13 Best Oil Cleansers for Acne to Flaunt Smooth And Bright Complexion

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 19, 2024
oil cleansers for acne
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Cleansing is an important part of the skincare routine for all skin types. When you’re dealing with acne, you need to prioritize it a little more. By using some of the best oil cleansers for acne, you can get rid of impurities to keep your skin oil-free and clean. These oil cleansers can help eliminate pesky pores, blackheads, scars, and blemishes to let you flaunt your innate charm and glow.

Our findings show that using an oil cleanser may control natural sebum production and reduce the stripping of natural oils of the skin to keep it hydrated and radiant. So, if your skin needs a rejuvenating touch, oil cleansers may work wonders to keep it healthy and clean.

Acne may be difficult to deal with leaving you confused and craving for effective remedies. To help you find the best solution for acne breakouts, we have curated a list of some of the best products so that you can find what your skin needs the most. Scroll away to see our recommendations.

13 Best Oil Cleansers for Acne

Featuring a soothing formula, Bioré’s charcoal clearing cleanser purifies your skin, leaving it soft and glowing. The infusion of charcoal and salicylic acid helps clean the pores deeply and gets rid of excess oil to make your skin healthy and clear. Get rid of blackheads and blemishes, and prevent irksome breakouts with this gentle cleanser deep-cleaning your skin to eliminate annoying pores and dirt. Flaunt the natural glow of your skin and ease your acne scars with this cleanser working its magic on acne-prone skin.

Pros
  • Soothes your skin
  • Shrinks pores
  • Reduces breakouts
  • Eliminates dirt and impurities
  • Gives a smooth finish
Cons
  • Not suitable for sensitive skin
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil

    Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil
  • The hydrating formula of the deep cleansing oil by Burt’s Bees gives you a luxurious skincare experience. Loaded with the richness of coconut and argan oil, this facial oil gets rid of impurities leaving the skin soft and smooth. With the moisturizing properties of this gentle cleansing oil, you can also remove the makeup without making your skin dry and dull. Flaunt a flawless complexion and keep oiliness at bay with this cleansing oil for acne-prone skin nourishing your skin to give it a beautiful glow.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • SLS free
    • Free from phthalates
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Can be used as a makeup remover
    • Eliminates impurities
    • Can be used on sensitive skin types
    Cons
    • Not suitable for dry skin
    • Unpleasant smell
  • Best Multi-purpose Product

    Heimish All Clean Balm

    Heimish All Clean Balm
  • Give your skin a boost of hydration with this cleansing balm by Heimish. You would love how soft and smooth the composition of shea butter and coconut makes your skin feel. With this multi-purpose balm, you can get rid of blackheads, dead skin cells, and sebum to make your complexion radiant and flawless. The beauty of this balm is that it blends into your skin as a silky oil yet doesn’t linger on the skin to provide a thorough cleansing experience. Melt away your acne worries with this moisturizing balm that not only keeps your acne under check but also nourishes your skin leaving it healthy and smooth.

    Pros
    • Softens the skin
    • Vegan
    • Unclogs the pores
    • Removes the stubborn makeup gently
    • Delicate scent
    Cons
    • Not suitable for sensitive skin
    • May not be suitable for removing eye makeup
  • Best Overall

    The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Facial Foaming Cleanser - Set of 3

    The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Facial Foaming Cleanser - Set of 3
  • With this refreshing facial foaming cleanser by The Face Shop, you are in for a great dose of moisturization to brighten up your complexion. Enriched with rice water, soapwort, moringa oil, rice bran oil, and kukui nut oil — this nourishing cleanser replenishes and soothes your skin to give it a rejuvenating texture. Get rid of dead skin cells that dull your spark and make way for glowing skin which you can’t help but flaunt. The nourishment this product offers is matchless. So, don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to for getting flawless skin and removing heavy makeup.

    Pros
    • Evens your skin tone
    • Paraben-free
    • Talc free
    • Doesn’t contain paraffin
    • Makes your skin smooth
    Cons
    • May cause dryness
  • Kidskin T-Blast Cleanser

    Kidskin T-Blast Cleanser
  • Kidskin’s facial cleanser is specially designed for kids and pre-teens to help them keep acne at bay. A slight addition of natural tea tree oil makes this mild face cleanser effective in cleansing the skin of children gently. Tending to the delicate skin of 8-17-year- olds, this face wash gets rid of irritation, redness, and other impurities to protect the natural texture of their skin. With this product free from parabens and sulfates, you can introduce skincare to your teens without exposing them to harsh additives.

