Top 13 Gel-Based Cleansers For Oily Skin You Must Try In 2023
These cleansers for oily skin fight excess sebum production to reveal healthy skin.
Expertise: Cosmetic Dermatology
Experience: 10 years
Dr. M. Khawar Nazir has 10 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and is the CEO of Boston Aesthetics Lahore, Pakistan. He earned his MBBS degree from Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan, and did his post graduation from Boston U... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skincare coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you have oily skin, you must be aware that this particular skin type requires constant attention to keep your skin clean, fresh, and hydrated. Hence, you need to use the best gel cleansers for oily skin. Oily skin is sensitive and prone to breakouts and pimples. Therefore using an excellent cleanser should be the first thing you do in the morning.
Keep reading to check out the best gel-based cleansers for oily skin. Studies show that a gentle gel-based cleanser will control excess sebum production and keep your oily skin in control while also offering deep pore cleansing (1).
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Best Acne-Resistant Neutrogena Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser Neutrogena $9.11 ON AMAZON Read More › $9.11 ON AMAZON - 4
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Here, we have listed the 13 best gel facial cleansers specifically meant for oily skin. Check them out!
In This Article
13 Best Gel-Based Cleansers For Oily Skin
Best Anti-Aging: InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser
The InstaNatural Cleanser is enriched with potent antioxidants like vitamin C and natural organic extracts like aloe vera that rejuvenate the skin. Vitamin C penetrates skin and helps unclog the pores. It cleanses skin deeply and prevents blemishes and breakouts. The combination of soothing oils balances excess sebum formation and boosts hydration, leaving one feeling refreshed. The extracts along with green tea restore skin radiance and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines. If you are still unsure about the InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser , this review video might help you to make a decision.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, aloe vera, green tea extract
Pros - Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- No synthetic dyes
- No added preservatives
- DEA/MEA/TEA-free
- Natural organic ingredients
- Maintains electrolyte balance
- Anti-aging
- Can be used both day and night
- Non-comedogenic
- Provides gentle exfoliation
Cons
- May cause a burning sensation
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Pro TipLa Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser is formulated with zinc pidolate (Zinc PCA), one of the active ingredients that purify the skin and remove excess oil. Zinc PCA, when applied topically, acts as an astringent and reduces acne breakouts and blemishes. It also controls excess sebum formation. It exhibits antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that halt the production of acne-producing bacteria, and reduce redness and inflammation. This refreshing foaming gel is safe and gentle to use both day and night. Check out this video about the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser to know more about the benefits of the product.
Key Ingredients: Zinc PCA
Pros - Paraben-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Tested on acne-prone oily skin
- No alcohol
- Gentle cleanser
- Safe for using both day and night
- Reduces acne-causing bacteria
- Non-drying
- Soap-free
Cons
- Contains fragrances
- May not suit sensitive skin
Best Acne-Resistant: Neutrogena Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser
Image: Neutrogena The Neutrogena Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser is one of the best acne-fighting formulae that clear breakouts and blur blemishes. This cleanser is infused with maximum strength salicylic acid, which is an effective beta-hydroxy acid that unglues the bonds holding dull, dead skin on the surface. Once these bonds are separated, the cleanser gently exfoliates and buffs away dead skin for smoother, younger-looking skin. Watch this video to find out the unfiltered review of the Neutrogena Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser.
Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic acid
Pros - Dermatologist-tested
- Buffs away dead skin
- Clinically-proven formula
- Fights breakouts
- Safe for regular use
Cons
- Unpleasant chemical smell
- Not suitable for hormonal acne
Pro TipBest For Morning Routine: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
COSRX Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a low pH formula (5.0-6.0) that protects the skin from external influences from a virus, bacterium, or pollutant. It helps retain skin moisture content. It is also infused with tea-tree oil and natural BHA that reduces the size of the pores and offers a deep cleansing effect that refines skin texture. It provides gentle exfoliation and sloughs off dead skin cells for a more defined and refreshing look. The skin-purifying ingredients with mild acidic cleansing properties leave the skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, natural BHA
Pros - Low pH formula
- Suitable for day and night use
- Gentle on skin
- Soothes irritated skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Free from SLS
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
Simplified Skin Vitamin C Cleanser
The Simplified Skin Vitamin C Cleanser is an organic natural gel cleanser infused with a unique blend of natural ingredients like vitamin C, aloe vera, cucumber extract, and avocado oil that deeply nourish and protect the skin. The potent antioxidant vitamin C helps boost collagen, and prevents breakouts, blemishes, and redness. It offers a refreshed and rejuvenating look. It also protects the skin from free radical damage. The cucumber extract and aloe vera soothe the skin. The cleanser also contains vitamin B complex that helps blur the signs of aging, and improves uneven skin tone and texture in both men and women.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, aloe vera, cucumber extract, vitamin B complex
