Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a face wash?
The short answer: Because pure H2O isn’t enough to take the day off. “Oil and water don’t mix, so rinsing with water won’t effectively remove sebum, sunscreen, or makeup,” says Dr. McDonald. She also notes that face washes are made with surfactants that attach to oil and debris, gently removing them without upsetting your skin barrier in a way that plain water can’t.
What makes a face wash better for oily skin versus dry skin?
If you have oily skin, our experts recommend using a gel or foam cleanser. Look for a clear formula, says Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Laura Lam-Phaure—this is an easy way to tell whether a face wash has enough surfactants to properly clean oily skin, she says. “I’d steer away from cream cleansers or anything with noticeable opacity,” she explains, “since that usually signals the presence of emollients or oils in the system intended to be left behind on the skin to keep it moisturized. If you are oily, this can make your skin feel more oily,” she adds.
Which ingredients should I look for and avoid in my face wash?
As you shop, here’s what to look out for on the label:
- Salicylic acid, a BHA, is “oil-soluble, so it actually gets into the pore instead of just cleaning the surface,” says Dr. Shokeen.
- Niacinamide “balances sebum and decreases inflammation,” Dr. Vergara notes.
- “Zinc helps regulate oil and calm redness,” says Dr. Shokeen.
- Benzoyl peroxide “can help decrease bacterial count on the skin as well as control oil production,” says Dr. Mian.
- “Glycerin, allantoin, and ceramides hydrate, soothe, and reinforce the skin barrier, helping prevent over-drying that can trigger excess oil production,” explains Dr. McDonald.
Avoid occlusive ingredients—these can trap oil, Dr. Vergara adds.
How often should people with oily skin wash their face?
The experts we spoke with agreed that twice a day—morning and evening—is ideal. “Sebum production is continuous, and excess oil can trap debris, bacteria, and dead skin cells, contributing to breakouts,” Dr. McDonald says. “Cleansing in the morning removes overnight oil buildup, while nighttime cleansing clears sunscreen, makeup, and environmental pollutants.” Dr. Shokeen notes that if you’re starting a retinoid that’s causing side effects like peeling, then it’s okay to skip your morning cleanse and just use water instead.
Dr. Mian adds that people with acne-prone skin may want to cleanse again after a sweaty workout. Just be sure to watch how your skin responds—over-cleansing can damage your skin barrier and actually make oiliness worse, Dr. Shokeen says.
Meet the experts
- Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute, based in California
- Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Central Texas Dermatology, based in Austin
- Mariana Vergara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Beauty Villa Vergara, based in Los Angeles
- Kiran Mian, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery, based in New York City
- Laura Lam-Phaure, a cosmetic chemist based in Los Angeles
- Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Mountain View, Washington
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best face washes for oily skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
