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Best Cleanser For Oily Sensitive Skin (2024 Update)

Are you struggling to find the best cleanser for your oily, sensitive skin? With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to choose a cleanser that will effectively remove oil and impurities without irritating your skin. Before purchasing a new cleanser, there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider:

What ingredients should you look for? Cleansers made for oily, sensitive skin often contain gentle ingredients like salicylic acid to cut through oil without being too harsh. Meanwhile, ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or alcohol can irritate and dry out sensitive skin types. Pay close attention to the ingredient list before buying.

How often do you need to cleanse? Over cleansing oily and sensitive skin can actually trigger more oil production. Look for a cleanser you can use just once or twice a day without stripping your skin. Also make sure to moisturize after cleansing.

Does it create a lather or foam? Many foaming cleansers include sulfates and other detergents that can irritate sensitive skin. A lightweight gel or lotion cleanser is often a better choice.

Still unsure which cleanser is best for your oily yet sensitive skin? Test try a few drugstore options first before investing in more expensive products. And always patch test on a small area of skin before using a new cleanser all over your face. Finding your perfect cleanser may take some trial and error, but it’s worth it to reveal fresh, healthy skin.

10 Best Cleanser For Oily Sensitive Skin

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin who want a fragrance-free facial cleanser that removes excess oil.
2
This product is ideal for people with oily skin, as it helps control oil, hydrate pores, and purify with citrus extracts.
3
Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, effectively clearing clogged pores and blackheads with salicylic acid while being gentle for sensitive skin.
4
Ideal for individuals with acne-prone and oily skin; exfoliates and clarifies pores with 2% salicylic acid.
5
This product is ideal for people looking for a non-foaming, fragrance-free facial cleanser that moisturizes and contains hydrating ingredients.
6
The product is ideal for cleansing and purifying the facial skin, tightening pores.
7
Ideal for people with oily or combination skin, looking for a gentle, natural and oil-free daily face cleanser.
8
The product is ideal for nourishing and calming the face with the use of oat.
9
Ideal for oily and sensitive skin types, containing niacinamide to cleanse pores without drying out skin and it is unscented.
10
This gentle face cleanser is ideal for those with sensitive skin and provides moisturizing benefits for normal to dry skin.
This product is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin who want a fragrance-free facial cleanser that removes excess oil.
This product is ideal for people with oily skin, as it helps control oil, hydrate pores, and purify with citrus extracts.
Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, effectively clearing clogged pores and blackheads with salicylic acid while being gentle for sensitive skin.
Ideal for individuals with acne-prone and oily skin; exfoliates and clarifies pores with 2% salicylic acid.
This product is ideal for people looking for a non-foaming, fragrance-free facial cleanser that moisturizes and contains hydrating ingredients.
The product is ideal for cleansing and purifying the facial skin, tightening pores.
Ideal for people with oily or combination skin, looking for a gentle, natural and oil-free daily face cleanser.
The product is ideal for nourishing and calming the face with the use of oat.
Ideal for oily and sensitive skin types, containing niacinamide to cleanse pores without drying out skin and it is unscented.
This gentle face cleanser is ideal for those with sensitive skin and provides moisturizing benefits for normal to dry skin.

1. Cetaphil Oil Removing Facial Foam, Fragrance-Free (Pack Of 3)

Introducing the DERMACONTROL Oil Removing Foam Wash – a clinically proven, pH-balanced formula that is the perfect first step for a daily skincare regimen. Specifically designed to help manage oily, combination skin, this foam wash gently cleanses without stripping or over-drying the skin.

Formulated with innovative Zinc technology, this gentle yet effective wash washes away dirt, impurities, and makeup, reducing surface oil and shine, leaving your skin feeling balanced and refreshed. The soothing Zinc technology also helps to calm and soothe irritated skin, making it the perfect choice for those with sensitive skin.

Instantly forming a light foam, this hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic wash is paraben-free and will not irritate the skin or clog pores. With all CETAPHIL products, you can be sure that they are effective yet non-irritating.

Say goodbye to oily, combination skin and hello to beautifully balanced, refreshed skin with DERMACONTROL Oil Removing Foam Wash.

