Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Sarah Felbin and brandsSave this storySave this story
If you experience frequent breakouts or produce excess sebum, it’s important that you start your skin-care routine with one of the best face washes for oily skin. This sets the foundation for the rest of your breakout-fighting products—like clarifying toners, salicylic acid serums, and lightweight moisturizers—to work more efficiently. Here’s the deal, though: Not all cleansers are created equally. Those formulated with oily skin in mind (think: alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids) cut through sebum without creating further congestion, says Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California. Reach for them in the morning to create a clean canvas for your skin care and makeup, then again at the end of the day to rinse off layers of dirt, oil, and sunscreen. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite face washes to keep your complexion calm and clear.
Our Top Face Washes for Oily Skin
- Best Overall: Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse, $40
- Best Deep Exfoliation: SkinMedica AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $48 $38
- Best for Texture: Medicube Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam, $20
- Best for Large Pores: Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser, $22
- Best for Acne: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser, $68
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Why do I need a face wash?
- What makes a face wash better for oily skin versus dry skin?
- Which ingredients should I look for and avoid in my face wash?
- How often should people with oily skin wash their face?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse
Save to wishlist
Tatcha
The Matcha Cleanse
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin using the Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse
Sarah Felbin
Why we love it: As the name—and pastel green tube—implies, the key ingredient in Tatcha’s The Matcha Cleanse is Japanese Kyo matcha sourced from Uji, Kyoto. Besides fueling your mornings, antioxidant-packed matcha has plenty of skin-care benefits, like defending against skin-aging free radicals and soothing redness. Along with green tea comes anti-inflammatory Japanese mugwort and coix seed to decrease inflammation, plus willow bark extract to gently exfoliate (thanks to salicin, a chemical similar to salicylic acid) and balance oil production. The results? A mattified T-zone and less visible redness. Tatcha’s silky gel formula transforms into a lush lather with a little water, shrinking the appearance of pores and laying the foundation for sunscreen and makeup or your nighttime skin-care routine.
Felbin before using the Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after using the Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
LargeChevron
“I have sensitive combination skin and a chronically oily (and therefore acne-prone) T-zone. I had pretty much given up all hope of ever finding a face wash that would help cut down on my greasiness, until I tried this one from Tatcha. It's a light gel cleanser that emulsifies into a rich foam after you add water. As I scrub, it feels super-gentle and doesn't leave my face with that annoying squeaky-clean feeling. But I notice the biggest change after I rinse—my perpetually (too) glowy skin actually looks matte. (You can see it a little in my before and after photos!) After I use it, I notice my T-zone is slower to get shiny and actually does stay matte for a few hours. It's pricey for a face wash, but if you're really oily, this gets the job done better than most other cleansers I've tried. It's a great first step before applying any makeup. Definitely worth the investment!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
Tester feedback from senior director of creative programming and development Natalie Campbell
LargeChevron
“The Tatcha Matcha Cleanser is my daily go-to face wash. Although it’s made for oily skin, it thoroughly cleans my acne-prone, dry-leaning skin without stripping. Since putting in my daily rotation, I've noticed a reduction in my acne and an increase in moisture without shine. The wonderful smell is an added bonus!” —Natalie Campbell, senior director of creative programming and development
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: Japanese Kyo matcha, Japanese mugwort, coix seed, willow bark
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Deep Exfoliation: SkinMedica AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Save to wishlist
SkinMedica
AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Dermstore
Why we love it: Derms will always remind you that regular exfoliation keeps oily skin clear and radiant, and few face washes are more beloved by experts than SkinMedica’s AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Mountain View, Washington, recommended this formula for its powerful “blend of AHAs (lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic), BHA (salicylic), and jojoba spheres to gently exfoliate and polish, while lavender helps to soothe the skin." That BHA is key, Dr. Park adds, as it’s lipid-soluble, blasting through your skin’s natural oil barrier to deeply cleanse your pores and even out your texture.
If all of these mentions of acids freak you out, worry not: To balance out the exfoliating actives, there’s anti-inflammatory, redness-reducing bisabolol to keep your skin calm.
P.S. Lucky you: SkinMedica's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (sale price reflected above) is 20% off at Dermstore from May 16 to May 25!
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the SkinMedica AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Deanna Pai
Pai after using the SkinMedica AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
LargeChevron
"This exfoliating cleanser does the impossible: It leaves my skin super-soft and smooth, even when I'm dealing with hormonal breakouts, but never feeling squeaky-clean or overly tight. That's a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup. Plus, the combo of AHAs and BHA targets my two primary concerns, hyperpigmentation and acne, respectively." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, jojoba oil, bisabolol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Texture: Medicube Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam
Save to wishlist
Medicube
Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Medicube Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: Pesky bumps are no match for the triple threat of acids—citric and mandelic (AHAs), salicylic (a BHA), and gluconolactone (a PHA)—in Medicube’s Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam. This deeply effective combo breaks down sebum and gently removes dead skin cells that can clog your pores, causing unwelcome blackheads and overall texture. The formula starts out thick but quickly foams up once you add water, according to our tester. Also satisfying, texture-wise: Tiny capsules filled with Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica)—a super-soother—burst upon contact with your skin. True for most of Korean skin care, this Korean cleanser costs less than $20 a tube, so you can stock up on a year’s worth without making your bank account suffer.
