Best Cleanser for Oily Skin and Large Pores – 29 Picks
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Oily skin and large pores are some of the most common skin issues that people want to resolve. Because of this, there are endless products on the market, and it can get overwhelming to pick the right one.
It is important to use a product that is suited for your skin type. In this post, we list the best cleanser for oily skin and large pores – top 29 picks – that will not only reduce the pores but smooth out your skin and reduce the oily shine.
Best cleanser for oily skin and large pores – the top pick for each category:
For oily and sensitive skin: Clarins Cleansing Milk
For oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin: Avene Eau Thermale Soapless Gel Cleanser
Read on to see the other recommended face wash and cleansers.
Once you find one that works for your skin, it is a relief as you don’t have to keep searching through the myriad of products. At the end of the recommendations, I give 10 of my top tips to prevent oily skin.
Best Cleanser for Oily Skin and Large Pores – Our Top 29 Picks
1. Murad Acne Treatment Bundle with Acne Clarifying Treatment
The Murad Acne Treatment Bundle features a clinically proven, medicated lightweight gel serum designed to reduce overall acne.
The serum combines Salicylic Acid with Lysophosphatidic, Hydroxydecanoic, Sebacic, and Glycolic Acids to target acne-causing bacteria, oiliness, and blackheads. This Penta-Acid Technology minimizes dryness and irritation while addressing multiple pathways that lead to breakouts.
The lightweight gel serum helps clear pore-clogging dead surface cells, visibly minimizing pores and smoothing rough texture without causing dryness or irritation. Suitable for oily and sensitive skin types, the formula is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and gluten.
The bundle also includes a Salicylic Acid Cleanser, clinically proven to remove excess oil, purify pores, clear blemishes, and prevent future breakouts.
The time-released formula ensures continuous treatment beyond cleansing, and it is suitable for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. The essential ingredients include exfoliating Salicylic Acid to clear and treat spots, and Green Tea Extract to soothe irritation.
The cleanser is free from sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. To use, massage a small amount over dampened face and neck, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. In the morning, follow with Murad sunscreen, and in the evening, follow with moisturizer or night cream.
The Clinique Liquid Facial Soap is a gentle cleanser that does not strip your skin of its natural oils. It is effective at removing dirt, impurities, and excess oil. Only use 1 or 2 dime-sized amounts to wash your face and neck. Of course, avoid getting it too close to your eyes as it will irritate them.
The NeoCutis Exfoliating Skin Cleanser contains 9.9% glycolic acid. This gel cleanser helps reveal fresh, vibrant skin that glows with the hydration of glycerin. It contains no harsh sulfates, dyes, or fragrance.
Use it in the morning and night while showering to cleanse and leave your skin hydrated and free of unwanted oils.
4. Burt’s Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream
I’m a big fan of the Burt’s Bees brand as it contains many natural ingredients at a reasonable price. The Burt’s Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream is formulated with chamomile and aloe to soften skin.
The soap bark deeply cleanses to leave your pores clean and minimized. This rich cream cleanser makes skin feel and look new. It is formulated without parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum are non-irritating and gentle enough to use daily.
The Neutrogena Oil-free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser contains clinically proven salicylic acid acne medicine to help treat breakouts. MicroClear Technology boosts the delivery of salicylic acid to the source of breakouts.
This is a newer product, and the new technology is always exciting to use. Most products risk leaving active ingredients on the surface of your skin. This face wash delivers the acid deep into the skin, where it counts.
It has grapefruit extract and vitamin C, which helps clear blemishes and blackheads, as well as prevent your skin from breaking out.
6. Tatcha Pore-Perfecting Moisturizer & Cleanser Set
The Tatcha Pore-Perfecting Moisturizer & Cleanser Set is a daily oil-free moisturizer and cleanser duo powered by natural Japanese ingredients that purify, hydrate, and reduce the appearance of pores.
It lathers into a creamy foam to lift away dirt, oil, and impurities without over-drying. The Tatcha Deep Cleanse cleanses with amino acids derived from silk gentle enough for even the most delicate skin, leaving skin soft, refreshed, and comfortably hydrated.
The formula harnesses the power of the Japanese luffa fruit, a natural beauty multi-tasker beloved by Japanese women for centuries. Ground fibers from the fruit exfoliate, helping to turn over dead skin cells, deeply purifying and decongesting pores, while the fruit extract beautifies and conditions the skin. Use this deep but gentle cleanser in the morning to wake up the skin for a fresh start.
The Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser is a gentle, plant-based cleanser that pulls out impurities while hydrating. It will give you smaller-looking pores and a clean, radiant complexion.
