When it comes to finding a face wash for oily skin in India, options can be countless, with each one boasting of its own miraculous benefits to combat the sticky sebum and prevent pimples. But, only a few deliver what they promise. From what we know from expert suggestions, picking a face wash that dissolves sebum without overdrying the skin is important. You might feel tempted to eradicate all the oil, but it only makes the situation worse. The body starts producing more sebum to combat the dryness. The trick is to find a face wash that gives you a supple and clean feeling, not dry and tight. We’ve done the work for you in this case. Find below the 10 best face wash for oily skin in India with reviews and prices included.
Price Comparison Table:
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Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash (~ Rs.170/- for 200 ml) (Buy here)
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Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash (~ Rs.286/- for 75 ml) (Buy here)
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Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (~ Rs.470/- for 250 ml) (Buy here)
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SebaMed Clear Face Cleansing Foam (~ Rs.494/- for 150 ml) (Buy here)
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The Face Shop Rice Water Cleansing Foam (~ Rs.550/- for 150 ml) (Buy here)
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Laneige Moist Cream Cleanser (~ Rs.1450/- for 150 ml) (Buy here)
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Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant (~ Rs.840/- for 100 ml) (Buy here)
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Avene Mousse Nettoyant Face Wash (~ Rs.1350/- for 150 ml) (Buy here)
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Vichy Ideal White Deep Cleansing Foam (~ Rs.3850/- for 100 ml) (Buy here)
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel (~ Rs.1490/- for 50 ml) (Buy here)
Also See: 15 Best Face Washes In India For Gentle, Deep Cleansing
#1 Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash
A trusted, budget-buy face wash for oily skin in India that comes with the goodness of Ayurvedic ingredients neem & turmeric to combat the sticky sebum and give you hydrated, supple skin. The herbal formulation doesn’t overdry the skin, removes impurities, and leaves you with a clean face to layer the skincare products.
Physical Attributes & Quantitative Measurements
The Himalaya Neem Face wash comes in 5 sizes – 50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml, 200 ml, 300 ml, and 400 ml. Depending on which size you pick, the packaging can vary from tube to pump. All the package sizes are easily portable and close tight to prevent any leakage. This prevents any wastage of product during travel, or otherwise. Coming to the product inside, it’s of a gel-like consistency that doesn’t foam much and has a refreshing fragrance.
Benefits & How It Compares To Others
The key benefit is definitely the price tag. There’s no face wash that compares to the cost of this face wash for oily skin in India. You also need just a tiny amount to wash your entire face, so it will definitely last longer.
This face wash needs just a pea-sized amount to clear off any impurities. It does remove light makeup, but if you have any heavy makeup on, follow up after a makeup remover. The product doesn’t dry the skin and even provides a dewy, hydrated finish. The face wash is suitable for all skin types but works amazingly well for those prone to pimples and oily/ combination skin. Further, this isn’t just one of the best face washes for oily skin in India for females, but also is one of the best face washes for oily skin in India for males. So, you & your partner can both benefit from the formulation.
There are no parabens or SLS in these products. Parabens are potential carcinogens as they mimic estrogen in the body and might facilitate the growth of tumor cells. SLS, on the other hand, is an irritant and can irritate your skin, eyes, mouth, and lungs.
Cons: Contains controversial coloring agents tartrazine and brilliant blue. Studies have shown that artificial colors in skincare can be irritating to the skin. It’s not the neem that accounts for the leafy green color, but the combination of these two agents. Neem & Haldi makes up for just 5.5% of the formulation. This amount isn’t considered enough to prevent and heal pimples, while the product claims to be effective for these problems.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Get on Amazon here.
#2 Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash
The Plum Green Tea range is specifically designed to combat pimples and oily skin. One of their best-selling products in the range is Green Tea Pore Cleansing face wash. A 100% vegan and paraben-free product, this face wash for oily skin and acne in India is one-of-a-kind to prevent acne and control sebum production in your facial area.
Physical Attributes & Quantitative Measurements
The Plum Green Tea face wash is available in two sizes – 75 ml and 120 ml. It comes in opaque packaging and a tube form with a flip-flap cap. So, you can’t see how much product is left inside. The product has a crystal clear color with dark green beads to exfoliate the face. All the ingredients and product details are mentioned on the outer cardboard package and some details are mentioned on the tube as well.
