Face Wash for Oily Skin: Benefits and How to Choose the Right One

Discover how the right face wash can tame oily skin, reduce shine, and prevent breakouts.

Sophin C

Sophin C

21 May ‘25
Oily skin Face Wash Skincare Routine Salicylic Acid
Oily skin Face Wash Skincare Routine Salicylic Acid

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Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror wondering why your skin looks like it’s been glazed like a donut again, you’re not alone. Oily skin can be a rollercoaster—one minute it gives you that dewy glow, the next, it’s melting your makeup off by noon and inviting unwelcome breakouts. The solution? It starts with something so deceptively simple, yet often overlooked: finding the right face wash for oily skin.

But not just any face wash. The best face wash for oily skin can make or break your skincare routine when oil control is the mission. So whether you're struggling with persistent shine, clogged pores, or surprise zits on your chin before a big meeting, this guide is your new skincare BFF.

Let’s decode the secrets of washing oily skin the right way—benefits, best picks, formats, and tips that actually work in the real world.

Why You Need a Face Wash for Oily Skin

Why You Need a Face Wash for Oily Skin

Before we dive into the sudsy stuff, let’s get one thing straight—oily skin isn’t your enemy. In fact, that excess sebum (oil) your skin loves to produce? It’s trying to protect you. But when it goes into overdrive, it brings along blackheads, acne, enlarged pores, and that all-too-familiar midday grease slick.That’s why you need a face wash for oily skin—not just any cleanser, but one that can gently remove excess oil, unclog pores, and help maintain a healthy balance without stripping your skin dry.

This is where a targeted face wash steps in. The right one won’t just remove dirt and oil—it will:

  • Balance oil production (without stripping your skin raw)
  • Prevent clogged pores and reduce breakouts
  • Maintain essential hydration so your skin doesn’t rebound with more oil
  • Support your skin barrier, especially when you’re using actives like retinoids or exfoliants

Key Benefits of Using a Face Wash for Oily Skin

Key Benefits of Using a Face Wash for Oily Skin

  • Removes excess oil and impurities : Helps clear away built-up sebum, dirt, and pollutants that can lead to shine and congestion.
  • Prevents clogged pores and acne : Keeps pores clear, reducing the chances of blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts.
  • Balances sebum without over drying : Maintains your skin’s natural moisture while controlling excess oil production.
  • Prepares your skin for actives and moisturizer : Creates a clean, receptive surface for serums, treatments, and hydration to work more effectively.
  • Supports a healthy skin barrier over time : With regular use, it helps reinforce your skin’s protective barrier, keeping it resilient and less prone to irritation.
Simple Active Skin Barrier Care Replenishing Cream Cleanser 150ml

₹359.00 ₹399.00

Purifying Gel Face Wash with Thyme & Witch Hazel -  150 ml

₹449.00 ₹499.00

Moisturising Facial Wash with Pro-Vit B5 & Vit E - 150 ml

₹347.00 ₹385.00

Simple Refreshing Face Wash with Pro-Vit B5 + Vit E

₹359.00 ₹399.00

How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin

How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin

Choosing the right cleanser is like finding the perfect pair of jeans—it has to fit just right. Here’s what to look for:

1. Ingredients That Work Hard (But Gently)

Look for oil-fighting yet skin-loving ingredients. Some of our heroes:

  • Salicylic Acid: A BHA that unclogs pores and tackles acne.
  • Niacinamide: Calms redness, regulates sebum, and brightens skin.
  • Tea Tree Oil: A natural antibacterial with a refreshing, zingy feel.
  • Clay (like kaolin or bentonite): Absorbs oil like a sponge without over-drying.
  • Zinc PCA: An underrated gem that soothes and mattifies.

 

2. Formulas That Match Your Skin’s Mood

 

  • Gel cleansers: Lightweight and refreshing—ideal for hot, humid days.
  • Foaming cleansers: Great for deep cleaning, but choose sulfate-free to avoid dryness.
  • Cream cleansers: Surprisingly good for oily skin that’s also sensitive or acne-prone, especially during colder months.

How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin Based on Skin Needs

How  to Choose the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin Based on Skin Needs

Let’s get something straight: oily skin isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some of us deal with acne, others with sensitivity, and some just want to tone down the shine without stripping their face to oblivion. The secret? Tailoring your face wash to your skin’s specific personality.

Here’s how to break it down.

1. For Oily + Sensitive Skin

Look for: Gentle, non-stripping formulas with soothing ingredients like pro-vitamin B5, niacinamide, or vitamin E. Avoid alcohol-heavy or heavily fragranced products that can trigger irritation.

Top Pick:

Simple Refreshing Face Wash is the gentle giant of oily skincare. It cleanses effectively without disrupting your barrier, and the addition of vitamin E helps keep your skin calm and hydrated—not squeaky and tight. Perfect for sensitive souls who still need oil control.

