The 7 Best Face Washes for Oily Skin, According to Byrdie Editors and Testers

Best Overall

Sofie Pavitt Clean Clean Cleanser

$34 at Sephora View on Sofiepavittface.com View on Goop.com

Key Ingredients: Allantoin, panthenol, glycerin | Size: 3.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

From renowned celebrity esthetician Sofie Pavitt’s namesake brand, the Clean Clean cleanser is the perfect option for oily skin types— it thoroughly cleanses without stripping the complexion, which can often lead to an overproduction of oil. The gel-to-foam consistency creates a satisfying lather that effortlessly lifts makeup and impurities for squeaky-clean skin. The formula is filled with gentle surfactants to clean without causing irritation, as well as soothing, moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and panthenol to keep the skin well-hydrated after cleansing. It’s safe for sensitive skin types, and it can be used day and night—or whenever you’re in need of a skin refresh. 

Star Donaldson, social media director with acne-prone skin: “This cleanser makes you feel truly clean without breaking you out, and it’s still gentle enough to use every day.”

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser

$17 at Amazon $29 at Sephora $31 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This powerful cleanser with two forms of salicylic acid is a powerhouse for clearing blemishes and breakouts while keeping the skin healthy. A favorite of Editor Alyssa Kaplan’s, it breaks down oil for skin that feels clean and refreshed. Alongside salicylic acid, the formula also contains green tea and camellia to keep the complexion soothed. The gel texture foams up into a light lather that doesn’t strip the skin, and it works quickly to treat all types of acne—including cystic and hormonal. While it is a little drying, it’s nothing that can’t be solved with a hydrating serum or moisturizer.

Alyssa Kaplan, editor with oily skin: “It leaves my skin feeling really clean and refreshed, thanks to the cooling sensation it provides.”

Best Gentle

Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser

$28 at Amazon $28 at Sephora View on Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, panthenol, arginine | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have sensitive and oily skin, finding a cleanser that can effectively remove excess oil without stripping or irritating the complexion can be difficult. But sensitive skin types will love this option from Paula’s Choice, which is gentle on the skin while deeply cleansing. With 0.5% salicylic acid, it’s able to unclog pores and keep breakouts at bay without being too harsh for daily use. It has a lightweight gel texture that cleanses comfortably and washes off easily, and it’s great at removing sunscreen and makeup with just one application—no need to double cleanse. With continued use, you’ll notice skin that looks clearer and smoother, with regulated oil levels.

Ali Webb, associate editor with combination skin: “This lightweight gel cleanser leaves my skin feeling balanced and hydrated, leading to a clearer complexion over time with consistent use.”

Best Exfoliating

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel

$45 at Dermstore $45 at Bluemercury.com View on Lovelyskin.com

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, caproloyl salicylic acid, menthol | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Having an effective exfoliating cleanser in your skincare arsenal is a must for oily skin types, as it can unclog the pores and provide a deeper cleanse of oil and impurities in the complexion. This one from SkinCeuticals is our top option—it gives your skin a total reset, leaving a fresh and clean canvas for any toners or serums. The cleanser is made with glycolic acid and caproloyl salicylic acid (a gentler derivative of salicylic acid) to fight congestion and smooth texture while balancing oil production. Even though it has two exfoliating acids, it’s not too harsh on the complexion—the formula also includes glycerin to soothe and hydrate. While the cleanser’s consistency is slightly thick at first, it becomes more manageable as water is added.

Shannon Stubbs, associate editor with combination skin: “This cleanser is effective at deeply exfoliating the skin without causing any irritation. I see results directly after using—my skin looks cleansed and pretty much poreless.”

Best Foaming

Sonsie Cleansing Mousse

View on Sonsieskin.com

Key Ingredients: Aloe, ginger root extract, bisabolol | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Foaming cleansers often get a bad rap, as they’re prone to stripping the skin and dehydrating the complexion. That’s why this option from Sonsie is so great—it creates a lovely, satisfying foamy leather that hydrates while it cleanses. The vegan formula soothes and strengthens the skin barrier, with ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and bisabolol—an antioxidant that protects the skin from inflammation and environmental stressors. The fragrant, but not overpowering, floral scent is inspired by co-founder Pamela Anderson’s rose garden, and it makes the cleansing experience just a bit more luxurious. We love this face wash for sensitive skin types, as it’s made with nonirritating ingredients. 

Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor with oily skin: “It smells like fresh roses, has a fun foamy texture, and leaves my skin feeling clean but never stripped.”

Best Balancing

La Roche-Posay Foaming Face Wash

$20 at Amazon $20 at Ulta View on Dermstore

Key Ingredients: La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramides | Size: 1.7, 6.8, 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you deal with an overly oily T-zone or have skin that often looks shiny or slick, a balancing cleanser (like this one from La Roche-Posay) can help. It cleanses with a gentle, foamy lather, effectively removing oil and impurities without stripping the complexion of all hydration. The formula has ceramides, niacinamide, and the brand's trademark thermal spring water to nourish the complexion and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also noncomedogenic and fragrance-free, so it's safe for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. Our tester, who has combination skin, loved that it provided a deep clean without drying out her complexion, and she noted that it kept her shiny T-zone more matte than usual.

Erica, tester with combination skin: "The product's foaming lather is what I enjoyed most. It's very soft and gentle, gets straight to the point, and doesn't feel soapy. It's a pleasant experience that cleanses skin without disrupting it or agitating it, which is exactly what I was looking for."

Best Drugstore

Cetaphil Oil Removing Foam Wash

$29 at Amazon $13 at Target View on CVS

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, zinc | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A good face wash doesn't have to break the bank, and this effective oil-control cleanser from Cetaphil is a great choice for less than $15. We love this pick for those with super oily skin, as it's extremely effective at controlling oil in the complexion and leaving the skin matte and smooth without causing excessive dryness. Its key ingredient is zinc, which is known for its acne-fighting properties and its ability to regulate sebum production. It's also able to soothe irritation and redness. Glycerin in this formula also adds hydration, so it doesn't leave the skin super stripped or dry. Our tester loved that it kept her skin feeling hydrated, and the soft, smooth lather made the cleanser enjoyable to use.

Philtrina, tester with oily skin: “The face wash was extremely easy to use since it was a foam that glided on my face very easily and actually felt moisturizing, considering it was an oil-removing wash.”