2. Purifying Citrus Face Wash For Oily Skin

The Natural Outcome Oily Skin Cleanser is a highly-effective exfoliating cleanser that is specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It is designed to effectively cleanse unwanted pore-clogging oils and dirt while preventing acne breakouts. This oil control face wash is ideal for individuals with oily skin types who are tired of dealing with greasy skin. It is specifically formulated to help purify your skin while removing unwanted oils.

Treating oily skin can be a challenging task, but the Natural Outcomes Oily Skin Collection makes it easy to achieve a balanced and hydrated complexion with just three easy steps. This collection is designed to help you take control of oily skin and jump into a new shine-free matte complexion.

All Natural Outcome products are naturally sourced in the USA to provide the safest ingredients. The oil-free purifying cleanser consists of Grapeseed Extract, a natural cleaning oil that balances skin surface, Citrus Fruit Extract, which is used as a natural skin clarifying agent that boosts and regenerates skin, and Tea Tree Extract, which helps clear acne and aids in controlling oily skin.

The daily facial cleanser is extremely easy and painless to apply. Simply pump a dab of the face wash into your hands and gently massage the solution onto your face in a circular motion until fully absorbed. This day and night cleanser is perfect for both men and women who are struggling with oily skin.

At Natural Outcome, they believe that all skincare products should be made with pure and honest intentions. All Natural Outcome products are made in the USA using no sulfates, parabens, or dyes, and are never tested on animals. This gives you an organic glow with peace of mind, knowing that you are using a product that is safe for both you and the environment.

3. Clear Skin Gel: Salicylic Acne Cleanser

The Normaderm PhytoAction Daily Deep Cleansing Gel is an effective solution for individuals seeking to remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities from their skin. With its carefully selected ingredients, including Salicylic Acid, Zinc & Copper Minerals, and Vichy Volcanic Water, this dermatologist-tested formula is specifically designed to reduce acne blemishes, clogged pores, and blackheads.

This cleansing gel is suitable for individuals with adult acne and is formulated to leave skin visibly purified while improving skin tone and texture over time. When used for the first time, the Normaderm PhytoAction Daily Deep Cleansing Gel effectively reduces excess oil, leaving the skin looking mattified and less shiny.

Over time, with regular use, this translucent gel lathers quickly into a fresh foam that rinses easily, leaving skin feeling soft and visibly purified. After four weeks of use, the skin looks smoother, blackheads are less visible, and pores are tightened.

The Normaderm PhytoAction Daily Deep Cleansing Gel is an effective treatment for skin concerns such as shine, acne, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and oily skin or acne. This allergy-tested formula has a light fragrance that is suitable for most individuals.

4. Clearskin Exfoliating Acne Face Wash

The Biore Witch Hazel Clarifying Cleanser is a refreshing face wash that effectively cleanses pores by removing 99% of blemish-causing dirt and oil. With a 2% Salicylic Acid formulation, this cleanser helps to reduce acne breakouts and blackheads, making it an ideal acne treatment.

For those with blemish-prone skin, the Biore Daily Acne Fighting Cleanser provides deep cleansing to create a clear complexion. The Witch Hazel, a natural astringent, in this pore clarifying cleanser breaks down dirt and residue for easy removal from pores.

With daily use, the Biore Witch Hazel Cleanser provides clarifying results for those with acne-prone skin. It effectively clears out impurities from the pores and leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean.

The Biore Witch Hazel Clarifying Cleanser is a gentle yet effective solution for those who want to achieve clearer skin. This product is perfect for daily use and helps to reduce acne breakouts and blackheads. It is formulated with high-quality ingredients, making it an essential addition to any skincare routine.

5. Cerave Hydrating Face Wash, 16oz: Cleanse + Moisturize.

Introducing a non-sealed, gentle face cleanser that is perfect for daily use. This face wash is formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to hydrate the skin without stripping away its natural moisture. It effectively removes face makeup, dirt, and excess oil while providing 24-hour hydration, leaving a moisturized, non-greasy feel.

This non-foaming cleanser has a lotion-like consistency that feels smooth on the skin, even for those with sensitive and dry skin types. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and non-drying. As a result, it has been certified by the National Eczema Association.

This multi-use skin care product is versatile and can be used as a skin cleanser for both the face and body. It is suitable for daily cleansing in the morning (AM) and night (PM) for normal to dry skin.

