A Dermal Therapist Shares 5 of the Best Cleansers for Oily Skin
Yads Cauchi is a Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist (BHSc, MSc) and Beauty Journalist. She's also a mum of four. Evidence based skin health and nutrition are her thing and she works from her own skin clinic based in Canberra - you can find her there, or on Instagram and TikTok @yadscauchiskin.
Cleansers come in all shapes and sizes and while yes, as a Dermal Therapist I am always telling people that gentle cleansers are it and we all need one in our routine, there are some skins that could really do with much more of a hardcore cleanse every now and then (or even daily).
And honestly, this might even make their skin thrive.
Anyway, yes I am predominantly talking to our oilier friends and even oily/acne-prone skins here, because these are often the skin types that can take a little more of a cleansing hit.
Especially as we’re coming into the warmer months, where some oilier skins may need a little extra something to control excess sebum (oil) production - with something that has a little more power than your average cleanser - but less than those skin-busting scrubs we had in the 90’s.
Plus, sometimes it’s handy to have a bit of a cleanser wardrobe that you can rotate through depending on your skin’s needs.
Quickly though in case you are unsure whether you are more on the oily skin side here are a few things to watch out for...
How Do I Know if My Skin Type Is Oily.
Signs that you are an oily skin type:
- Oily skin tends to have bigger/more visible pores than other skin types.
- Acne breakouts are also a little more common (especially when skin isn’t looked after properly).
- Oily skin types produce excess sebum meaning your face may appear shiny/greasy as the day goes on.
But back to some oily skin cleanser recommendations - because, there are many.
From affordable to bougie cosmeceutical below are a bunch of my favourite oily skin cleansing options on Adore Beauty.
And if you are not oily - don’t worry we’ll be rounding up different product options for you soon!
The Best Cleansers For Oily Skin.
1. Cosmedix Clarify Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser.
This is a water based foaming cleanser that exfoliates well but doesn’t strip the skin at all.
Formulated with salicylic acid which clears out the pores alongside soothing ingredients like aloe vera and panthenol, oily and acne-prone skins can definitely use this cleanser every day.
It provides a deep clean and leaves skin looking and feeling bright and clear.
2. Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense.
Mandelic acid is such an unsung hero when it comes to the skincare world.
Not only is it anti-bacterial (so it's great at helping with acne concerns), but it can also regulate oil production and minimise pores.
This cleanser also feels like a very gentle gel and would be great for any oily/acne-prone skins that are also on the sensitive side.
Or anyone that wants a gently exfoliating cleanser for post-workout sessions!
3. Aspect Illuminating Polish.
As a Dermal Therapist I am not anti a physical scrub - on the right skin of course and this one feels gritty without being too much on the skin.
It’s a blend of both physical and AHA chemical exfoliation so I maybe wouldn’t be using this one every day, however if you want to brighten dull skin and improve texture the lactic acid and enzyme combination can help you do just that.
I sometimes even use this one just on my t-zone where pore size/blackhead concerns might be more of an issue.
4. Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Face and Body Wash.
This is a great cleanser to try if you have oily skin concerns on the face and on the body too.
It’s gentle, non-stripping and doubles as an all-in-one product to treat breakouts on the face - and the body.
And honestly, if you struggle with breakouts on the body e.g. on the chest and/or back including a salicylic acid based body product is a must to help keep them at bay.
5. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Peeling Gel.
This cleanser contains a blend of salicylic acid and zinc alongside LHA, which is a super gentle non-irritating exfoliant, meaning you guessed it - this SA based cleanser is also great for a sensitive skin.
It’s definitely not as intense as some of the other salicylic cleansers but can easily be used every day on both the face and body.
Besides being a great cleanser for oily skin, this would also be great for a younger skin.
Want more skincare tips and recommendations from Yads? Check out these BIQs:
