Looking after oily skin requires military precision. You must carry out extensive research for any product that comes into contact with your skin, cleanse like it’s your obsession, and live in fear of future breakouts.
Unfortunately, oily skin isn’t just a curse that hangs over us during our teenage years and disappears the second we turn 20 — it’s prevalent among people of all ages. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it! Whether you’re 16 or 60, there are plenty of research-backed products out there to prevent the over-production of oil and keep clogged pores at bay.
- How to Choose the Right Face Wash
- Top 12 Best Face Washes for Oily Skin 2026
- 1. Best Overall Face Wash: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
- 2. Best Premium Face Wash: Beauty by Earth Organic Face Wash
- 3. Best Budget Face Wash: Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Facial Wash
- 4. Best Face Wash for Tackling Acne: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash
- 5. Best Non-Comedogenic Face Wash: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Face Wash
- 6. Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin: Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser
- 7. Best Face Wash with Micellar Water: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash
- 8. Best Anti-Aging Face Wash: Simplified Skin Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
- 9. Best Natural Face Wash: PCA Skin Facial Wash
- 10. Best Hypoallergenic Face Wash: Bioderma Sebium Foaming Gel Facial Cleanser
- 11. Best Organic Face Wash: Paula's Choice RESIST Foaming Cleanser
- 12. Best Face Wash for Men: L'Oreal Paris Facial Cleanser
- Complete Guide to Face Washes
- Time to Kiss Oily Skin Goodbye
How to Choose the Right Face Wash
We know oily-skinned folks are discerning about the products they use. So they should be — the skin is the body’s largest organ, and facial skin is particularly thin and delicate. Protect it at all costs!
To figure out which facial wash is right for you, here are some elements you should consider.
Types of Facial Washes
In day-to-day life, most people use the terms “facial wash” and “facial cleanse” interchangeably. Some brands even name their products “facial cleanser washes” for added confusion. But we like to be precise — there are some differences between these two products.
Facial washes are harsher, gel-like products that produce foam. Despite having the word “clean” in the name, a facial cleanser is less thorough at cleaning than a face wash. It’s a lighter, creamier lotion that produces minimal foam, or no foam at all.
Use a cleanser to get rid of makeup and dirt and a facial wash to entirely strip your face of unwanted oils and impurities.
Foaming gels (facial washes) are generally best for oily skin since they have a mattifying effect and dissolve oil. However, for anyone with sensitive or combination skin, it’s best to look for a gentler facial wash that produces less foam.
Check out our advice for looking after sensitive skin and combination skin.
Ingredient Quality
A few people in the world win the genetic lottery and can do no wrong with their skin. No matter how many harmful chemicals they expose their skin to, it remains smooth and flawless. Sickening, isn’t it?
Those of us with oily skin can’t afford to take such liberties, so paying attention to the ingredients list isn’t just a sensible idea — it’s a must. Harsh ingredients like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and soap can cause irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Other ingredients that help keep the skin moisturized and minimize oil production are hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide.
We’re just skimming the surface here. To clue yourself up, read our breakdown on ingredients to enjoy and ingredients to avoid.
Non-Comedogenic
Don’t be scared off by the big word. Non-comedogenic (or non-acnegenic) skincare products don’t cause comedones, more commonly known as pore blockages and breakouts. If an item is non-comedogenic, the label will say so.
Most often, scientists test whether a product is non-comedogenic by examining how much it irritates a rabbit’s ear on a scale of one to five. There’s a tradeoff between ethics and safety.
Just because a product doesn’t have a non-comedogenic label, it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily bad for the skin; maybe the brand doesn’t condone animal testing. Likewise, some “non-comedogenic” could cause acne in special cases. Everyone is different! But if you suffer from frequent breakouts and want to play it safe, non-comedogenic is the way to go.
Sensitive Skin
If your skin is oily and sensitive, you’ll need to take extra care to avoid breakouts. Even minor stressors like temperature changes can be problematic — never mind products with harsh ingredients.
As well as choosing a gentler, lightly foaming facial wash, you might want to look out for special ingredients like micellar water. We also have a special guide to looking after sensitive and oily skin.
Dermatologist Approved
All commercially available cosmetic products are subject to FDA regulations. You’re not going to find a facial wash sold in a shop that’s made by someone’s little sister in a messy kitchen that destroys your skin. At least, we hope not.
But just because a product is safe, it doesn’t mean it has much scientific basis to prove it will help control oily skin. Look out for items dermatologists have tested if you want a product that goes the extra mile — this demonstrates that medical professionals approve.
Scent
If you don’t like the smell of a facial wash, you’re not going to want to lather it all over your face every day. But smell isn’t just a trivial matter of personal preferences.
Added fragrances can cause allergies or inflammation, so a fragrance-free option is the safest bet for anyone with sensitive skin.
Cruelty-Free
Even if you’re not a vegan, you might not want to support companies who harm animals to create their products.
