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Can the right face wash reduce oiliness? Here's what dermatologists say

These picks will purify pores and cut back on shine.
Kara Birnbaum / TODAY

While blotting papers and mattifying powders can help oily skin feel fresh during the day, finding the right face wash is the most essential step for truly controlling shine.

By using a face wash specifically designed to get excess oil under control each morning, your skin will need less maintenance throughout the day (saving you tons of time and cash on all those extra touch-up products).

We looked high and low and found the absolute best face washes for oily skin. But before we get into our recommendations, we spoke to dermatologists Dr. Loretta Ciraldo and Dr. Melanie Palm to learn how to lessen perpetual greasiness once and for all.

Oily skin causes | Ingredients to look for | Ingredients to avoid | Best overall | Best for acne | Best for blackheads | Best for sensitive skin | Best for large pores | Best for men | Best foaming | Best drugstore | Best gel | Best with clay | Best for combination skin | Best splurge | Do's and don'ts | FAQs | Meet the experts

What causes oily skin?

A variety of factors can lead to oily skin — some of which we can try to manage through our skin care routine, and some we can’t exactly tweak ourselves.

To start, “those with oily skin types have an excess of sebum, which can cause a shiny effect, clogged pores and acne,” Palm summarizes.

This oily substance is designed to protect the skin from environmental damage, but certain factors can make things extra oily for some people.

Genetics: This is a common cause as many people are simply born with more active sebaceous glands (aka the glands that produce oil).

Hormones: Sebaceous glands are also famously more active in your younger years, as your skin will tend to become less oily as you age out of puberty.

Climate: Where you live and its climate can also play a role in how oily your skin is. For example, a hotter, more humid area will naturally lead to shinier skin.

Diet: Fried, processed and sugary foods can play a hand in oily skin.

Using the wrong products for your skin type: It’s also possible to develop oilier skin when using the wrong skin care products. “Selecting the right face wash can be a part of an effective oil controlling skin care routine,” Palm says. Heavier products often result in excess shine, so it’s best to use oil-free, lightweight products to minimize potential greasiness. Palm also stresses the importance of choosing products that are labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means the product shouldn’t clog your pores or cause acne.

What ingredients should you look for in face washes for oily skin?

Oily and acne-prone skin longs for certain ingredients that work to sop up shine and moisturize without adding any greasy glow. Scan your face wash label for these ingredients, and you’ll be on the right track:

Salicylic acid or glycolic acid: Palm recommends these ingredients to offer gentle exfoliation to help unblock clogged pores — a common problem in oily skin types.

Benzoyl peroxide: This easy-to-find ingredient goes to work to lower acne-causing bacteria.

Sulfur: Palm is also a big fan of face washes formulated with sulfur, which she explains can be helpful in regulating some of the oil production from the oil gland. Just make sure you don’t have an allergy to sulfur prior to use.

What ingredients should you avoid in face washes for oily skin?

“Heavy or occlusive moisturizers may be problematic for oily skin types and can potentially lead to breakouts,” Palm warns.

If you have oily skin, Palm suggests avoiding these not-so-oily-skin-friendly ingredients:

  • Silicone
  • Lanolin
  • Petrolatum
  • Paraffin wax
  • Sodium chloride
  • Coconut oil

Best overall face wash for oily skin

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Consistency: Foaming | Key ingredient(s): Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Size: 16 oz. bottle

Sometimes the most simple formulas seem to work the best. This foaming cleanser from CeraVe has nearly 75,000 verified ratings on Amazon, with one reviewer calling it a “bubble bath for your face.” It’s easily found on shelves, is free from fragrance and can also be used as hand soap (we love a multitasking moment).

A big concern among oily skin types is that a cleanser that works hard to remove oil will also leave it feeling totally stripped and very dry . Thankfully, this formula includes three essential ceramides to keep your skin barrier safely intact (non-drying) and calming, acne-friendly niacinamide (also famous for skin brightening). Though it’s formulated for normal to oily skin types, it’s also said to work well on sensitive and acne-prone skin. We also appreciate the bottle’s big size especially at its accessible price point.

Best for acne

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Consistency: Foaming | Key ingredient(s): Salicylic acid | Size: 9.1 oz. bottle

This budget-friendly cleanser from Neutrogena includes salicylic acid, which means it's a good pick for tackling two issues at once: acne and oily skin. The sensitive formula is non-comedogenic (so it shouldn’t clog your pores), and the brand says it’s also non-drying (a common concern when treating acne).

