Beauty
8 Best Facial Cleansers for Oily Skin with Ingredients to Look For and Avoid
Discover the best facial cleansers for oily skin! Learn which ingredients to look for, which to avoid and how to keep your skin fresh and healthy
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Splashing your face in the morning with cold water is the best feeling to get your day started. Not only does it refresh your skin, but prepares it for all the fun skincare and makeup that comes after.
From one oily skin girl to the next, finding an effective cleanser to prevent my face from becoming shiny and breaking out can feel hopeless without the right guidance.
However, I have found some life-changing facial cleansers for oily skin for my girls out there who have the same skin type!
Formulating the most amazing collection of facial cleansers for oily skin has been one of my top priorities, and now that I have curated one, I’m excited to share it all with you guys!
I have kept these staples on rotation, which helped me to tackle many concerns, specifically acne-prone problems, dehydrated oily skin concerns, what type of ingredients to look for in cleansers and what cleansers help me to maintain my oil production throughout the day.
If all of these areas of concern sound familiar to you, keep reading and find out how to easily get your skin effortlessly in check within that first splash of water and cleanser on your face in the morning!
Photo by Angela Nguyen
In This Post:
• Understanding Oily Skin
• Ingredients to Look for in a Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin
• Ingredients to Avoid in Facial Cleansers for Oily Skin
• How to Choose the Best Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin
• 8 Best Facial Cleansers for Oily Skin
• Tips for Using Facial Cleansers Effectively on Oily Skin
• Final Thoughts
Understanding Oily Skin
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen“So, what characteristics should I be looking for to check if I have oily skin?”
This is a great question to ask, which is why I have broken down some of the most common concerns, so don’t feel overwhelmed!
The most common characteristics that I noticed oily skin individuals have include enlarged pores, frequent breakouts, and persistent shine.
Does this resonate with you?
When I use products that don’t treat oily skin, I find that my skin doubles down and gets even oilier than before.
Shocking right? Don’t be crushed if you’re in the same boat right now.
It seriously ruined my confidence, which I know is something that others can relate to.
Speaking from my own personal experience, I know that’s one thing no one wants to find out after they spent $10 to $30 on a new cleanser that they hoped would save them.
From years of being a victim of congested cystic acne, I would like to say I easily know my way around what to pick up and what to leave behind in the skincare aisles.
Now, my skin feels much smoother and calmer, so I no longer break out as much!
If becoming less oily and wanting to maintain a calm skin barrier are some of your concerns that you want resolved, you’d be thrilled to know that you’re in the right place!
Let me fill you in on what specific ingredients to look for in a facial cleanser for oily skin in this upcoming section.
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Ingredients to Look for in a Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela NguyenI spent the majority of my life fighting my skin and throwing it through loops of different facial cleansers. At the beginning, I felt devastated because nothing felt like it was working for me.
Fortunately, the best thing that came out of those experiences was finding what worked and didn’t work for my skin type.
Here is a list of powerful ingredients that worked well for me and hopefully for you as well!
• Salicylic Acid:
What it does: A key ingredient to help cleansing, pore unclogging, reduce swelling, and exfoliate skin. It can be found formulated in the cleanser ingredient lists or serum bottles.
• Benzoyl Peroxide:
What it does: Acne treatment and oil control manager. An antiseptic is built to help reduce bacteria from forming on the first layers of skin.
Typically, it can be traced to a 5% formulation in facial cleansers specified for acne and oily concerns.
• Niacinamide:
What it does: Vitamin B3, better known as niacinamide, balances sebum production and soothes skin. Ideal for lightening hyperpigmentation, softening fine lines and wrinkles.
• Tea Tree Oil:
What it does: Natural antibacterial properties found in specific gels and liquid facial cleansers for oily skin types. Famous for calming properties and anti-inflammatory effects on zits and pore tightening.
• Clay-based Cleansers:
What it does: Absorbs excess oil and draws out impurities that clog skin. Best used for oily and combination skin types. Those who have concerns about skin dullness and uneven texture can benefit from frequent usage.
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen“Do these ingredients really work, and how much should I use?”
From my personal experience, I incorporated a variety of these ingredients throughout my week. Please remember that everyone’s skin concerns are different, and what works for me may not work as efficiently for you.
However–since I know you’re curious–this is my secret routine!
♦ Morning routine:
A salicylic facial cleanser is followed by a soothing toner right after. Top it off with a hyaluronic serum for extra hydration, and then add a couple of drops of niacinamide to control sebum production with a gel-based lotion and sunscreen to balance my skin.
Use tea tree oil on target spots if any.
♦ Night routine:
Double cleanse with an oil cleanser for makeup and follow up with a clay-based cleanser. Tone up the skin, apply hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid.
Finish it up with a gel-like lotion, benzoyl peroxide on zits, or use pimple patches.
“Okay, so what ingredients should I be on the lookout for that won’t help me?”
Let me get to answering that fascinating question in this next section!
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Ingredients to Avoid in Facial Cleansers for Oily Skin
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela NguyenLet me let you in on a secret about oily skin individuals. Oily skin is oily because of an overproduction of sebaceous glands, which can also become dehydrated with improper maintenance, making your oily skin even more oily!
Yikes!
From personal experiences, there are a couple of not-so-helpful ingredients that I recommend you stay away from if you have oily skin.
Harmful or Counterproductive Ingredients:
- Alcohol-based products: Can strip the skin and cause rebound oiliness.
- Heavy oils: May clog pores and exacerbate shine.
- Fragrances: Potential irritants for sensitive, oily skin.
“Why are gentle formulations important?”
Gentle formulations can balance your skin’s pH level, slowing down your glands’ oil production.
Harsh cleansers can do the opposite and strip too much natural oil from your skin, depending on what other concerns you have alongside your specific skin type.
“So, how do I choose the best cleanser for my oily skin?”
Don’t worry because you are in safe hands. Read ahead to learn how to easily select the best facial cleanser for your oily skin type!
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How to Choose the Best Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela NguyenWhen shopping for your next cleanser, ensure that you are aware of these four categories: skin-type consideration, texture preferences, daily vs. deep cleaning, and product labels to check.
Let me explain a bit more in-depth:
• Skin Type Consideration:
Make sure to see which niche category of oily skin you have can be helpful – balancing oily, sensitive skin, oily / acne-prone skin.
• Texture Preferences:
Gel cleansers are a great light option if you have overall oily skin or oily skin that’s also sensitive. Foaming cleansers are great for acne-prone oily skin types, while clay cleansers are great for a deep exfoliating cleanse on a spa night.
• Daily vs. Deep Cleaning:
With oily skin, the range of sensitivity and acne can dictate how strong your facial cleanser should be. Choose mild daily cleansers for everyday cleansing while considering stronger exfoliating options for spare usages throughout the week, at night or more often with more persistent acne concerns.
• Product Labels to Check:
Look for these keywords to help navigate which products are more likely to work: non-comedogenic, oil-free, non-greasy, dermatologist-developed, dermatologist-approved / grade.
“I feel very knowledgeable now. So what specific cleansers do you recommend I should try?”
I love nothing more than to share what helped to get me through my acne and oily skin care journey. Check out what transformative face washes I recommend in this section!