This product is formulated with three essential ceramides, which are naturally found in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products are developed with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand. Their products are suitable for various skin types, including dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone, and more. Trust in CeraVe for all your skincare needs.

6. Benton Deep Green Tea Cleansing Foam 120g (4.23 Oz.) – Pore Tightening & Purifying Facial Foam

This product boasts a remarkable formulation that is specifically designed to cater to the needs of sensitive, oily, and delicate skin. It contains over 10% of green tea sourced from BoSeong, known as the home of green tea in Korea. Green tea is renowned for its ability to provide fresh cleansing, making it an excellent ingredient for this formulation.

The texture of this product is smooth and luxurious, providing a gentle and effective cleansing experience. It contains fine foam of botanical surfactants, which works to clean the skin without causing any irritation. This ensures that even the most sensitive skin types can benefit from this product.

In addition to its cleansing properties, this product is also enriched with moisture and nutrients from Camellia Oil and various botanical ingredients. This provides the skin with essential nourishment, resulting in a smooth and youthful appearance. The Camellia Oil in the formulation also helps to prevent skin dryness, ensuring that the skin remains hydrated and supple.

7. Organic Tea Tree Foaming Face Cleanser.

This gentle face wash is designed to help those with sensitive skin find their natural balance without causing dryness or discomfort. Say goodbye to pesky breakouts with this natural and effective cleanser that is perfect for oily skin.

The hydrating face wash is specially formulated to combat greasy skin, delivering deep and lasting moisture throughout the day. Infused with natural moisturizing ingredients such as soapberry, acai, shea butter, and chamomile, this gentle face wash helps restore the skin's brilliance and softness.

With the delightful tingle of peppermint essential oil, this vegan face wash refreshes and cools the skin as it cleanses. It has a wonderful fresh scent that leaves you feeling invigorated and revitalized.

This gentle face wash for sensitive skin is perfect for combination skin types. It comes with a full refund guarantee, so if you don't love it, you can return it for a full refund. With its oil-free formula, this face wash cleanses and moisturizes dry and oily skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and refreshed.

8. Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Face

Introducing the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser, a gentle and effective solution for sensitive and irritated, dry skin. This facial cleanser comes in a 7.8-fluid ounce bottle, providing ample product for daily use in a regular skincare routine.

The refreshing milky gel face wash is designed to cleanse and purify the skin while helping preserve its moisture barrier. Its light gel-like consistency gently lifts away dirt, oil, makeup and impurities, leaving the skin looking healthy, cleansed, hydrated, soft and smooth.

Formulated with a blend of nourishing oat and calming feverfew, the gentle daily cleanser helps calm irritated, dry skin while strengthening its moisture barrier for long-term resilience. This makes it ideal for sensitive skincare, as it is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, dye-free, phthalate-free, tested on sensitive skin and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores as it cleanses.

Aveeno is a dermatologist recommended brand, and its hydrating facial cleanser is suitable for daily use in a regular skincare routine. The product is packed with nourishing ingredients that help soothe and hydrate the skin, leaving it looking and feeling healthy.

9. Pure Foaming Face Cleanser For Sensitive Skin

The Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser is a daily face wash that gently cleanses, purifies, and maintains normal to oily, sensitive skin. This face wash has been formulated with La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3 to provide a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.

This facial cleanser is designed to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities from the skin without disrupting its natural moisture barrier and pH levels. Consumers have reported that their skin felt healthier and effectively cleansed after using this product.

The formula of this facial cleanser is gentle and purifying, leaving the skin feeling clean, fresh, and comfortable. It does not leave any pore-clogging residue on the skin, which makes it ideal for those with oily skin.

Additionally, this facial cleanser is soap-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, and paraben-free. These features make it a safe and suitable option for those with sensitive skin.

10. Gentle Hydrating Cleanser For Sensitive Skin.

The Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a daily facial wash that caters to normal to dry, sensitive skin. It is specifically formulated with essential ingredients such as La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3 to ensure that it gently cleanses the skin from dirt, makeup, and impurities while maintaining its natural moisture barrier and pH.

This face wash is a gentle cream formula that works to restore skin comfort, keeping it hydrated while retaining essential moisture. It leaves the skin feeling comfortable and refreshed, making it perfect for everyday use. Additionally, this cleanser is soap-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, allergy tested, and paraben-free, which makes it safe for all skin types.

