Best Face Washes for Oily Skin

When you have oily skin, picking out the right skincare products can be challenging.  All it takes is one ingredient to clog pores or cause a flare-up in acne.

Today we wanted to help you by rounding up the best face washes that have been specifically designed for men with oily skin.  These face washes will gently remove excess sebum oil, unclog pores, and lift away dirt and other pollutants from the surface of the skin.

In this guide, we’ll share with you a few popular face washes from brands such as Kiehl’s, Geologie, Aesop, and more that’ll help take your skincare regimen to the next level.

Face Washes Compared

Ranking	Face Wash	Size (ounces)	Travel Friendly?	Price	Price per Ounce	Scent	All Natural?	Container Type	Award	Rating
1	Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Face Wash	6.8	No	$24	$3.53	Fresh	Yes	Pour Out	Best Overall	97
2	Geologie Exfoliating Cleanser	2.0	Yes	$15	$7.50	Cedar	No	Pour Out	Few Ingredients	94
3	Typology Exfoliating Cleansing Gel	6.8	No	$26	$3.82	Citrus	Yes	Pour Out	Nourishing	92
4	Cardon Purifying Clay Cleanser	3.4	Yes	$18	$5.29	Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lime	Yes	Pour Out	Deep Cleanse	91
5	Clinique For Men Face Wash Oily Skin Formula	6.7	No	$23	$3.43	Fresh	No	Pour Out	Gentle Formula	90
6	La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin	13.5	No	$19	$1.41	Unscented	No	Pump	Anti-Inflammatory	89
7	Proactiv Acne Cleanser	6.0	No	$36	$6.00	Unscented	No	Pour Out	Targets Bacteria	86
8	CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser	16.0	No	$16	$1.00	Unscented	No	Pump	Affordable	85
9	Aesop Amazing Face Cleanser	6.8	No	$50	$7.35	Orange	Yes	Pour Out	Premium Pick	83
10	Bioré Men’s Skincare Charcoal Face Wash	6.8	No	$6	$0.88	Coconut	Yes	Pump	Activated Charcoal	81

Best Face Washes for Men with Oily Skin in 2023

Below we rate and review face washes designed to work with oily skin:

Since 1851 Kiehl’s has been delivering premium grooming products that provide consistent results.  Aptly dubbed an Oil Eliminator, this cleanser is specially designed to lift dirt and oil trapped deep within your pores. In addition, this cleanser includes finely ground apricot seeds to provide mild physical exfoliation to the skin.

Lastly, the ingredient list is rather slim, making it also a good choice if your skin tends to be a bit sensitive as well.

Founded in 2018, Geologie offers effective skincare products for men.  One particular product that is well-suited for men with oily skin is their exfoliating cleanser.  With 2% salicylic acid as its active ingredient, this cleanser will gently remove oil from the skin’s surface.  

At 2oz in size, it’s also travel-friendly.  Additionally, the ingredient list on this cleanser is simple and doesn’t contain any natural or artificial fragrances; the reason why it has an impressive 2 out of 10 hazard score in the EWG Skin Deep database (source).

Unfortunately the packaging design on this particular product is not the best. Some men found that getting out the last little bit of product from the tube was difficult.

What customers are saying: Overall, customers seem to be quite satisfied with the product’s effectiveness in treating oily skin and clearing clogged pores. However, some customers mentioned disappointment in pricing and long wait times for delivery. A few pointed out their preference for ordering directly from the company rather than using other platforms for a better experience.

The Typology Exfoliating Cleansing Gel is a top consideration for older men with oily skin.  Containing a high concentration of PHA (5%), it’ll gently remove surface oil while also lifting fine lines and wrinkles.  

In this face wash by Typology, you’ll also find aloe vera and inulin.  Aloe vera effectively reduces inflammation while also nourishing the skin.  On the other hand, inulin is a plant-derived humectant and prebiotic that helps the skin retain moisture and balance out the bacteria.

Cardon is a new premium men’s skincare brand with a unique lineup of naturally-derived products.  One such product worth considering for oily skin is its clay cleanser.  A blend of kaolin clay, cactus extract, tiger grass, quartz, vitamin E, and more it provides a deep cleanse, unlike any other face wash.  

This cleanser’s formula will help balance out the oil production of your skin while delivering both moisture and nourishment it craves. In addition, the included cacti extract, the same ingredient found in their award-winning face mask, provides a deep soothing sensation that you’ll look forward to every time you wash your face.  

If you want to go ‘all-in,’ consider upgrading to the oily skin set for complete coverage.

What customers are saying: Customers are generally satisfied with the clay face wash for oily and acne-prone skin, mentioning its effectiveness in keeping their skin clean, refreshed, and smooth. However, some customers reported the cleanser to be a bit drying, and suggested using it once a day with the right serum and moisturizer for better results. The product received high ratings, with users appreciating the price for the value provided.

Clinique is no stranger to creating high-quality products and the Clinique for Men face wash is no different. This oil-free cleanser is perfect for those with mild to moderate acne as it effectively removes dirt and oil from your pores. The gentle formulation contains no exfoliators, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. The fresh and woody fragrance of the face wash is an added bonus, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated after every use.

If you’re looking for a face wash that delivers clean, shine-free results, then move the Clinique for Men face wash to the top of your list.