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8 Best Facial Cleansers for Oily Skin
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- Key benefits: Dermatologist’s recommended mild facial cleanser for general oily and sensitive-oily skin types
- Highlighted ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Price: 15.48
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- Key benefits: For acne-prone oily skin types, a dermatologist-grade cleanser
- Highlighted ingredients: salicylic acid, ceramides, hectorite clay, niacinamide
- Price: $14.99
Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foam Wash
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- Key benefits: Great for stubborn acne-prone and sensitive oily skin types with foaming lather
- Highlighted ingredients: salicylic acid, tea tree oil
- Price: $29.50
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- Key benefits: Great natural and fragrance-free option for oily skin types
- Highlighted ingredients: salicylic acid, ceramides, hectorite clay, niacinamide
- Price: $18.90
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- Key benefits: Great fragrance-free option for acne-prone, oily skin types
- Highlighted ingredients: benzoyl peroxide
- Price: $19.99
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- Key benefits: Great for all oily skin types
- Highlighted ingredients: salicylic acid
- Price: $16.99
Peach Slices Snail Rescue Purifying Cleanser
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- Key benefits: Gently cleans daily cleanser for sensitive to regular acne-oily prone skin
- Highlighted ingredients: hyaluronic acid, snail mucin
- Price: $14.49
Naturium Niacinamide CLeansing Gelee 3%
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- Key benefits: Daily face wash for acne-prone oily skin types
- Highlighted ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin c
- Price: $17.99
“Ok, perfect. So how should I maximize my facial cleanser’s benefits?”
I’ve tried more than enough tips and tricks throughout my acne-prone oily skin journey. I have compiled a list of the most secure and effective tips to help you get the most out of your cleansers below so keep on reading!
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Tips for Using Facial Cleansers Effectively on Oily Skin
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela NguyenWhen using your cleansers, keep your usage times consistent and wash twice daily – day and night.
“Can I wash more times or fewer?”
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Washing your face once a day is not sustainable for taming oily skin since you secrete oils continuously throughout the day. Washing too often can overwhelm your skin barrier and lead to dryness.
I know both because I tested them out several times. For me, the best results came from washing my face once in the morning and once at night.
“I heard that cold water wakes up your skin. Does water temperature matter?”
I would recommend sticking with lukewarm to cold water when cleansing your face.
Hot water can burn your skin and cause irritation and dryness. The same goes for over-scrubbing if you like deep exfoliant facial cleansers as well.
“Would just using facial cleanser really make a difference in my skin?”
Like all things in life, if you want to be healthy, you must work out and be on a good diet. You can’t have one and not do the other to achieve your goals.
The same applies to your skin. If you want to calm your oily skin concerns, you need to couple your facial cleansers with lotion to help it retain moisture.
“But my skin is oily. Why would I need to moisturize it?”
Oily skin is like any other skin on your body. If you don’t moisturize it, it will become surprisingly rough and dry – trust me.
One thing I do want to emphasize is that how we switch clothes for every season, our skin concerns can change with every season.
For me, I notice that I need more moisture in the winter, while I tend to gravitate towards more salicylic-based facial cleansers in the spring and summer.
Make sure to always keep a couple of bottles of different types of oily skin face wash on rotation in case you need them for different seasons. I know I do!
I know there was a lot of information so far, but don’t feel overwhelmed. Let’s recap what we learned!
Final Thoughts
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela NguyenWith our skin being the largest organ in our body, we want to make sure that we take care of it just like we take care of the rest of our body – especially our face!
Not only is it a great boost of confidence when you find the best facial cleansers for your oily skin, but it helps you to understand what’s most effective for your skin the most versus what doesn’t.
With a history of acne-prone oily skin, I can guarantee you that my journey of finding the best products, especially face cleansers, was a long and rough–but a life-changing one.
To make that journey less costly and more helpful for you, I ensured all bases were covered in this article to help you succeed at finding the best facial cleansers for oily skin.
I strongly encourage you to try different face washes and don’t get discouraged if the first one doesn’t work as you intended it to.
Finding the perfect product is a journey that helps you learn more about yourself.
My parting words to you, my dear readers, are that consistency in what you do and use is key. Stick with one cleanser for a couple of weeks to a month to see if there are any results.
The secret is having patience and a clear understanding of your skin needs in order to keep your oily skin maintained.
Happy shopping, my friends!
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