Instep Desk

For those of us with oily skin it is quite a feat to keep it oil-free, control acne flare-ups and most importantly keep our makeup in place. While our skin naturally produces oil in order to keep it soft and supple, too much of it results in that perpetually shiny and greasy look.

Oily skin often requires an array of skin-care products, an endless supply of oil-blotting sheets, and a compact powder on hand at all times. Even though oily skin can be a little high-maintenance, the right face wash or cleanser can help minimize shine, instantly wipe out the oil and prevent acne, leaving your skin clean and matte. The ideal cleanser should strike a balance between being gentle, hydrating, and effective.

Here are 6 face washes and cleansers that help combat excess oil and clear out clogged pores.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Having oily skin doesn’t necessarily mean that you have acne problems, but the two do often go hand-in-hand. No matter your issue, this blemish-busting face wash is the solution. The star of the show is two-per cent salicylic acid, one of the best acne-fighting ingredients out there, known for its ability to dissolve oil to keep pores clear and breakouts at bay. It’s also a great source of vitamin C, an excellent skin-brightening ingredient. You don’t have to worry about the formula drying your skin out as it maintains the pH balance of your skin while thoroughly cleansing it.

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula

Created to use twice a day, this dermatologist-developed liquid soap cleanses gently yet thoroughly. Soft, non-drying lather loosens surface flakes, removes dirt and debris, and protects skin’s natural moisture balance. Quick-rinsing formula leaves skin clean, comfortable and refreshed. The best part is that it breaks down grime gently without completely stripping skin, ensuring that the good oils are left behind.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser

This is super gentle and effective - it is fragrance-free, non-irritant and washes off easily.

Micellar water works for both sensitive and oily skin types as it is free of potentially irritating detergents, is oil-free and doesn’t leave behind any residue. That’s thanks to micelles, the tiny particles that remove dirt, oil, and other grime.

This particular product is especially great for oily skin as it has the added benefit of foaming up slightly, leaving your skin feeling extra clean, soft and hydrated.

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Face Wash

The original Cetaphil cleanser may be a cult classic, but this version, specifically formulated for oily skin types, is ideal in keeping shine at bay without disrupting your skin’s pH balance and causing even more problems like inflammation and irritation. The hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, oil-free formula strikes the perfect balance, gently foaming to help dissolve excess oil. The formula works to regulate sebum production and rids the skin of grease and grime - but thanks to moisture magnet glycerin, hydration isn’t compromised.

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser

This deep-cleansing clay formula purifies oily skin; it uses not one but two types of clay, kaolin and green clays, which act like magnets to pull out unwanted sebum. But the oil-fighting benefits don’t stop there: A trio of astringent sambucus, ivy, and lemon extracts also help mattify the skin along with refining the skin’s texture. While it contains cucumber and sage that have soothing benefits, refreshing menthol revitalizes even the most tired skin.

Clean & Clear Advantage Oil-Absorbing Cream Cleanser

This formula is perfect for dull and oily skin. Opting for a cream cleanser may sound counterintuitive when talking about oily skin, but this wallet-friendly product is an exception. Thanks to its unique powder-particles technology, it not only absorbs oil while you’re washing your face, but keeps oil away for a long time. The cleanser’s dual-action formula instantly washes away 85 per cent of built-up oil and helps control shine while also treating blemishes and preventing breakouts.