What face washes are suitable for people with oily skin?

The manufacturers of many products on the market claim that they are good for oily skin, which can make it difficult for a person to decide what to purchase.

In this article, we explain how face washes can help with oily skin and list some products that people may wish to try.

Some people may refer to excessively oily skin as seborrhea. Along with certain medications, doctors may recommend washing the face twice daily with water and a mild soap or soapless cleanser to manage oily skin.

Face soaps and washes can help reduce the amount of dirt, sweat, and oil on the face. Removing excess oil can help prevent clogged pores. If oil blocks a pore, it may result in acne or other skin conditions.

It is important for a person with oily skin to keep their face clean and moisturized.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), a person with oily skin should use a gentle, foaming face wash that does not contain oil or alcohol. The AAD also suggest that people only use skin care products that the label describes as oil-free or noncomedogenic.

The term “noncomedogenic” means that a product is not likely to clog pores. However, neither the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor any other third party agency regulates this claim on cosmetic products. Therefore, products claiming to be noncomedogenic may vary in their ability to avoid clogging the pores.

According to the FDA, the mention of alcohol on labels refers strictly to the use of ethyl alcohol. As a result, a product that labels itself as being “alcohol-free” may not necessarily contain no alcohol. This label just means that it does not contain ethyl alcohol, which may dry out the skin and hair.

The FDA also outline several claims that cosmetic companies may make on their labels and advertising. Although the FDA cannot stop a company from making claims about a product before it goes to market, they can regulate claims on labels to an extent.

They also indicate that the Federal Trade Commission regulate advertising claims, such as:

• hypoallergenic
• cruelty-free
• organic
• treats wrinkles

A person should look for user reviews to help determine whether a product may work for them. They may also wish to consider:

• the cost of the product and their budget
• their skin type
• the ingredients, particularly if they have sensitive skin

Anyone unsure can talk to a healthcare provider about products that might work best for them.

Many face wash products are available for people to purchase. Below, we look at six of the best options on the market.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All product information is purely research-based.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser may be a good option for people with sensitive skin.

According to the company’s website, the product will not clog pores and does not contain oil. The website also claims that the product does not contain several ingredients that people with sensitive skin often avoid, such as dyes and scents.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is available for purchase here.

Alba Botanica Acnedote Maximum Strength Face & Body Scrub

Alba Botanica Acnedote is a body and face scrub suitable for areas of enlarged pores.

According to the company’s website, the scrub is oil-free and dermatologically tested. It will not clog pores and does not contain several ingredients that can be problematic for people with sensitive skin.

Alba Botanica Acnedote Maximum Strength Face & Body Scrub is available for purchase here.

PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash

This PanOxyl wash contains 4% benzoyl peroxide. This chemical compound is an antibacterial ingredient that can help treat acne by reducing the number of bacteria on the face.

PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash is available for purchase here.

SkinMedica Facial Cleanser

SkinMedica Facial Cleanser claims to leave the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. The product does not contain detergents or other ingredients that may irritate the skin.

The company also claim that this product works well for oily, dry, or combination skin types.

SkinMedica Facial Cleanser is available for purchase here.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser

People with oily skin can still wear makeup as long as they remove it before going to sleep. Garnier claim that this product helps with removing makeup from the skin.

The cleanser is gentle, oil-free, and does not harshly scrub the skin.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser is available for purchase here.

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash

Cetaphil state that this DermaControl foam wash is clinically proven to be noncomedogenic, gentle on sensitive skin, and able to remove excess oil from the skin.

The product also contains zinc, which is important for the normal function of the skin and may help treat acne.

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash is available for purchase here.

The AAD recommend that people help keep oily skin clear and clean by:

• removing makeup completely before bed
• avoiding touching the face throughout the day
• using blotting paper to remove excess oil from the face
• wearing sunblock when outside
• using only oil-free products on the face, neck, and back
• avoiding cleansers containing alcohol or oil
• using only gentle foaming face washes
• washing the face in the morning and before bed, as well as after working out or sweating
• using only products that the manufacturers label as noncomedogenic

Face washes for oily skin should be gentle and not contain ingredients, such as oils or alcohols, that can clog the pores or dry out the skin too much.

A person should use caution when picking a new product and read both the label and user reviews. If in doubt, they could consider talking to a healthcare provider about the best product for them.