Best for blackheads

Neutrogena Clear Pore 2-in-1 Facial Cleanser & Clay Mask

Consistency: Clay | Key ingredient(s): Benzoyl peroxide, kaolin, bentonite clay | Size: 4.2 oz. bottle

Everyone has blackheads, but sometimes it feels like we have more than usual going on. In that case, a two-in-one cleanser and mask like this pore-refining product from Neutrogena can step in and get to work to lessen the look of blackheads while also addressing acne (thanks to its 3.5% benzoyl peroxide formula). It works to control excess oil via kaolin and bentonite clay. It’s also oil-free and non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about any additional pore-clogging.

Best for sensitive skin

Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient(s): Avene Thermal Spring Water | Size: 6.7 oz. bottle

Another soap-free option, this cleansing gel is perfect for deep cleaning the skin without leading to irritation. It also has a pH of 7.2 in order to respect the skin’s natural pH balance.

Best for large pores

Sand & Sky Oil Control Clearing Cleanser

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient(s): Salicylic acid, Austrailian finger lime, willow bark extract | Size: 4.06 oz. bottle

Target your clogged pores with this formula infused with salicylic acid plus AHAs stemming from Australian finger lime. According to the brand, this cleanser reduces skin redness and inflammation by 29% and reduces sebum production by 28% after 10 days.

Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser

Consistency: Warming gel | Key ingredient(s): Activated charcoal, jojoba, willowherb | Size: 5 oz. bottle

Charcoal is a top ingredient for those with excess shine since it absorbs oil and helps prevent breakouts from forming. This vegan, warming-gel option contains activated charcoal to reduce the look of pores and brighten the skin. It also contains jojoba and willowherb for a calming effect and free radical protection.

Plus, from now through Aug. 25, you can score 30% off everything on the brand’s site using the code TODAY30 at checkout!

Best for men

L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Facial Cleanser with Charcoal

Consistency: Black charcoal texture to white foam | Key ingredient(s): Charcoal | Size: 5 oz. bottle

If you’re looking to wipe away grime and extra oil, unclog pores and work on the look of dull skin, this charcoal cleanser may be your best bet. Formulated with men’s skin and beard concerns in mind, the black charcoal product transforms into a white, rich foam texture. Be mindful about application, though, since the product comes out black, it may leave a mess or stain across your countertops or towels.

Best foaming

Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap

Consistency: Liquid, foaming | Key ingredient(s): Sucrose | Size: 6.7 oz. bottle

This soft, non-drying liquid cleanser has a few formulas available, including this version for oily skin. It’s free from oil, fragrance, parabens and gluten, just to name a few. The brand also tests its products for allergies, so it may also be a good pick if you have a sensitive skin type.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Consistency: Cream, foaming | Key ingredient(s): Benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Size: 5 oz. bottle

“This combines antibacterial benzoyl peroxide with ceramides to balance bacteria and healthy oils in the skin,” says Ciraldo. As a bonus, this CeraVe foaming cleanser also contains niacinamide to calm your complexion after use.

Best drugstore

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient(s): Glycerin, niacinamide, vitamins B5 | Size: 16 oz. bottle

This hydrating cleanser, which can be found easily in drugstores, is gentle enough for sensitive skin types but effective enough to remove excess oil without over-drying. It’s also hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

Best gel

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Size: 6 oz. bottle

For a gentle wash, try this lightweight cleanser formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Aside from boosting hydration, this formula is great to remove leftover residue and other stubborn greases. Amazon shoppers also love how this oil-free cleanser wipes off even the clumpiest of mascaras.

"This works well. Removes all makeup (including mascara) and leaves my face soft and not tight. Also doesn't irritate my sensitive skin or burn my eyes," said one buyer.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser

Consistency: Foaming gel | Key ingredient(s): Zinc pidolate, thermal spring water | Size: 6.76 oz. bottle

Formulated with zinc pidolate, this cleanser diminishes excess shine — stat. Since it’s alcohol- and soap-free, it also won’t dry out your skin after use.

Best with clay

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Deep Cleanser With Red Clay

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient(s): Red clay, glycerin, rosemary leaf oil | Size: 4.7 oz. bottle

Few ingredients work as well as clay to diminish greasiness. This pick uses red clay to draw out and absorb oil, while rosemary leaf oil has antibacterial properties to help prevent breakouts.

