When you have oily skin, you have the impulse to just blot, blot, blot. Or when you’re at home perhaps cleanse to the max in hopes of getting rid of the excess oil on your skin. But that shouldn’t be the case, of course! And if you’re thinking about cleansing, you have to use cleansers for oily skin — yes, there are ones that were created for or work so well with your skin type.
Is cleansing good for oily skin?
Short answer: yes! Cleansing is good for any type of skin. Just make sure you don’t go overboard — do you know how long you should be cleansing your skin? — and that you use the right products.
What to look for in cleansers for oily skin
Okay, you’ve heard me talk about the right products for a couple of times now. But how do you know if it’s the right one? Preference plays a part in this, of course, but there are also a few ingredients you can watch out for to ensure that you’re going to be using something that will work well with your skin. Here are ingredients you need to see listed on cleansers for oily skin.



Salicylic acid
Oily skin is often also acne-prone. So aside from making sure you’re not a shiny ball of oil, you should also consider preventing breakouts from popping up. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that not only removes excess oil but also sloughs off dead skin and dirt — just what you’re looking for.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is another popular and widely loved ingredient for oily skin. But this one packs a meaner punch than salicylic acid. It’s great for taming inflamed acne, but beware its extra-drying power.
Glycolic acid
You’d want to exfoliate your skin and get all the gunk away. Do so gently with the help of this alpha-hydroxy acid. (Fun fact: This is the key ingredient in one of the more popular toners on the market that promise to give you that glow.)
Hyaluronic acid
One misconception people have about having oily skin is that it needs to be dry. You definitely shouldn’t have excess oil but it doesn’t mean your skin should look like the sand dunes of Dubai! And, yes, you need moisture too. (Quick: Look at these moisturizers that are made especially for oily skin.) Hyaluronic acid is great at giving oily skin just the right amount of moisture it needs to stay balanced.
Niacinamide
This ingredient doesn’t only absorb excess sebum but it also helps strengthen the skin barrier, which means fewer breakouts!
Best cleansers for oily skin in the Philippines
Now that you know what ingredients to look for, you can start your search — or you can sit back and scroll through these cleansers for oily skin that I’ve curated especially for you.
1. Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash



Let’s start of this list of cleansers for oily skin with the easiest on the pocket! This cleanser has sebum-balancing elemi for skin that’s healthy and shine-free. It has tiny flecks that help exfoliate the skin too.
2. Celeteque Acne Solutions Acne Cleansing Gel



This cleanser from local brand Celeteque contains salicylic acid (remember that ingredient?) that’s great for exfoliating the skin so you can keep acne-causing bacteria at bay.
3. Luxe Organix Miracle Solutions AHA/BHA Gel Cleanser



AHA, BHA and Niacinamide? Yes, this cleanser has them all. But make sure to use it sparingly or else your skin’s gonna get extra dry.
4. CosRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser



Dissolve dirt from and control the oil on your skin with the help of this foaming cleanser that contains gentle 0.9% salicylic acid. It also contains botanicals such as tea tree oil to soothe inflamed skin.
5. Senka Perfect Whip Acne Care



This acne-targeting version of the cult-favorite Senka Perfect Whip cleanser is great for cleansing your skin without stripping its natural oils. The foam is a fun factor too!
6. Face Republic Calming Acne Salicylic Cleanser



Soothe your skin while cleansing off dirt, sebum and other impurities with the help of salicylic acid, green tea, centella asiatica and tea tree in this face wash’s formula.
7. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash



Aside from salicylic acid, this cleanser also has vitamin C that helps brighten dark spots. It also has a refreshing grapefruit scent to boot!
8. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin



Cleanse the skin without any dryness effect with this face wash that’s packed with zinc pidolate. The best part? It’s made specially for oily skin.
9. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser



One of the more popular cleansers for oily skin, this pick from Avene can remove excess oil without compromising your skin barrier with the help of the ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in this wash.
10. Avene Eau Thermale Cleanance Cleansing Gel



Want a soap-free cleanser? You got it with this face wash. It also has comedoclastin™ that reduces blemishes and Avene Thermal Spring Water that soothe and calm the skin.
Which of these cleansers for oily skin will you be checking out soon?
Looking for other products for your oily skin? Check these out:
- Balance, Soothe and Treat Your Oily Skin With These Toners
- Got Oily Skin? These Moisturizers Are Perfect For You
- Stay Matte but Not Flat With These Foundations for Oily Skin
- These 7 Serums for Oily Skin That Are Available in the Philippines Work Wonders
P.S. If you’re keen on buying the product/s in this article, use Shopback when you buy and get P100 (and cash back!) through this link. Learn more about how Shopback works here.