The 18 Best Body Washes & Soaps for Oily Skin for Daily Use
Keeping skin grease in check on a daily basis is a daunting task. There’s no denying that especially if you have oily skin. And if your regular soap or body wash just isn’t managing all the extra sebum production, then it’s time to make the switch.
But what do you switch to? The answer is the best body washes & soaps for oily skin specifically. The good news is that there are plenty of them!
These soap and body wash formulations cleanse your skin thoroughly without stripping away its natural oils. In that case, your sebaceous glands don’t enter overdrive mode to produce any extra sebum. And that means cleaner, fresher, and softer skin for longer. Without feeling excessively dry!
So how about I introduce you to some of the most effective yet gentle body washes/soaps that you can incorporate into your daily shower routine to keep oil and shine under control!
Top 18 Body Washes & Soaps for Oily Skin
1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
There are lots of reasons why so many men and women love the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It’s a non-foaming, creamy formula that gets rid of excess oil and impurities through its micellar technology. All Cetaphil products have been clinically tested for sensitive skin. So it’s no surprise that this one too is also fragrance-free, soap-free, and even dermatologist recommended.
Its hydrating and soothing properties restore the natural moisture barrier of your skin while also gently removing dirt, oil, and makeup. Thus, making the cleanser an ideal choice for all types of skin.
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2. Murad Acne Body Wash
Too much oil, oftentimes, is the culprit behind acne breakouts. So when a body wash is infused with salicylic acid, you know it’s formulated to prevent and treat those breakouts. This beta-hydroxy acid is a mild exfoliator that cleanses and balances your skin.
On top of that, glycolic acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) and date seed powder unclog your pores by eliminating dead skin cells and oil trapped within. And no amount of parabens, sulfates, gluten, petroleum, etc. is found in here. Plus, it’s a cruelty-free way to control oil and acne.
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3. Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, then you know how tricky it is to find a body wash that doesn’t leave your skin feeling excessively dry, tight, and even itchy after your shower. Enter the Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash, which is formulated with 2-percent salicylic acid, a powerful acne-fighting ingredient.
Then there’s skin-soothing chamomile, aloe, and Vitamin E. This oil-free, soap-free formula also offers a refreshing fragrance that doesn’t aggravate skin prone to sensitivity.
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4. Era Organics Tea Tree Oil Face Cleanser
Make your shower time feel like a spa experience with this natural, botanicals-infused formula that fights oily skin and acne. Plenty of ingredients take charge; tea tree oil, aloe vera, pomegranate seed oil, salicylic acid, dandelion root, burdock root, goldenseal, and some more.
In short, the daily formulation cleanses your face and body thoroughly while also soothing and nourishing your skin from within.
The tea tree oil ingredient, in particular, is the best part as it treats acne and leaves your skin feeling clear and smooth.
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5. OGX Intensely Invigorating + Eucalyptus Mint Body Wash
It’s not just OGX shampoos and conditioners that are garnering attention, the brand’s body wash formulations are also very effective. Particularly this Invigorating Eucalyptus Mint Body Wash.
Hydrating, acne-fighting tea tree oil, refreshing peppermint oil, and soothing eucalyptus oil are a part of the mix. Think of it as your very own home spa treatment that leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft, and definitely oil-free.
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6. Trea to Tub Clarifying Peppermint Body Wash
This one’s specifically for acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin. Plus, the body wash is cruelty-free and vegan. It’s super-gentle with its organic ingredients like cucumber, chamomile, aloe vera, and shea butter.
The star of the show, as the product title says, is peppermint; fresh, real peppermint for a refreshing, invigorating sensation.
The ingredient that shares the same platform is natural, precious soapberries. These act as a natural, pH-balancing foaming agent. Thus, protecting not only sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin but also treating skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
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7. Sebamed Paraben-Free Face and Body Wash
Moisturize your sensitive and delicate skin with this ultra-mild, dermatologist-recommended face and body wash. It’s got allantoin and pentavitin for hydration. Vitamins B6, B5, and B3 for skin nourishment. Plus, the formulation is lightly scented to show off its hypoallergenic properties.
