I have oily, acne-prone skin, and I know how frustrating it is to find a good face wash that helps with pimples and doesn’t leave your skin feel tight and dry.
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 everything I’ve learned: how to choose the right face wash, how to wash face effectively (a technique I picked up from a dermatologist), and face washes for oily, acne-prone skin, along with pros and cons.
What Makes a Face Wash Good for Oily Skin?
One of the biggest problems with oily skin is the excess 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 in the morning and night, and overwashing can make your skin produce more oil.
Ingredients to Look for
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.
Also, while using Benzoyl Peroxide, be careful 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.
Best Face Wash for Oily Skin and Pimples
#1. 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.
#2. The Derma Co 2% Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Wash
This face wash contains 2% salicylic acid and 2% niacinamide and has a gel consistency. The salicylic acid effectively removes dirt and excess oil, preventing the formation of pimples 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.
You can also use this face wash if you have butt ance. It works so well. Just let it sit for atleast 1-2 mins before washing it off.
#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).
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 pus-filled 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. My money got wasted, and I used to think why the face wash didn’t work.
Final Thoughts
If you are still confused, which face wash for oily skin is best for you?
- If you have moderate to severe acne for months and no salicylic acid is working, then choose Be Bodywise 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash. As, Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria.
- If you want a face wash that lathers well and works great as a second cleanser, choose The Derma Co 2% Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Wash. It effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and prevents the formation of pimples without drying out the skin.
- If you break out easily or get small pimples often, then Minimalist Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash is the one to go for. However, 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 as it lathers less.
Reference
Very Well Health: Which works best for acne? Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid
Disclaimer
This post is based on personal experience and for informational purposes only. Please consult a professional before trying any new skincare product. For more details, see my full disclaimer.