One of the key ingredients in this cleanser is ceramides, which is responsible for restoring moisture and promoting a healthy skin barrier. Another essential ingredient is niacinamide, which is known for its soothing properties that help to visibly fade skin discolorations. These two ingredients work together to provide effective cleansing while keeping the skin hydrated and healthy.

Best Cleanser For Oily Sensitive Skin FAQs

Are foaming cleansers or cream cleansers better for oily sensitive skin?

Foaming cleansers and cream cleansers both have different formulations and are suitable for different skin types. However, for oily sensitive skin, cream cleansers are a better option than foaming cleansers.

Foaming cleansers are known for their ability to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin's surface, making them a good choice for people with oily skin. However, they can be harsh on sensitive skin as they tend to strip away the skin's natural oils, causing dryness and irritation.

On the other hand, cream cleansers are more gentle and hydrating, making them ideal for sensitive skin. They help to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils, leaving it soft and smooth. Cream cleansers are also effective in removing makeup and can be easily rinsed off with water.

In summary, for oily sensitive skin, cream cleansers are a better option than foaming cleansers as they are gentler and do not cause dryness or irritation. It's important to choose a cleanser that is specifically formulated for your skin type and needs to achieve the best results.

Are there any common ingredients in cleansers that should be avoided for oily sensitive skin?

Yes, there are some common ingredients in cleansers that should be avoided for oily sensitive skin. One of the most common ingredients is alcohol, which can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Another ingredient to avoid is fragrance, as it can also cause irritation and sensitivity for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, certain types of foaming agents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, can be harsh and drying for oily skin types, and should be avoided.

Instead, those with oily sensitive skin should look for gentle, non-irritating cleansers that are designed specifically for their skin type. Look for products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which can help to unclog pores and gently exfoliate the skin without causing irritation. It's also important to choose products that are pH-balanced and free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. By using the right cleanser, those with oily sensitive skin can effectively cleanse their skin without causing further irritation or dryness.

Are there any natural or organic cleansers that work well for oily sensitive skin?

Yes, there are several natural and organic cleansers that work well for oily sensitive skin. One option is to use a gentle cleanser made with natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or green tea. These ingredients can help soothe and calm irritated skin while also gently removing excess oil and impurities.

Another option is to use a cleanser made with natural oils like jojoba or tea tree oil. These oils can help regulate oil production and balance the skin's pH levels, which can be especially beneficial for oily skin. However, it's important to use these oils in moderation, as using too much can actually exacerbate oily skin.

Other natural ingredients that can be effective for oily sensitive skin include witch hazel, rose water, and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients can help tighten pores, reduce inflammation, and balance the skin's pH levels.

Ultimately, the best natural or organic cleanser for oily sensitive skin will depend on your individual skin type and preferences. It's important to test out different products and ingredients to find what works best for you.

Can a cleanser be both gentle and effective for oily sensitive skin?

Yes, a cleanser can definitely be gentle and effective for oily sensitive skin. It is important to choose a cleanser that is specifically formulated for oily and sensitive skin types, and that contains ingredients that will cleanse the skin without causing irritation or dryness. Look for cleansers that are free from harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and parabens, and instead contain gentle ingredients such as natural plant extracts and essential oils.

Some effective ingredients to look for in a cleanser for oily sensitive skin include salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and witch hazel. These ingredients help to gently exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and control excess oil production, without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

It is important to remember to use a gentle touch when cleansing oily sensitive skin, as over-scrubbing or harsh rubbing can irritate the skin and cause further oil production. Additionally, it is recommended to only cleanse the skin once or twice a day, as over-cleansing can also lead to irritation and dryness.

Can a cleanser for oily sensitive skin help with acne or breakouts?

Yes, a cleanser formulated for oily sensitive skin can certainly help with acne or breakouts. Oily skin is more prone to acne as excess oil can clog pores and lead to the development of pimples or blackheads. However, using harsh cleansers can further irritate sensitive skin and exacerbate the problem. That's why it's important to choose a gentle yet effective cleanser that is specifically designed for oily, sensitive skin.

Look for cleansers that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation, or benzoyl peroxide, which can kill acne-causing bacteria. However, be sure to patch test any new product before using it on your entire face to make sure it doesn't cause any irritation or allergic reactions.