I’ve tried this cleanser for about 2 months and noticed that it reduced my pores to almost unnoticeable, which is amazing since I do have large pores.
Massage the Ceramic Slip into the skin to remove dirt, oil, pollution, and makeup. Rinse with warm water. After about a month or two, you should see smaller pores and a clearer, shine-free face.
The Skinceuticals Clean Pore-refining Gel Cleanser is a gel cleanser that combines an exfoliating 1% hydroxy acid blend with botanical extracts to gently remove impurities, excess oils, and makeup.
This cleanser also contains botanical extracts of chamomile, comfrey, and aloe to help soothe and heal the skin. Consistent use will decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation and large pores. This cleanser is my second-best cleanser for oily skin and large pores.
The Skinfood Egg White Pore Hot Steam Pack cleans your face, removes sebum, and improves its tone. It is a moisturizer, pore cleanser, and brightening formula. This is a rich and dense facial wash, with the cleansing foam offering a deep and purifying result.
The Skinfood Pore Foam washes away dirt, oil, make-up, and impurities from the skin while protecting and locking in essential moisture.
The firming effect of the egg yolk extract keeps the pores tightly closed and makes the skin more smooth and fresh. It will make your white or black pores smaller and leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed.
10. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-reducing Face Cleanser
Number 10 on our list of the best cleanser for oily skin and large pores is Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-reducing Face Cleanser.
This cleanser controls oil without drying it out. This unique, concentrated, cream-to-foam face wash works quickly to remove makeup & excess oil. It clears pores to reduce the visibility of enlarged & clogged pores while delivering moisture to soothe dryness & calm oil production.
Use Paula’s Choice Cleanser to remove impurities and blackheads and restore balance. It delivers the moisture that your dry areas need while soothing overactive oil production to balance your skin’s texture and appearance.
The Eau Thermale Avène Cleansing Foam is a soap-free cleansing foam that gently cleanses and removes make-up leaving the skin with a more matte look rather than a shiny/oily look.
Apply to moistened or dry skin in the morning and/or evening. Gently massage into skin with fingertips and rinse with warm water to get the full effects of this cleanser. This is one of my favorite cleansers that I’ve tried and has a reasonable price and amazing reviews on Amazon.
Many products are targeted at women, but we can’t forget about the guys! The Rugged & Dapper Face Wash For Me deep cleans, attacks dirt, excess oil & grime to eliminate breakouts & acne without stripping skin of moisture.
It is a plant-based exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, smoothes and prepares the skin for a clean shave. Nutrient-rich ingredients borrowed from the outdoors release potent vitamins & minerals to regenerate skin, including Aloe Vera, Vitamin C, Willow Bark, and Burdock Root.
The Boscia Charcoal Jelly Ball Cleanse is a bouncy, fun cleansing ball with a one-of-a-kind soft jelly texture and refreshing geranium scent that leaves skin glowing and vibrant.
This unique and fun cleanser contains a concentrated formula with lychee extract that works into a lather to remove all traces of dirt.
It is easy to travel with, easily cleanses all the contours of your face, and massages skin to boost surface cell turnover. I didn’t understand this product when I first saw it, but it is easy to use. Just wet your face and massage the ball directly on your skin in a gentle, circular motion.
The PCA SKIN BPO 5% Cleanser is my top pick for those with oily and acne-prone skin types. It helps to rid the skin of impurities and eliminate existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts.
This benzoyl peroxide and gluconolactone cleanser penetrate the pores improving their look almost instantly. It has antibacterial and exfoliation benefits with added botanical extracts to calm and soothe acne-prone skin.
Its clarifying formula features a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide to heal and prevent breakouts. Aloe, cucumber, nettle, and chamomile extracts comfort and calm inflammation to leave your complexion looking clear, even, and refreshed.
The Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories Balancing Cleanser thoroughly cleans, carefully refines, soothes, and moisturizes dry, mature skin. The Bromelain and Pineapple Enzymes gently exfoliate acne-prone skin, helping to create a clearer, softer, smoother and complexion.
Twice daily, apply a small amount to dampened skin and work into a luxurious lather by massaging the face and neck with gentle circular motions using fingertips.
16. La Roche Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Gel
The La Roche Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Gel is a gel face wash for oily and acne-prone skin. It gently cleanses impurities while respecting the skin’s pH balance, which means it won’t trigger breakouts.
It is an effective, oil-free, and soap-free formula with zinc pidolate to purify the skin.
This Foaming cleanser forms into a really smooth lather that I loved. In my personal tests, I found that it got rid of my excess oil without feeling my face feel stripped of all-natural oils. This cleanser is our third best cleanser for oily skin and large pores.
The Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser is a deep-cleansing clay formula that purifies oily and acne-prone skin. Water-soluble Kaolin and Green clays combine with purifying extracts of Sambucus, Ivy, and Lemon to remove excess oils and refine the skin’s texture.
The soothing menthol has a cooling sensation on the skin, which feels amazing, especially in the warmer Spring or Summer months.
The Glytone Acne Self-foaming Cleanser is a refreshing daily cleanser featuring 2% salicylic acid that keeps the skin clean and clear. It washes away surface debris as it deep cleans, unclogs large pores, and gently exfoliates for a well-balanced skin tone.
Dispense a few pumps into your hand. Apply to your wet face and neck. Massage and rinse with warm water. This Glytone Cleanser is formulated for acne-prone skin, keeps it smooth, and prevents blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads.
The Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is an innovative jelly cleanser that removes all traces of makeup and grime. Free of SLS, fragrance, and essential oils, Beste is totally non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and appropriate for every skin type.
My favorite named cleanser on the list, the Drunk Elephant Cleanser, has a pH of 6.1, which is what powers the stacked mild cleansing ingredients and helps keep the natural barrier of the skin balanced and healthy. It is perhaps the best cleanser for oily skin and large pores for those with a higher budget.
The Clarins Cleansing Milk is my top pick for those with oily and sensitive skin. It helps with maintaining skin moisture formulated with plant extracts leaving skin feeling smooth and soft.
I’ve been using Clarins for years now, off and on, especially during winter when my skin gets dry. I love the results and feel after applying it after my shower.
I found the scent to be strong at first, so I worried it would be too strong for sensitive skin. But I have found it to be a very non-irritating and gentle cleanser.
The Kitchen Apothecary Hydrating Facial Cleanser gently cleanses and removes makeup without stripping the skin’s natural oil.
This cleanser is formulated with deeply hydrating aloe vera, skin-firming avocado fruit extract, moisture-restoring botanical glycerol, & antioxidant-protective essential oil of sage.
It is a creamy cleanser that activates with water, lightly foaming to gently cleanse away makeup and impurities, leaving skin supple, hydrated, & refreshed.
This alcohol-free, non-oily cleansing water removes dirt, impurities, makeup, and excess oil to unclog pores. The Shiseido Refreshing Cleansing Water helps maintain the skin’s natural balance, leaving it feeling refreshed and comfortable.
The Shiseido brand has many top products, and this cleanser is no exception. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for oily and sensitive skin types.
23. La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra No-Rinse Cleansing Water
The La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra No-Rinse Cleansing Water with micellar technology removes makeup and impurities from your skin, even pollution particles. Micellar cleansing water removes 99% of long-wearing foundations.
Micellar water contains dirt-encapsulating “micelles” to naturally lift dirt, oil, makeup, and pollution upon contact with the skin, and there is no harsh rubbing necessary.
It also contains Poloxamer, which is a mild cleanser so gentle that it is used in contact lens solution. It contains La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, which is antioxidant-rich water that soothes the skin.
It also contains glycerin, which is an effective humectant for attracting moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated.
24. Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Oil Control Foam Wash
The Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Oil Control Foam Wash is specially formulated to leave oily and acne-prone skin feeling fresh and clean without irritating it – great for sensitive skin types.
It removes excess surface oil and dirt in one application, so there is no need for harsh rubbing.
This foaming cleanser contains zinc technology to help skin look and feel less greasy and shiny. It is gentle enough to use daily and with prescription acne treatments. The cleanser also helps maintain the healthy pH balance of the skin, which helps minimize and prevent breakouts.
Best Cleanser for Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, and Sensitive Skin
25. Avene Eau Thermale Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser
The Avene Eau Thermale Soapless Gel Cleanser is a soapless gel cleanser for the face and body that harnesses a combination of 3 key ingredients to efficiently fight against the symptoms of acne without drying and stripping the skin.
Rich in soothing and anti-irritating avène thermal spring water, Sebo-regulating patented monolaurin, and anti-inflammatory zinc gluconate, the deep cleansing action eliminates impurities and excess oil.
Complete with a neutral ph of 7.2, it respects the skin’s natural balance, recommended by dermatologists to be used in conjunction with acne medications and treatments, paraben-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.
26. VMV Hypoallergenics Superskin Spring Cleaning Antibacterial Scrub for Oily Skin
The VMV Hypoallergenics Superskin Scrub is a pore-friendly, thoroughly cleansing facial scrub that boasts natural pumice, coconut-derived monolaurin, zinc PCA, plus loads of antioxidants to help reduce the appearance of excessive shine without stripping skin of healthy moisture.