2. For Oily + Acne-Prone Skin

Look for: Salicylic acid (BHA) for deep pore cleansing, tea tree oil for antibacterial benefits, and zinc for oil regulation. At the same time, balance is key—hydrating yet lightweight formulas can help keep your skin clear without over-drying.

Top Pick:

A gentle, soap-free cleanser perfect for acne-prone skin that also craves hydration like Simple Moisturising Facial Wash. It removes excess oil and impurities without irritating or stripping the skin barrier.

3. For Oily Skin with a Damaged Barrier

Look for: Barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and allantoin. Cream cleansers can be a surprising win here—they clean without aggression.

Top Pick:

An underrated gem helps protect and rebuild the skin’s natural barrier while gently washing away grime– Simple Active Skin Barrier Care Replenishing Cream Cleanser. Think of it as a nourishing cleanse for oily skin that’s been through the wars—especially after overuse of harsh activities or cold-weather flaking

4. For Oily Skin That’s Dehydrated

Yes, your skin can be oily and thirsty. If you’re producing oil but still feel dry or tight post-wash, you’re likely dealing with dehydration—not dryness.

Look for: Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin B5 that replenish water without clogging pores.

Top Pairing:

A refreshing gel cleanser that balances oil while calming and hydrating the skin. Simple’s Purifying Gel Face Wash with Witch hazel helps tone without overdrying, while thyme works to purify gently—ideal for oily-yet-dehydrated skin.

How to Use Face Wash for Oily Skin (Step by Step)

How to Use Face Wash for Oily Skin (Step by Step)

Sounds basic, but how to use face wash for oily skin can make a noticeable difference in how your skin behaves throughout the day. Here’s your step-by-step:

  • Start with clean hands: Don’t transfer bacteria onto your face.
  • Use lukewarm water (not hot!): Hot water can dehydrate and trigger more oil production.
  • Use a dime-sized amount of cleanser—you don’t need a palmful to get the job done.
  • Massage gently for at least 30 seconds—especially around the nose, chin, and forehead where oil tends to build up.
  • Rinse thoroughly and pat (don’t rub) dry with a clean towel to avoid irritation.

Morning & Night Routines for Oily Skin

Morning & Night Routines for Oily Skin

Morning Cleanse

Goal: Remove overnight oil buildup and prep your skin for SPF and makeup.

  • Use a gentle gel or foam cleanser.
  • Follow with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Night Cleanse

Goal: Remove grime, makeup, pollution, and excess oil.

  • Double cleanse if you’ve worn makeup or SPF: start with an oil cleanser or micellar water, then your targeted face wash.
  • Finish with hydrating toner, treatment serum (like niacinamide or retinol), and a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Should You Switch Face Washes by Season?

Should You Switch Face Washes by Season?

Short answer: Yes. Your skin’s needs shift with the weather, and that also affects how many times to wash your face for oily skin each day—typically twice, but your cleanser choice should flex with the season.

  • Summer: Stick to lightweight gel or foam cleansers. Humidity + sweat + SPF = potential breakout city. You might even feel the urge to cleanse more often—but resist over-washing.
  • Winter: Consider a creamy, non-foaming formula if your skin feels tight or flaky. Oily skin can still get dehydrated when temperatures drop.
  • Monsoon: Bacterial growth is higher—opt for antibacterial ingredients like tea tree or salicylic acid to keep breakouts at bay.

 

Think of it like your wardrobe—you wouldn’t wear a wool sweater in June, right? Your cleanser deserves the same seasonal switch-up.

 

Natural vs Chemical: What’s Better?

Natural vs Chemical: What’s Better?

There’s no war here. Both have their place.

  • Natural cleansers (with aloe vera, green tea, clay) are gentle and great for sensitive or mildly oily skin.
  • Chemical actives (salicylic acid, glycolic acid) are more effective for acne control and deep cleansing.

You can even mix and match—use a gentle natural cleanser in the morning and an active one at night.

 

FAQs: Face Wash for Oily Skin

Q: Can I skip moisturizer if I have oily skin?

Nope. Skipping moisturizer can lead to more oil production. Use a gel-based, oil-free one.

Q: How many times should I wash my face daily?

Twice—morning and night. Over-cleansing can backfire.

Q: Is it okay to exfoliate oily skin?

Yes, 2-3 times a week. Try chemical exfoliants like BHA for deeper pore cleaning without the grit.

Q: Should I change my cleanser if I’m breaking out more?

Possibly. Breakouts can be a sign your cleanser is too harsh or not effective enough. Check ingredient labels and listen to your skin.

Q: Are DIY cleansers okay?

Some (like honey or yogurt-based ones) can be soothing, but they won’t replace the benefits of proven ingredients like salicylic acid.

BePicks

Oily Skin Face cleansers Ingredient guide Skincare tips
Oily Skin Face cleansers Ingredient guide Skincare tips
Sophin C

Sophin C

Sophin C. is a fashion and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in The Times of India, Voice of Fashion, Outlook Luxe, and DominAsian, a London based magazine. She brings a keen eye for style and culture to her writing, exploring the intersections of fashion with contemporary trends.