Finding the best cleanser for oily skin can be a task and a half because, frankly, there are too many options out there. What are the ideal products for your skin - that hydrate it without encouraging the grease thatll have your foundation swirling around like a marble cake? If youve got oil-prone skin, here are the best cleansers for oily skin that will change your life, as reviewed by the Closer team.

　　Back in the day (and by back in the day, we mean 2010), it was all about the matte. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, baked powder on top for ten minutes, smoky matte brown eyeshadow. But now, in 2023, its about the glow. Clean girl aesthetic, dewy LOréal Tined Serum, the glazed eyeshadow trend. Wherever your opinion lies on matte vs. dewy, having oily, greasy skin is never fun. But, never fear, were here to help because theres a cleanser for every skin type, including oily, dry and even cleansers for sensitive skin.

　　Closers best cleansers for oily skin, at a glance: Editors Choice: The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm - View offer on LookFantastic

　　Best affordable cleanser for oily skin: Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser Wash - View offer on Ocado

　　Best cleanser for acne-prone oily skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel - View offer on Amazon

　　Weve searched high and low across the interwebs to find you nine of the best cleansers thatll improve your oily skin for the better, as well as tackle specific issues youre looking to solve. Have you got acne youd like to banish? How about a jelly cleanser thatll fit perfectly into your double-cleansing routine? Our guide has got everything you need, and more. After our list, you can read our FAQs chat we had with three skincare experts, all about oily skin and how you can become confident in managing it. If, on the other side of the spectrum, your skin is a little drier, we have a comprehensive guide on the best cleansers for dry skin.

　　Shop the best cleansers for oily skin below.

　　SHOP: The best oily skin cleansers to shop right now 1. The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm 150ml

　　Editors Choice

　　lookfantasticPrice:11.99www.lookfantastic.com

　　View offer Description

　　Would it be an oily skin cleanser round-up without The Inkey List? Of course not. Taking its rightful place in first place, the Oat Cleansing Balm is a must-have for us oily gals. The silky balm melts away makeup and other impurities, without making the skin greasy, whilst also not drying out the surface.

　　Our review by Closer writer Ruby Barry: Theres a reason why everyone raves about the Oat Cleansing Balm - and Ive hopped on the hype train. The formula is so smooth and buttery - gentle yet extremely effective. Its moisturising without leaving any residue. If you strip your oily skin too much, itll freak out and just make more oil, so your cleanser has to be hydrating, guys! This one is the perfect match. Plus, it hasnt got a strong scent, which is preferable for me with a face wash.

　　Pros ConsProsGently dissolves waterproof makeup, SPF, oil and impuritiesSuitable for all skin typesOat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal soothe redness, protect moisture barrierConsCan leave a film residue if not wiped away with a cloth2. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser Wash 236ml

　　Best affordable cleanser for oily skin

　　ocadoPrice:6.66 (was £10)www.ocado.com

　　View offer Description

　　You have to love a bit of Cetaphil - they never let a girl down. For only £6.66 (absolute bargain), the Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser Wash helps to minimise the appearance of pores and visibly improve the skin tone. Oily skin is nourished with panthenol, whilst the foaming formula reduces grease.

　　Our review by Closer writer Emma Richardson: Cetaphils Oily Skin Cleanser is a perfect cleanser if your skin is on the slightly oily side of things. The cleanser contains niacinamide too, which is something I always like to include in my skincare routine as I always try to minimise my pores. Its gentle and takes off dirt easily and leaves skin feeling fressssssh. Its also fit for any budget which is ideal if youre trying to save some extra coins. 100% recommend!

　　Pros ConsProsGel-to-foam formulaRemoves impurities, excess oil and light makeupNiacinamide minimises the appearance of pores, improves skin toneConsOnly suitable for oily skin, not combo or dry skin3. La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel for Oily Sensitive Skin 400ml

　　Best cleanser for acne-prone oily skin

　　amazonPrice:19.18View offerAlternative retailersEscentual£18.00View offerBoots£19.20View offerBeauty Expert£22.00View offerSephora£22.68View offer Description

　　Sometimes, when you have oily skin, you are also blessed with the gift of acne. Thank you, world - so kind of you. But with the La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel, your oily skin will be diminished, as well as your active acne, and previous acne scars. It is also a suitable cleanser for sensitive skin, so you can rest easy.

　　Our review by Closer writer Ruby Barry: This stuff is gold dust. It did a fantastic job clearing up my spots and even faded my old acne scars a bit, which I never thought would disappear. Its a great price point (especially if you get the 200ml bottle for £19, it lasts a millennium), and feels nice and silky on the face.

　　Pros ConsProsInfused with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring WaterSuitable for all skin typesClears up spots and acneConsCan be a little drying - make sure to moisturise soon after using4. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser with Niacinamide for Normal to Oily Skin 236ml

　　Best TikTok viral cleanser for oily skin

　　cult beautyPrice:9.50www.cultbeauty.co.uk

　　View offer Description

　　If youre a TikTok aficionado like us, then youll know that the influencers cant stop talking about the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser. Simple and basic, but a formula that works. The cleanser releases three essential ceramides over time to ensure long-lasting hydration, even after banishing oil and bumps.