You may notice some brands say they avoid testing on animals “where possible” or do it only when “required by law.” Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean the brand is cruelty-free. Mainland China is one region where animal testing is a legal requirement, so major beauty companies like L’Oreal that sell there must carry out the practice.
Be warned: unless an item has a cruelty-free stamp, the company is probably carrying out animal testing.
We believe people with high-maintenance skin deserve to enjoy life just as much as anyone else. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best facial washes to help them.
Top 12 Best Face Washes for Oily Skin 2026
1. Best Overall Face Wash: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Type: Foaming gel
- Scent: Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free: No
- Size: 16, 19 Fl Oz
We can’t recommend CeraVe enough as a skincare brand. It doesn’t just say its products help oily skin — it has the research to back the claim up. Dermatologists help CeraVe develop the products, so it shouldn’t be surprising it’s the top dermatologist-approved skincare brand.
This facial wash is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t cause pore blockages or breakouts.
Ingredients
The star ingredients here are ceramides — can you see where CeraVe got its name from? Ceramides are naturally-occurring in the body and help protect the skin’s natural barrier and retain moisture.
The face wash also contains niacinamide to calm the skin and hyaluronic acid for further hydration. You can find out more about why we love these ingredients in our ingredient summary.
As for the bad stuff, the solution is free of SLS and fragrances, resulting in a product that won’t dry or irritate your skin. Even those with sensitive or combination skin should be fine using this gentle product. The only drawback is that it contains parabens.
Pros
- Approved by dermatologists and non-comedogenic.
- Excellent ingredients to protect and hydrate your skin.
- Free of SLS and fragrances.
Cons
- Not cruelty-free.
- Contains parabens.
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Type: Foaming gel
- Scent: Orange, peppermint, and tea tree
- Cruelty-free: No
- Size: 5 Fl Oz
This bottle may be tiny, but don’t underestimate its power. The formula is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal; this means it can help with difficult skin conditions like acne and eczema.
Designed for oily and problematic skin, it removes impurities and blemishes without exposing you to anything nasty. Oh, and did we mention it’s cruelty-free and made in the USA?
Ingredients
Beauty by Earth takes pride in its minimalist, natural ingredients list. Everything is organic here — no sulfates or low-quality ingredients.
Peppermint tea, a known antibacterial, takes a central role. There’s also tea tree oil for further antibacterial protection and aloe vera leaf juice to draw out toxins while providing hydration. If you’re looking to improve your oily skin using more traditional methods, this is the facial wash for you.
There’s also some orange oil to add a fresh scent, but this won’t flare your skin up like chemical fragrances do.
Pros
- Cruelty-free.
- Organic.
- No synthetic ingredients.
Cons
- Expensive.
3. Best Budget Face Wash: Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Facial Wash
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Type: Foaming gel
- Scent: Fairly neutral menthol scent
- Cruelty-free: Yes
- Size: 6.77 Fl Oz
This is a facial cleanser that goes above and beyond for oily skin. It can help you cleanse your pores and prevent future breakouts — Bioré claims the solution will clear your skin in just two days. All for less than $10!
Even better, the product is non-comedogenic. It’s designed to penetrate pores and stop breakouts, not cause them. Plus, Bioré’s skin-purifying technology will get to the root of oily skin with a few special ingredients.
It’s also dermatologist tested and cruelty-free. Are you as surprised as we were that it has everything you could want for such a low price? Consider us suitably impressed.
Ingredients
The 1% salicylic acid serves as an effective acne treatment to clear your skin. This makes a striking combination together with charcoal, an ingredient well-known for drawing out dirt and oil from the skin.
As you might expect for such a low price tag item, some ingredients are cheap. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is one of the primary ingredients, and there are a few other harsh items. It’s still non-comedogenic, but anyone looking for a natural or gentle product should try elsewhere, as our ingredients to avoid section explains.
Pros
- Dermatologist approved.
- Cruelty-free.
- Non-comedogenic.
Cons
- Contains SLS and other harsh ingredients.
4. Best Face Wash for Tackling Acne: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Type: Foaming gel
- Scent: Aloe vera
- Cruelty-free: No
- Size: 6 Fl Oz
Neutrogena, an offshoot of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc, advertises this product as not just a cleanser but also an acne medicine. Already, that’s a pretty promising start! And all for a price below $15.
The Micro-Clear technology used should reassure you of the cleanser’s ability to tackle oiliness; it’s clinically proven to effectively tackle pimples and difficult skin. This facial wash was also the top over-the-counter product recommended by dermatologists to fight acne.
Ingredients
We can see why Neutrogena facial cleanser is also an acne remedy. For starters, it contains 2% salicylic acid — that’s even more than the 1% in the Bioré face wash. We’re talking about a powerful tool here!
To prevent the strong ingredients from damaging your skin, there’s also a healthy dose of chamomile and aloe vera. These two items will soothe your skin and reduce redness.
There are no sulfates or parabens, but the overall result is a fairly harsh facial cleanser. This is best for people who struggle with serious acne.