Pros - Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for gentle cleansing
- Blurs signs of aging
- Boosts collagen formation
- Protects skin from free radical damage
- Non-toxic organic ingredients
Cons
- May dry the face
Pro TipBest Non-Drying:CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is the ideal gel cleanser for oily skin as it removes excess oil and impurities without drying out the skin. It contains ingredients that assist in strengthening the skin’s barrier, retaining hydration, and soothing irritated skin. Dermatologists developed this formula to thoroughly cleanse, freshen, and revitalize the face without disturbing the skin’s natural oils and pH balance. The formula’s three key ingredients—hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide work together to calm aggravated skin and revitalize skin.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
Pros - pH balanced
- Dermatologist-developed
- Controls excess oil
- Calms irritated skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-drying
- Non-irritating
Cons
None
The Body Shop TeaTree Skin Clearing Cleanser
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Cleanser is a daily foaming gel formulated to be gentle on blemished skin. It is infused with potent teatree oil that soothes dry skin by reducing itching and irritation. The anti-inflammatory properties of the cleanser heal skin redness and leave your skin feeling fresh. Regular cleansing with this foaming gel helps provide protection against bacterial infection and acne breakouts.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil
Pros - Reduces acne, blemishes, dark spots
- Anti-inflammatory
- Removes dirt, impurities
- 100% vegan
- Gluten-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Hand-harvested pure essential oil
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Pro TipBest For Sensitive Skin: SeboCalm Facial Cleansing Soap
The SeboCalm Facial Cleansing Soap is a lightweight, gentle, oil-free formula that soothes inflamed skin, reduces redness, and helps relieve symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is made with skin-friendly cornmeal and coconut oil for effective and gentle cleansing. Seaweed minerals condition the skin and maintain its elasticity, whereas chamomile extract soothes skin. The oil-free gel cleanser removes dirt, absorbs excess oil, and blurs blemishes. It leaves the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
Key Ingredients: Cornmeal, coconut oil
Pros - Paraben-free
- Sensitivity-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Soothes skin irritation
- Lightweight
- Improves moisture absorption
- Suitable for both men and women
Cons
None
Best Detoxifying Formula: Odacité Black Mint face Cleanser
The Odacité Black Mint Face Cleanser is a gentle formula that detoxifies the skin, unclogs pores, and absorbs excess oil. The ultra-fresh minty gel provides invigorated complexion with a refreshing feeling. It also contains activated charcoal and Rhassoul clay – a powerful duo that helps trap excess oil and grime for cleaner-looking skin. Rhassoul clay is rich in magnesium, silica, potassium, and calcium that help support natural skin beauty. The combined astringent properties of peppermint oil and tea tree oil minimize the appearance of pores. They also add a rejuvenating boost to your face.
Key Ingredients: Black mint, activated charcoal, Rhassoul clay
Pros - Natural ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Gentle on face
- Fresh, pure, organic
- Reduces pore size
- Ultra-fresh
- Dermatologically-tested
Cons
None
Best Skin Brightening Formula: Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel
Transform your dull and uneven complexion into an even-toned and radiant one with the Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel. This gel-based foaming cleanser removes excess oil, impurities, and makeup without over drying your skin. It is suitable for normal to oily skin and thoroughly cleans the clogged pores for a fresh and clean appearance. The oat amino acids perform as water binding agents while aloe vera soothes skin irritation and inflammation. Moreover, the foaming gel helps to minimize the appearance of signs of aging.
Key Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice and Oat amino acids
Pros - Smooth texture
- Everyday use
- Improves skin texture
- Anti-aging benefits
- Value for money
Cons
- Contains paraben
Best Protein-Infused: Florencia Botanical Peptide Oxygen Cleanser
The Florencia Botanical Peptide Oxygen Cleanser is infused with high-performance ingredients like peptides, glycoproteins, panthenol, and other botanical extracts that gently cleanse the skin, tighten the pores, remove impurities, and heal acne breakouts. The infused peptides with short-chain amino acids boost collagen and elastin and tighten the skin.
The cleanser is also formulated with natural botanical extracts like aloe vera juice, algae extract, rosehip extract, ginseng root extract, and green tea leaf extract that deeply cleanse the skin, and reduce inflammation and redness. The ginseng root extract is effective in balancing oil secretion. This oil-free oxygenating cleanser with aloe vera juice provides a booster shot of vitamins and minerals to the skin.
Key Ingredients: Peptides
Pros - Natural ingredients
- Infused with humectants
- Restores hydration
- Tightens pores
- Improves elasticity
- Improves skin cellular respiration
- Protects from free radical damage
- Reduces inflammation
- Buffs away dead cells
- Removes impurities
Cons
None
Lauda Botanicals Oily Skin Control Gel Cleanser
The Lauda Botanicals Oily Skin Control Gel Cleanseris infused with organic botanical extracts like aloe vera, witch hazel, nettle leaf extract, oats protein, lavender, cinnamon extract, cucumber, and vitamin C that offer all-round skin protection. Vitamin C and oatamino acid boost collagen synthesis to give you firmer, plumper skin. They also smoothen fine lines and wrinkles, and blur the signs of aging. These natural ingredients also enhance skin cell metabolism.