　　Customer review: I love this face wash so much. it leaves my skin cleansed but not dry at all, none of that stretchy feeling. it doesnt have much of a scent and is great at removing makeup. Its one of the first cleansers that I can freely use on my eyelids too as it never irritated me so I can clean my whole face in one go. Its also so economical that I can buy a giant tub at such a great price. Lasts forever even though I use this every day. Love it!

　　Pros ConsProsSuitable for sensitive, normal to oily, or blemish-prone skinGets rid of those annoying bumps under the skinThree essential ceramides maintain moisture levels long-termConsA little drying5. Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter 90ml

　　Best make-up removing cleanser for oily skin

　　the body shopPrice:12www.thebodyshop.com

　　View offer Description

　　As raved about on our favourite Facebook group, Mrs Gloss The Goss, the Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter is the perfect first step in a double cleansing routine to remove that day-old, caked-in makeup from your skin to reveal your natural glow. Itll even get through dried waterproof mascara - impressive. It is a perfect hydrating cleanser for oily skin without overdoing it.

　　Customer review: This cleanser is a wondrous product, one of those rare little gems you wish you’d discovered years ago! Easy to use and removes all traces of makeup effortlessly. My face even feels moisturised afterwards! Would recommend.

　　Pros ConsProsDissolves makeup, SPF and pollution in under 30 secondsSuitable for all skin typesOrganic ingredientsConsNeed to follow up with another cleanser6. Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser 175ml

　　Best double cleanser for oily skin

　　bootsPrice:9.99www.boots.com

　　View offer Description

　　Right - so youve removed your makeup, and now you need a double cleanser to really penetrate those pores. Allow us to introduce the Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser. This pH-balanced formula is packed with a Tri-Ceramide Complex (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids), smells subtle and herby, and leaves the skin squeaky clean.

　　Our review by Closer writer Ruby Barry: I was really impressed when using the Byoma Jelly in my double cleansing routine. After using my first balm to remove impurities from the surface (see my review of the Inkey List above, or sometimes I use plain Rosehip Oil from Q+A and its amazing at removing even waterproof makeup) I follow up with the Byoma formula and it leaves my skin soooo clean and bright. My favourite part is that you only need a tiny pump for your whole face as it foams up so effectively, so the bottle is lasting me for months at this point - with many months of use to come.

　　Pros ConsProsBarrier-boosting Tri-Ceramide ComplexAntioxidant-rich licorice rootGreen tea extracts brighten and condition ConsMay sting eyes, so use with caution7. face theory Clarifying Cleanser C2 170ml

　　Best cleanser for oily skin with clogged pores

　　face theoryPrice:13www.facetheory.com

　　View offer Description

　　Oily skin can, unfortunately, make you more prone to clogged pores and blackheads. If youre struggling with this, dont let your self-confidence take a blow - start using the face theory Clarifying Cleanser. Full of actives such as salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid, this formula penetrates deeply into the pores to remove trapped dirt and dead skin cells.

　　Customer review: This is quite literally the only cleanser I have found that clears my blackheads and pores without soreness, or being heavy in my deep pores. I had Roaccutane as a teenager for acne which makes your skin sensitive to everything for life. Any others out there: this works for cleansing and ongoing blemishes and doesn’t irritate the skin. I put on direct without water and massage in then rinse with water for the best results.

　　Pros ConsProsExfoliates skin, removing dead skin cells and improving the overall textureOption to get unscented or mandarin scentFree of parabens, silicones, PEGs, SLS, SLES, and mineral oilsConsNot suitable for sensitive or dry skinDo not use if under 18 years of age or pregnant 8. OSKIA Renaissance Cleansing Gel 100ml

　　Best luxury cleanser for oily skin

　　lookfantasticPrice:38www.lookfantastic.com

　　View offer Description

　　Sometimes, you have to treat yourself. Splurge on the OSKIA Renaissance Cleansing Gel and look forward to radiant, soft, supple skin. Perfect for all skin types, the free-radical fighting formula helps improve the appearance of sun damage and increases collagen production for heightened elasticity. Its beautiful rose scent makes it that extra bit boujee.

　　Customer review: Discovered this cleanser when I was sent a sample from Space NK and fell in love with its texture, consistency, and effectiveness. Its a lovely gentle cleanser and hasnt aggravated my blemish-prone sensitive skin. I use it as my morning cleanser, and it doesnt leave any oily or sticky residue on my skin. Feels like a treat every morning to use. Highly recommend it, and a little goes a long way.