Benefits & How It Compares To Others
The Plum Green Tea face wash glycolic acid, which is heaven-sent for females/ males with oily skin. The acid in cleansers gently sloughs away the dead cells and oil from the face without any harsh effects. Additionally, it has hydrating and lightning effects that moisturize the skin and help fade away acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
It also contains green tea extracts. This natural ingredient works miraculously in a face wash for oily skin and pimples. How? Green tea contains EGCG and polyphenols that have been proven to fight acne-causing bacteria and regulate sebum production. The same star compounds are research-backed in their ability to increase moisture retention in the skin and delay the signs of aging.
Besides green tea and glycolic acid, the face wash contains cellulose beads which further ups the exfoliating action and leaves you with a squeaky, clean face.
Another amazing part of the face wash is its recyclable packaging. It’s high time we start thinking about environment-friendly elements in our purchases, and starting with as little as a purchase as a face wash can greatly help.
Cons: Contains SLS and phenoxyethanol. The latter is considered safe to use when concentration is less than 1%, but for those with sensitive skin, even this concentration can be irritating. Second, the face wash contains artificial colors and fragrances which can also be irritating to a few individuals looking for a face wash for oily skin and pimples.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Get on Amazon here.
#3 Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
The golden-Derm-favorite recommendation all over the world is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Oftentimes recommended to patients who are suffering from acne-related conditions like rosacea and eczema, this super 8-ingredient formula stands the test of time and remains one of the best face wash for acne, oily skin, and blackheads in India, and the world.
Physical Attributes & Quantitative Measurements
The cleanser comes in a 250 ml bottle with a blue cap, branding labels, and an opaque white bottle. There’s a flip-flap cap on the top that closes tightly. Because of the sturdy design, it’s easy to place the bottle on your skincare cabinet line or to carry it anywhere. The product has a milky white consistency and lathers well on the face. According to the usage guidelines, you can use the product without water. Just massage it well on the skin and remove it with a damp tissue or towel. The water one is, of course, easier.
Benefits & How It Compares To Others
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a gentle facial wash to clean the gentle face skin and make it free of dirt and grime. Because of the presence of propylene glycol, the cleanser doesn’t dry out your skin and leaves it moisturized. When you use it, the cleanser feels very lotion-y on the skin and removes easily without leaving any residue.
Since it’s a non-comedogenic product, people with oily and acne-prone skin will especially benefit from this product. Although, it goes for any skin type you have. It doesn’t feel harsh on the skin at all and you’d love the non-irritating, non-tight skin feels after using this face wash.
Here’s what the reviews say: “I have very sensitive/ oily skin and cystic acne. This is the only face wash in the market that tames my pimples and gets rid of excess moisture. I have been using this for years, and this is the best drugstore product in the market. Without a doubt, the best face wash for oily skin and acne in India,” writes one reviewer.
“I am using this product as a dermatologist recommendation. Being a man, it’s hard to find good face wash in the market. This one does the job well. I’m prone to breakouts and this one impressively controls them and makes sure my skin remains clear. If you’re on the lookout for a face wash for oily skin in India for males, go ahead with this one.”
Cons: Contains both SLS & parabens
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Get on Amazon here.
#4 SebaMed Clear Face Wash For Oily Skin
For people suffering from acne as a direct result of their oily skin, SebaMed Cleansing Foam is a God-sent. It’s such a basic, effective, oil-free formulation to clean your face without overdrying it. The global stance of the product is enough to make you believe in its effectiveness and chemically proven formulation.
Physical Attributes & Quantitative Measurements
The SebaMed Clear Face Cleansing Foam comes in a matte packaged bottle with a pump dispenser. There’s actually a plastic cap that covers the pump. This is a smart packaging element to make sure the pump doesn’t dispense any product during traveling. The pump foams the product as it comes out. You’d need 3-4 pumps of the product to cover your entire face. Initially, it’s recommended to rinse the product off immediately, but depending on how drying it is on your skin, you can leave the product for up to 3 minutes.
Benefits & How It Compares To Others
SebaMed cleanser is formulated keeping sensitive skin in mind. The formula has a pH of 5.5. Most of the cleaners available in the market are quite alkaline and strip the skin of natural moisture. The balanced pH also ensures any excess sebum is removed from the face. In addition, the cleanser contains panthenol, a moisturizing ingredient, and a humectant. Humectants are known to attract and hold water in the skin. Other examples of humectants are glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
This face wash for oily skin in India also contains the patented ingredient Montaline C40 – a powerful antibacterial foaming agent that kills acne-causing bacteria and prevents the formation of pimples and blackheads. Since it’s a coconut-derived ingredient, the facial cleanser also smells of coconut and leaves this beautiful fragrance on your face.
The product lasts for about 3 months even when you use it twice a day.
