The search for a new cleanser can be a tricky one - there's just so many options out there. And naturally, they all claim to be the best. But that's where the Grazia beauty team come in. We've delved into our (admittedly overflowing) beauty cupboard in a bid to test all the best cleansers from 2023 suited to each and every skin type - from dry through to acne-prone. And good news, as we've found the best of the best sure to leave your skin looking and feeling balanced and radiant, from oil cleansers to balm cleansers and everything in between.
Today, we're shining a spotligt on the best cleansers for oily skin, and, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, there are an abundance of ingredients that play well with oilier complexions.
'Moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin are all well suited to oily skin,' explains CeraVe Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Alexis Granite. 'Other actives to consider include retinol, salicylic acid and niacinamide, all of which are especially good if you are prone to breakouts in addition to oily skin.'
The Best Cleansers for Oily Skin 2023: Our Shortlist
Best for normal to oily skin: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
Best for acne prone skin: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Best for mattifying: Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Best for soothing: Caudalie VinoClean Instant Foaming Cleanser
Scroll on for our Grazia approved pick of the best cleansers for oily skin, from cult classics to beauty newbies.
Shop: The Best Cleansers for Oily Skin 2023
Best for normal to oily skin
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Wondering which CeraVe cleanser is best for acne and oily skin types? Enter CeraVe’s Foaming Cleanser. Although the foam does whip away excess oil in an instant, it doesn't strip the skin of moisture. Gentle and fragrance-free, your complexion will be left looking and feeling more balanced and rejuvenated. No wonder it's a favourite on the Grazia beauty desk.
Pros
- 236ml
- Dermatologist tested
- Non-comedogenic
Best for acne prone skin
www.lookfantastic.com
If minimising acne, blemishes and excess oil is your MO then this cleanser is worth taking a bet on. It's lightly foaming and made with 2% salicylic acid which makes light work of cleansing clogged up pores. Bonus points for the inclusion of zinc too - it's known to help absorb excess oil for a more mattified complexion. Use with a cleansing brush for the best results.
Pros
- 150ml
- Cruelty-free
www.lookfantastic.com
Those with oily skin types have to grapple with excess sebum that takes the form of an oily t-zone, more pronounced pores and more frequent blemishes. This cleanser from Avène, is a great solution. It's infused with a hefty dose of their patented active comedoclastin which aims to mattify, purify and smooth. Squeaky clean skin, without any feelings of discomfort? Yes please.
Pros
- 400ml
- Suitable for face and body
Best for soothing
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Those with oilier complexions will often benefit from a soothing formula like Caudlie's Vinoclean Foaming cleanser. The cult classic French pharmacy brand have created this one with oily skin types in mind - it's infused with chamomile extract which is known for it's softening and soothing properties.
Pros
- 150ml
- Contains chamomile extract
5.
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
Best all-rounder
Something of a skincare hero, we always find ourselves reverting back to Cetaphil when our skin feels particularly troublesome - it's a cult classic for a reason. This cleanser melts away dirt, pollutants and makeup with ease, plus it's made with niacinamide to help improve the appearance of the skin tone and decongest the pores.
Pros
- 473ml
- Vegan
Best budget buy
www.lookfantastic.com
One of the biggest misconceptions about oilier skin types is that they don't need extra moisture. In fact, moisture can work well to balance excess sebum- case in point, this cleanser. Gentle enough for every day use, it protects the natural skin barrier and works like a cleansing oil to remove dirt and prevent dryness. It's totally oil-free too, making it a hero for those with normal to oily complexions.
Pros
- 50ml
- Cruelty-free
- Oil- free.
- Vegan