Loving your skin isn’t easy when it’s super oily. The constant shine and greasiness can really make you feel uncomfortable. Oily skin is often the result of your genetic makeup or it could be that your skin is super sensitive.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to treat the problem if you want to feel good about yourself. And using harsh cleansers isn’t the right way to do it because they can strip the skin of its natural oils. Also, they can irritate your skin causing it to produce more oil.
So, what can you do? Well, you need to find yourself the best body wash for oily skin that cleanses without stripping.
But here’s the deal: choosing the right formula that actually works isn’t easy. It requires a lot of time and effort. Fret not – we did the meticulous research to bring you the best formulas for oily skin.
Keep scrolling to find out more!
Best Body Washes & Soaps for Oily Skin Reviewed
1. Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap
Do you hate it when cleansers leave your skin feeling tight? If yes, you have to try Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap. Even the wildly picky skin types will love this product.
It contains mild AHAs that gently exfoliate dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling squeaky clean. And it’s highly recommended for people with oily skin as it doesn’t cause irritation. As a result, your body doesn’t produce excess sebum.
The formula is made with papaya and grapefruit extracts. They remove dirt, pollution, and excess oil without drying out your skin.
This botanical soap also contains white oat protein that calms irritated areas. Additionally, it’s loaded with ginseng extract, which is a natural skin balancer. It fights free radicals, improves the skin’s elasticity, and has anti-aging properties.
Struggling with body acne? Don’t worry – the formula is ideal for someone with problem skin. Plus, it doesn’t leave a soapy residue. And it will revitalize your skin.
2. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash
Featuring microclear technology, this body wash from Neutrogena clears up excess oil and keeps your skin oil-free all day long. It’s powered with salicylic acid to shed dead skin cells and control body acne.
The rich lather deeply cleanses your skin while regulating oil production, all thanks to its “microclear” technology. What’s more, this body wash also contains naturally-derived grapefruit extracts and vitamin C.
These ingredients regulate oil build-up and treat several skin infections, including dermatitis and acne. And the grapefruit scent is something that’s hard to resist. Seriously, it just smells amazing.
Even better? It doesn’t leave behind pore-clogging residue, so there’s no risk of future breakouts as well. And your skin will always feel hydrated and fresh.
What’s more, it does a really fine job of preventing body odor. You’ll smell clean and fresh throughout the day. And Neutrogena is one of the best skincare brands that has been around since 1930. So, you can put your faith in them.
3. Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash
When your oil glands go into overdrive, you get incredibly frustrating acne on your body. What’s even worse is the scars that they leave behind. And it can be very hard to get rid of those scars.
That’s where this body wash comes into play. This will not only prevent acne breakouts but it will also minimize the appearance of body scars. It’s packed with gentle beads to exfoliate your skin and slough off dead skin cells.
It uses 2% salicylic acid for exfoliation. What we liked about this cleanser is its non-drying formula that deeply cleanses your skin without leaving it feeling overly dry or tight.
And it will refine your pores. Your skin will look younger and healthier than before. The formula works great even for sensitive skin types. Plus, it also balances oil production, so your skin won’t get oilier as the day progresses.
Now, let’s talk about letdowns! First off, it doesn’t come with a pump top which somehow makes it hard to dispense the product. And users also gripe about its high price.
4. AHAVA Dead Sea Purifying Mud Soap
If you like bar soaps better than liquid body washes, you’re gonna love AHAVA Dead Sea Purifying Mud Soap. It’s an antibacterial cleanser that removes excess oil, dirt, and bacteria without sucking the moisture out of your skin.
It features an oil-free formula and you can also use it as a face cleanser. Thanks to the pH-balanced formula, it will never freak out your skin or cause a reaction. It’s allergy-tested, so you can have peace of mind.
It’s formulated with dead sea mud that reduces skin impurities and dead skin. Moreover, it has antimicrobial properties, so it will prevent acne breakouts on the face as well as your body.
The moisturizing formula never leaves your skin feeling stripped. And it also works its way to control oil production. The skin stays oil-free for a long time. You won’t experience greasiness or unwanted shine.
It doesn’t have a rich lather but it does have deep cleansing properties. And it’s long-lasting.
