8 cleansers for oily, acne-prone skin

Avanti Dalal
Feb 09, 2026, 11:43 AM

What's different about a cleanser for oily skin?

For oily or acne-prone skin, a cleanser that is skin type-specific is key as it readies the skin for the steps ahead, and serves as the first line of defence against acne, greasiness and congestion.

Belif Creamy Cleansing Foam: The best foaming face wash for oily skin

It fortifies the skin barrier, thanks to Vitamin C-rich herbs: wormwood to prevent breakouts, soapberry to detoxify and sweet flag to soften.

Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil: The best cleansing oil for acne-prone skin

Oil is the only thing that can get rid of oil, but if a goopy formula is making you nervous, reach for this light-as-air one. It transforms into a creamy milk to cleanse.

Murad Clarifying Cream Cleanser: The best non-foaming cleanser for oily skin

This formula has encapsulated salicylic acid, and works to unplug pores and reduce redness and inflammation.

Purearth Qing Cleansing Oil: The best cleansing oil for oily skin

With a mix of botanical oils like hemp and sunflower seed, it lifts away make-up, clears build-up and draws out impurities too.

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser: The best cleanser for acne

Loaded with salicylic acid, it has mild surfactants that cleanse without messing with the skin barrier, while giving the squeaky-clean feeling too.

Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser: The best cleanser for clean pores

It has natural salicylic acid (from wintergreen leaves) that breaks down the gunk between pores and prevents clogging. Organic grape water soothes and hydrates.

Clarins Gentle Renewing Cleansing Mousse: A gentle cleanser for oily skin

Alpha Hydroxy Acids from tamarind pulp in this creamy foam work to exfoliate the skin, which improves exfoliation and cell turnover.

Eve Lom Cleanser: The best cleansing balm for acne-prone skin

This silky balm cleanser is a great pick if you have a greasy T-zone, blackheads and congestion. Clove and eucalyptus oils in it are powerful antiseptic and anti-bacterial agents.