Speaking of which, if sensitive skin is your real concern, then you should narrow down body washes that don’t trigger skin sensitivities due to the inclusion of only natural, organic ingredients.
Moving on, this concentrated formula washes away impurities and excess oil while also hydrating and soothing skin along with supporting cell regeneration.
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8. Maui Moisture Shea Butter Body Wash
Many skincare experts are truly fond of this body wash infused with moisturizing shea butter ideal for not just dry skin but also oily skin. The list of ingredients begins with aloe vera juice and pure coconut oil. For a natural, moisturized, and healthy glow, what else!
Then comes creamy shea butter with macadamia and coconut oils to quench your skin’s thirst. Even the shampoo and conditioner formulations of the brand contain such a unique blend of pure coconut water and aloe vera juice. And all of these products, including the body wash, are silicone-free and paraben-free.
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9. Nivea for Men Active Clean Body Wash
If men think that their oily skin doesn’t deserve any attention, then try using this Active Clean Body Wash by Nivea and see the results yourself. The formula is sure to leave your skin clean and moisturized. It minimizes the appearance of oil and shine while also clearing up body acne.
After all, charcoal is the active ingredient in here. It unclogs pores by removing deep-seated dead skin cells, impurities, and oil. Plus, it has that manly scent you’re sure to appreciate.
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10. Dr. Hempster Charcoal Detox Body Wash
Once again, charcoal makes an appearance with its pore-unclogging, deep-cleansing, skin-toning properties.
Turning our attention back to Dr. Hempster, this formulation has hemp oil and omega fatty acids for bringing about anti-aging skin benefits. The detoxifying charcoal infusion removes excess oil, bacteria, and impurities, no doubt. So breakouts and acne are surely averted.
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11. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap
Say goodbye to grime, dirt, ad oil without saying goodbye to your skin’s natural protective barrier that is moisture. Even though Castile Liquid Soap makes your skin much less oily, it doesn’t strip away its natural moisture barrier.
The formulation is specially created for sensitive and oily skin.
With organic, vegan ingredients, and no synthetic preservatives, foaming agents, or thickeners, this liquid soap is safe to use for pets as well. Plus, it comes in 100-percent recycled plastic bottles.
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12. SAL3 Salicylic Acid Sulfur Soap Bar
This is an advanced cleansing bar infused with 3-percent salicylic acid and 10-percent sulfur. The former is the most effective anti-acne ingredient. So it unclogs pores by getting rid of excess oil and impurities trapped inside your pores. Then there’s sulfur that absorbs excess sebum to prevent acne breakouts.
Well-equipped to tackle oily skin, this soap has a naturally refreshing scent. You can make it a part of your daily shower routine to get rid of smelly body and scalp along with fungal skin infections. For treating fungal and other such skin infections, antibacterial soaps and body washes with deodorant protection go a long way, just saying.
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13. Aspen Kay Naturals Dead Sea Mud Soap Bar
Dead sea mineral mud is the highlight of this review of Aspen Kay Naturals Soap Bar. What this particular ingredient does is absorb excess sebum, toxins, and dirt present on your skin. The next celebrated ingredient is activated charcoal. This too pulls out impurities to detoxify your oily or acne-prone skin.
Other ingredients included are unrefined shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, sunflower oil, and a little more. All organic by the way!
It’s a soap that’s suitable for both women and men and also for teenagers.
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14. Oleavine TheraTree Tea Tree Oil Soap
A multi-purpose soap you can use for body odor, poor complexion, skin irritation, dry skin, oily skin, and whatnot. What makes this formula such an effective skincare solution is its broad-spectrum essential oils and extracts. These include tea tree oil and neem oil. Both treat acne, clear the skin, and reduce inflammation.
