If you have oily or acne‑prone skin, a dermatologist would likely suggest a face wash. Look for gel or foaming cleansers with salicylic acid or oil‑balancing actives that stay gentle and barrier‑safe. I’ve compiled the 5 best face washes for oily skin, highly recommended by dermatologists, in this blog to make it easy for you. These are 5 of the strongest picks you can buy in India, starting with the most versatile face wash for Oily skin.

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Why Choosing the Right Face Wash for Oily Skin Matters

Oily and acne-prone skin doesn’t suffer because it isn’t cleaned enough — it suffers because it’s often over-cleansed.

In Indian weather conditions, excess heat, humidity, sweat, and pollution can:

  • Increase sebum production
  • Clog pores
  • Disrupt the skin barrier

A well-formulated cleanser should remove excess oil and impurities without triggering irritation or rebound oiliness.

1) Becalm Face Wash for Oily Skin

Best overall pick for oily skin, sensitive, combination or acne‑prone skin.

Why is Becalm face wash highly recommended by dermatologists for oily skin?

  • Daily use-safe: Becalm face wash is daily-use safe (Salicylic Acid – 0.5%) &  it works on all major oily skin concerns like Oil, acne, pores, and dullness, without drying the skin or leaving residue. The airy gel texture foams well yet feels lightweight and comfortable in tropical humidity.
  • Deep cleanses without disrupting the skin barrier & microbiome: This cleanser combines salicylic acid, Zinc PCA, Quaternium-73, and a prebiotic (Alpha Glucan Oligosaccharide) in a microbiome-friendly, soap-free formula. It cleanses deeply without stripping, supports the skin barrier, and leaves no residue. 

Skin Types – Oily, Sensitive, Combination & Normal Skin

Best use: daily morning and/or evening cleanse in hot, humid weather—especially if you’re acne‑prone, oily, or have sensitivity. This can be used as part of the double cleansing method.

Ingredients List

Aqua, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alpha Glucan Oligosaccharide, Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Liquorice) Root Extract, Centella Asiatica (Gotukola) Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Xanthan Gum, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Quaternium-73, Butylene Glycol

2) La Roche‑Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel

Why is it recommended by dermatologists for oily skin?

The face wash consists of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, available in France. It helps with the shiny-face concern common among oily-skinned beauties. However, the import availability may be inconsistent; stock or pricing can vary by seller or region. Also, it comes in two variants – 200ml and 400ml and is pricier than the other options.

Skin Types – Oily and Acne-prone

Best use: Anytime – day or night.

Ingredients List: Water, Sodium laureth sulfate, Peg-8, Coco-betaine, Hexylene glycol, Sodium chloride, Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, Zinc pca, Sodium hydroxide, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Parfum/fragrance.


3) Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam for Acne prone Skin

Why does it work for oily skin?

This unscented German-based formulation is for acne-prone skin. The Panthenol-based face wash works as a hydrating cleanser; just avoid the eye area when applying the foam. It is a hydrating and oil-free cleanser.

Skin Types – For sensitive and impure acne-prone skin.

Best use: Anytime – day or night.

Ingredients List: Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betainamide MEA Chloride, Cocotrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lactate, Panthenol, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol.

4) Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

Why is it suitable for Oily skin?

  • Reduces all facial oiliness. Uses niacinamide + glycerin + panthenol blend to preserve barrier. Although it doesn’t have acne or oil-controlling actives.

Skin Types – For combination to oily, and sensitive skin.

Best use: night, double cleanse if using during the day

Ingredients List: Purified Water, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate & PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates/Steareth – 20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Glycerol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Dexpanthenol, Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA

5) Saslic DS Foaming face wash

 Why is it suitable for Oily skin?

  • Has 2% salicylic acid. In case one is looking for a higher salicylic acid % face wash. This is a good option. Use with caution if the skin is sensitive.

Skin Types – .Oily & acne prone skin

Best use: Night or day – Use only once a day

Ingredients List

  • Key Ingredient: Salicylic Acid
  • Ingredients: Mackam HPC-32 (Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Hexylene Glycol, Genagen CAB 818 (Cocoamidopropyl betaine), DC 193 C (PEG-12 Dimethicone), Glycerin, Promidium 2 (PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco isostearamide), Glucamate DOE 120 (PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate), Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Methyl paraben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Perfume, Sodium Hydroxide, Purified Water.

Disclaimer: The above product from Becalm was received as part of the collaboration. The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of Varsha.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a small amount for every purchase made using the above links.

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