If you struggle with oily skin — whether it’s constant shine, enlarged pores, breakouts, or makeup that just won’t stay matte — then choosing the best cleanser for oily skin is the foundation of great skin. The right face wash helps control excess oil without stripping your skin’s protective barrier, prevents acne flare-ups, refines pores, and preps your skin for effective serums and moisturizers.
In this guide, we break down the top 10 cleansers for oily and combination skin, including options for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, makeup removal, and daily foaming washes. Every product includes a detailed, high-conversion review to help you decide which one is right for you.
How to Choose the Best Cleanser for Oily Skin
When scouting for the best cleanser for oily skin, focus on:
✔️ Oil Control – Helps balance sebum production.
✔️ Deep Yet Gentle Cleansing – Removes dirt, makeup, sweat, and pollution.
✔️ Non-Comedogenic & pH-Balanced – Won’t clog pores or disrupt the skin barrier.
✔️ Added Benefits – Acne-fighting, anti-inflammatory, soothing for sensitive skin.
Best Cleanser for Oily Skin – Top 10 Detailed Reviews
1. PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, For Face & Body, Maximum Strength, 5.5 oz
For oily skin that’s frequently battling breakouts, the PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Maximum Strength is a powerhouse cleanser. Formulated with a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide, this wash is clinically proven to target acne-causing bacteria and reduce stubborn breakouts at the source. Oily skin types often need more than just surface cleansing — they require a formula that penetrates deep into pores and regulates sebum that feeds acne formation.
This cleanser creates a rich foam that thoroughly washes away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells without leaving the skin feeling stripped or tight. It’s ideal for morning or evening use, or as prescribed by a dermatologist for moderate to severe acne. While potent, its medicated properties make it best suited for oily, acne-prone skin and may cause dryness if overused — so pairing it with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer is recommended.
👉 Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin
💡 Pro Tip: Spot test first to gauge tolerance due to the active ingredient.
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser
If your oily skin leans sensitive, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser strikes a rare balance between effective oil control and ultra-gentle cleansing. Designed with dermatologists, its creamy foam formula removes excess oil, makeup, and impurities while calming irritation — a perfect fit for oily skin that’s also reactive or easily inflamed.
This cleanser contains minimal ingredients, free from fragrances and harsh surfactants, making it ideal for daily use. It respects the skin’s natural barrier and won’t leave your face feeling dry or tight after washing. Instead, it provides a clean, soft finish that preps your skin for serums or moisturizers. Whether you wear sunscreen or light makeup daily, Toleriane ensures thorough cleansing without microbiome disruption.
👉 Best for: Oily, sensitive skin
💡 Pro Tip: Pair with a calming toner to enhance skin balance throughout the day.
3. ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
For those who want a botanical powerhouse, the ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam brings plant-based calming and pore purifying action to the table. Heartleaf extract is known for its soothing anti-inflammatory benefits — ideal for oily skin prone to redness or irritation. This gel-to-foam cleanser dissolves excess sebum and impurities without stripping the skin of essential moisture.
What sets this cleanser apart is its ability to refine enlarged pores — a common concern for oily skin types. Gentle yet effective, it also helps prevent future breakouts by maintaining pore clarity. Layering this cleanser with a lightweight moisturizer keeps your complexion balanced and comfortable, even on days you sweat or wear makeup.
👉 Best for: Oily skin with enlarged pores or sensitivity
💡 Pro Tip: Use morning and night to maintain clear, refined skin texture.
4. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Moisturizing Face Wash For Dry Skin
While it’s marketed for dry skin, the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser earns a spot on this list because many oily skin types benefit from a gentle, barrier-supporting wash — especially if acne or over-cleansing has compromised your moisture balance. This cleanser uses ceramides and hyaluronic acid to clean without stripping, which helps prevent the rebound oil production that can occur after harsh cleansing.
As oily skin often oscillates between shiny and tight, hydration support matters. CeraVe’s formula removes surface debris while leaving the skin’s natural lipids intact, making it perfect for oily-combination skin that’s sensitive or easily irritated. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and can be used daily.
👉 Best for: Oily-combination skin needing extra barrier support
💡 Pro Tip: Pair with an oil-free moisturizer to seal in hydration without clogging pores.
5. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser with Pump Dispenser
The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is simplicity perfected — a breakthrough choice for oily skin that’s also extremely sensitive or reactive to fragrance, dyes, and preservatives. Its minimal formula gently removes surface oil and buildup without unnecessary additives that can trigger irritation or inflammation.
This cleanser doesn’t produce heavy foam, which may feel unusual if you prefer sudsy washes, but its effectiveness comes from a straightforward cleansing action that’s safe for daily use. The pump bottle makes it easy and hygienic for everyday routines. If your skin reacts to many products, Vanicream protects your natural skin barrier while still delivering clean, shine-free results.
👉 Best for: Oily, hypersensitive skin
💡 Pro Tip: Excellent first cleanse before double-cleansing with a foaming wash in the evening.
6. SkinSmart Antimicrobial Facial Cleanser
Designed with clinical-grade antimicrobial action, SkinSmart Antimicrobial Facial Cleanser is a strategic choice for oily skin struggling with frequent breakouts or bacterial acne. Its targeted formula disrupts microbial buildup while effectively removing excess oil and impurities from the skin surface and pores. The result? Fewer inflamed breakouts and a clearer complexion over time.