It’s a concentrated, rich-foaming body soap infused with skin-nourishing and skin-moisturizing botanicals. The best of the lot is omega fatty acids. And then there’s the cooling, refreshing mint essential oil fragrance too that does the job it’s supposed to do without causing any skin discomfort.
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15. Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap
This body soap scores the highest points for its pore-unclogging superpowers. It’s a formulation that consists of skin-exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acid. It’s also got grapefruit, linden, and ginseng extracts along with glycerin to make sure your skin doesn’t become overly dry post-shower.
The ability of this body soap to exfoliate and cleanse the skin with its fresh fruit extracts is an enticing factor. It’s actually a highly recommended solution for treating troubled and oily skin.
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16. Everyone 3-in-1 Soap
A formula that’s a body wash, shampoo, and bubble bath! This Everyone 3-in-1 Soap contains creamy coconut and refreshing, pure lemon essential oil. No doubt, the nourishing properties are perfect for your body, hair, and scalp.
Vitamins B5 and E along with organic plant extracts are also infused into the mix. What’s not infused; parabens, artificial fragrances, harsh detergents, gluten, etc. And bonus points for being cruelty-free too.
More importantly, it cleanses away oil and sweat residue. And I wouldn’t recommend it for dry skin.
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17. SheaMoisture Bar African Black Soap
Traditional African black soap is known for its natural skin clarifying and cleansing properties. The soap is formulated with organic aloe, shea butter, and oats to moisturize, cleanse, and soothe your troubled skin in case you’re dealing with conditions like psoriasis or eczema.
Even those with oily skin can benefit from the natural, organic ingredients, such as shea butter that softens, heals, conditions, and calms your skin.
So if red spots, oily skin, or acne breakouts are a constant concern, you can incorporate this African Black Soap into your daily body and face care routine.
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18. Cleure Face & Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
Those with oily skin and skin sensitivities need to take extra care when it comes to cleansing the skin in order to prevent any further irritation. That said, this face and body wash is specifically formulated for fighting excess sebum buildup, thus leaving the skin feeling refreshed.
It’s pH-balanced, on top of that, to not disrupt your skin’s natural pH levels. The formula does a fantastic job using liquid glycerin to maintain the perfect balance between not too dry and not too oily.
At the same time, it’s gentle enough for daily use without the presence of common skin irritants.
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Why Is My Skin So Oily?
Let’s discuss the most common causes of oily skin.
Enlarged Pores
As you age, the elasticity around your pores weakens, thus increasing their size. Even overexposure to the sun and sun damage enlargens your pores. So it’s only instinctive for larger pores to produce excess oil.
Cleansing or Exfoliating Too Much or Too Less
When you exfoliate or cleanse more than you should, it’s only natural for your skin’s essential moisture to get washed away as well. So, to compensate for that, your sebaceous glands create more sebum. That means cleansing your skin more than 2-3 times a day is counterproductive.
Likewise, not washing your face enough number of times a day inevitably leads to oil, grime, and dirt accumulation. And that, in turn, makes your skin look oily and also increases the chances of acne formation.
Using Skincare Products Not Formulated for Oily Skin
Combination skin is not oily skin. Dry skin is also not oily skin. So it makes no sense to buy skincare and even beauty products that are not specifically crafted for oily or acne-prone skin. Because dry skin formulations, more often than not, are heavier in terms of texture and consistency. And for your oily skin, you need something gel-based and lightweight.
Skipping Moisturizer
You might think that your moisturizer is just going to create an even more shiny, oily appearance. But that’s only true if the moisturizer you’re using is not formulated for oily skin.
When acne treatment solutions like salicylic acid are a part of your skincare routine, your skin demands the use of an appropriate moisturizer to prevent dryness. Otherwise, your skin is bound to dry out, thus encouraging the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.
Just make sure the moisturizer is water-based, lightweight, non-comedogenic, and/or oil-free.
