Balancing oily skin is no easy task, and when it comes to reducing oil people often turn to powder and blotting papers. But a daily skin care routine designed to combat excess oil can go a long way. Adding one of the best face washes for oily skin to your regimen can actually help your skin produce less oil throughout the day, without drying it out.
With that in mind, there are an abundance of different formulas to pick from when choosing a cleanser for oily skin. For example, mud cleansers can double as a mask to draw out impurities while serving as a double-duty treatment for breakouts. Despite what you may think, an oil cleanser is also a fantastic option for an oily complexion because it actually helps to balance the skin by regulating the production of sebum whereas harsh, stripping cleansers actually make you produce more oil. And, oil cleansers will remove every last trace of makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil.
Many face washes for oily skin are also filled with ingredients that help clear out pores, reduce excess oil, provide light hydration, and even gently exfoliate the skin with mild acids. So before you do anything else to fight excess oil, try one of these eight purifying and sebum-regulating cleansers.
1A Hypoallergenic Oil-Based Cleanser That Removes Everything & Washes Off Clean
Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity, $23, Amazon
Many people with oily skin are reluctant to try oil-based cleansers, but if you haven't tried a great one yet, you're seriously missing out. Hands down: Oil cleansers are better at removing makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum than traditional cleansers because oil clings to cling.
This oil cleanser comes in a solid balm form that transforms into a liquid while you massage it into your skin — so it's travel-friendly and won't run all over the place. It's free of pore-clogging mineral oil, and it's recommended for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. Best of all, it washes completely clean without leaving any residue behind.
2A Gel Cleanser That Gently Exfoliates & Unclogs Pores
Vichy Normaderm Gel Cleanser, $18, Amazon
Despite being a highly purifying cleanser, this dermatologist-tested formula is free of soap and alcohol, so it's suitable (and fantastic) for those who are prone to breakouts. The lathering gel wash contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and LHA (a derivative of salicylic acid) to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and control oil without any irritation. Skin is left clean and soft without feeling tight.
3A Water-Based Cleanser That Fights Acne With Tea Tree Oil
Skinfood Tea Tree Soft Bubble Foam, $16, Amazon
A light and airy self-foaming cleanser such as this one is a good option for oily skin that’s also acne-prone. The foam formula is made up of bacteria-fighting ingredients such as tea tree oil, ginger extracts, and glycolic acid to treat, soothe, and prevent acne. Reviewers rave how it reduces redness and breakouts in a short period of time.
4A Foaming Clay Cleanser That Refines Pores
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser, $45, Amazon
Mix things up with a gel-based foaming French green clay cleanser that purifies skin and tightens pores with a blend of essential oils like frankincense, jasmine, and sandalwood. It also gives the complexion a flawless “just ran five miles” glow because of Vitamin C and circulation-boosting black pepper.
5A Cream-To-Foam Formula That Controls Oil Without Causing Dryness
Paula’s Choice Skin-Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser, $26, Amazon
This unique cream-to-foam formula is incredibly concentrated, so it doesn’t take a lot of product to effectively dissolve makeup, dirt, and impurities. The cleanser relies on gentle cleansing agents (not sulfates!) to keep the skin’s pH in check and aloe, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil to hydrate while regulating sebum production and refining pores. It’s another great option for a sensitive, oily skin type as it’s 100 percent fragrance free.
6The Cult-Favorite Natural Korean Soap Stone You've Probably Never Heard Of
April Skin Magic Stone Cleansing Soap, $10, Amazon
There’s a reason why this unique 100 percent natural cleansing stone (aka soap) has made a name for itself in Korea. Thanks to a blend of herbal extracts and coconut, olive, and sunflower seed oils, it effectively deep cleans, detoxifies environmental pollutants, and brightens without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Each stone is made by hand and the ingredients decompose in water within 24 hours, so it’s environmentally friendly, to boot.
7A French Pharmacy Staple Soap-Free Foaming Cleanser
Eau Thermale Avène Cleansing Foam, $20, Amazon
This cleanser effectively removes face and eye makeup leaving skin soft and matte — not stripped. In fact, it’s been proven to immediately reduce oil by 54 percent after just one use, while hydrating Avène thermal spring water helps to make skin smooth and soft. It’s a great option for someone who also has sensitive skin because the formula is soap, silicone, and paraben-free, as wall as hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
8An Enzyme Powder That Gently Exfoliates While It Deep Cleans The Skin
Tosowoong Enzyme Cleanser, $9, Amazon
This powder cleanser is a great option for someone who wants to exfoliate but has a sensitivity to alpha hydroxy acid. Enzymes derived from papaya dissolve dead skin cells while deep cleaning pores. The formula is made with a subacid that’s similar to human skin — unlike many cleansers that are more stripping and more alkaline. To use, mix a little water with a small amount of the enzyme powder. Gently roll it over the skin until the powder begins to bubble, and then rinse.
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