13 cleansers to try if you have oily, acne-prone skin

if you have oily, acne-prone skinstarting your skin care routine with the right detergent can make a huge difference. If there's one piece of advice we can offer, it's to find a formula that effectively and gently cleanses the skin without stripping it of excessive moisture and natural oils. Bonus points, if applicable existing shortcomings while minimizing the risk of new ones. 

Whether you're a gel cleanser aficionado or a cream cleanser connoisseur, there's always a facial cleanser that's perfect for your skin. oily, acne-prone skin. Find 13 formulas we love ahead. 

13 Best Cleansers for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Best cleanser for acne prone skin with tea tree oil

Thayers Clarifying Imperfect Cleanser

Infused with tea tree oil, salicylic acid and glycerin, this cleansing gel unclogs clogged pores and clears blackheads and whiteheads. It also contains aloe vera to keep skin hydrated and smooth after application. 

Best cleanser for acne prone skin with benzoyl peroxide

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Try this foam, which contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, plus niacinamide and glycolic acid, to help clear up pimples and blackheads. The formula also transforms into a foamy cream that will make it your new skincare staple.

The best cleanser for acne-prone skin and enlarged pores

L'Oréal Paris 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser

The combination of glycolic and salicylic acids helps improve skin texture and make pores smaller and less visible over time. The non-drying formula gently yet effectively dissolves dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores.

The best gentle cleanser for oily skin

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Facial Cleanser

This oil-free, no-frills cleanser is a classic choice for normal, oily, and sensitive skin. The fragrance-free formula forms a gentle lather that removes dirt and makeup without disturbing skin's moisture balance.

The best vegan cleanser for oily and acne prone skin

Superfood cleanser from youth to people

Made in the USA, this cleanser is 100% vegan and free of parabens, phthalates and dimethicone and comes in recyclable packaging. The best part, though, is the flavorful green gel, which contains a blend of (you guessed it) superfoods, including antioxidant-rich kale, spinach, and anti-inflammatory green tea.

Best cleanser for sensitive acne prone skin

Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Daily Deep Cleansing Gel

After just one wash with this cleanser, you will notice that your skin looks less shiny. Over time, a blend of salicylic acid and the minerals zinc and copper helps clear the skin and reduce the appearance of blackheads and blemishes. 

Best cleanser for aging acne prone skin 

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel

If you're struggling with adult acne, you'll need a cleanser to help address your specific concerns. Look no further than SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel, a decongestant cleanser containing lipohydroxy acid (LHA), glycolic acid, and two forms of salicylic acid to help manage acne.

Best cleanser/micellar water for oily skin 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Charcoal Cleansing Purifying Jelly Water

If you have oily skin, chances are you've heard about the benefits of using a charcoal cleanser. This is because the ingredient helps draw out impurities from the surface of the skin. You can find charcoal in this cleansing micellar water that dissolves dirt and makeup. The unique jelly texture dissolves dirt and makes washing your face more enjoyable. 

The best foaming cleanser for oily skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Foam Cleanser

Designed for normal to oily skin, this foaming cleansing cleanser contains the brand's proprietary prebiotic thermal water to help remove impurities, dirt and makeup from the skin. The gel texture is very refreshing.

Best cleanser for acne-prone skin with brightening properties

INNBEAUTY Project Brightening Daily Skin Cleanser

Foam Around contains a powerful combination of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to deeply cleanse and exfoliate skin. It also contains niacinamide and green coffee bean extract to brighten and soothe the skin.

Best cleanser for acne prone skin with willow bark

Star Face Space Wash

Containing willow bark, sage leaves, holy basil leaves and chamomile flowers, this natural formula soothes redness and acne-prone areas. The combination helps to unclog and decongest pores, leaving skin clean and smooth.

Best cleanser for acne prone skin

Rosen Earth Cleanser

This creamy foaming cleanser contains zinc oxide, niacinamide and eucalyptus oil to fight acne and prevent excess shine. It also helps reduce inflammation and control acne causing bacteria.