10 of the best cleansers for oily skin
Heather Gwyther
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 5 minutes
These might just be the perfect start to your skincare routine
If you find that you often have a build-up of foundation, SPF and oil that you can’t wait to get rid of at the end of the day, cleansing is probably the skincare step that you most look forward to! But it can be tricky to find a cleanser that’s up to the job, and that will really cut through the oil leaving your skin feeling fresh.
What causes oily skin?
“Oily, greasy skin is caused by overactivity of the sebaceous glands,” says Dr Derrick Phillips, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic in London. “These are the oil-producing glands found in the skin, in close proximity to hair follicles. The volume of sebum (oil) produced varies between individuals and is likely to be influenced by genetic factors.”
“The sebaceous glands are stimulated by testosterone and the female hormone, progesterone. This explains the tendency towards a characteristically oily complexion during the teenage years and the inclination for acne to flare up in some women before menstruation. They may also be activated by products that cause excess drying of the skin.”
How often do I need to cleanse if I have oily skin?
In terms of how often you should cleanse, aesthetic doctor, Dr Barbara Kubicka advises that “with oily skin you should cleanse twice a day, but at a minimum once in the evening before going to sleep. If you opt to cleanse twice a day, use different cleansers. In the evening, an exfoliating cleanser (one that would typically be labelled as being for oily, combination or acne-prone skin) and something more calming and hydrating for the morning.”
How do I find a cleanser that’s right for me?
Cleansers for oily skin come in different formats from gels to foams, but most are rinse-off formulas. “Look for exfoliating cleansers that use organic fruit acids like glycolic, lactic and mandelic,” says Dr Kubicka. “Salicylic acid is another key ingredient in terms of its action in reducing sebum production, however it needs to be used with caution as it can dry out the skin causing sebum overproduction over a period of time,” she continues.
Here are some of our favourites.
Discover more great face washes for oily skin here and if you often experience breakouts, you may find our guide to the best cleansers for acne-prone skin helpful too.
10 OF THE BEST CLEANSERS FOR OILY SKIN
Try: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish 100ml Starter Kit
• Size: 100ml
• Cruelty-free
An absolute classic in the world of cleansers, this pick leaves skin squeaky clean, but not stripped – all thanks to ingredients like chamomile, rose and eucalyptus which tone, soothe and purify. And, as well as eliminating excess oil and daily grime, it can even remove stubborn mascara.
Try: Ole Henriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser
• Size: 147ml
Finding balance in life can be a bit tricky but, thanks to this cleanser, finding balance in your skin is more than achievable. Featuring both glycolic and lactic acid to lift dead skin cells, its deep cleansing action helps unclog pores without stripping skin. We recommend using it in the morning so that its eucalyptus scent can invigorate your senses!
Try: Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution Intensive Purifying Gel
• Size: 200ml
Enriched with salicylic acid to deal with excess sebum and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, this face wash is a go-to for anyone with oily skin.
Try: Garnier Pure Active Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash
• Size: 150ml
Blemishes that can be caused by having oily skin may have met their match with this face wash. It’s formulated with zinc and salicylic acid to keep them in check!