Aging
No doubt, age weakens skin elasticity and slows down the functioning of your sebaceous glands. And this can result in your skin becoming either too dry or too oily. More often than not, it’s the former, which gives rise to wrinkles and fine lines.
Hot, Humid Climate
Obviously, when the weather is hot and humid, excess oil production is inevitable. Much like how dry skin is unavoidable during the colder months of the year. In that case, you have to adjust your skincare routine based on such external factors.
How to Reduce Oiliness Without Drying Out Skin?
You think excessive scrubbing or applying harsh chemicals on your oily skin is going to solve the problem? If yes, then think again. And while you’re at it, consider using the following approach to tackle oily skin without drying it out…
How to Pick a Body Wash or Soap for Oily Skin?
You can’t just buy a body wash or soap at random. You have to keep certain important factors in mind, such as the following…
Ingredients
For oily skin, there’s a list of ingredients that cleanse away excess oil without drying out or irritating your skin.
The first on the list is salicylic acid; the most commonly used skincare ingredient. And it’s a mighty one for combating oily and acne-prone skin. The small molecules of this particular beta-hydroxy acid penetrate into your skin to eliminate excess oil. And on the surface, it exfoliates away dead skin cells.
The next is an alpha-hydroxy acid known as glycolic acid. This too is a gentle skin exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and excess sebum. Thus, unclogging your pores and rejuvenating your skin, no matter how sensitive.
Tea tree oil is also yet another commonly added ingredient. Simply because this essential oil offers excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that calm troubled skin. Tea tree oil also prevents acne breakouts, thus leaving your skin smooth and clear.
Activated charcoal is also infused into body washes and soaps that take a shot at oily skin. Because what activated charcoal does is pull dirt, impurities, dead skin cells, toxins, excess oil, etc. from deep within your skin to the surface. And then washes them away.
Skin Type
Most of the products reviewed in this post are specifically formulated for oily and/or acne-prone skin. When your skin type matters, then you should choose products specially crafted for adjusting to your particular skin demands.
The non-comedogenic label is a good marker for body washes, soaps, facial cleansers, lotions, moisturizers, etc. suitable for oily skin. You can also look for terms such as oil-free, soap-free, lightweight, pH-balanced, and the like.
And in case of oily sensitive skin, make sure the formula is hypoallergenic and preferably even dermatologist tested or recommended.
How to Control Oily Skin Naturally? (Home Remedies for Oily Skin)
Here’s how you can take hold of your oily, greasy, shiny skin situation on your own at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oily Skin Cause Acne?
The answer, unfortunately, is YES. When too much sebum or oil is trapped within your pores and accumulates on your skin, acne formation is unavoidable.
But that doesn’t mean dry skin doesn’t give rise to breakouts either. Even excessively dry skin is a common cause of acne breakouts. Be it due to a poor skincare routine or external factors like sun exposure, pollution, etc. Whatever the cause, these body washes with acne-fighting properties can be used on a daily basis, irrespective of your skin type.
How Often to Wash Oily Skin?
When your face is oily, it’s only natural to want to cleanse it multiple times in a day. However, over-cleansing and over-exfoliating is a counterproductive measure.
It’s highly recommended by dermatologists to wash the face two times a day. And this applies to all skin types.
Wrapping It Up
All said and done, dealing with oily skin on a daily basis is not an easy task. Failing to care for oily skin often leads to other annoying problems like body acne, skin irritation, shiny appearance, etc. But you can make all of this go away simply by adjusting your skincare routine. Just incorporate oil-free, hypoallergenic body washes or soaps into your shower routine.
Make sure the formulation you choose contains natural ingredients, particularly those that absorb excess sebum. For example, gentle exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Or plant-based elements like tea tree essential oil. And even activated charcoal.
These not only control sebum production but also keep your skin from drying out or feeling irritated post-shower. And that’s a complete WIN-WIN situation if you have oily and sensitive skin.
