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If you have oily skin, you know how tricky it can be to find the right cleanser. For me, it’s all about managing shine, keeping pores clear and minimizing breakouts, especially during seasonal skin changes or hormonal shifts. Like many with combination or oily skin, I’ve been on the lookout for a skin care formula that balances my complexion without leaving it feeling tight or dry.
As the Ecommerce Content Specialist at Eminence Organic Skin Care, I recently had the opportunity to test five different facial cleansers from their line. I decided to go all in and document the journey. I wanted to see which cleanser would become my go-to on my quest for clear, balanced skin.
After a few weeks of testing, I've found the best facial cleanser for my oily skin and its unique concerns. I'm also keen to share a few other cleansers for oily skin that have earned a permanent place in my routine.
My skin is oily and I’m often managing visible pores and acne — especially during seasonal changes (hello, summer!) or hormonal shifts. So when I started testing out these five cleansers, I was looking for something that could gently balance my complexion while helping to reduce oil and keep blemishes in check.
When I began this testing journey, I was looking for an oily skin cleanser that could:
Let’s just say my bar was high.
Right away, I appreciated the large, minimal packaging. No fuss, just a clean design. The fresh cucumber scent is instantly calming, and the smooth, milky texture makes it easy to massage into the skin. It didn’t lather much, but it felt effective, and a little goes a long way.
Housed in a luxe glass bottle, this one smells earthy and natural. The creamy texture is lovely and great for people who prefer cream cleansers over foamy ones. It left my skin feeling soothed, especially on breakout-prone days.
I loved everything about this one — the transparent packaging, the tiny exfoliating beads and the minty-clean scent. It left my skin feeling refreshed and super clean, particularly after a full day of wearing makeup. Best of all? The exfoliation feels gentle, not harsh.
The lightweight foam pumps out in the perfect amount and lathers beautifully. The scent is clean and subtle, and the formula feels nourishing without leaving behind residue.
If scent alone were the deciding factor, this would be my #1. It smells amazing — like sweet, tropical goodness. The gel texture is soft and silky, and the packaging is compact enough for travel. The lactic acid gently resurfaces the skin and refines pores, leaving it looking noticeably softer and smoother after each use.
After testing all five cleansers, the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser worked best for my unique skin concerns. I saw results the very next day.
What I Loved:
What stood out most was how thoroughly it cleansed my skin without leaving it feeling stripped.
Over the course of two weeks, my skin looked clearer, my breakouts calmed down, and my face stayed noticeably less oily by mid-afternoon.
While the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser became my go-to, the others still impressed me:
While I can't say that the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is the right choice for every oily skin type, it was hands down the one that worked best for me. It helped improve the appearance of breakouts, minimized the look of large pores and kept excess oil under control.
If your skin is like mine and tends to shift with the seasons or stress, this cleanser strikes the right balance. And depending on how your skin feels each day, the other four cleansers I tested also have something unique to offer, ranging from gentle exfoliation to softening and soothing benefits.
What is the best cleanser for oily skin? The best cleanser for oily skin removes excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin. Choose an oily skin cleanser that targets your concerns, such as acne, enlarged pores or excess shine.
Can oily skin become more oily if you use the wrong cleanser? Using a cleanser that is too harsh can leave skin feeling dry and irritated. As a result, your skin may start to produce more oil, which is why it's important to choose a cleanser that removes excess oil without over-drying.
How often should you use an oily skin cleanser? Most people with oily skin should cleanse twice daily. This helps remove oil, dirt and makeup while keeping pores clear. Avoid over-cleansing, which can leave skin feeling dry and unbalanced.
Are cream or foaming cleansers better for oily skin? Both can work well. Cream cleansers are often gentler, while foaming formulas leave skin feeling fresh. The best cleansers for oily skin effectively remove excess oil without causing dryness.
Can the right cleanser help reduce acne and large pores? Yes. A good cleanser can remove excess oil, unclog pores and reduce buildup that contributes to breakouts, helping improve the appearance of acne and enlarged pores over time.
Should you use different cleansers for oily skin? Yes. Many people rotate cleansers for oily skin based on their needs, using gentle formulas for sensitive days and exfoliating cleansers when they want a deeper cleanse or smoother-looking skin.
Shop the full cleanser lineup here or visit your local Eminence Organics Spa Partner to test them in person. And check out other oily skin guides below.
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Alexis Chow is the Ecommerce Content Specialist at Eminence Organic Skin Care, with a background in marketing and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia. She’s passionate about connecting people with great products and creating seamless online shopping exp… Read more
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