance, so very sensitive skin may react, and it is on the pricier sideโthough a little goes a long way.
Best Water-Based: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser

For those who prefer a water-based option, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser is a simple, affordable choice that delivers effective cleansing without harshness. Infused with hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration and glycerin to support the skinโs natural barrier, it ensures skin stays soft and moisturized.
This lightweight, non-sticky cleanser removes makeup and daily impurities while being hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it wonโt clog pores. A touch of fragrance is included, but itโs minimal and shouldnโt irritate most skin types. After use, skin feels deeply cleansed, refreshed, and more comfortable, with redness often reduced.
Best Dermatologist-Tested: La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel is designed for oily, blemish-prone skin and is suitable for ultra-sensitive, intolerant, or allergy-prone skin. Dermatologically tested and recommended by over 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, itโs a cleanser you can trust.
Formulated with zinc pidolate to remove excess oil and Lipo-Hydroxy Acidโa gentle form of salicylic acidโit helps exfoliate and smooth the skin without disturbing the natural barrier. Oil-free, soap-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free, it controls oil, reduces blemishes, and improves skin texture, all at an affordable price.
Best for Acne-Prone: Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Oily skin can sometimes feel both dry and greasy if the wrong products are used. The Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser avoids this by gently cleansing without stripping essential oils.
This mild, low-pH cleanser contains BHA to remove dirt and impurities, and tea tree oil to soothe irritation. Itโs vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and naturally scented from tea tree oil, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Ideal for acne-prone, oily, or uneven skin, it helps smooth the complexion and even out skin toneโall at an affordable price.
Best Sustainable: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser

For a more luxurious option, the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser is a foaming gel designed for oily and blemish-prone skin. It deep cleans impurities while leaving skin matte without feeling dry or stripped.
The formula is minimal, with just 12 natural ingredients. Prickly pear enzymes gently exfoliate, wildcrafted juniper fruit balances oil, chlorella nourishes and soothes, and mint extract provides a refreshing, cooling sensation.
Unlike standard cleansers, apply it to dry skin for 1โ2 minutes before rinsing for a deep, invigorating clean. The result is refreshed, balanced, and glowing skin.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

Another budget-friendly, no-frills option is the Cetaphil Gentle Facial Cleanser. Dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, it cleanses without stripping or irritating the skin, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Its gentle formula removes dirt and makeup effectively and can be used daily. A small tip: the dry skin version has very similar packaging, so be sure to pick the one that suits your skin type.
Best Drugstore: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser

Micellar water is a gentle way to cleanse acne-prone or oily skin without stripping essential oils. The Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash uses micelles to lift dirt, oil, and makeup while leaving skin balanced and soft.
Safe for use on the eyes, it can be used morning and evening. In the evening, it also doubles as a gentle cleanser: massage onto wet skin and rinse. Oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and affordable, itโs a practical option for everyday use.
Best For Pores: Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Superfood Cleanser

Ideal for combination and sensitive skin, the Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Superfood Face Cleanser gently cleanses without leaving the skin oily, helping maintain a healthy pH balance.
Its gel-like texture prevents buildup in pores while delivering antioxidant-rich benefits from kale, spinach, and green tea. Kale provides vitamins C, E, and K, spinach hydrates and soothes, and green tea offers anti-inflammatory properties for blemish-prone skin.
Gentle enough for daily use, this cleanser can be used morning and evening without stripping the skin.
Skin Care Tips for Oily Skin
The general rule for all skin types is that the more times you wash your face, the drier and more irritated your skin becomes. That’s true even for oily skin. I recommend cleansing twice a day, in the morning and evening.
However, if you find that your skin is sensitive and you are suffering from excess redness, I recommend only washing your face in the evening when you’re showering. Reducing the number of times you get your face wet, will help to reduce skincare concerns for sensitive skin.
Cleansers are used to remove makeup and all the dirt that’s accumulated over the day. Always use warm water to remove water, not too hot and not too cold for the best results for your skin.
Check out my post on the best skincare tips for oily skin that you need to implement into your skincare routine!
Check out some of our other oily skin reviews, we have the best exfoliators for oily, and the best full coverage foundations for oily skin.
Ingredients to look out for in a face wash for oily and acne-prone skin:
Salicylic Acid: This helps to remove excess oil from the skin as well as removes dead skin cells that can cause spots and inflammation.
Glycolic Acid: Loaded with exfoliants and antioxidants, glycolic acid is effective in treating acne and shedding old, dead skin cells as well as improving the production of collagen.
Niacinamide: One of the most effective ingredients in treating oily skin is niacinamide. Part of the vitamin B family, it tightens and minimises large open pores and helps to improve uneven skin tones.
Benzoyl Peroxide: A common ingredient in many cleansers for oily skin. Benzoyl Peroxide treats acne and breakouts by destroying the bad bacteria and helping skin cell turnover.
My Thoughts
Having oily skin can be a challenge, especially when your skin is sensitive too. While all of the cleansers we’ve included today are the best ones for oily skin, everyone’s skin is different.
What works for one person’s skin, may not work for another person. No matter how much we understand skin and skincare ingredients, we still don’t fully understand and there is a little trial and error that each and every person needs to do.
Before using a product, always do a patch test first to make sure the product works for your skin and does not cause a reaction.
Hollie xx

About Hollie
Hi, I’m Hollie, and I’m passionate about everything beauty. Over the last decade and a half, I’ve tested thousands of products to bring you the best of the best! I also love bringing you fun and creative beauty looks. Learn more.
Beauty profile – 35, dry, aging skin, focused on aging well with a healthy glow and natural makeup look โจ
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