My Journey with Oily Skin (And Why Most Cleansers Failed Me)
If you have oily skin, I get it. Mine showed up loud and proud when I hit puberty, and it didn’t just stop at a shiny T-zone. It came with greasy roots, makeup that melted by noon, and frequent breakouts that refused to stay away. I felt like I was constantly trying to scrub the oil off—only to end up with even more oil an hour later.
Like many of us, I assumed the best way to deal with oily skin was to use face washes labeled “for oily skin.” Harsh, drying, and overly foamy, they stripped my skin of everything—including what it actually needed to stay balanced. That tight, squeaky feeling? Not a good sign. Eventually, I learned that gentler really is better. The real trick? Choosing cleansers labeled for “normal to oily” or “sensitive skin” with hydrating ingredients that help calm oil production instead of triggering it.
What to Look For in a Face Wash for Oily Skin
After trying dozens of cleansers over the years, here’s what I now swear by:
- Go for gel or cream-gel textures—they cleanse deeply but don’t foam too aggressively.
- Look for ingredients like niacinamide, green tea extract, salicylic acid (if your skin tolerates it), and zinc.
- Skip alcohol, sulfates, and artificial fragrance.
- Hydration is key: a good cleanser should clean, not strip.
Remember: just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean it wants to be dried out. Balance is everything.
My Favorite Face Washes for Oily Skin – Ranked & Reviewed
1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – Best Overall
This one changed everything for me. It’s gentle, non-stripping, and actually feels calming after a long day. With ceramides and niacinamide, it balances oil production while keeping your barrier happy. It’s affordable, easy to find, and totally worth the hype.
2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel – Best Dermatologist Pick
This one was recommended by multiple derms, and for good reason. It has zinc for oil regulation and their signature thermal spring water that feels so soothing. It’s great for acne-prone skin and those who want a deeper cleanse without irritation.
3. Bioderma Sébium Gel Moussant – Best for Combo-Oily Skin
A light lather that removes excess oil and keeps pores clear without any redness. This worked especially well in summer when my skin was extra shiny. If you like the feeling of a mild foam but don’t want to feel stripped, this is your girl.
4. Topicrem Gentle Purifying Cleanser – Best for Sensitive Oily Skin
This one surprised me. It’s not as well-known, but it has a clean formula and a very soft gel texture. It worked well during a period when my skin was breaking out and super sensitive.
5. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel – Best Korean Pick
Perfect for both morning and night, especially if your skin is reactive. The tea tree helps with oil and breakouts, and the low pH helps protect your barrier. It also layers beautifully with the rest of your skincare.
6. Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution Gel Cleanser – Best for Acne/Oil
If you’re battling clogged pores and hormonal breakouts, this is a great pick. It combines salicylic acid with probiotic extracts and feels luxurious while still being effective. No tightness, just a smooth, clean face.
My Exact Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Morning Routine (Spoiler: No Cleanser!)
I only use water in the morning. That’s it. Over-cleansing first thing made my skin worse, not better. After rinsing, I apply a lightweight toner, niacinamide serum, oil-free moisturizer, and of course—sunscreen.
Night Routine
Here’s where the magic happens:
- Step 1: Oil/balm cleanser to break down SPF and makeup
- Step 2: One of the gel cleansers above to fully cleanse
- Step 3: Toner to prep the skin
- Step 4: Niacinamide serum (always!)
- Step 5: Lightweight moisturizer or sleeping gel mask
This routine helped calm my breakouts, reduce oil production, and actually made my skin feel like skin again.
Real Tips That Helped Me Long-Term
- Stop using face washes labeled only for “oily skin” – they’re often too harsh
- Choose gel cleansers for “normal to oily” or “sensitive” skin types
- Look for niacinamide over aggressive actives if your skin is reactive
- Don’t fear hydration. Balanced skin = less oil.
If you’re struggling with oily skin, I hope this guide helps you feel less overwhelmed. The goal isn’t to fight your skin—it’s to understand and work with it. Once you find the right cleanser, the rest of your routine starts to fall into place.
And if you’re dealing with the opposite issue—tightness, flaking, or sensitivity—you might need something completely different. I’ve also written about finding the right gentle face wash for dry and sensitive skin, including tips on what ingredients actually help restore hydration without causing irritation.