    Pros
    • Makes skin smooth
    • Gluten-free
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • May not be suitable for sensitive skin
  • Best for Reducing Blackheads

    Paula's Choice Oil-Reducing Cleanser

    Paula's Choice Oil-Reducing Cleanser
  • Prep your skin to radiate a beautiful glow with the oil-reducing cleanser by Paula’s Choice. The richness of coconut, aloe, and glycerin provides optimal moisture to your skin without stripping away the skin of natural oils. Get rid of clogged pores, excess oil, debris, and impurities to refine your skin texture so that your spark can’t be dulled. Feel your skin soften and indulge in spa-like skin care at home with this cleanser designed to make your skin fresh and clean.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Fragrance-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Reduces blackheads
    • Makes skin firm
    Cons
    • May feel greasy
  • Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil

    Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil
  • Feel your skin soften with this pore cleansing oil by Hanskin. The nourishing blend of olive oil, jojoba oil, orange, lemon, and grapefruit extracts keeps the skin hydrated and fresh. The addition of salicylic acid helps get rid of blackheads, unclogs stubborn pores, and reduces excess sebum production, leaving your skin oil-free and deeply cleansed. Bid goodbye to a big list of acne worries and allow your skin to feel soft and smooth with this deep-cleansing oil tending to them gently.

    Pros
    • Maintains oil balance
    • Reduces breakouts
    • Removes makeup nicely
    • Gets rid of dirt and impurities
    Cons
    • Not suitable for sensitive skin
  • Best Moisturizing Formula

    Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil

    Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
  • This lightweight facial cleansing oil unclogs the pores and eliminates impurities to make your skin soft and beautiful. Packed with plant-based oils and extracts, squalane, and hemisqualane, this cleansing beauty is perfect to give your skin a quick boost of hydration. Lock in essential moisture to flaunt your velvety soft skin with this antioxidant oil working its rejuvenating magic on your skin. With the quick absorption formula, this product is a game-changer that can be a go-to to get rid of grease and oil, leaving your skin silky smooth.

    Pros
    • Moisturizing formula
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Unscented
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Can cause allergies if used to remove eye makeup
  • Best Paraben-free Formula

    Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Purifying

    Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Purifying
  • Infused with nourishing active botanicals, hot spring water, and vitamins C and E, Banilla Co’s Purifying Balm cleanses and calms the skin to keep it healthy and supple. The gentle formula of this cleansing balm replenishes moisture levels, leaving your skin soft and smooth. Featuring a delicate scent of tea tree, rosemary, and chamomile, this balm has a soothing sensation that helps relax your face. Attain a bright and dewy complexion with this balm crafted to enhance your natural glow.

    Pros
    • Makes your skin smooth
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Alcohol-free
    • Doesn’t contain mineral oil
    • Free from artificial coloring
    Cons
    • May leave residue
    • Not suitable for sensitive skin
  • Best Lightweight Texture

    Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Cleansing Oil

    Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Cleansing Oil
  • With this Rohto olive-based cleansing oil, clean pesky pores and get rid of stubborn blackheads to radiate a healthy glow. This lightweight oil contains hyaluronic acid which helps retain the moisture of your skin to make it smooth and beautiful (1). Featuring a mild formula, this facial oil helps remove makeup gently without making your skin dull and damaged. Say goodbye to annoying pores and pimples with this non-comedogenic cleansing oil providing efficient cleansing and nourishment.

    Pros
    • Gentle formula
    • Can be used to remove waterproof makeup
    • Dissolves dirt and impurities
    • Lightweight texture
    • Glides smoothly on skin
    Cons
    • May clog pores
  • Best Cruelty-free Formula

    Mario Badescu Skincare Cleansing Oil

    Mario Badescu Skincare Cleansing Oil
  • A nourishing oil cleanser by Mario Badescu, this is super effective for cleansing the skin without damaging its natural moisture barrier. Highly enriched with rice bran oil, primrose, jojoba oil, and lavender essential oil, this cleansing oil gives your skin a radiant and youthful appearance. Feel refreshed as this oil dissolves dirt and impurities to enhance your natural texture and complexion. This product is also free from parabens and sulfate so you can use it without worrying about drying your skin.

    Pros
    • Softens your skin
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Sulfate-free formula
    Cons
    • May leave residue
  • DHC Pore Cleansing Oil

    DHC Pore Cleansing Oil
  • DHC’s pore cleansing oil cleanses the skin thoroughly and softens it to help you radiate oil-free radiance and glow. A blend of calendula flower and citrus extracts which have brightening properties, this oil cleanser makes the skin tone even and bright. Eliminate excess sebum, unclog pores, and renew your skin texture with this pore product designed to cleanse your skin deeply. You don’t need to worry about nourishing your skin as this product is packed with nutrients that hydrate and soothe your skin properly.

