Although the skin is designed to naturally produce oil to keep itself soft, healthy, and pliant, some skin tends to produce much more oil than it needs. This oil stresses your skin’s pores and causes blackheads, pimples, and other irritations on the skin. One of the most effective ways to maintain your skin’s natural moisture but minimize the effects of excessive oil production is to use a gentle face wash several times a day. Face wash is essential to your daily skincare regimen for other reasons too. Your face withstands a lot of stress throughout the day from bacteria, wind, and contact with a variety of irritants; a good skin cleanser will help refresh and clear your skin after encountering all of these. Here is a list of the top five skin washes that will help relieve your skin from the excess oil but without detracting from your skin’s natural moisture.
#1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream Face Wash Cleanser for Oily Skin
This product from the popular French brand, La Roche-Posay, is an excellent foaming skin cleanser that is ideal for oily skin. It not only gently removes excess oil from the face but also has a visible effect on pores that have been enlarged and stretched by the skin’s oil. The product contains Glycerin and Coco-glucoside and is gentle enough to perform the twice a day washing routine that dermatologists recommend.
Consumer Reviews: This product received 145 customer reviews and an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Consumers loved that the product did an excellent job at removing excess oil but did not dry the skin out. They say it is compatible with a full makeup routine and has a calming effect on the skin even if it doesn’t actually reduce redness. Reviews mention that it relieves acne and decreases the frequency of skin flare-ups but doesn’t interfere with other skin issues such as rosacea. Only a small amount of the product is needed for each application so the bottle lasts a considerable amount of time as well.
Price: $22.99
#2. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, For All Skin Types
This Amazon’s Choice product is an extremely gentle cleanser for even the most sensitive faces that can also function as a makeup remover. It uses the unique micelle technology to lift impurities, dirt, and other things on the surface of the skin instead of rubbing aggressively against the skin in a manner that may contribute to the irritation. The cleanser is free of oil, making it ideal for oily skin. It is also entirely free of parabens, fragrance, and silicone. It also does not require any rinsing, making the application one step easier.
Consumer Reviews: This cleansing water received a stunning 2,384 customer reviews and an average of 4.3 stars. One humorous review reported that it was perfectly effective in removing a monobrow her daughter had drawn with waterproof eyeliner. Consumers love how well it works for their oily skin (including people with older, more wrinkled faces.) They also report that it causes fewer breakouts than other similar products.
Price: $6.45
#3. Vichy Normaderm Daily Deep Cleansing Gel Acne Face Wash with Salicylic Acid
Another Amazon’s Choice product, this gel cleanser uses lipo hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid to thoroughly cleanse the pores and to counteract any further damage to the skin, leaving the skin visibly improved in health and smoothness. This cleansing gel is gentle enough to be used twice a day without causing any irritation to the skin or causing any excess dryness. This product is gentle enough for sensitive skin and is alcohol-free, paraben free, and soap free.
Consumer Reviews: This gel face wash received an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars and over 140 reviews. Reviewers report that in their experience this product performs dramatically better than other similar products. Even if used twice a day, consumers mention that the product will last for months. They also suggest that this is one of the best products for oily, acne-prone skin that is extremely sensitive and inclined to react to skin products.
Price: $10.19
#4. Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser for All Skin Types
This cleanser, an Amazon Choice product, is ideal for oily skin because it cleans oil off extremely gently but also moisturizes the skin that may be left vulnerable after being cleaned. It has a softening, cooling, and restorative effect even on the skin with specific allergies or conditions such eczema. Although this product is perfect for the face, it can also double as a wash for the hands and body as well. It has no fragrance or soap in order to avoid irritating sensitive skin and is gentle enough for use on infants.
Consumer Reviews: Reviewers mention that this product is very effective at minimizing itching as well as acne. They rave over just how very gentle this cleanser is and how effective it is for skin afflicted with rosacea and eczema. They report that is especially suited to washing dry skin during the winter so that you can keep your skin clean but also moisturized and hydrated.