Unlike harsh acne washes that can overly dry or irritate, SkinSmart maintains balance — removing surface oils while soothing inflammation. It’s still powerful enough to use daily, especially when paired with appropriate acne treatments or serums. If your oily skin often flares into cystic acne, this cleanser can be an integral part of a dermatologist-approved routine.
👉 Best for: Oily acne-prone skin needing antimicrobial support
💡 Pro Tip: Follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to minimize irritation.
7. Garnier Micellar Water, Hydrating Facial Cleanser & Makeup Remover
Not all oily skin needs a traditional foaming wash all the time — sometimes you need a super-gentle first cleanse. Garnier Micellar Water excels as a hydrating makeup remover and facial cleanser that dissolves oil, sunscreen, and makeup without scrubbing or rinsing. Micelles act like tiny magnets that pull impurities from the skin, leaving it ready for your second cleansing step.
This micellar water is especially useful for sensitive oily skin or as part of a double-cleansing routine: start with Garnier to remove makeup and surface grime, then follow with a targeted foaming cleanser (like CeraVe or La Roche-Posay). It’s gentle, fast, and travel-friendly, making it perfect for on-the-go routines.
👉 Best for: Oily skin that wears makeup or sunscreen daily
💡 Pro Tip: Use as step one of a double cleanse for deep clean without irritation.
8. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin
One of the most recommended dermatological staples for oily skin, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser delivers effective oil control without stripping your skin’s moisture barrier. Its gentle yet thorough foaming action removes excess sebum, dirt, and makeup while maintaining skin’s natural protective lipids thanks to ceramides and niacinamide.
This cleanser is a standout for daily use — it’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for most skin types that tend toward oily or combination. Users report noticeably less shine and smaller-looking pores with consistent use. It’s also a great foundation before applying serums or treatments designed for oily skin.
👉 Best for: Daily cleansing for oily or combination skin
💡 Pro Tip: Pair with a lightweight gel moisturizer to lock in hydration.
9. Cetaphil Face Wash, Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive, Combination to Oily Skin
From a trusted dermatological brand, the Cetaphil Face Wash balances cleansing power with gentle care — perfect for oily or combination skin that doesn’t tolerate harsh formulas. This cleanser lifts oil, dirt, and impurities effectively but won’t strip or irritate even delicate skin.
Its creamy, non-foaming texture feels soft and soothing, making it an excellent choice for oily skin that’s also sensitive or reactive. It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and safe for daily use. While not as heavy-duty as acne-targeted washes, Cetaphil provides consistent performance and prepares the skin perfectly for serums, sunscreens, and moisturizers.
👉 Best for: Oily but sensitive skin
💡 Pro Tip: Great everyday wash, especially for minimal skincare routines.
10. Bubble Skincare Fresh Start Gel Face Wash – Gentle PHA Exfoliating Cleanser to Reduce Oil
If you’re seeking oil control with a touch of exfoliation, Bubble Skincare Fresh Start Gel Face Wash combines cleansing and gentle chemical exfoliation in one step. Its PHA (polyhydroxy acid) component helps break down excess oil and dead skin cells without irritation — ideal for oily skin that’s prone to dullness and congestion.
Unlike harsh physical scrubs that can sensitize oily skin, PHAs are gentle, helping refine texture and keep pores clear. This gel formula feels refreshing and clean, washing away surface oil while prepping your skin for subsequent treatments. Use this as your morning or evening wash for smooth, radiant skin that’s less likely to clog.
👉 Best for: Oily skin needing gentle exfoliation
💡 Pro Tip: Follow with sunscreen when using exfoliating products in your AM routine.
Final Verdict: Which Is the Best Cleanser for Oily Skin?
Here’s how these top 10 cleansers stack up:
| Goal | Top Pick |
|---|---|
| Maximum acne control | PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash |
| Best for sensitive oily skin | La Roche-Posay Toleriane |
| Deep pore refinement | ANUA Heartleaf Foam |
| Barrier support for combo skin | CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser |
| Most gentle overall | Vanicream Gentle Cleanser |
| Antimicrobial protection | SkinSmart Facial Cleanser |
| Makeup removal + oil control | Garnier Micellar Water |
| Everyday foaming cleanser | CeraVe Foaming Cleanser |
| Sensitive combo/oily skin | Cetaphil Face Wash |
| Exfoliating + oil control | Bubble Skincare Gel Wash |
Pro Tips for Oily Skin Cleansing
✔ Wash your face twice a day — morning and night
✔ Use lukewarm water — hot water can trigger rebound oil production
✔ Avoid over-scrubbing — gentle is better for longevity of results
✔ Pair with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to prevent excess oil rebound
FAQ: Best Cleanser for Oily Skin
Q: How often should someone with oily skin cleanse?
A: Typically twice daily — once in the morning and once at night — or after workouts.
Q: Can I use micellar water alone?
A: Micellar water is great as a first cleanse, but pairing with a foaming cleaner is ideal for oily skin.
Q: Will cleansers strip natural oils?
A: Good cleansers for oily skin control excess oil without stripping, thanks to pH-balanced and barrier-supporting ingredients.