Aloe vera, cucumber, and witch hazel extract remove dead skin cells. The combination of natural botanical extracts reduces pore size, reduces excess sebum formation, and lightens dark spots and blemishes. The pH-balanced formula is suitable for both men and women.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, oat amino acid, vitamin C, cucumber extract
Pros - Paraben-free
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- No toxic chemicals
- Eco-friendly
- Fresh, natural fragrances
- Minimizes pores
- Anti-aging properties
- Safe and gentle for daily use
- Soothes skin irritation and redness
- pH-balanced formula
Cons
None
Evanesce New York Purifying Gel Cleanser
The Evanesce New York Purifying Gel Cleanser deeply detoxifies and cleanses your facial skin. This natural gel cleanser is made with tea tree oil that heals acne breakouts, and reduces inflammation, redness, and soreness. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that halt the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid, a potent BHA, provides gentle exfoliation to the skin. Marine collagen boosts skin firmness and elasticity.
Key Ingredients: Purifying tea-tree oil
Pros - Soothes acne
- Purifies clogged pores
- Sulfate-free
- 100% natural ingredients
- Moisturizes sensitive skin
- Seals skin hydration
Cons
None
[ Also Try – Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser ]
These are the 13 best gel-based cleansers for oily skin. But how are they different from a foaming face wash? We have discussed that below.
Gel Cleanser Vs. Foaming Face Wash
Gel cleanser, as the name suggests, has a gel-like texture whereas a foaming face wash has a soapy and airy consistency. The foaming face wash is effective in removing excess oil, dirt, and impurities. But it may contain sodium lauryl sulfate that may cause skin irritation and disturb the skin pH balance.
A gel cleanser is effective in reducing acne and removing dirt and grime. It is gentle on the skin. It is mostly infused with natural organic ingredients that restore skin pH balance. It is usually safe for both oily and sensitive skin.
The following buying guide can help you pick the ideal gel cleanser for your skin.
Gel-Based Cleansers – A Buying Guide
- Ensure the cleanser has soothing and gentle ingredients. Check for natural, organic, vegan ingredients like tea tree oil, chamomile extract, oat protein powder, and vitamin C. These not only reduce oil and breakouts but also can blur the signs of aging.
- Check for exfoliating ingredients. The cleanser should contain BHA to provide mild yet effective exfoliation and leave the skin with clean texture.
- It should be free from all chemicals and toxic ingredients. The presence of sodium lauryl sulfate may irritate the skin.
Dr. M. Khawar Nazir, Dermatologist, says, “My patients are very happy with gel based cleansers which help to remove their oil, control acne & keep skin nourished.”
Oily skin type is naturally prone to pimples and requires close attention. These gel-based cleansers keep your skin fresh and glowing. These are rich in organic extracts and antioxidants that cleanse your skin deeply to balance the skin pH levels, control excess sebum products, and provide hydration to the skin. In addition, they help improve the texture of your skin and keep your skin soft and supple. These gel-based cleansers are gentle, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic. However, some products may not suit extremely sensitive skin. With the help of our buying guide, grab the best gel-based cleanser that suits your skin type.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. She has reviewed and curated a list of the best cleansers for oily skin after deep research and scanning through user feedback. These cleansers are specifically formulated to prevent build up and dissolve dirt, grime, and excess oil. They help unclog the pores, leaving your skin glowing and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gel cleanser good for oily skin?
Applying a gel cleanser as part of a regular CTM routine is definitely good for oily skin.
Is a charcoal cleanser good for oily skin?
Yes, a charcoal cleanser is good for oily skin. It is a natural detoxifier that removes dirt and impurities by unclogging the pores. It also heals acne breakouts.
How often should you cleanse your face if you have oily skin?
You can cleanse your face twice a day to remove pollutants, oil, and dirt from oily skin without stripping the natural oil.
What skin care routine is best for oily skin?
• Cleanse your skin twice a day.
• Exfoliate your skin twice a week.
• Use night creams to hold moisture.
• Moisturize your skin daily.
• Apply sunscreens while stepping out.
Is it okay to use a gel-based cleanser after using a clay mask for oily skin?
No. You need to cleanse the face before using a mask to clear the clogged pores. The mask also acts as a cleanser that removes excess oils and dirt from the skin. So, rinse the clay mask thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow up with a moisturizer or serum.
What should you not use on oily skin?
People with oily skin must avoid the following products:
- Petroleum jelly
- Coconut oil
- Alcohol-based skin care products
- Harsh scrubs
- Silicone products
- Artificial dyes
- Draelos ZD. The effect of a daily facial cleanser for normal to oily skin on the skin barrier of subjects with acne. Cutis. 2006;78(1 Suppl):34-40.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16910029/
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