If you’re a male with oily skin that creates that unwanted, greasy MIDDAY shine, you are not alone. Oily skin impacts over 60% of men in the U.S. While oily skin can be beneficial (slower aging, anyone!), it also means greasier complexions, clogged pores, and acne flare-ups. But the right face wash can help!
We have compiled the 10 best face washes for men with oily skin,
all containing expert-recommended ingredients such as salicylic acid, charcoal, niacinamide, and clay. Whether you are new to grooming or ready for an upgrade, we have everything you need.
Why You Need a Specialized Face Wash for Oily Skin
Oily skin is typically caused by overactive sebaceous glands producing excess sebum. Using a moisturizing cleanser or a generic cleanser may actually exacerbate oily skin.
Here are the main ingredients to search for in a great product:
Salicylic Acid – Helps remove dead skin and unclogs pores
Niacinamide – Reduces oil production and inflammation
Charcoal & Clay – Absorb oil and detoxify the skin.
Ten Cleansers for Oily Skin in 2025
1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Best for: Sensitive-oily skin
It contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid…
Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), fragrance-free…
It was created by a team of dermatologists…
2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
Best for: Oily skin prone to acne…
Gently wash with zinc pidolate…
Zinc pidolate removes excess oil but does not cause drying…
Free from soap, paraben…
3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Best for: Acne control on a very tight budget…
Contains 2% salicylic acid…
Prevents breakouts and blackheads…
Widely distributed in the USA…
4. Brickell Men’s Clarifier Gel Face Wash
Best for: Men who love natural skincare…
Contains aloe vera, geranium, and coconut-based cleansers…
Free of synthetic fragrance and parabens…
Great for daily oil control…
5. L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Hydra Energetic Cleanser
Best for: Dull, oily skin in men…
Charcoal-based… deep cleanses…
Energizing feel and scent…
Brightens complexion while detoxifying…
6. Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Face Wash
Best for: A deep pore cleanse
Contains crushed apricot seeds for exfoliating
Reduces shine noticeably and unclogs pores
Designed for men specifically
7. Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser
Best for: A 2-in-1 face wash and mask
Has clay, glycolic acid, and volcanic ash
Deep cleanses without stripping natural oils
For oily skin and combination
8. Bulldog Oil Control Face Wash
Best for: Cruelty-free, vegan, paraben free
With ingredients including witch hazel, willow bark and juniper
Removes oil and also helps soothe irritated skin
A great choice for environmentally conscious men
9. Clinique for Men Oil Control Face Wash
Best for: Shaving prep and oil control
Oil-free formula
Works as shave prep
Cleans skin well and leaves it feeling fresh
10. Rugged & Dapper Daily Power Scrub
Best for: Active lifestyles
Cleanses + exfoliates + tones
With unique natural ingredients including tea tree oil and vitamin C
Great for the guy that hits the gym and travels.
Pro Tips for Using a Face Wash for Oily Skin
Here is an approach maximizing your application of face washes for oily skin:
Step by Step Process:
Seafoam wash twice daily – Once in the morning and once at night to minimize oil production.
Use lukewarm water. Hot water dries out the skin, and cold water doesn’t cleanse it well.
Follow with a lightweight moisturizer – An oil-free, gel-based hydrator will work best.
Don’t overwash – Overwashing skin can increase oil production.
Final Thoughts
Having oily skin doesn’t mean you need shiny selfies, clogged pores, or breakouts all the time. With the right face wash, will make you feel like an oily mess one minute and have you cursing that same oil the next minute, but you can ditch once oily, greasy afternoons for clean skin that is matte all day long.
FAQs
Q1. Can oily skin be controlled with just face wash?
A: No. A great cleanser alone will help reduce excess oil, help prevent breakouts, and create a clean canvas to apply all of your other products.
Q2. Should I exfoliate with oily skin?
A: Yes, but only for a maximum of 2-3 times a week. Exfoliation can remove dead skin cells and helps unclog pores.
Q3. Can I use a charcoal cleanser every day?
A: Most charcoal cleansers are fine to use every day unless they are overly drying or abrasive. Just pay attention to how your skin feels and reacts.
Q4. Is there anything to avoid?
A: Stay away from alcohol-based cleansers and anything overly drying cleansers that can trigger rebound oil.