11 cleansers for oily skin that will beat the grease (2025)

If your skin turns into an oil slick by midday, you’re not alone. Excess sebum can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and that constant greasy feeling. But the right kind of face wash can go a long way. The best cleansers for oily skin go beyond basic cleaning. They remove excess oil, clear impurities that may have made their way into your pores, and balance your skin’s hydration level without completely stripping it down. And with this year’s summer heat arriving earlier than expected, your pick of cleanser can make or break your skincare routine.

Whether you prefer a deep-cleaning gel, a gentle foam, or an oil-free formula, these hardworking cleansers will keep the sebum at bay. Here’s what we recommend:

Youth to the People Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser

This is one of the best cleansers for oily skin among the newer slate of beauty companies, packed with antioxidant-rich superfoods. This gel cleanser deeply cleanses while nourishing the skin. It refreshes with every wash and effortlessly removes makeup, making it a multitasking essential.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser

Infused with lemon extract, this lightweight cleanser foams up quickly to dissolve excess oil, leaving skin feeling fresh and plump. A staple from Kiehl’s, it works like a charm, quickly lathering up to remove excess oil and leaving your skin feeling clean and plump.

Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser

We’ve all come across Forest Essentials miniatures at our favourite hotels across India or spotted their body wash in a friend’s guest bathroom. Their natural ingredients have been trending for years, and for good reason—the products deliver results. This Delicate Facial Cleanser, made with saffron and neem, is an Ayurvedic formula that clears clogged pores and replenishes the skin's natural moisture.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser

Remember that trusty face wash from your teen years? Neutrogena has been a solid staple for years and for good reason. This oil-free, alcohol-free Deep Clean facial cleanser dives deep to dissolve dirt, oil and makeup with the help of salicylic acid, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean without drying it out. It's like catching up with an old friend who still knows how to keep your skin in check.

First-aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

Aloe and glycerin? Sign us up. It’s the duo for nourished, hydrated skin and an ideal pick if you have sensitive skin. The Pure Skin Face Cleanser cleanses without stripping moisture; a gentle yet thorough cleanse with every use.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel

Powered by papaya and grapefruit extracts, this gel cleanser gently exfoliates, clears out impurities, and brightens dull skin—like hitting the reset button for your face.

Caudalie Vinopure Gel Cleanser

A good beauty routine starts with a reliable face cleanser, and Caudalie’s Vinopure Gel Cleanser is here to deliver with ingredients such as salicylic acid and organic essential oils. It purifies your skin, refines texture, and gets you prepped for the next steps in your skincare game.

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Excess oil and blemishes? Murad’s Clarifying Cleanser is your new best friend. With time-released salicylic acid, it keeps working long after you rinse, giving you healthy, clearer skin.

Florence by Mills Clear the Way Clarifying Face Wash

boasts a blend of glycolic and lactic acids, which work to minimise the appearance of pores while calming and soothing stressed skin, making it a great option for gentle exfoliation.

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

With niacinamide and panthenol, this dermatologist-approved cleanser protects the skin barrier while effectively removing oil and impurities. Conveniently available and travel-friendly.

Clinique All About Clean Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser

It’s gentle, it’s bubbly, and it does the job. All About Clean Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser removes dirt, oil, makeup, pollution, and sunscreen, leaving your face feeling clean and refreshed without any harshness.

Kama Ayurveda Anti Acne Cleansing Foam

Formulated with natural antibacterial ingredients, this lightweight cleansing foam targets acne without stripping the skin. Neem and tea tree oil work to combat breakouts, while aloe vera soothes irritation and prevents dryness. Gentle yet effective, it helps regulate excess oil production, making it a great daily cleanser for acne-prone skin.

Also read:

How to use aloe vera for clear, acne-free skin

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