Price: $14.42
#5. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 16 oz for Daily Face Washing, Normal to Oily Skin
This well-known brand has produced an excellent cleanser for faces that tend to be on the oily side that has earned Amazon’s Choice status. This product is fragrance-free and designed to minimize any irritation or sensitivity. The cleanser uses hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide to clean and calm the skin while removing oil and hydrating the surface of the face. The ceramides contribute to the barrier that the skin naturally produces to absorb and retain hydration.
Consumer Reviews: After receiving significantly over 2,500 reviews, this CeraVe product received an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Consumers found that this product was extremely gentle making it perfect for sensitive skin that has frequent flare-ups. They said it left their skin soft and refreshed. It cleans thoroughly enough for even the greasiest, most oily skin but never strips the skin or feels abrasive or drying.
Price: $13.29
Although these are certainly some of the best and most popular products for cleaning oily faces that tend to be oily, there are a plethora of other incredible options to meet your facial cleansing needs. If none of the top five appeals to you, here are some other candidates you might consider when you decide what facial cleanser you will purchase next.
Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser for Oily Skin
Although this product is a bit quirky in that it is charcoal based, it is extremely cost-effective, has garnered excellent reviews and even earned the title of an Amazon’s Choice product. This foaming cleanser is formulated specifically to serve the needs of oily skin and skin with acne. It cleans deeply and thoroughly penetrating and purging the pores that are irritated by any excess oil. If used in combination with water, this product will trap all of the dirt and other particles on your skin and leaves your skin noticeably and visibly improved after just one use.
Consumer Reviews: Bioré’s charcoal cleanser earned over 1,500 reviews and an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Consumer’s find that this product is very helpful in treating acne-prone skin without causing inflammation or dehydration. They do warn that the product is not intended to be left on for extended periods of time and may begin to tingle, however, they also say this may be easily avoided by simply removing it gently and promptly with water. They also report that it easily removes even waterproof makeup.
Price: $5.36
No7 Beautiful Skin Foaming Cleanser For Normal / Oily Skin
This elegant dispenser bottle contains an excellent facial cleanser for skin anywhere on the spectrum between normal and oily. This foaming wash removes the shininess of your face while also narrowing your pores and removing any makeup you might have been wearing. This product contains minerals and vitamins to give your skin a healthy, hydrating layer while also clearing away any dirt or impurities from your face.
Consumer Reviews: No7 Foaming Cleanser received around 80 reviews and an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Consumer reviews note that the consistency and texture of the product are refreshing and comfortable for the skin and does not leave behind any residual sticky or greasy feeling. According to reviews, this product is well suited to relieve dry, wintry, chapped skin without stripping the natural hydration and barrier of your skin. They also report that it has a pleasant but not overly strong scent and that it does effectively remove makeup.
Price: $13.98
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser
This simple, classic facial cleanser is especially effective because it combines the functions of protecting the skin from further damage from excess oil production and other irritants and simultaneously contributing to the further health, strength, and resilience of the skin of the face. This product is intended to be used as a gentle massage with warm water and as such is gentle enough to eliminate dead skin cells without stripping or weakening the skin in any way.
Consumer Reviews: Although Elizabeth Arden’s exfoliating facial cleanser has only garnered 24 customer reviews, it has earned a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars for its simple efficacy. Customers love how gentle but effective the exfoliating process is and how soft their skin is after using this product. It works well on older skin as well as delicate, acne-prone skin. Also, one reviewer noted that it really does a wonderful job at balancing the oiliness of her skin with soft cleanliness and brilliance.
Price: $22.50
AHAVA Purifying Mud Soap from the Dead Sea
This particular cleansing product is unique for several reasons. First, this is not a liquid or foaming cleanser, rather this is a bar cleanser. This is ideal for anyone who doesn’t enjoy the feel of foaming and liquid products and would like to try something with a different texture. This affordable product is also unique because it is based on active minerals that efficiently wash away the grime and impurities that are especially rampant on oily skin. Third, this wash is antibacterial and so it has an extra layer of protection and hygiene. Although this product is compatible with the face, it also works for the body.
