If you have oily skin, you know the struggle — shine that won’t quit, clogged pores, and constant breakouts. But over-cleansing or using harsh products can actually backfire, causing your skin to produce even more oil.
The solution? A gentle skin cleanser for oily skin that balances oil production, removes dirt and makeup, and supports your skin barrier — all without stripping away essential moisture.
After years of testing as a skincare affiliate blogger, I’ve narrowed down the best cleansers that deliver results. Whether you’re dealing with acne, excess shine, or sensitive oily skin, these products have been vetted to help you build a healthier skincare routine.
🧴 What Makes a Cleanser “Gentle” Yet Effective for Oily Skin?
You want a cleanser that:
- Removes excess oil and impurities
- Doesn’t disrupt your skin barrier
- Is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
- Free of harsh sulfates and alcohols
- Includes calming or balancing ingredients like niacinamide, green tea, or salicylic acid
Let’s break down the top gentle cleansers on the market in 2025.
🌟 Top 7 Gentle Skin Cleansers for Oily Skin
1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
👉 Shop on Amazon: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
Best Overall for Oily & Sensitive Skin
✅ Non-comedogenic | ✅ Fragrance-free | ✅ Budget-friendly
Why It Works:
This is one of the most dermatologist-recommended cleansers for a reason. It contains ceramides, niacinamide, and a gentle foaming formula that cleanses without overdrying. Perfect for oily, acne-prone, and even sensitive skin types.
👉 Shop on Amazon: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
👉 View on Amazon: La Roche-Posay Purifying Cleanser
Best for Balancing Oil Without Stripping Skin
✅ Soap-free | ✅ pH-balanced | ✅ Dermatologist tested
Why We Love It:
This gentle gel-to-foam formula uses thermal spring water and niacinamide to calm skin while removing oil and pollutants. Ideal for daily cleansing if your skin is oily but easily irritated.
👉 View on Amazon: La Roche-Posay Purifying Cleanser
3. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
👉 Buy on Amazon: Paula’s Choice CLEAR Cleanser
Best for Oily Skin with Acne
✅ Salicylic acid | ✅ Fragrance-free | ✅ Vegan
Standout Feature:
Formulated specifically for acne-prone oily skin, this cleanser contains 0.5% salicylic acid to unclog pores and fight breakouts — all without drying or redness.
👉 Buy on Amazon: Paula’s Choice CLEAR Cleanser
4. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser (Foaming Formula)
👉 Check Price: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser
Best Drugstore Gentle Cleanser for Oily Skin
✅ Hypoallergenic | ✅ Non-stripping | ✅ Great for teens
What Makes It Great:
This affordable option uses a mild surfactant system to remove oil and impurities without harming the skin’s protective barrier. Great for daily use on oily or combination skin.
👉 Check Price: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser
5. Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser
👉 Shop Now: Superfood Cleanser by Youth to the People
Best Natural Cleanser for Oily Skin
✅ Vegan | ✅ Cold-pressed ingredients | ✅ Antioxidant-rich
Why It’s a Cult Favorite:
Made with kale, spinach, and green tea, this foaming cleanser detoxifies and balances the skin with a light, refreshing scent. It’s also packed with vitamins C, E, and K — ideal for oily skin needing a nutrient boost.
👉 Shop Now: Superfood Cleanser by Youth to the People
6. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
👉 Buy Now: Inkey List Salicylic Cleanser
Best Budget Acne Cleanser for Oily Skin
✅ Gently exfoliates | ✅ Under $15 | ✅ Great for clogged pores
Why We Recommend It:
This affordable option offers 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate and control oil production while soothing irritated skin. Use once daily if you’re prone to blackheads or shiny skin.
👉 Buy Now: Inkey List Salicylic Cleanser
7. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
👉 View on Amazon: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Best for Very Sensitive Oily Skin
✅ No dyes or fragrance | ✅ Dermatologist-recommended | ✅ Ideal for rosacea
Why It’s a Go-To:
Free from everything harsh (fragrance, parabens, sulfates, etc.), this gentle cleanser is ideal if you’re oily but struggle with sensitivity, eczema, or redness.
👉 View on Amazon: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
💡 Tips for Using a Gentle Cleanser on Oily Skin
- Wash 2x daily — morning and night — to keep oil buildup in check.
- Don’t overdo it — aggressive scrubbing or using harsh tools can make oil worse.
- Pair with a lightweight moisturizer — even oily skin needs hydration to stay balanced.
- Avoid alcohol-based toners — they strip your skin and lead to more oil production.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Gentle Cleanser for Oily Skin
Oily skin doesn’t need to suffer — and it definitely doesn’t need to be stripped dry. The key is choosing a gentle yet effective cleanser that balances, calms, and refreshes your face without irritation.
Whether you go for the CeraVe classic, a salicylic-powered formula from The Inkey List, or a natural blend from Youth to the People, these brands are trusted by dermatologists and loved by customers.
Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.