It dislodges deeper-seated dirt, leaving oily skin clear, fresh, and buffed to a gently ‘squeaky’ clean but soothed and well cared for.
The VH-Number functions a bit like an SPF but for skin safety or the degree of how hypoallergenic it is. ‘VH-‘ tells you that a product is Validated proven to be, via patch tests and allergen omission Hypoallergenic. The dash is a minus sign. It is great for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.
The Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser is an all-in-one foaming gel face wash that is powerful yet gentle to the skin. Like a magnet, micelles capture and lift away dirt, oil, and makeup, without harsh rubbing or over-drying.
This ultra-gentle facial cleanser is fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, and suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
In one step, it gently foams to remove makeup and impurities, leaving skin cleansed and refreshed. This foaming face wash rinses clean without harsh rubbing.
The micellar foaming cleanser is gentle enough to use on face, the lips, and eyes. It’s for anyone with oily skin, acne-prone skin, or sensitive skin – this is a great cleanser for all skin types.
28. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser gently removes impurities and makeup from combination to oily sensitive skin.
This face wash has a soothing and creamy texture and is formulated with glycerin to help moisturize and prevent over-drying to the skin. It also contains the antioxidant La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water to soothe and refresh the skin.
The Toleriane product line is formulated under a strict formulation charter with the tolerance of sensitive skin in mind.
I read a review on Amazon that said it left someone feeling irritating; however, I did not have that experience. And I have very sensitive skin. So all products can vary, depending on the person.
The No7 Beautiful Skin Foaming Cleanser is a gentle, soap-free formulation great for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. The foaming ingredients remove make-up and impurities with Witch Hazel to help tighten large pores without drying skin.
It comes out nice and foamy, feels good on my face, and rinses easily. There is no residue left behind. It is effective at clearing your face of grease and oil without burning or stripping your face of its natural oils.
10 Tips to Prevent Oily Skin
Oily skin can clog and block pores and lead to greater skin inflammation, breakouts, and other skin issues. The natural oil on your skin also has benefits, including it helps protect the skin.
Also, people with oily skin also generally have thicker skin which means they will have fewer wrinkles and signs of aging. The key is to have a balance of the right amount of oil without being too oily.
To accompany our list of the best cleanser for oily skin and large pores, these tips will help improve your skin. To help control oil and keep pores minimized, dermatologists suggest these tips:
1. Use a Gentle Face Wash
Add a delicate, foaming face wash into your daily skincare routine. It is common for people to think that they have to use a very harsh or potent face wash so as to clear the oil. But a face wash that is too unforgiving can irritate your skin and trigger expanded oil production. Rather, search for a gentle, delicate face wash.
2. Consistently Wash Your Face
Wash your face each morning, evening, and after exercise. While washing, avoid rubbing your skin – even when removing cosmetics. Scouring and harsh rubbing disturbs your skin, which can irritate it.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face
Try not to make contact with your face for the duration of the day. In spite of the fact that it’s enticing to touch your face, doing as such can spread grime, oil, and microorganisms from your hands to your face. Leave touching your face only when you use products such as face washes, cleansers, sunscreen, etc., and ensure your hands are spotless first.
4. Use Oil-free, Noncomedogenic Products
Pick effective skin care products that are marked “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic.” This implies products that have these names – including chemicals, creams, and cosmetics – won’t clog your pores or cause skin inflammation.
5. Consistently Moisturize
Apply moisturizer every day. In spite of the fact that you have oily skin, it is as yet imperative to apply the cream to keep your skin to keep it hydrated. To spare time and shield your skin from the sun’s destructive rays, search for a cream that likewise contains a wide range of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
6. Use Sunscreen
Wear sunscreen outside. Sunscreen counteracts sun harm that could prompt wrinkles, age spots, and even skin malignancy. To avoid and prevent skin breakouts, search for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and don’t utilize sunscreens that contain scent or oils.
7. Use Blotting Paper
Use blotting papers for the duration of the day. Tenderly press the paper against your face and let it sit on your face for a moment to soak up the oil. Try not to rub the paper all over, as this will spread the oil to different regions.
8. Avoid Oil or Alcohol-based Cleansers
Skip using oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers. These can disturb your skin.
9. Avoid Water-based Makeup
Choose water-based, oil-free makeup.
10. Remove Makeup Before Sleeping
Remove your makeup before going to sleep. It is not a good idea to sleep with your makeup on as this will attract and build up bacteria.
Each individual’s skin varies from the next, and there is no one way to deal with everyone.
In the event that you are worried about the oil your skin is delivering, or in case you’re battling with large pores or skin breakouts, make an arrangement to see a dermatologist for a treatment that is customized to you.