Here’s what one of the reviews say:
“This is the best for cystic acne. I have always had clear skin, but suddenly in lockdown, and due to some hormonal changes, I got these bumps on my face. Nothing worked on it, so I tried using this cleansing foam randomly. It has a visible effect within a week. The painful bumps are gone and the marks are fading pretty quickly. My skin is now acne-free and I am also using their Face Care Gel now.”
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Get on Amazon here.
#5 The Face Shop Rice Water Cleansing Foam
The Face Shop products have created a buzz among Indian women since it has been launched. They were the first set of Korean products to be launched and due to their effective formulations and much sought-after Korean technology, the brand is now among the most well-known ones in our country. One of their popular lines of products contains rice water – one of the widely used skin care ingredients in Korea. And their cleansing foam is one of the best face wash for oily skin for males and females.
Physical Attributes & Quantitative Measurements
The Face Shop cleansing foam comes in tube form with a flip-flap cap type. It nicely packs on so the product doesn’t leak at any time. It’s an opaque tube so you don’t know exactly how much product is left inside. The cleanser comes in just one size bottle – that’s 150 ml for the price of around Rs.650/-. Since it’s a Korean product, the details are mentioned in English and Korean.
Benefits & How It Compares To Others
The cleanser contains many natural ingredients in the formulation. One of them is soapwort, a plant that’s known to have effective cleansing properties owing to the saponin content. It’s rich in flavonoids, and is naturally soothing, making it a common ingredient in products that treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It also has moringa oil, a natural anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing agent.
The moisturizing foaming cleanser contains the Korean beauty secret ingredient rice bran. The naturally occurring agent sloughs away dead cells, limits inflammation, and controls oil production on the skin. With over 100 antioxidants, rice extracts are also an amazing anti-aging and hydrating agent.
Due to the high-quality ingredients and careful formulation, the foaming cleanser effectively removes dirt, grime, and pollutants from the facial skin. The after-effect is a clean yet moisturized face. It’s recommended to use this cleanser as a part of the double-cleansing routine (a common step in 10-step Korean skincare). The company has also come out with Rice Water Cleansing Oil to include in your skincare routine.
Even with regular usage, the tube will last you for around 5-6 months easily. For the price and the quantity, we think it’s an amazing investment to make.
Cons: Does contain artificial colors and fragrances, which can be irritating to someone with very sensitive skin. It can be drying for those with dry and combination skin.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Get on Amazon here.
#6 Laneige Moist Cream Face Wash For Oily Skin
A high-end K-beauty brand that has some high-performance products that deliver the results just like they claim. Their parent company, Amore Pacific, houses many popular brands like Innisfree, Etude, and Mamonde. Laneige’s tagline is “feel the glow” and aren’t all their products fitting well into this slogan. All of Laneige’s skincare fit into their functional solutions of brightening, anti-aging, and intensely hydrating. Here, we will discuss their popular Moist Cream Cleanser and delve deeper into why it makes for an ideal solution for those with oily skin types.
Physical Attributes & Quantitative Measurements
First things first, Laneige cleanser looks downright aesthetic and pretty. The pastel pink color with minimal writing makes for a distinctive, classy tube-style packaging. All of the information regarding the product is mentioned on the outer box. It’s priced at around Rs.1450/- for 150 ml, which is definitely expensive, but the mind-blowing results make the cost worth it. The consistency of the product isn’t quite like others. It’s a bit thick, but foams easily with water and goes on easily on your facial skin. You’d need just a pea-sized amount for the entire face, so the cleanser will last you for 5-6 months easily, even if you use it twice daily.
Benefits & How It Compares To Others
The most striking attribute of this moist cream cleanser is that it’s made with 14.9% highly moisturizing plant-derived oil which hydrates the skin as it cleans. This single element makes it the most moisturizing facial cleanser on this list. After using the product, you won’t feel any skin-tightening, instead, you’d be left with highly moisturized, supple skin ready to soak in the ingredients of the rest of your skincare.
The product is fully dermatologically tested and each ingredient included is safe to use for sensitive skin. The exfoliating and cleansing ingredients gently unclog the pores and leave you with fresh skin. Another great advantage is you only need a small amount to lather all over your face. Safe to say, for those with oily skin, it can work to reduce the excess sebum without dehydrating and hence, causing the facial glands to produce more sebum.
“I love Laneige and all their products. This cleanser is creamy and has little scrubbing granules to make your face feel cleansed and fresh. It is not too drying and works great for my combination skin. This is also one of the best face wash for blackheads in India. I’ve been using it daily for 4 months and still, around 30% tube is left,” says one of the reviews.