5. CeraVe Body Wash with Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is really a magical ingredient when it comes to treating oily skin. Due to its lipophilic nature, it can dissolve oils. It penetrates into your skin, clears out excess oil, and reduces sebum activity. Thus, it is able to control oiliness.
Keeping all that in mind, CeraVe has formulated this salicylic acid-based body wash and it’s perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. You will be able to get rid of oiliness for good this time.
The body wash in question also contains three essential ceramides that protect the skin’s barrier. Also, it uses MVE controlled-release technology for continuous moisturization.
Furthermore, it’s packed with niacinamide that diminishes dullness and calms your skin. And there are no microbeads that can irritate your skin.
They say skincare isn’t one size fits all. Well, that’s not entirely true. This body wash would work for just about everyone, including dry and oily skin types.
It doesn’t contain parabens or fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. Many users reported that the cleanser also helped them with Keratosis Pilaris.
Also: The Best Body Washes for Keratosis Pilaris According to Skin Experts
6. Mountain Falls Clarifying Body Wash
Mountain Falls Clarifying Body Wash is pretty much similar to Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash. It also contains 2% salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin.
Similarly, it also has naturally derived grapefruit extract just like Neutrogena’s body wash. The smell is also more or less the same. And they lather just the same.
The difference, however, is that Mountain Falls Clarifying Body Wash has fewer beads. It foams well and thoroughly cleanses without disrupting the skin’s barrier.
For someone who’s dealing with acne on chest, back, this body wash will be your savior. It will clear acne from all parts of your body. Also, it will reduce oil production while restoring the moisture balance of your skin.
You will love this product if you have oily, acne-prone skin. Above all, it’s pretty affordable. You don’t need to burn money on expensive body washes.
7. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap
If you want an organic cleanser for your oily skin, you should try Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap. It’s made up of 90% organic ingredients and doesn’t contain harsh foaming agents.
The formula is 3 times more concentrated than regular liquid soaps. So, you only need to use soap in small amounts. And it will last you for quite a while.
It’s a multi-purpose product. You can even use it for cleaning dishes and washing your hair. Although you can use it on your face, it can be a bit drying. Needless to say, it will clear excess oil and keep oil production in check.
The formula is quite sudsy and it will leave your skin feeling soft. Worried about acne? This product will kill them leaving you with clear and beautiful skin.
It has a strong tea tree scent but it’s not overpowering. Overall, we liked the smell. But it’s not for you if you’re allergic to strong scents.
8. Aspen Kay Naturals Dead Sea Mud Bar Soap
Here’s another bar soap that is fortified with dead sea mud. It’s an organic soap formulated to combat dirt, bacteria, and oiliness. The formula doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, or other harmful chemicals.
It’s not unusual for oily skin to crave moisture. That’s why this bar soap uses unrefined shea butter to add moisturization to your skin. And it also contains organic olive oil that nourishes and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
It also contains activated charcoal that degunks your pores and reveals radiant skin. Some other key ingredients are sunflower oil, castor oil, and palm oil.
Thanks to the non-stripping formula, you can use it as a facial cleanser as well. It will also remove facial acne as well.
What’s more, the formula doubles as a shaving soap, so you can save money. The cleanser gets its heavenly scent from essential oils of lemongrass and eucalyptus.
Plus, the packaging is 100% compostable, so it’s good for the environment.
9. Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash
No doubt, it’s hard to get rid of face acne. But it’s even more challenging to resolve back acne or bacne. Luckily, Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash is here to save the day.
Imbued with 2% salicylic acid, it’s the ultimate solution to treat body acne. Sick of blemishes all over the body? Worry no more!
This body wash will help you get rid of blemishes as well. It features a triple soothing formula that cleanses your skin without making it overly dry. The goodness of aloe vera, vitamin E, and chamomile nurture your skin while preventing radical damage.
It also keeps the skin’s moisture levels in check while minimizing sebum activity. Honestly, it’s an ideal pick if you’re looking for something to offset oiliness.
Also, it uses the “Skin Balancing” technology to maintain the pH levels in your skin. It doesn’t contain soaps, alcohol, dyes, or any other harmful substance for that matter.
The gel-based formula feels luxurious and gives a wonderful bathing experience. And it’s reasonably priced.
10. Shea Moisture African Black Soap
There’s something about Shea Moisture African Black Soap that makes it really effective when it comes to addressing oily skin. It contains palm oil, plantain peel ash, and several other oils that balance oily skin.