　　Pros ConsProsBio-available vitamins and fruit enzymes gently lift makeup and impuritiesRemoves dead skin cells without irritation due to vitamins C and ESuitable for all skin typesIncreases collagen productionConsHeavily perfumed Oily skin FAQs We spoke to Pharmacist Prescriber Whitney Yeboah at Skin + Me, Noelly Michoux, CEO and co-founder of 4.5.6 Skin, and Kate Kerr, Director and Clinical Facialist at Kate Kerr London, to answer the internets most burning questions about all things oily skin. Keep reading to find out why your skin has suddenly gotten so oily, or what products you should use alongside your cleanser.

　　Should people with oily skin use an oil cleanser? Whitney says if you want to avoid oil cleansers you should...

　　If you have oily skin, you’re more likely to get congested pores and potentially experience acne breakouts. You want to avoid using products that can exacerbate the problem. Opt for a water-based clarifying cleanser with gentle hydrating ingredients.

　　If your pores are particularly congested, then you can opt for a cleanser that contains a Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) such as salicylic acid. BHAs are fat-soluble making them particularly helpful in oily skin as they can penetrate deeper into the pores to break up any blockages.

　　Noelly says if you want to embrace oil cleansers you should...

　　Individuals with oily skin can benefit from using an oil cleanser. It might sound counterintuitive, but oil absorbs oil and oil cleansers, when well-formulated, can effectively remove excess oil from the skins surface while maintaining its natural balance. By using a biocompatible oil cleanser, you can help regulate oil production and keep your skin from going into overdrive, which can lead to more oiliness or breakouts.

　　Using biocompatible oil cleansers from high-quality, natural plant-based oils, such as our Come Clean Cleansing Oil, can be incredibly beneficial. They can help balance oil production and sebum composition to healthier levels and prevent the skin from overproducing oil to compensate for its removal.

　　Why did my skin suddenly get oily? Kate says the most common cause is hormones...

　　There are many factors that can contribute to the skin suddenly producing more oil, the most common is a change in hormones, this could be from a change in your menstrual cycle, puberty, pregnancy, menopause or stress. When stress levels rise, we start to overproduce cortisol and adrenaline, both these hormones have a direct impact on the sebaceous glands triggering them to produce more oil. Another factor that can make the skin suddenly become more oily is a change in weather, humid or hot environments will also switch on the sebaceous glands. Lifting heavy weights, leading to higher muscle mass, can increase testosterone, which in turn increases oil production. Exercise, in general, increases sebaceous gland activity by the heat caused.

　　Noelly says dryness can cause us to overproduce oil...

　　Our skin operates at its best when it maintains a delicate balance between water and oil. When our skins micro-nutrition levels drop (due to diverse factors such as age, use of drying skincare, and certain deficiencies), and it becomes dehydrated and dry, an interesting thing happens – it can actually start producing more oil as a protective response to combat the dryness. It might sound counterintuitive, but the most effective way to address excess oiliness is by giving your skin some deep nourishment.

　　Whitney says oily skin can actually be beneficial...

　　Oily skin is caused by excessive sebum (oil) production from sebaceous glands. Don’t be alarmed if your skin suddenly becomes oily, this is not all doom and gloom. Those with oily skin types tend to have thicker younger-looking skin and are less prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

　　Should people with oily skin use hyaluronic acid? Noelly says yes, unless you struggle with acne...

　　Hyaluronic acid, or HA as many call it, is a fantastic polysaccharide naturally produced by our body. It is a humectant meaning, it acts like a magnet for moisture, drawing water into the skin. However, as we age or face certain deficiencies, our natural production of it tends to wane.

　　Now, for those with oily skin, which is prone to acne and inflammation, youd want to tread lightly with HA. Our studies suggest sticking to low concentrations- We see that even 1% in a formula can be too much for the skin. Why? A fact that many arent aware of is that HA is a Pro-inflammatory agent, and high doses can overstimulate the skin cells immune system and trigger inflammation. And always, always opt for top-notch quality HA with the highest purity. HA with impurities, nanoparticles might ramp up potential side effects.

　　Does oily skin need toner / when to use toner for oily skin? Kate says absolutely...

　　A face toner is a great opportunity to get some oil-controlling ingredients into your regime. A toner should be used both morning and evening, after cleansing and before you apply any serums or SPF. We recommend using an oil control toner containing salicylic acid due to it being oil soluble, thus having the ability to deep cleanse and to break down oil within the skin and follicles helping to reduce congestion and allow subsequent serums to be able to properly penetrate.

　　Noelly says when you should use toner...

　　After Cleansing: To remove any lingering impurities post-cleansing

　　Before Serums and Moisturisers: To prepare the skin to better absorb the following products.

　　Twice Daily: For most people, using toner both in the morning and evening after cleansing can be beneficial. However, depending on your skin type and the toners formulation, you might only need to use it once a day. For instance, if you have extremely sensitive skin or are using a particularly potent toner, you might want to start with once a day or every other day.

　　Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer Online, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her dupe queen, as theres not a product in the world she cant find a cheaper alternative for.