“I seriously love this cleanser so much. It’s my ride or die. I use it every day, every season, morning and night. It has changed the texture and appearance of my skin for the better. I adore that it removes makeup and I can’t speak highly of it enough. If they ever discontinue, I don’t know what I am going to do. It’s PERFECT,” writes another user.
Cons: The only con is the price.
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Get on Amazon here.
#7 Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant
A world-renowned company headquartered in France, Bioderma products are formulated using eco biology principles. What that means is basically helping the skin adapt to the ecosystem of the environment by using some external help to recover its natural function. Founded by a pharmacist and biologist, all the company’s products are curated in their specialized labs in France and distributed all around the world. One of their most popular products is the Sebium Gel Moussant. The gentle cleanser reduces sebum production and restores the skin’s oil-producing balance effectively.
Physical Attributes & Quantitative Measurements
The Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant comes in two sizes – 100 ml and 200 ml. It comes in a tube form and the product has transparent packaging so you can see how much product has been used. All the product information has been mentioned on the tube. It has a thin gel-like consistency and even though it doesn’t foam much, the gel spreads quite easily on the face. Use it only as a cleanser, and remove the makeup separately. The product has a strong smell though, unlike other Bioderma products.
Benefits & How It Compares To Others
The Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant contains zinc sulfate and copper sulfate, which cleans the epidermis, limits sebum production, and unclogs the pores without irritating the skin. The cleanser also has a physiological pH that respects the skin’s hydrolipidic film and protects its natural barrier.
Besides the quality ingredients, the gel cleanser has a patented formulation called Fluidactiv, which acts on one of the main causes of acne, the thickening of the sebum. The complex prevents the extra deposition of sebum and regulates the quality to prevent any further blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes. The dermatological advanced formulation reduces any skin inflammation, prevents acne, and reduces any skin scarring due to pimples or pigmentation. Here’s what one reviewer wrote –
“This is the best face wash for oily skin in India. Here’s why. Having oily skin is no joke, it causes makeup to rub off and it’s a pain in the humidity of Mumbai. I have been using Aveeno for a long time, and it worked amazing for me. Before that, I tried a lot of face washes and they all left me with dry patches. It’s been hard to find a product that doesn’t make me oily throughout the day, but also doesn’t dry out my skin. I stumbled on Bioderma, and I am sooooo glad I did! I am in awe of how well this works! It’s not harsh and leaves my skin sooooo soft! I have now started using their moisturizer and I really have high hopes that this company’s product will work.”
Cons: None!
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Get on Amazon here.
#8 Avene Mousse Nettoyante Face Wash For Oily Skin
Besides Bioderma, Avene is yet another French skincare brand, popular for their carefully-tested formulations built-in in their laboratories located in France. If it’s one thing that can satisfy your purchase from these brands is that the French take their beauty seriously. No wonder they have a reputation of being effortlessly chic and possessing naturally glowing skin. Avene is immensely popular in France, and now has a very strong holding in the world, all thanks to their highly effective products.
Physical Attributes & Quantitative Measurements
The Avene Mousse Nettoyante Cleansing Foam comes in a white opaque pump dispenser with a cap. All the product details are mentioned on the package including ingredients, manufactured date, usage, and expiry duration. It has a very sturdy packaging that makes it safer for travel. The pump gives you a foam product and you’d need around 3 to 4 pumps to properly cleanse the face. It’s priced at Rs.1356/- for 150 ml, making it a high-end face wash for oily skin in India.
Benefits & How It Compares To Others
This gentle cleansing foam contains glutamic acid, an amino acid that inhibits the enzyme which stimulates sebum production. With regular use, not only does this face wash help reduce oil on the face hours after usage, but also balances the oil production on your face permanently. Next, the product contains lactic acid, a well-known chemical exfoliator that removes dead skin cells.
The cleanser also contains the popular Avene Thermal spring water. Known for its healing properties, spring water is recommended to treat and soothe acne-related conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. After cleansing, your skin will feel moisturized, squeaky clean, and have a matte glow.
“I have been using this face wash for oily skin for two years now. It has the best ingredients and no harmful substances. I use it for 3 minutes and massage in a circular motion and all my whiteheads, blackheads, and dead, dull skin is gone. Although price is on the higher side, it does last for 3 to 4 months if you use it twice a day.”
Cons: Doesn’t remove the makeup, as advertised.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Get on Amazon here.
#9 Vichy Ideal White Brightening Deep Cleansing Foam
Vichy is another French skincare brand, now acquired by L’oreal, that’s created by a doctor and has active dermatological testing of products and ingredients to ensure the quality of their skincare line remains intact. Their secret ingredient is the volcanic mineralising water, found and preserved in the Vichy region of France. The water has been scientifically proven to restore the skin’s natural barrier. Coming to their range of cleansers, one of the best face wash for oily skin is the one they offer. The Vichy White Deep Cleansing Foam has actives that cleanse the skin of excess sebum and patented technology that whitens the skin and reduces any pigmentation or discoloration from the skin. Read on to know more.
