4 Best Face Wash for Oily Skin Women Who’s Struggling With Breakouts

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I have oily skin and I know how frustating it is to find a good face wash for oily skin that helps with acne and doesn’t leave your skin feel tight, dull and washes off easily.

Over the years, I have tried dozens of face washes, researched ingredients, and found the ones that actually work.

In this post, I’ll share 4 best face wash for oily skin women, I’ve personally tried, along with pros and cons. I’ll also share how to choose the right face wash and how to wash face effectively (a technique I picked up from a dermatologist).

Top Picks

BEST OVERALL: The Derma Co 2% Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Wash

BEST FOR SEVERE, PUS-FILLED ACNE: Be Bodywise 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash

BEST FOR MINOR BREAKOUTS: Minimalist Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash

BEST FOAMING: Acnesilk Self Foaming Face Wash

4 Best Face Wash for Oily Skin Women

Here’s is a list of 4 best face wash for oily skin women that I tried and tested, along with pros and cons.

#1. The Derma Co 2% Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Wash

The Derma co 2% Sali-cinamide anti-acne face wash contains 2% salicylic acid and 2% niacinamide and has a gel consistency.

The salicylic acid helped me to get rid of acne and prevent it without drying the face. While it claims that niacinamide helps fade acne scars, I didn’t see any difference on my face.

You only need a small amount, so it lasts for months. It also lathers well and works great as a second cleanser.

I also use this face wash for my butt acne. It works so well. Just let it sit for atleast 1-2 mins before washing it off.

#2. Be Bodywise 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash

There was a time when my cheeks were covered with severe, painful acne, often pus-filled, and when salicylic acid did nothing, this 2.5% benzoyl peroxide face wash helped me clear my skin. It removed all those stubborn pimples I had for months.

The smell of this face wash isn’t the best, and it doesn’t lather much, but it works great. Also, it didn’t dry out my skin, and you need a pea-sized amount.

#3. Minimalist Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash

If you often get small pimples or breakout easily, this face wash helps prevent them without drying the face.

It contains 2% salicylic acid and LHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid), which goes deep into the pores to remove excess oil, and dirt, preventing pimples from forming.

The consistency is quite runny, and it produces very little lather, so sometimes it feels like I’m cleansing with nothing at all. As a result, I tend to use a bit more than usual, so it is running out faster than a normal face wash.

Also, if you are using Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water or any cleansing oil or balm that leaves oil behind, you may need to wash your face twice with this. Every time I use it, I still feel oil left after the first cleanse (I didn’t find this problem in Derma Co 2% Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Wash).

#4. Acnesilk Self Foaming Face Wash

Acnesilk Self Foaming Face wash was recommended by my dermatologist. It effectively removes dirt, and excess oil without stripping the skin and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.

It contains 1% salicylic acid to unclog pores and prevent breakouts, 2% glycolic acid to gently exfoliate giving you a smooth skin, and 5% aloe vera to keep the skin soft and hydrated.

One thing I didn’t like is the fragrance though it has a very subtle fragrance. I prefer skincare products without any fragrance as I have a very sensitive nose and usually can’t tolerate strong scents, but this one is okay.

What Makes a Good Face Wash for Oily Skin?

One of the biggest problems with oily skin is the excess oil (sebum) that contributes to the unwanted shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and pimples.

And, a good face wash for oily skin should effectively remove excess oil and dirt to prevent future breakouts without leaving the skin feeling stripped or uncomfortable.

It is also important to know that a face wash should be used twice a day— morning and night. As, overwashing can make your skin more oily.

Ingredients to Look for in a Face Wash for Oily Skin

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin and speeds up cell renewal. It goes deep into the pores to remove excess oil and dead skin, preventing the formation of pimples.

This ingredient is most effective for mild, non-inflammatory acne like blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide kills the bacteria that cause acne. It also helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells from pores, thereby reducing the chances of breakouts.

This ingredient works best for inflammatory acne like red pimples, pustules, and swollen bumps.

Be careful while using Benzoyl Peroxide as it can bleach towels, clothes, and pillowcases.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that can reduce redness or discoloration. It may also help regulate the excess oil produced by the skin and may help manage acne, however, more research is necessary.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and may help with acne, although there are limited studies to draw a firm conclusion. Some studies even suggests that regular use of gels or face washes containing tea tree oil may reduce skin oiliness in people with acne. However, research is still limited.

How to Wash Face Effectively if you have Oily Skin?

I learned how to wash face effectively when it has actives like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc from Dr. Shereene Idriss channel.

The trick is to keep the face wash on your skin for some time (I keep it for atleast 60 seconds) before washing it off. Then, follow it up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.

This simple technique helped clear my acne. Earlier, I used to put face wash on my face, massage it in circular motion and wash it off in less than 10 seconds. And, I used to think why the face wash didn’t work.

How I Tested?

I’ve personally tested all these face washes on my oily, acne prone skin for over the years. I’ve tested dozens of them before listing the 4 best face wash for oily skin women.

• Testing Period: Two to three years
• Factors Considered: Active ingredients, consistency, cleasning ability and overall results

FAQ

Why Trust Subtle Edge Life

Hi, I’m Manisha, founder of Subtle Edge Life. My blog currently focuses on oily skin. I test everything myself, take detailed notes, and tell it like it is — no sugarcoating, no sponsored fluff. My goal is to help you make smarter choices, avoid wasting money, and finally feel confident in your skin. Read more