Lee before applying the Medicube Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Medicube Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Lee
LargeChevron
“I always kick off my skin-care routine with the Medicube Zero Pore Capsule Cleansing Foam—it’s gentle enough for my sensitive skin yet still gives me that fresh, just-polished feel. The formula itself is quite thick, so I have to squeeze it a bit hard to get it out of the tube, but once it lathers, the micro-blue exosome capsules provide gentle physical exfoliation. Medicube also relies on chemical acids, utilizing AHAs like mandelic acid and BHAs like salicylic acid to prevent breakouts by keeping pores clear, along with cica to soothe irritation and green tea extract for an antioxidant boost. This cleansing foam never fails to leave my skin feeling clean, comfortable, and ready for the rest of my routine.” —Christa Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, citric acid, Centella asiatica (cica), mandelic acid, willow bark extract
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Acne: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
Save to wishlist
Tata Harper
Clarifying Cleanser
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Pai using the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: Sure, a single cleanser won’t erase breakouts (or completely prevent future ones from popping up—though it’ll certainly help!), but choosing a formula that centers around exfoliation is the best course of action. It’ll also boost the efficacy of the rest of your acne-fighting products. With a bright green, mint-scented formula, Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser stars prickly pear enzymes, willow bark extract, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids to speed up skin cell turnover and balance oil production. Also at work are soothing honey and chlorella, to keep redness and irritation in check. Although this face wash is a bit of a splurge, our acne-prone tester can vouch for its impressive hyperpigmentation-fading abilities.
Pai before using the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
Deanna Pai
Pai after using the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from Pai
LargeChevron
“I've had breakouts for years—they're a fact of life (and hormones). But I've found that washing with this cleanser (after removing my makeup with an oil-based formula) really helps dispatch both large cysts and smaller whiteheads more quickly. It smells herbal and fresh, builds to a nice lather, and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped of moisture. I really concentrate massaging it in around my problem areas, like around my nose, chin, and jawline, and feel like it's made a difference in my acne's lifespan and, as important, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (as in, there's less).” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: prickly pear enzymes, lactic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, chlorella, mint, honey, willow bark extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Large Pores: Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser
Save to wishlist
Hanyul
Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser
Amazon
Sephora
Why we love it: We’ve long sung the praises of Korean cleansers for their accessible price points and innovative formulas, and Hanyul’s Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser kicks it up a notch with a delightful, mochi-like texture that makes cleansing, well, fun. The bouncy, stretchy formula can be left on for a few minutes as a quick mask, lathered up as a cleanser, or both. Reliable salicylic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells and tightens the look of pores while time-tested, calming K-beauty favorites, such as cica, mugwort, and artemisia powder—which can kill off acne-causing bacteria—help leave skin looking softer and smoother. Lastly, hyaluronic acid and glycerin deeply hydrate, canceling any squeaky clean feeling here. A cleanser that’s fun to use and effective? Music to our ears.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser
Sarah Han
Han after using the Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
LargeChevron
“I haven't been this excited about a water-based cleanser in years, I tell you! The Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser has this extra-satisfying gooey, mochi-like texture that lets you really slather it on evenly, like you would with a mask. Due to its two-in-one nature, I usually leave it on for about two minutes because I find that it goes above and beyond my usual cleansers and truly helps clear out my clogged pores without causing dryness (combo-skin life). It emulsifies into a lightweight foam that feels oh-so-sensorial, and I don't mind that I need to be a little more thorough when rinsing it off—again, it acts like a mask! I use this every other night to keep my pores (a big skin-care woe of mine) in check.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica (cica), hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, mugwort, artemisia powder
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Combination Skin: Dieux Baptism Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
Save to wishlist
Dieux
Baptism Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
Sephora
Dieux
Why we love it: Cleansing combination skin, especially if yours also skews sensitive, can be tricky, —you’ll want a face wash that keeps your oily T-zone in check without throwing the rest of your complexion off-balance. Enter: Dieux’s Baptism Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser. Its highly hydrating formula is packed with glycerin and betaine, a humectant that pulls moisture into the skin. Meanwhile, a combination of coconut-based surfactants (a.k.a. cleansing ingredients) goes deep to remove sweat, oil, makeup, and other impurities. It’s all delivered in a light gel formula that suds up oh-so-satisfyingly.