Physical Attributes & Quantitative Measurements
The Vichy Ideal Deep Cleansing Foam comes in an opaque tube form with all the information – from ingredients, specifications, to product usage and manufactured/ expiry dates – mentioned on the package. A 100 ml tube costs Rs.3850/- and will last for about 5 months when used twice daily. The product inside has white lotion-like consistency and doesn’t foam as much as advertised. But a small quantity spreads around the face and cleans well. The smell is not overpowering and is a floral rose-like fragrance that lingers on after wash.
Benefits & How It Compares To Others
The Vichy Deep White Brightening Cleansing foam is dermatologically tested on Asian skin to deliver the results they strive for – flawless, luminous, and radiant skin. For those with oily skin, this product contains a number of acid-based compounds and foaming agents that work together to control sebum production without dehydrating the skin.
Further, the cleanser uses a patented DRM-White technology to clear the face of pigmentation and reduce melanin formation. Its combination of ellagic acid, LH, and PHE-resorcinol works together to restrict, dilute, and expel melanin. The result is glowing, blemish-free, and oil-free skin. If you’re looking for a face fash for oily skin and acne scars, there’s no better one than Vichy’s Ideal White Brightening Deep Cleansing Foam.
Cons: Quite expensive.
Overall Rating: 10/10
Get on Amazon here.
#10 La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel
If there are two countries you can trust to curate an effective, research-backed skincare line, it’s France and Korea. La Roche-Posay laboratory was created in the former in 1975 and later acquired by Loreal in 1989. However, the history goes back to the 14th century when the thermal spring of the water of the region La Roche-Posay was proven to have miraculous skin-healing properties and was then recognized by the French Academy of Medicine to have a unique effect on skin reparation. Sometime later, the skincare brand was set up and their revolutionary skincare line created a buzz in the entire world. One of their achievements includes creating a one-of-a-kind sunscreen formula that blocks both short and long UV rays. Their foaming gel, created especially for oily skin, is known to reduce oil production and tighten pores with consistent use. Read on for a full review.
Physical Attributes & Quantitative Measurements
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel comes in transparent tube packaging. There are 50 ml of product for a price of Rs.1450/-. Even though the tube is blue, the product inside is clear and has a mild fragrance (not added, natural). You need just a tiny bit to spread all over your damp face and a 50 ml tube can last for about 2-3 months when used twice daily. You can also purchase a 400 ml bottle for Rs.3050/-.
Benefits & How It Compares To Others
The La Roche-Posay is a dermatologist-created and tested formula that’s non-comedogenic and effectively pore cleansing. The cleansing and foaming agents in the cleanser effectively clear your skin of impurities and excess oil. With a careful pH of 5.5, it doesn’t irritate the skin or overdry it.
Its hydration and soothing properties can be credited to two main active ingredients. One is Thermal spring water, selenium-rich thermal spring water that repairs skin and relieves irritation. Second is zinc PCA, an anti-acne (kills acne-causing bacteria and normalizes sebum production), anti-aging (suppresses collagen destruction and stimulated type 1 collagen production), and moisturizing agent. In addition, it also contains citric acid, an exfoliating and collagen-stimulating ingredient. Owing to all these quality ingredients, this cleanser can help those with oily/ sensitive skin clarify their facial skin whilst hydrating, brightening, and regulating sebum production. Here’s what the reviews say:
“I had extreme oil secretion in my T-zone and experiencing lots of pimples there. I stopped using all the products and only tried the La Roche-Posay Effaclar range. Within a month, my oil secretions have reduced and the pimples have almost healed. I LOVE this range so much, and even though it’s pricey, it’s worth the investment,” says one of the reviewers.
“This face wash is just too good. It’s effective for oily skin and doesn’t irritate the skin. The moment you take it in your hand and lather you will feel the difference between high-quality and low-quality products. I will keep buying it as long as it’s within my budget. The price is the only issue,” says another reviewer.
Overall Rating: 10/10
Buy here – 50 ml/ 400 ml
What is the number one face wash for oily skin?
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel is our favorite from the top 10 and the number one face wash for oily skin in India. The next budget option can be Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant. Both of them have been curated by scientists and each & every ingredient is tested to match the needs of those with oily skin. With consistent use, they will reduce the oil production on the skin, unclog the pores, and reduce blemishes.
