One way you can take care of oily skin is through skincare—and the first step to this is buying a great facial wash intended for oily skin! Facial washes for oily skin are formulated differently. It helps those with oily skin to have a cleanser that effectively gets the junk out of their faces.
Below, we listed our top 10 picks for the best facial wash for oily skin, plus we created a buying with comments from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison for our oily-skinned friends to use when they need to buy a face wash. Let's get started!
Quick List - Top Facial Washes for Oily Skin
CeraVe
A Foaming Cleanser That Cleanses and Controls Oil Without Disrupting the Skin's Natural Barrier
La Roche Posay
A Soap-Free Purifying Cleanser to Remove Oil and Excess Sebum
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Meg Sison, a good rule of thumb is to wait for 20 minutes after washing the face.
This is usually how long it takes for the sebaceous glands to generate enough sebum or oil to be seen and measured accurately on the skin's surface. If the skin is shiny all over, this usually indicates oily skin.
Searching for a suitable facial wash for oily skin can be tricky and challenging. You must find a product that won't aggravate oiliness or clog your pores. With various facial washes available in the market, you must pick the one that benefits your skin the most. Learn about the factors you should consider below.
An effective facial wash for oily skin contains essential active ingredients that control excess oil and sebum, unclog pores, and give you a shine-free appearance. Additionally, it's best if it comes with ingredients that can address other skin concerns commonly associated with oily skin, including acne, blemishes, and blackheads.
When dealing with oily skin, one of the primary objectives is to control excessive oil, which causes a greasy and shiny complexion. Ingredients like salicylic acid, a BHA ingredient, can do this. While it does not directly regulate oil production, it prevents the buildup of dead skin cells and sebum, which can contribute to excess oil production.
Niacinamide regulates sebum production, reduces shine, and helps prevent acne breakout. Meanwhile, benzoyl peroxide can effectively combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation commonly associated with acne. They work by unclogging pores and reducing sebum production, preventing the formation of acne.
Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It causes the skin cells to slough off more readily, preventing pores from clogging up because of its ability to dissolve sebum; that's why it's great for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Facial washes with salicylic acid at low concentrations (<2%) can help control excess oil production.
Niacinamide is the active form of vitamin B3. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, lightening, barrier protection, and photoprotection benefits. Concentrations of 2-5% are already effective.
Oily skin tends to produce excessive sebum, which can combine with other impurities on the skin and result in clogged pores and an overall dull complexion. To combat this, oily skin needs exfoliation to slough away dead skin cells and avoid clogging pores.
For that, look for AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids with skin-renewing and pore-minimizing abilities. BHA, like salicylic acid and willow bark extract, controls sebum, prevents blackheads, exfoliates lightly, and refines pores. There's also gluconolactone, a PHA known for its gentle exfoliation, suitable even for sensitive skin.
Look for ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, gluconolactone, or salicylic acid. These are chemical exfoliants that can unclog pores and exfoliate dead skin cells gently.
Even oily skin requires proper moisturization. Without sufficient moisture, your skin can get dehydrated and produce even more oil in an attempt to self-hydrate. To prevent this, look for face washes with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and, ceramides. Hyaluronic acid is a lightweight hydrator that effectively attracts water to the skin without clogging pores; that's why it's an excellent ingredient for those with oily and acne-prone skin.
On the other hand, glycerin and ceramides enhance the skin's moisture retention to maintain skin hydration and prevent dryness. They also contribute to the maintenance of the skin's natural barrier. You may also opt for those with amino acids, fatty acids, and sterols that can counter the drying effects of surfactants in foaming face washes.
Moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or glycerol, amino acids, fatty acids, sterols, and ceramides provide masking or occlusion for barrier repair and nutrients/ "pro-lipids" for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are used as emollients in skincare products, and they are added to emulsify and enhance the viscosity of products. These fatty alcohols have minimal adverse effects, unlike simple alcohols.
Gel cleansers are recommended for all skin types because they contain milder surfactants that have a lower potential to cause skin irritation than stronger surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), commonly found in facial washes that create a rich lather. They also have a lightweight consistency that deeply cleanses the skin to decongest pores and remove excess oil without leaving a heavy residue.
Cleansers with anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate tend to cause more dryness, so it is best to limit using them. Gel cleansers usually contain milder surfactants like cocamidopryl betaine and lauryl glucoside. These types of cleansers can be used for all skin types, not just for oily skin.
Foam cleansers can also be used for those with oily skin, but they tend to be more drying compared to gel cleansers because they contain more anionic surfactant.
When opting for exfoliating facial washes, it's always best to favor one that uses chemical exfoliators (AHA, BHA, and PHA) over those that use microbeads. These tiny particles can be too abrasive on your delicate facial skin. They can cause micro-tears on the skin's surface, eventually causing irritation, redness, and even aggravating conditions like acne or rosacea. They can also disrupt the skin's natural barrier, which is crucial to maintain proper skin hydration.
Facial washes with low concentrations of chemical exfoliants are definitely better because they are gentler on the skin.
Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Dr. Meg Sison, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Moisturizing Ingredients | Formula Type | Other Features | Net Weight | |||||
1 | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | ![]() | A Foaming Cleanser That Cleanses and Controls Oil Without Disrupting the Skin's Natural Barrier | Ceramides, Niacinamide | Hyaluronic Acid | Foam | Non-comedogenic, Fragrance-free | 236ml | |
2 | La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel | ![]() | A Soap-Free Purifying Cleanser to Remove Oil and Excess Sebum | Zinc Pidolate, Thermal Spring Water | Caprylyl Glycol | Gel | Soap-Free, Non-Comedogenic, Paraben-Free | 200ml | |
3 | Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Facial Wash That Restore Skin's Natural Balance | Elemi, Bamboo, Orange Oil, Loofah | Glyceryl Oleate | Gel | SLS/SLES-Free, pH-balanced | 200ml | |
4 | Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Removing Foam Wash | ![]() | A Foamy Facial Wash with Zinc to Control Oil and Shine | Zinc | Glycerin | Foam | Paraben-free, Non-comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Gentle Scent | 237ml | |
5 | Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser | ![]() | A Gentle Foaming Cleanser to Balance the Skin's Oil and Moisture Levels | Sunflower Seed Oil | Aloe Vera Extract, Glycerin | Foam | Cocunut-derived, 100% Fragrance-Free, Alcohol-free | 473ml | |
6 | Céleteque Dermoscience Acne Solutions Cleansing Gel | ![]() | A Dermatologist-Tested Cleansing Gel for Clearing Acne | Salicylic Acid (AHA), Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide | Glycerin | Gel | Hypoallergenic, Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Free, Fragrance-Free | 50mL | |
7 | Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cleansing Gel | ![]() | Infused with Salicylic Acid and Grapefruit Extract for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin | Salicylic Acid, Grapefruit Extract, Aloe Vera, Chamomile | Glycerin | Gel | Oil-Free, Non-comedogenic | 175ml | |
8 | COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser | ![]() | Unclog Your Pores With This Foaming Cleanser | Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Willow Bark Water | Glycerin | Foam | unknown | 150ml | |
9 | Senka Perfect Whip Acne Care | ![]() | A Cloud-like Foam Wash That Targets Deep-Seated Dirt and Sebum | Salicylic Acid, Kyoto Chamomile Extract, White Cocoon | Double Hyaluronic Acid | Foam | Paraben-Free, Mineral Oil-Free | 100ml | |
10 | Luxe Organix AHA BHA Miracle Solutions Facial Cleanser | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Way to Cleanse and Exfoliate Skin | Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Tea Tree | unknown | Gel | SLS-free, Alcohol-free, Paraben-free | 150ml |
The best cleanser is one that is gentle and does not disrupt your skin's barrier, like this foam cleanser by CeraVe. It effectively removes oil, dirt, and makeup without causing dryness or tightness in the skin. With 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, the cleanser restores the skin's natural protective barrier while maintaining balanced moisture levels.
This cleanser is also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. Many users love this product due to its mild and clean formulation. Several reviewers also noted that after continuous use, they had noticed a reduction in their usual oily skin condition.
Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Niacinamide |
---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
Formula Type | Foam |
Other Features | Non-comedogenic, Fragrance-free |
Net Weight | 236ml |
Formulated for oily and blemished skin, this gel-to-foam cleanser from La Roche Posay is designed to effectively remove dirt, grime, and excess sebum while keeping the skin free from irritation. It has zinc pidolate, which helps regulate oil production, and thermal spring water, which acts as an anti-irritant and skin reliever.
In addition, its formula is soap-free with a pH of 5.5 to maintain the skin's physiological balance. Although some users have noticed some fragrance in the product, several said it is still gentle on the skin. It is also indicated that this product is safe even for sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients | Zinc Pidolate, Thermal Spring Water |
---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Caprylyl Glycol |
Formula Type | Gel |
Other Features | Soap-Free, Non-Comedogenic, Paraben-Free |
Net Weight | 200ml |
This well-loved balancing facial wash by Human Nature is 99.80% natural without SLS and SLEs. Infused with elemi, it controls sebum, restores the skin's natural balance, fights acne-causing bacteria, and reduces skin redness. It also has bamboo, orange oil, and loofah granules that help unclog pores gently.
As a result, it gives you a shine-free complexion. This facial wash is best for those who want a natural option for combatting oiliness. Users love this product because it effectively controls oil. They also have observed no breakouts and irritations with continued use.
