11 Best Face Washes for Oily Skin and Pimples in 2025
Let's be real—finding the perfect face wash for oily skin and pimples feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Your skin produces enough oil to fry chips, and every new product seems to either strip your face raw or do absolutely nothing. The good news? You don't have to navigate this maze alone. We've curated 11 brilliant oily skin face wash options that actually work, without the guesswork or endless trial and error.
Oily skin happens when your sebaceous glands go into overdrive, producing excess sebum that clogs pores and creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. It's not just about shine—it's about managing breakouts, blackheads, and that constant feeling that your face needs another wash. The tricky bit? Most people with oily skin think harsh scrubbing is the answer. Plot twist: over-cleansing actually triggers more oil production. Your skin panics when stripped of its natural oils and compensates by producing even more sebum. The key is finding an acne face wash that balances oil control without sending your skin into overdrive.
Before diving into our top picks, let's talk about the MVPs of oil control face wash formulations. These ingredients are worth obsessing over:
100 mlFacewash For Oily, Acne Prone Skin
This pore cleansing face wash hero penetrates deep into pores, dissolving the gunk that causes blackheads and breakouts. It's like having a tiny bouncer for your pores.
A multitasking wonder that reduces oil production, minimises pores, and calms inflammation. Your kind of overachiever.
100 mlTrue Clarity Oil and Acne Control Face Wash
These lipid molecules maintain your skin barrier while your facial wash for oily skin and pimples does its job. Think of them as your skin's bodyguards.
A gentle oil absorber that doesn't leave your skin feeling like sandpaper. Perfect for a mattifying face wash that actually works.
Here's our carefully curated list of the best face wash for oily skin that won't let you down:
236 gmPro Oil Control Foam Face Wash
This deep cleansing face wash contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, making it perfect for oily skin that's also dehydrated. It removes excess oil without that tight, uncomfortable feeling.
A gentle yet effective option that removes 99% of excess oil without disrupting your skin barrier. Brilliant for sensitive, oily skin types.
125 mlOily Skin Cleanser
Packed with salicylic acid, this face wash for blemishes targets breakouts whilst being surprisingly gentle on daily use.
Combines salicylic acid with niacinamide for a powerful one-two punch against acne and excess oil production.
A budget-friendly option that harnesses neem's antibacterial properties. Perfect for those who prefer natural ingredients in their skincare routine.
100 mlOily Skin Cleanser
Formulated for sensitive, oily skin, this cleanser removes impurities whilst maintaining your skin's natural balance.
A face cleanser for oily skin that's surprisingly gentle yet effective at removing makeup and daily grime.
150 mlPro Anti - Acne Foaming Face Wash
Packed with kale, spinach, and green tea, this antioxidant-rich cleanser is perfect for oily skin that needs a nutritional boost.
A dermatologist-recommended option with salicylic acid that's particularly effective for stubborn acne.
An accessible option that delivers on its promises without breaking the bank. Great for beginners in their skincare journey.
100 mlAnti-Acne Face Wash For Acne & Blemishes
A professional-grade option that deeply cleanses whilst preparing your skin for other treatments.
Picking your perfect match isn't just about grabbing the most popular option. Your skin is unique, and what works for your friend might not work for you. Start by identifying your specific concerns. Are you dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, or cystic acne? Do you have sensitive skin alongside oiliness? Understanding these nuances helps narrow down your options significantly. Reading ingredient lists becomes your superpower. Look for the key players we mentioned earlier, but also watch out for potential irritants like alcohol denat or harsh sulphates that might trigger more oil production.
75 mlCoffee Face Wash
Oily doesn't always mean tough. If your skin gets red or irritated easily, opt for gentler formulations with fewer active ingredients.
Some face washes work better as part of a double-cleansing routine, whilst others are perfect standalone options.
Having the right product is only half the battle. How you use it makes all the difference between clear skin and a breakout disaster. Gentle, circular motions work better than aggressive scrubbing. Spend about 30 seconds massaging the cleanser into damp skin, focusing on your T-zone where oil production is typically highest. Water temperature matters more than you think. Lukewarm water opens pores gently, whilst hot water can irritate and trigger more oil production. Cold water, on the other hand, won't effectively remove oil and product buildup.
100 ml2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash
Twice daily is the sweet spot for most oily skin types. Morning cleansing removes overnight oil buildup, whilst evening cleansing removes makeup, pollution, and daily grime.
Always follow your cleanser with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser. Skipping this step signals your skin to produce more oil. Smytten makes discovering your perfect skincare match incredibly easy. With curated trial packs from trusted brands, you can explore different face washes without committing to full-size products. Try multiple options, find what works for your unique skin, and then invest in the full-size version.
150 mlVitamin C Foaming Face Wash
The best face wash depends on your specific skin concerns. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser are excellent all-rounders, whilst salicylic acid-based options like Neutrogena's offering work brilliantly for active breakouts.
Brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, and La Roche-Posay consistently deliver effective formulations for oily, acne-prone skin. However, Indian brands like The Derma Co and Himalaya also offer excellent budget-friendly options.
Look for cleansers containing salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients target acne-causing bacteria whilst controlling excess oil production.
Himalaya, The Derma Co, and Mamaearth offer brilliant options for oily skin at accessible price points. Their formulations often incorporate traditional ingredients alongside proven actives.
Yes, over-cleansing or using harsh formulations can strip your skin, leading to dryness and increased oil production. Always follow up with a suitable moisturiser.
Twice daily is optimal for most people. However, if you're using a strong active ingredient like salicylic acid, you might need to start with once daily and gradually increase frequency.
Finding your perfect face wash for oily skin and pimples doesn't have to be a never-ending quest. The key is understanding your skin's specific needs and choosing products with proven ingredients that address those concerns. Remember, consistency trumps perfection. A good face wash used regularly will always outperform an expensive one that sits unused in your bathroom cabinet. Start with gentler formulations and gradually introduce more active ingredients as your skin builds tolerance. With Smytten's trial-friendly approach, you can explore multiple options without the financial commitment, making your skincare journey both affordable and effective. After all, why settle for 'maybe' when you can try different products and find the one that truly works for your unique skin?