Consumer Reviews: After collecting a total of 43 customer reviews, this purifying mud soap bar achieved an average of 4.0 out of 5 stars. The reviews say that this is an excellent bar soap product that minimizes skin breakouts and flare-ups and that lasts for a considerable amount of time. They like the natural, pleasant scent of this cleanser and its compatibility with more sensitive skin and with rosacea. One reviewer even said that it works very well as a shampoo for heads with very oily scalps!
Price: $10.00
Era Organics Natural Face Wash Moisturizing Facial Cleanser
This lovely product guarantees quality with its naturally balanced composition. This product is extremely wholesome and natural; it includes no alcohol, scent, or damaging chemicals. It is targeted at a variety of skin types from dry skin to the oiliest of skin and is designed to combat skin issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. This cleanser is based on Manuka Honey and Aloe Vera which are not only incredible cleansers, but also anti-agers that combat wrinkling, dryness, and free radicals.
Consumer Reviews: This natural cleansing agent has collected significantly over 600 customer reviews and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Reviewers love how effective this product is in treating even the most severe of adult acne, psoriasis, and dryness. They say that the rejuvenating, softening, calming effect is incredibly noticeable after using this cleanser. They also report a noticeable shrinking of pores that have been excessively stressed and expanded by oily skin. Consumers also noticed that this product helped minimize cysts that had developed on their faces. Reviewers were also extremely appreciative of the use of Aloe Vera in this product.
Price: $18.87
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash With Salicylic Acid
This product which is both from the popular, well-known, classic brand, Neutrogena, and is an Amazon’s Choice product is a safe choice when you are looking for a new facial cleanser. This cleanser features salicylic acid which is a medicinal anti-inflammatory agent and is targeted at cleaning the pores as well as calming and preventing acne and other more severe oily skin issues.
Consumer Reviews: This acne wash earned exceeding 560 customer reviews and an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Consumers loved how effective this product was for relieving oily skin without leaving it too dry. They say it is even a good product for preventing razor burn! It is a simple product with a pleasant scent and it can be paired with really any moisturizing lotion but still without leaving the skin too oily. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin and easy to apply making it perfect for a teenage boy who suffers from acne but isn’t interested in an elaborate skin care routine.
Price: $19.68
Amarte Daily Wonder Cleansing Foam
This lovely, professionally looking bottle contains a lathering facial cleanser that works for all skin types but is especially good for oily skin that is infused with cucumber, rose, peach, and other natural ingredients. It is extremely gentle and helps your face look vibrant and refreshed. It also leaves your skin receptive and ready to absorb other skin products such as a moisturizing lotion.
Consumer Reviews: Although this rather new product has only garnered two reviews so far, both of them gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars! The two reviews report that this leaves their face feeling extremely clean and fresh. They say that the foam has a nice, appealing sensation and that the product is very gentle.
Price: $40.00
Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
This number 1 best-selling Amazon product uses antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, to help revivify and revitalize your face. Vitamin C is a perfect ingredient to help minimize your pores and defend against any and all impending skin flare-ups. It also claims to help boost the smoothness and lovely coloring of your complexion. It also works specifically to combat any damage that the sun inflicts on your skin. While cleansing your face from excessive oil production, it also hydrates and moisturizes your skin. It also uses Glycolic Acid to combat the effects of aging and skin cell deterioration.
Consumer Reviews: This product received an incredible number of reviews that achieves a total of nearly 2,000 and maintained the high average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviews note that the product does an excellent job of cleaning out their pores without leaving any sticky residue behind. They say that it rinses off easily and that the pump dispenser is convenient, easy, and practical to use. Many reviews rave over how soft and lovely their skin feels after applying this product. They also appreciate the minimal but pleasant scent of the cleanser.
Price: $19.97
CLINIQUE Take The Day Off Micellar Cleansing Towelettes for Face & Eyes
If you are looking for a product that works for when you are traveling or on the go and are already stocked up on the usual cleansers, this will be the perfect face cleaning product for you. From the well-established, beauty product brand Clinique, these small wipes work as general cleansers but also are good for removing makeup.
Consumer Reviews: With 15 customer reviews, these Clinique towelettes have an average of exactly 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewers with more sensitive skin that is easily irritated and prone to a variety of blemishes say that this product works very well for them. They even work for people with larger pores and very oily skin.
Price: $18.96