Key Ingredients | Elemi, Bamboo, Orange Oil, Loofah |
---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glyceryl Oleate |
Formula Type | Gel |
Other Features | SLS/SLES-Free, pH-balanced |
Net Weight | 200ml |
Key Ingredients | Zinc |
---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin |
Formula Type | Foam |
Other Features | Paraben-free, Non-comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Gentle Scent |
Net Weight | 237ml |
Key Ingredients | Sunflower Seed Oil |
---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Aloe Vera Extract, Glycerin |
Formula Type | Foam |
Other Features | Cocunut-derived, 100% Fragrance-Free, Alcohol-free |
Net Weight | 473ml |
If you're looking for a gentle, everyday cleanser that targets acne without irritating your skin, Celeteque has you covered! Packed with salicylic acid (BHA), glycolic acid (AHA), and lactic acid (AHA), it helps exfoliate and clear pores to reduce breakouts. Willow bark extract also works to control excess oil and smooth your skin.
This oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic formula is perfect for sensitive skin, keeping it balanced without clogging pores. Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, it’s designed to be gentle yet effective for acne-prone skin. Many users find it works wonders in clearing up their skin while keeping it soft and hydrated.
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid (AHA), Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide |
---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin |
Formula Type | Gel |
Other Features | Hypoallergenic, Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Free, Fragrance-Free |
Net Weight | 50mL |
If you are prone to acne breakouts, blackheads, and acne marks, consider using this liquid face wash by Neutrogena. It is expertly crafted with salicylic acid and uses MicroClear® Technology that boosts the effectiveness of salicylic acid in eliminating oil and dirt, clearing blackheads, and unclogging congested pores.
Moreover, it is infused with naturally derived grapefruit extracts, known for their antibacterial and oil-control properties. With that said, this cleanser is suitable for all skin types but has exceptional benefits for oily and acne-prone skin. Users also appreciate its refreshing scent and non-drying formula.
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Grapefruit Extract, Aloe Vera, Chamomile |
---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin |
Formula Type | Gel |
Other Features | Oil-Free, Non-comedogenic |
Net Weight | 175ml |
If you’re looking for a cleanser that clears your pores without drying out your skin, COSRX’s cleanser is for you! It contains 0.5% salicylic acid—effective enough to target blemishes while gentle enough to preserve your skin’s natural moisture. The added tea tree oil helps calm and purify, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
Additionally, its creamy foam texture removes impurities, leaving pores clean, unclogged, and smooth. With its natural BHA component, your skin appears fresh and glowy. Reviewers love its lightweight feel and how it leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and balanced—not tight or dry—making it ideal for daily use.
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Willow Bark Water |
---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin |
Formula Type | Foam |
Other Features | unknown |
Net Weight | 150ml |
Conventional foam face washes usually just sit on the skin and can't really reach the deep-seated dirt. Fortunately, Senka's perfect whip face washes have five times denser foam that easily bonds together, allowing it to penetrate deeper to reach stubborn dirt, sebum, and bacteria that lay deeper into the skin.
Besides being effective at removing stubborn acne-causing dirt and sebum, it also feels very soft on the skin. Plus, this face wash gently cleanses while fighting bacteria and protecting skin from further damage and breakouts. It can also be used no matter what type of acne you have, but it will be highly beneficial to those with puberty acne.
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Kyoto Chamomile Extract, White Cocoon |
---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | Double Hyaluronic Acid |
Formula Type | Foam |
Other Features | Paraben-Free, Mineral Oil-Free |
Net Weight | 100ml |
If you are searching for a product that will clean your skin on the surface and remove nasty build-up from within, try this Miracle Solutions Exfoliating Cleanser from Luxe Organix. This product is specifically formulated to prevent and reduce acne, eliminate bumps, and unclog pores. It is infused with powerful components that can eradicate oily skin woes.
For one, it has salicylic acid that clears acne-causing congestion within the pores. It also contains lactic acid, an ingredient for brightening skin, perfect for treating post-outbreak scars. On top of that, it has tea tree extract with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help calm skin irritation and redness.
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Tea Tree |
---|---|
Moisturizing Ingredients | unknown |
Formula Type | Gel |
Other Features | SLS-free, Alcohol-free, Paraben-free |
Net Weight | 150ml |
We know that having oily skin could be really troubling! Let us help you address more of your woes, as Dr. Meg Sison answers the concerns and questions most oily-skinned individuals have.
Cleansing should be done in the morning, evening, and after exercise for oily, acne-prone skin to prevent disruption of your skin barrier.
High levels of cortisol as a result of stress increase the activity of sebaceous glands, making the skin oilier and more prone to acne breakouts. Other factors that can also influence sebum production include diet, hormones, exercise, and genetics.0
Synthetic detergents (syndets) are more appropriate because these are formulated to match the skin's slightly acidic pH and they contain milder surfactants.
A facial wash is only the start of great skincare. To properly take care of your oily skin, you need other products to make sure that you will always have a healthy and bright glow. Confused about where to begin? Check out the links below for your next skincare best friend!
Re-editor: Mary Adeliz Tabaloc
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: CeraVe|Foaming Facial Cleanser
No. 2: La Roche Posay|Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
No. 3: Human Nature|Balancing Facial Wash
No. 4: Cetaphil |Dermacontrol Oil Removing Foam Wash
No. 5: Paula's Choice |Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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