Best Face Washes for Oily Skin in India: Top Picks for a Shine-Free Glow
- Garima Arora
- Apr 25
- 5 min read
Updated: May 22
Managing oily skin can be difficult, particularly in India's humid and polluted climate. Shiny skin, clogged pores, and frequent acne are caused by too much oil. Controlling sebum, avoiding breakouts, and attaining a fresh, matte appearance depend on selecting the best face wash for oily skin. The best face washes/cleansers for oily skin that will be on the market in India in 2025 are listed in this blog. Our selections, including the well-regarded Cetaphil oily skin cleanser, are based on customer reviews, dermatologist recommendations, and real-time data to ensure they work for Indian skin types.
Why Use a Face Wash for Oily Skin?
Excess sebum produced by oily skin leads to greasiness, enlarged pores, and acne. A high-quality oily skin cleanser or face wash:
It keeps your skin from drying out while controlling oil.
Reduces blackheads and whiteheads by unclogging clogged pores.
It uses substances like neem or salicylic acid to combat bacteria that cause acne.
Works well in the hot, muggy, and polluted climate of India.
Choosing the best face wash for oily skin can be overwhelming because so many options are available. To assist you in making the best decision, we've streamlined it with a list of high-performing products, such as the well-known Cetaphil oily skin cleanser.
Top 7 Best Face Washes for Oily Skin in India
Here is our most recent ranking of the top face washes and cleansers for oily skin that are popular in India:
1 Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash

Why It's Excellent: This sulfate-free face wash for oily skin uses Zinc, LHA, and 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate, regulate oil, and lessen acne. Niacinamide is a strong candidate for the best face wash for oily skin because it hydrates skin without being greasy.
Ideal For: Combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types.
Customer feedback: Users highly favor its ability to control shine and minimize blackheads. After that, some people with sensitive skin are advised to apply moisturizer.
Where to Purchase: The Minimalist website, Nykaa, or Amazon.
2. Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash

Why It's Excellent: Neem and turmeric work together to combat acne and regulate oil in this inexpensive face wash for oily skin. It's a household favorite for Indian skin.
Ideal For: Skin that is oily and prone to acne.
Customer feedback: Customers praise its oil control and refreshing feel. Although gentle, it might not be able to remove thick makeup.
Where to Purchase: local shops, Amazon, or Myntra.
3. Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash

Why It's Excellent: This vegan cleanser for oily skin uses green tea and glycolic acid to clean pores and minimize oil production thoroughly. It is an excellent choice for the best face wash for oily skin and is ideal for Indian summers.
Ideal For: Combination and oily skin types.
Customer feedback: People say they have fewer breakouts and clearer skin. However, it might be a little too strong for people with sensitive skin.
Where to Purchase: Amazon, Nykaa, or Plum's website.
4 Mamaearth Tea Tree Face Wash

Why It's Excellent: This toxin-free natural face wash for oily skin fights acne and excess oil with neem and tea tree oil. It is sulphate-free and dermatologist-tested for Indian skin.
Ideal For: Skin that is oily and prone to acne.
Customer feedback: Users highly favor its oil control and natural formula. However, some may find the smell overpowering.
Where to Purchase: Amazon, Flipkart, or Mamaearth's website.
5. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

Why It's Excellent: A dermatologist-recommended cleanser for oily skin, Cetaphil gently eliminates excess oil while preserving the skin's pH balance. It is a top choice for the best face wash for oily skin because it works well for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin.
Ideal For: Sensitive and oily skin.
Customer feedback: Users highly praise its non-drying formula and makeup-removing ability. It's a little more expensive, but it works well.
Where to Purchase: pharmacies, Nykaa, or Amazon.
6. The Man Company Charcoal Face Wash

Why It's Excellent: This face wash for oily skin was created especially for men and contains neem and activated charcoal to control oil, deeply clean pores, and stop breakouts. It is a top oily skin cleanser because of its anti-pollution qualities, which make it perfect for Indian men who live in cities.
Ideal For: Males with greasy, acne-prone skin.
Customer feedback: Men appreciate its matte finish and deep cleaning action. A mild moisturizer is advised because some people find it a little drying.
Where to Purchase: Nykaa, Amazon, or the website of The Man Company
7. Garnier Men Acno Fight Face Wash

This men's face wash for oily skin uses mineral clay and salicylic acid to fight acne and reduce sebum. It is refreshing and suitable for the Indian climate.
Ideal For: Males with greasy, acne-prone skin.
According to customer feedback, men adore its deep-cleaning action. However, it can be a little drying for some people, so moisturize afterwards.
Where to Purchase: Purchase locations include supermarkets, Amazon, and Flipkart.
How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin
Take into account the following elements when choosing the best cleanser or face wash for oily skin:
Essential Components:
Salicylic acid: This is present in Cetaphil and Minimalist oily skin cleansers, exfoliates pores, and unclogs them.
Neem and tea tree oil: combat acne bacteria (Mamaearth, Himalaya).
Niacinamide: Brightens skin and regulates oil (Foxtale, Minimalist).
Green tea: Lowers inflammation and oil (Plum).
Steer clear of harsh chemicals: Avoid alcohol, parabens, and sulphates as they can irritate Indian skin.
Skin Type Match: Verify that the product is labeled for combination or oily skin types. Avoid creamy cleansers if you have dry skin.
Affordable Options: A face wash for oily skin suits every budget, ranging from Himalaya (₹150) to Cetaphil oily skin cleanser (₹400).
Tips for Managing Oily Skin in India
Try these suggestions to go along with your oily skin face wash:
Use a Toner: A witch hazel or niacinamide toner tightens pores and lowers oil.
Weekly Exfoliation: To remove dead skin, use a mild chemical exfoliant.
Keep Yourself Hydrated: To balance the production of oil, drink water.
Apply Sunscreen: Opt for a non-comedogenic, gel-based sunscreen.
Watch Your Diet: Eat Less Sugary and Oily Foods to Lower Sebum
FAQs About Face Wash for Oily Skin
1. What is the best face wash for oily skin in India?
The best face wash for oily skin depends on your needs, but the Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash is a top choice for its oil control and acne-fighting properties. The Cetaphil oily skin cleanser is also highly recommended for sensitive, oily skin.
2. Can I use a cleanser for oily skin daily?
Yes, a cleanser for oily skin like the Cetaphil oily skin cleanser or Plum Green Tea Face Wash can be used twice daily (morning and night). Avoid over-cleansing, as it may strip natural oils and worsen oil production.
3. Is Cetaphil oily skin cleanser good for acne?
Absolutely! The Cetaphil oily skin cleanser is dermatologist-recommended for acne-prone, oily skin. It gently removes excess oil and unclogs pores without irritating the skin, making it a great cleanser for oily skin.
4. How often should I wash my face with a face wash for oily skin?
Wash your face twice daily with a face wash for oily skin—once in the morning and once before bed. Over-washing can dry out your skin, leading to more oil production.
5. Are natural face washes for oily skin effective?
Yes, natural options like Mamaearth Tea Tree Face Wash and Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash are effective for oily skin. They use ingredients like neem and tea tree oil to control oil and fight acne, ideal for Indian skin.
6. Can men use a face wash for oily skin?
Yes, men can use any face wash for oily skin, but products like Garnier Men Acno Fight Face Wash are formulated for men’s thicker, oilier skin, providing deep cleansing and acne control.
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