Pros
- Effective acne treatment.
- Recommended by dermatologists.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Not cruelty-free.
- Harsh ingredients.
5. Best Non-Comedogenic Face Wash: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Face Wash
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Type: Foaming gel
- Scent: Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free: No
- Size: 13.5 Fl Oz
We can’t get enough of La Roche-Posay. The brand specializes in French thermal water, and it partners with dermatologists to give customers products of the highest possible quality. Here, it’s created a product that can remove makeup and impurities without messing up the skin’s natural protective barrier. And it’s amazing!
The Toleriane facial wash is oil free, non-comedogenic, and tested by dermatologists. To be precise, 90,000 dermatologists worldwide recommend this item — and that seems like an awful lot for such a niche profession. It’s also tested for allergies.
Ingredients
The Toleriane face wash contains ceramides and niacinamide, just like the CeraVe facial wash. This ensures your skin stays moisturized and hydrated — no wonder dermatologists recommend both items.
But that’s not it. La Roche-Posay also uses prebiotic thermal water to soothe your skin and glycerin for extra moisturization. Overall, it’s a good option for sensitive skin.
What about all the nasty stuff? It’s free of soap, sulfates, and parabens. Things don’t get much better than that! Here’s why these ingredients can spell trouble.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic.
- Dermatologist tested.
- Allergy tested.
Cons
- Not cruelty-free.
6. Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin: Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Type: Foaming gel
- Scent: Mild scent
- Cruelty-free: No
- Size: 8 Fl Oz
Does an oil-free face wash that treats your acne and is also suitable for sensitive skin sound like a good deal to you? We thought so, too. With an extremely minimalist ingredients list, Clean & Clear has pulled out all the stops to keep things simple with this solution.
It’s also a budget-friendly facial wash (under $10), which should come as a relief to anyone who doesn’t want to break the bank to clear their skin.
Ingredients
If you’re looking for a gentle, simple facial wash that won’t irritate your skin, look no further. The ingredients might not be fancy, but they’re effective.
However, this is a budget item. Some people may be concerned about the wider health concerns of certain substances it contains, as we outline in our ingredients to avoid section. For instance, SLS is a principal ingredient.
Regardless, Clean & Clear has gone to pains to create a gentle and affordable product; we commend it for that. The result may not be an all-organic item, but this facial wash will help tackle oiliness without irritating your skin.
Pros
- Designed for sensitive skin.
- Affordable.
- Prevents acne.
Cons
- Cheap ingredients.
- Contains SLS.
7. Best Face Wash with Micellar Water: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Type: Foaming gel
- Scent: Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free: No
- Size: 6.7 Fl Oz
Garnier is a respected name within the skincare industry, and this foaming face wash won’t disappoint. Advertised for cleansing, removing makeup, and mattifying in one fell swoop, it achieves results for oily skin. It’s also a gentle formulation suitable for sensitive skin.
In case you needed further convincing, the product is tested by dermatologists for safety. No nasty surprises here!
Ingredients
Garnier released its SkinActive range to create gentle products that keep all skin types fresh and healthy. The standout element is the micellar water, which is made of little cleansing oil molecules. It’s an ideal ingredient for people with sensitive skin looking for a gentle base in their cleanser.
The facial wash is also free of alcohol, oil, and fragrances to reduce possible irritation. Even better, harsh ingredients like parabens and sulfates are absent.
With such gentle ingredients and Garnier’s century of experience with skincare products, you can’t go far wrong.
Pros
- Free of alcohol, fragrances, and oil.
- No sulfates or parabens.
- Very gentle.
Cons
- Not cruelty-free.
- Not approved by dermatologists.
8. Best Anti-Aging Face Wash: Simplified Skin Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Type: Foaming gel
- Scent: No added fragrances
- Cruelty-free: Yes
- Size: 8 Fl Oz
If you could fight aging and oily skin at the same time, why wouldn’t you? Thanks to the Simplified Skin facial cleanser, now you can.
This formulation is packed full of antioxidants to help with everything from sun damage to wrinkles to breakouts. You might be skeptical, but the ingredients list justifies the claims.
It’s also made in the USA, cruelty-free, and all-organic, which are definitely plus points.
Ingredients
This facial cleanser is heavily marketed as a Vitamin C product, so we’ll start there. Vitamin C helps to build collagen, tackle free radicals, and improve your skin tone in general. This is good news for anyone, but especially important to slow down the signs of aging.
Although this isn’t a product specifically for oily skin, it’s gentle enough to be suitable for all skin types. It also has various ingredients that tackle oil production. Avocado oil aids moisturization, aloe vera combats inflammation, and there are also various vitamins and minerals. We outline the importance of vitamins and antioxidants in our section about good ingredients.
Did we mention this is an all-organic product free of sulfates, parabens, fragrances, and even gluten? Not bad.
Pros
- Free of parabens and sulfates.
- Organic, high-quality ingredients.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons
- Not approved by dermatologists.
- Isn’t designed specifically for oily skin.