And we can’t forget shea butter, which is a key ingredient of this product. Upon regular use, shea butter can soothe, tone, and condition your skin. Plus, it fills the skin with hydration without making it greasy.
This product also contains coconut oil, which has antibacterial and moisturizing properties. Furthermore, this magical soap is also helpful in treating skin concerns such as eczema, psoriasis, etc. And it does so with the help of its natural ingredients.
There are absolutely no harsh ingredients such as parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, or sulfates. Got acne or bumps on your back? No problem! It will help you get rid of them.
When used on the face, it can help with cystic acne. And that’s really something worth mentioning!
11. Renpure Detoxifying Charcoal Body Wash
Charcoal is truly a miraculous ingredient for oily skin. It draws out sebum, toxins, dirt, and pollution from your pores just like a magnet. And over time, your skin gets youthful, clearer, and less oily.
Renpure’s body wash utilizes the power of natural charcoal to cleanse your skin and zap oiliness without excessively drying it out. That means your skin won’t lose moisture in the process.
The plant-based formula is full of skin-loving ingredients that hydrate your skin while removing dead skin cells and oil. Ingredients such as argan oil, coconut oil, manuka honey, lemon sage, etc. rejuvenate your skin.
And the refreshing scent will make you feel good and refreshed all day long. What’s more, the product doubles as a shampoo and nourishes your scalp. You will be left with silky, smooth hair.
It has a rich lather and a little goes a long way. The price is also great. Plus, it contains zero parabens, sulfates, and dyes. And it’s organic and natural.
Why Do I Have Oily Skin?
Like we mentioned above, oily skin could be because of your genetic makeup. If your mom or dad has oily skin, it’s possible that those genes were passed onto you. But there are several other things that can cause oily skin. Let’s take a look:
Weather Conditions
Hot and humid climatic conditions can increase sebum activity, resulting in oily skin. That doesn’t mean you won’t get oily skin if you live in cold places. Cold weather causes the skin to dry out. As a result, sebaceous glands produce more sebum to protect your skin. And this leads to more oil production.
Overwashing
You may be tempted to wash your face/body over and over again in order to remove excess oil. But that’s not really a good idea. Overwashing will strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture. To compensate, your oil glands produce more oil, which exacerbates the problem.
Therefore, it’s important to wash the right way.
Skincare Products
The quality of skin care products you use can play a huge role in reducing oiliness. For example, harsh body cleansers can make your skin really dry, causing the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive.
Also, they can irritate your skin that only worsens the condition. Therefore, it’s important to invest in gentle skincare products.
Skipping Moisturizer
Slathering moisturizer on oily skin may sound like a bad idea but it’s not! You know what lack of moisturization can do. Therefore, it’s important to moisturize your skin every time you step out of the bathroom.
Medication
Certain medications can also cause sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Dehydration is also common when you’re on medication. And this can also result in shiny skin.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can also cause oily skin. You’ll experience hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy. Stress can also cause hormonal imbalance. All these things can contribute to oiliness.
What Else Can You Do?
In addition to choosing the right body washes, there are several other things that you can do to control oiliness. We already talked about why you need to moisturize or why it’s important to choose gentle skin care products. Here are a few additional tips for you:
- Use blotting paper to manage oiliness
- Avoid taking hot showers as they can leave your skin feeling stripped
- Exfoliate regularly but avoid over-exfoliation
- Eat well and drink lots of water
- Sleep well
- Stay stress-free
Conclusion
Managing oiliness is not that hard if you know what you’re doing. Switching to the best body wash for oily skin is a great place to start. It becomes even easier when you adopt a healthier lifestyle and follow the tips we’ve mentioned above.
The products we have reviewed above will not only control oiliness but they’ll also help you achieve healthier skin overall. Some formulas even help with skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.
Make sure to find a formula that suits all your needs! We hope you found this article useful. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below.
Also:
I use Beauty by Earth Tea Tree Body Wash. And I am in love with this body wash. So is my daughter. I suffer from severe oily skin and acne, not just on my face, but my entire body. This has helped tremendously with this issue. I love that it makes my face feel clean and doesn’t leave a filmy residue at all when I use it on my oily face. It is great at drying up and reducing acne on my shoulders and back, also.