Person gently drying their face with a towel. Person gently drying their face with a towel.

What is the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin?

Cleansing is essential for oily skin to remove accumulated dirt and oil and regulate oil production. Applying makeup or moisturizer to uncleansed skin often leads to slippage and excessive shine. Here's a guide to finding the best face wash for oily skin to achieve a balanced, clean complexion.

Mattifying Cleansers

Many individuals with oily skin prioritize controlling shine throughout the day. Mattifying cleansers are formulated to reduce oil and leave skin smooth and refreshed. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Mattifying, for example, is a rinse-free option that uses micelle technology to gently lift away impurities and makeup without harsh rubbing, leaving skin clean and free of greasy residue.

Woman smiling and looking upward.
Man smiling and touching his face.

Charcoal-Formulated Cleansers

Charcoal cleansers are very effective for oily skin due to charcoal's absorbent properties. They draw out impurities like a magnet without over-drying, which can trigger increased oil production. These cleansers remove excess sebum and oil from pores, leaving skin truly clean without feeling stripped or tight. Garnier Blackhead Eliminating Scrub is a good example, providing a deep clean and shine-free finish.

Gentle Cleansers

While it might seem counterintuitive, harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production. Gentle, sulfate-free cleansers help prevent over-drying and irritation, which can exacerbate oily skin. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1, for example, is formulated without sulfates, alcohol, fragrance, parabens, oil, and soap, making it a soothing option for oily and sensitive skin.

Woman washing her face.
Close-up of a person's face.

Salicylic Acid Face Wash

A lot of people unwittingly make their oily skin oilier by using facial cleansers that are too drying. Skin cleansers formulated with salicylic acid are great for oily skin because they can provide skin with a deep clean targeting blemish-causing dirt without stripping skin of needed moisture. Garnier Micellar Cleansing with Salicylic Acid deeply cleanses, tightens pores and smooths skin. The formula helps draw out blackhead-causing dirt, oil and impurities like a magnet to unclog pores and clear skin complexion.

Clay Cleansers

Kaolin clay is a common ingredient in masks and cleansers for oily skin due to its oil-absorbing properties. You can incorporate kaolin into your daily routine with a clay-based cleanser, rather than limiting its use to weekly masks.

Man applying a clay mask to his face.

How to Use Face Wash in Your Skincare Routine

Choosing the right cleanser is just the first step. Here's how to incorporate it into a complete skincare routine for healthy-looking, beautiful skin, even if you have oily skin:

01
CLEANSE
Apply cleanser to wet skin using clean fingers (as fingers can carry oil) and massage in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and pat skin dry with a clean towel. Change your towel frequently, as oil and dead skin cells can accumulate and contribute to oiliness.
02
MOISTURIZE
After cleansing, apply a moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and matte. A tinted moisturizer or BB cream can be a good option for daytime.
03
OIL-FREE MAKEUP
If you use additional makeup like foundation or concealer, choose oil-free formulas to avoid exacerbating oiliness.
04
BLOT
Blotting papers are a convenient way to touch up shine throughout the day. Gently dab oily areas with blotting paper as needed.