What customers are saying: Many customers appreciate this face cleanser as it effectively clears their skin and leaves it feeling clean without being too harsh or tight. Some individuals, however, have experienced an increase in oiliness after use. Overall, it’s a well-liked product for those seeking a non-greasy and effective face wash.

La Roche-Posay, a subsidiary of  L’Oreal, makes a cleanser free of many of the problematic ingredients found in many mass-produced brands.  The oil-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free formulation will remove sebum oil without causing dryness or irritation to the skins’ surface.  

The foaming cleanser specifically designed for oily skin types relies on zinc pidolate as the active ingredient.  Zinc pidolate effectively suppresses sebum oil secretions while showcasing purifying, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties (source).  It’s easy to see why this cleanser is so well-received; it delivers quick and effective results.

What customers are saying: Customers generally find this cleanser effective for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. However, some customers mention that it can be quite drying, and may not be suitable for those with combination or dry skin. A few customers also noted a strong fragrance or medicinal scent.

Proactiv has been at the forefront of oily skincare management for years.  With targeted formulations, they can help to reverse oily skin in a hurry.  Doing the heavy-lifting, Proactive relies on benzoyl peroxide, a natural antiseptic that has been proven to remove acne-causing bacteria (source).  

Additionally, Proactiv also added an exfoliation grit and hyaluronic acid to help soften the skin and erase fine lines. We especially love the inclusion of hyaluronic acid because it’s a powerful moisture-binding ingredient that can hold 1,000x its weight in water. So if you have some deep set wrinkles you want to get rid of, or just want to give your skin a boost of moisture, this is the way to go.

What customers are saying: Many customers have praised the product for effectively helping with acne and improving their skin quality. However, some customers have mentioned issues with the packaging and one customer complained about a bad smell in one of the bottles. Overall, the majority of the reviews are positive and highlight the product’s effectiveness in treating acne.

If you are looking for an affordable face wash without compromising results, consider the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser.  This dermatologist-recommended face wash is gentle on the skin while ridding it of excess oil and dirt. In addition, the cleanser includes nourishing ceramides that’ll help to fortify the moisture barrier, improving the appearance with continued use.

The large 16oz bottle is great for home use and provides exceptional value.

What customers are saying: Most customers are very happy with this cleanser, praising its effectiveness, suitability for sensitive skin, and ability to remove makeup without leaving an oily residue. However, one customer experienced rough and patchy skin after using it.

Aesop is well-known by both men and women for its high-end skincare products that rely on a primarily natural base. When looking at the ingredient list on the Amazing Face Cleanser, you are met with a careful formulation of several non-comedogenic and natural ingredients, including lavender oil, orange peel oil, ylang-ylang oil, and more.  All these ingredients work in tandem to deliver a gentle formula that’ll remove excess sebum oil trapped deep within your pores.

Available in a travel-friendly 3.4oz container and a larger 6.8oz container for home use, you can ensure your skin looks great no matter where your travels take you.  

What customers are saying: The majority of customers find this product to be effective and feel good on the skin, with many praising its fragrance. Some customers mention that the product can feel watered down and wish it came with a dispenser or pump. There are also concerns about the price and size of the product compared to its cost.

Charcoal is often added to cleansers as it effectively unclogs dirt and other pollutants from your pores. The well-reviewed Bioré Men’s Skincare Charcoal Face Wash is a light face wash specially designed for men looking to resolve oil buildup on their skin.  Delivering the targeted results, Bioré relies on an oil-free formulation while being paraben-free and tested by dermatologists.

Unlike other charcoal cleansers that require you to scoop out the soap with your hands, this face wash by Bioré provides a convenient pump design.

What customers are saying: Most customers are very happy with this facial wash, noting that it effectively controls oil, keeps the skin clear of acne, and doesn’t leave residue or dry out the skin. Many appreciate the lack of scent, and some experienced satisfactory exfoliation. However, a few customers mentioned receiving a cracked bottle or leakage issues.

Helpful Tips for Buying a Face Wash for Oily Skin

Before buying a new face wash, know the following:

Skincare Terminology is Confusing

When browsing face washes, you’ll often come across words that may require a quick Google search to understand what they mean.  To help save you time, here are a few common yet confusing terms about face washes you should know:

• Non-Comedogenic: This simply means that the ingredients within the cleanser won’t clog your pores.  
• Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA): A water-soluble acid that helps to renew the skins’ surface.  Good for toning, hyperpigmentation, and shrinking the appearance of enlarged pores.
• Beta hydroxy acid (BHA): A oil-soluble acid that lifts sebum oil from the skins’ surface. Suitable for oily skin types and reducing acne.  Salicylic acid is a common BHA, and concentrations range from 0.5 to 5%.  
• Polyhydroxy acids (PHA): A new trendy ingredient found in select cleansers.  This is a chemical exfoliant that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.  PHAs can be suitable for older men.
• Exfoliant: Can be chemical or physical varieties.  AHA, BHA and PHA are chemical exfoliants.  Physical exfoliants are often added to face wash and include beads, lava rock, seeds, and more.  

Should the face wash be oil-free?

Not necessarily.  Some oils, such as grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and most essential oils, are non-comedogenic – meaning they won’t clog your pores and are safe to use on oily skin.  

What about sensitive skin?

If you have oily and sensitive skin, consider a gentle cleanser that doesn’t contain several natural ingredients or artificial fragrances, as these can often cause irritation. Instead, we recommend going with a dermatologist-tested cleanser such as CeraVe.