Best for combination skin

Ole Henriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient(s): Green fusion complex, neem seed oil, glycolic and lactic acids, green tea, eucalyptus | Size: 5 oz. bottle

Glycolic and lactic acid are the star ingredients in this face wash, which works to unclog pores and cleanse the skin of impurities. Green tea, eucalyptus, alga and Irish moss extracts are also included since their natural antiseptic properties help absorb excess oil.

Best splurge

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore-Perfecting Cleansing Gel

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient(s): Lactic acid, glycolic acid, willow bark extract | Size: 7.5 oz. bottle

Not every cleanser is super effective at removing makeup, but this gel formula certainly is. Willow bark extract and salicylic acid work to wash away grime, oil and debris while still leaving the skin soft and supple.

Do's and don'ts for oily skin

Don’t apply oils. One of the things that can be counterproductive to oily skin is applying oils. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noëlle S. Sherber, people with oily skin should avoid products that contain shea butter and coconut oil and stay away from overly astringent products "such as those with a high alcohol content or high concentration of tea tree oil.”

Don’t be aggressive. This is especially important, as Sherber points out, with harsh products that have jagged particles such as apricot pits. Palm also reminds us it’s important to remember not to overdo it and to avoid intense face washes that can "strip your skin and compromise a healthy skin barrier, which can lead to irritation, redness and other skin issues,” she says.

Do protect the barrier of an oily complexion. Sherber recommends using a gentle cleanser, opting for a gentle topical retinoid to help normalize oil production and trying products with salicylic acid as it's lipophilic (dissolved in oil).

Do hydrate. “A key distinction in taking care of oily skin is to understand the difference between hydration and moisture in skin care,” says Sherber. “Hydration refers to water whereas moisture refers to oil, so oily skin may not require much moisture but can benefit from hydration. Topical hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid bind water to the skin and there are many water-based formulas that are well-suited to oily skin.”

Frequently asked questions about oily skin and face wash, answered by dermatologists

Is face wash important when treating oily skin?

According to Ciraldo, the answer is a resounding yes.

“The cleansing step is one of the most important parts of our daily routine since a cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin can help to rebalance our [skin],” says Ciraldo. “In my own 40-year practice of dermatology, I have found that newly onset or mild acne can often be managed successfully by simply using a good acne cleanser twice a day.”

Can face washes reduce oil on my skin?

“Selecting the right face wash can help manage oily skin,” Palm says. That said, she also stresses that selecting a face wash with the right active ingredients is key — otherwise, you could possibly strip your skin or further occlude your pores, leading to more skin issues.

How often should I wash my face if I have oily skin?

Though it’s super tempting to wash an oily face more frequently, Palm tells us that doing so can strip your skin of moisture and cause it to produce even more sebum, making things even more oily.

“Those with oily skin should wash their face one to two times a day, usually once in the morning and once at night,” she says.

She also suggests using room temperature or lukewarm water to wash your face — avoid using extremely hot or cold temperatures, which can also strip your skin. “If you use makeup, consider double cleansing or using a makeup remover before cleansing to make sure you remove all debris,” Palm adds.

What other ways can I stop my skin from being too oily?

While proper cleansing is essential, Palm says it’s important to implement an effective skin care routine that helps manage your oil production. “This includes using effective active ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and sulfur to manage sebum production and prevent clogged pores,” she says.

“It’s also important to properly moisturize the skin to prevent dryness, which can lead to even more sebum production," she says. "I recommend using hydrating properties that are non-comedogenic, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides.”

Is there a natural way to make my face less oily?

Along with a strong cleansing and skin care game, Palm says you can also consider incorporating tea tree oil into your skin care routine, which may have properties that combat oily skin.

How we chose the best face washes for oily skin

After chatting with our derms about ideal ingredients for oily skin, we found the best face washes with those key ingredients that mop up moisture and also protect the skin barrier. We searched across trusted brands with thousands of positive ratings from shoppers. Plus, we looked at various consistencies (gels versus clay or liquids), budgets and accessibility (sometimes a drugstore find is life-changing!).

Meet the experts

Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, is a Miami-based, board-certified dermatologist and founder of her namesake skin care brand. She previously spoke to Shop TODAY on how to reduce puffy eyes.

Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon based in San Diego.

Dr. Noëlle S. Sherber, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at George Washington University's Department of Dermatology.