It's important to note that while a good cleanser can certainly help with acne or breakouts, it's not a cure-all solution. It's also important to maintain a healthy skincare routine, eat a balanced diet, and manage stress levels to help prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place.

How often should someone with oily sensitive skin use a cleanser?

For individuals with oily and sensitive skin, it is important to cleanse the skin regularly to remove excess oil, dirt, and debris. However, over-cleansing can also strip the skin of its natural oils, causing irritation and dryness. Therefore, finding the right balance is key.

As a general rule, someone with oily sensitive skin should use a gentle cleanser twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. It is important to choose a cleanser that is specifically formulated for oily and sensitive skin, as harsher formulas can cause irritation.

If you find that your skin becomes excessively oily during the day, you may also consider using a gentle toner or blotting papers to remove excess oil without over-cleansing. Additionally, incorporating a weekly exfoliating treatment can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, further preventing excess oil production.

Is it necessary to use a separate cleanser for oily sensitive skin in the morning and at night?

Using a separate cleanser for oily sensitive skin in the morning and at night is not absolutely necessary, but it can be beneficial. Oily skin can produce excess sebum which can clog pores and lead to breakouts, while sensitive skin can react to harsh ingredients in some cleansers. Therefore, using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that is specifically formulated for oily sensitive skin can help to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities without causing irritation or dryness.

Using a separate cleanser in the morning and at night can also help to maintain the skin's natural balance. In the morning, a gentle cleanser can help to remove any excess oil or sweat that has accumulated overnight, while at night, it can help to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities that have accumulated throughout the day.

Ultimately, whether or not to use a separate cleanser for oily sensitive skin in the morning and at night depends on individual preferences and needs. However, it is always important to choose a cleanser that is gentle, non-irritating, and formulated for oily sensitive skin.

Should a cleanser for oily sensitive skin be fragrance-free?

Yes, a cleanser for oily sensitive skin should be fragrance-free. Fragrances can cause irritation and sensitivity in the skin, especially for those with already sensitive skin. Fragrances are often added to cosmetics and skincare products to give them a pleasant scent, but they can be harmful to those with sensitive skin. Fragrances are known to cause allergies, dermatitis, and other skin problems.

Choosing a fragrance-free cleanser for oily sensitive skin will help to minimize the risk of irritation and other skin problems. A fragrance-free cleanser will be gentle on the skin and will not cause any adverse reactions. It is also important to look for a cleanser that is specifically formulated for oily skin, as it will help to control excess oil production and prevent breakouts. A cleanser that is gentle yet effective will help to maintain healthy skin without causing any irritation or sensitivity.

Should a toner be used after cleansing oily sensitive skin?

Yes, using a toner after cleansing oily sensitive skin is highly recommended. Toners are specifically designed to remove any remaining impurities or traces of makeup that may have been left behind after cleansing. They also help to restore the skin's pH balance, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

For oily sensitive skin, it is important to choose a toner that is gentle and alcohol-free, as alcohol-based toners can be too harsh and may cause irritation or dryness. Look for toners that contain ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, or chamomile, which are known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients can help to calm the skin, reduce redness, and prevent future breakouts.

Overall, incorporating a toner into your skincare routine can be a game-changer for oily sensitive skin. It can help to keep your skin clean, balanced, and healthy, while also reducing the risk of irritation or breakouts.

What are the best ingredients to look for in a cleanser for oily sensitive skin?

When it comes to choosing a cleanser for oily sensitive skin, it is important to look for ingredients that are gentle, yet effective in removing excess oil and impurities without causing irritation. Some of the best ingredients to look for in a cleanser for oily sensitive skin include:

1. Salicylic acid: This ingredient helps to dissolve excess oil and unclog pores, making it an effective option for oily skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe sensitive skin.

2. Tea tree oil: Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can help to reduce acne and inflammation in oily sensitive skin.

3. Aloe vera: This natural ingredient has a soothing effect on the skin and can help to reduce inflammation and redness.

4. Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient helps to regulate sebum production and improve the skin's barrier function, making it a great option for oily sensitive skin.

5. Witch hazel: This natural astringent helps to tighten pores and reduce excess oil production, while also having a calming effect on sensitive skin.

Overall, when choosing a cleanser for oily sensitive skin, it is important to look for ingredients that balance the skin's oil production without causing irritation or dryness.

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