    Pros
    • Reduces the pore size
    • Makes your skin soft
    • Dissolves excess sebum
    • Gentle formula
    • Delicate scent
    Cons
    • Not suitable for sensitive skin
  • Best for Dry Skin

    TULA Skin Care #Nomakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil

    TULA Skin Care #Nomakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil
  • Radiate a healthy glow with this cleansing oil by TULA. This replenishing oil is formulated with ceramides and arctic winged kelp that offer optimal hydration to the skin besides keeping it free from oil and impurities. With this conditioning oil, you can maintain the moisture level of your skin to prevent it from dryness and damage. Unclog irksome pores, dissolve dirt and grime and let your skin feel super refreshed and silky soft with this remarkable cleansing oil. The lightweight texture of this oil is a plus as it neither lingers on your skin nor weighs it down — just the perfect consistency you need for acne-prone skin.

    Pros
    • Nourishes your skin
    • Unscented formula
    • Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
    • Helps unclog pores
    Cons
    • Defective pump

    How to Choose the Best Oil Cleanser for Acne?

    1. Read the Label

    One of the most important factors you should consider before buying an oil cleanser is the ingredients used to make it. You should avoid using cleansers that contain parabens or sulfates as they can aggravate the acne and cause dryness. You may go for additives like salicylic acid, charcoal, shea butter, rice water, argan oil,  etc. which not only cleanse the skin deeply but prevent it from dryness and damage.

    2. Check the Formulations

    Acne-prone skin can be soothed with mild and gentle formulations. Avoid using comedogenic oil cleansers as they may clog your pores and allow dirt and debris to settle on your skin. Use hydrating and moisturizing formulas which can make your skin soft and supple. Sharing more about such formulations, our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, who is a certified dermatologist, says, “Acne-prone skin should avoid oil cleansers that contain comedogenic oils like coconut oil, which can clog pores.”

    3. Explore the Scents

    Acne-prone skin can be allergic to scents so it’s important to check their fragrance before including them in your skincare regimen. If you’re allergic to scents, you may go for unscented cleansers to protect your skin from allergies. You can also go for mild and gentle scents if you like the cleansers to have a certain fragrance.

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    Conclusion

    Acne-prone skin needs thorough cleansing to keep impurities and sebum production at bay. However, due to the varied composition of cleansers, cleansing can be quite a tricky part of skincare. By exploring some of the best oil cleansers for acne, you can get rid of excess oil and deep-clean enlarged pores to get a healthy glow and bright complexions. These cleansers feature gentle formulations so you can clean your skin without making it dry and dull. Happy cleansing!

    FAQ's

    Should you use oil cleanser on acne-prone skin?
    Yes, oil cleansers can help maintain sebum production to keep your acne-prone skin oil-free.
    Can you use an oil cleanser daily?
    You should use an oil cleanser once a day and ensure it's gentle and doesn’t leave your skin dry and rough.
    Is salicylic acid cleanser good for oily skin?
    Yes, salicylic acid can help unclog pores and control sebum production.
    Is oil cleanser better than gel cleanser for acne?
    Both can be used to ease acne-prone skin. However, oil cleansers can help control oil production effectively.
    Can oil cleansers aggravate acne?
    It depends on the oil and ingredients an oil cleanser is formulated with.
    Are there oil cleansers with added acne-fighting ingredients?
    Yes, Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser, and Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil, to name a few.
    Should you avoid using oil cleansers on sensitive skin?
    You should avoid using oil cleanser on sensitive skin if it leaves a residue or feels harsh on the skin.
    How often can you use an oil cleanser on acne-prone skin?
    You may use oil cleanser on acne-prone skin either in your morning or evening skincare routine to protect your skin from dryness.
    Should you consult a dermatologist before using an oil cleanser for acne-prone skin?
    Even though oil cleansing is considered safe, you should consult a dermatologist to protect your skin from allergies and infections.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Acne can be quite annoying to deal with. Anoushka, our in-house skincare expert, understands how challenging acne-prone skin can be. Hence, she has curated this list of the top-rated oil cleansers to help combat acne and get radiant skin. Owing to its paraben-free composition and a rich blend of rejuvenating ingredients, The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Facial Foaming Cleanser has been her favorite. It helps nourish your skin and makes your skin tone even besides cleansing your face thoroughly.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/

     

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More