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann using the Dieux Baptism Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
Hoffmann after using the Dieux Baptism Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
LargeChevron
“My skin is very sensitive, so I try to keep my regimen pretty gentle across the board with the exception of one active per routine (vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening). To me, cleanser should do exactly what the name suggests and nothing more: clean my skin. This water-based cleanser effectively removes grime and excess oil without stripping the skin, which is exactly what I need to keep my reactive skin at bay.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: glycerin, betaine, Gentle Cleansing Complex (coconut-based surfactants)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Save to wishlist
Vanicream
Gentle Facial Cleanser
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Need a calming cleanser in a pinch? Head to your local drugstore and pick up Vanicream’s Gentle Facial Cleanser, which earns high praise from Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. “I often recommend it for patients with reactive or allergy-prone skin,” she told Allure—the formula has even been awarded the National Eczema Association’s seal of acceptance for its gentle, non-irritating ingredients. The list includes hydrating glycerin and mild, coconut-based surfactants that cleanse without stripping. Dr. McDonald also notes that Vanicream is a great choice for mature skin, which can still struggle with excess oil production: “As we age, we see more cases of irritation from products people have tolerated for years,” she told Allure. “A minimalist cleanser can be a reset for sensitive, mature skin.”
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: glycerin, coco-glucoside and sodium cocoyl glycinate (surfactants)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Save to wishlist
Fresh
Soy Face Cleanser
Nordstrom
Sephora
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: A deeply exfoliating cleanser can upset oily, sensitive skin. In moments of dermal freakouts, reach for something soothing and hydrating, like the classic, derm-approved Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. "I especially love using this face wash when I travel because it helps a lot with the irritation that inevitably occurs after a flight,” Dr. Park told Allure. It boils down to the no-fuss, fragrance-free formula, which contains hydrating glycerin and elasticity-boosting soy proteins, along with soothing aloe vera, to remove makeup and grime without angering skin. The clear gel sudses up into a creamy, cooling, and cucumber-scented foam that makes washing your face a moment in your day you’ll actually look forward to.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: glycerin, soy proteins, aloe, cucumber extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a face wash?
The short answer: Because pure H2O isn’t enough to take the day off. “Oil and water don’t mix, so rinsing with water won’t effectively remove sebum, sunscreen, or makeup,” says Dr. McDonald. She also notes that face washes are made with surfactants that attach to oil and debris, gently removing them without upsetting your skin barrier in a way that plain water can’t.
What makes a face wash better for oily skin versus dry skin?
If you have oily skin, our experts recommend using a gel or foam cleanser. Look for a clear formula, says Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Laura Lam-Phaure—this is an easy way to tell whether a face wash has enough surfactants to properly clean oily skin, she says. “I’d steer away from cream cleansers or anything with noticeable opacity,” she explains, “since that usually signals the presence of emollients or oils in the system intended to be left behind on the skin to keep it moisturized. If you are oily, this can make your skin feel more oily,” she adds.
Which ingredients should I look for and avoid in my face wash?
As you shop, here’s what to look out for on the label:
- Salicylic acid, a BHA, is “oil-soluble, so it actually gets into the pore instead of just cleaning the surface,” says Dr. Shokeen.
- Niacinamide “balances sebum and decreases inflammation,” Dr. Vergara notes.
- “Zinc helps regulate oil and calm redness,” says Dr. Shokeen.
- Benzoyl peroxide “can help decrease bacterial count on the skin as well as control oil production,” says Dr. Mian.
- “Glycerin, allantoin, and ceramides hydrate, soothe, and reinforce the skin barrier, helping prevent over-drying that can trigger excess oil production,” explains Dr. McDonald.
Avoid occlusive ingredients—these can trap oil, Dr. Vergara adds.
How often should people with oily skin wash their face?
The experts we spoke with agreed that twice a day—morning and evening—is ideal. “Sebum production is continuous, and excess oil can trap debris, bacteria, and dead skin cells, contributing to breakouts,” Dr. McDonald says. “Cleansing in the morning removes overnight oil buildup, while nighttime cleansing clears sunscreen, makeup, and environmental pollutants.” Dr. Shokeen notes that if you’re starting a retinoid that’s causing side effects like peeling, then it’s okay to skip your morning cleanse and just use water instead.
Dr. Mian adds that people with acne-prone skin may want to cleanse again after a sweaty workout. Just be sure to watch how your skin responds—over-cleansing can damage your skin barrier and actually make oiliness worse, Dr. Shokeen says.
Meet the experts
- Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute, based in California
- Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Central Texas Dermatology, based in Austin
- Mariana Vergara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Beauty Villa Vergara, based in Los Angeles
- Kiran Mian, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery, based in New York City
- Laura Lam-Phaure, a cosmetic chemist based in Los Angeles
- Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Mountain View, Washington
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best face washes for oily skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Leave a Reply