Spring Cleaning: Top 10 Cleansers for Oily & Combination Skin

Oily to combination skin have special needs when it comes to skin care. Characterized by large pores, excessively oily skin has an abundance of oil produced in the pore and needs balancing. Although the sebum or oil that is secreted from the pores is necessary to maintain a healthy barrier on the skin, excessive oil production can cause enlarged pores, and breakouts for those prone to acne.

Many who suffer from oily and combination skin think that constant cleansing is the key to keeping the oil at bay on the surface of their skin. However, stripping the skin of all its oil causes the pores to produce more oil and your skin in caught in a cycle of repetitive oil production.

The key for cleansing oily and combination skin is to use a cleanser that gently cleanses, without removing every trace of oil from your skin. So look for a cleanser that balances and unclogs pores. Ingredients like AHAs, charcoal, enzymes and clay are ideal for oily skin types.

We picked 10 cleansers that are appropriate for oily and combination skin that will leave your skin refreshed, oil minimized and pores refined.

Top Ten Oily Skin Cleansers:

1. OLEHENRIKSEN Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser $26 (botanical based)

A pore-purifying cleanser with powerful AHAs to reduce excess oil and unclog pores, without stripping skin.

2. MURAD Clarifying Cleanser $32 (gluten free)

A powerful cleanser with two types of salicylic acid purifies pores and treats acne—even after rinsing.

3. AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Exfoliating Powder Cleanser $60 (organic)

(read our review here)

A powder to foam exfoliating daily cleanser powered by plant-derived enzymes that remove dead skin cells, impurities, and makeup while leaving skin moisturized.

4. BOSCIA Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser $30 (vegan & gluten free)

A warming cleanser powered by charcoal that helps minimize the look of pores, wash away impurities, ban excess oil, and brighten the complexion.

5. CLARINS One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract $38

(read our review here)

A gentle exfoliating cleanser—with refreshing orange extract—that whisks away makeup, embedded impurities, and dry, flaky surface cells to reveal glowing skin.

6. CAUDALIE Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser $28

A pore purifying cleanser powered by 100 percent natural salicylic acid to minimize the look of pores, blemishes, and oil.

7. FIRST AID BEAUTY Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser With Red Clay $24

(read our review here)

A jewel-red gel cleanser that helps draw out impurities, absorbs excess oil, and unclogs pores.

8. REN CLEAN SKINCARE ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser $32 (vegan)

A purifying clay cleanser formulated to combat the appearance of breakouts and blemishes, leaving skin visibly clearer and calmer.

9. YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser $36 (vegan)

(read our review here)

A daily green juice cleanse for your face with cold-pressed antioxidants to remove makeup and prevent build-up in pores, while keeping skin’s pH balanced.

10. DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel $38 (vegan)