How to Manage Oily skin with the Right Face Wash or Cleanser
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with constant shine, clogged pores, and breakouts.
While our skin produces oil (sebum) to keep itself hydrated, excess oil buildup can lead to an unbalanced complexion and stubborn acne.
The good news? The right face wash can make a big difference.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), especially salicylic acid, is one of the best ingredients for oily skin, as it penetrates pores to dissolve oil and debris. For those with sensitivities, tea tree oil and turmeric offer gentle yet effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
In this guide, we have reviewed some of the best face washes for oily skin in Pakistan, from international dermatology-recommended brands to local, affordable options.
Whether you are dealing with persistent breakouts or just want a fresher, matte look, there is a cleanser here for you.
(Check our skincare deals before buying your products.)
List of Best Face Washes and Cleansers for Oily Skin in Pakistan
- Physiogel – Red Soothing Cica Balance + Ac Foam Face Wash
- Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser Oil Control
- Garnier Men Oil Clear Face Wash
- Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
- Metafil OS (Oily Skin) Cleanser
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
- Jenpharm Mandelac Face Wash
- Conatural Tea Tree And Neem Face Wash
1. Physiogel – Red Soothing Cica Balance + Ac Foam Face Wash For Oily Skin
A foam cleanser designed for oily and acne-prone skin, this product gently cleanses without drying. Enriched with cicamile (madecassoside + chamomile), it soothes inflammation and calms sensitive skin, while maintaining moisture.
- Best for: Sensitive oily skin
- Key Ingredients: Cica, chamomile
- Texture: Soft foaming cleanser
Pros:
- Gentle on acne-prone skin
- pH-balanced (5.5)
- Soothing and non-drying
Cons:
- On the expensive side
Price: 4,275 PKR (At Publish Time)
Quantity: 120 ml
2. Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser Oil Control
Formulated with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, this dermatologist-developed face wash removes oil, makeup, and dirt without compromising your skin’s barrier. Ideal for those who want effective oil control without irritation.
- Best for: Daily use, oil removal without dryness
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Texture: Gel to foam
Pros:
- Maintains skin barrier
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons:
- Higher price range
Price: 6,000 PKR
Quantity: 273 ml
3. Garnier Men Oil Clear Face Wash
Affordable and popular, this face wash is enriched with mineral clay and menthol, offering a deep cleanse and a refreshing, cooling feel. Perfect for men with active lifestyles and excess sweat.
- Best for: Sweaty/oily skin
- Key Ingredients: Mineral clay, menthol
- Texture: Gel-based
Pros:
- Instant cooling effect
- Controls excess oil and sweat
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Not suitable sensitive skin
Price: 600 PKR
Qunatity: 100 ml
4. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
A gentle cleanser that uses niacinamide and panthenol to clean pores without irritation. Soap-free and non-comedogenic, it removes oil and impurities while keeping the skin calm and hydrated.
- Best for: Sensitive oily skin
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, panthenol
- Texture: Gel
Pros:
- Maintains skin pH
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-irritating
Cons:
- Pricey for basic formula
Price: 5,050 PKR
Quantity: 236 ml
5. Metafil OS (Oily Skin) Cleanser
This Pakistani cleanser offers excellent value. It is pH-balanced, non-comedogenic, and uses sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, a gentle surfactant that cleans without stripping.
- Best for: Affordable, everyday use
- Key Ingredients: Mild surfactants
- Texture: Light foam
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Skin-friendly surfactants
- Locally available
Cons:
- Basic formula (no actives like BHA)
Price: 1,098 PKR
Quantity: 120 ml
6. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash is a classic go-to for acne-prone skin. It features a clinically effective 2% salicylic acid formula that helps clear existing breakouts while preventing new ones from forming.
It also contains MicroClear Technology, which enhances salicylic acid delivery into the pores, making it especially effective for blackheads, whiteheads, and excess oil.
- Best for: Active acne and clogged pores
- Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, MicroClear Tech
- Texture: Lightweight gel
Pros:
- Fights and prevents breakouts
- Penetrates deeply into pores
- Dermatologist-recommended globally
Cons:
- May be drying for very sensitive skin
Price: 2,399 PKR
Quantity: 269 ml
7. Jenpharm Mandelac Face Wash
Formulated with 3% mandelic acid, this best-selling Pakistani face wash is designed to gently exfoliate the skin and treat acne without irritation. Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its slower penetration rate, making it ideal for sensitive or pigmented skin.
It also helps fade post-acne marks, dark spots, and uneven tone over time.
- Best for: Mild exfoliation + acne + pigmentation
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid 3%
- Texture: Gentle gel
Pros:
- Exfoliates without irritation
- Fades acne marks gradually
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Not a deep cleanser (no foam)
Price: 998 PKR
Quantity: 100ml
8. Conatural Tea Tree And Neem Face Wash
This herbal-based cleanser combines tea tree oil and neem extract to naturally combat acne-causing bacteria. It gently removes dirt and oil without over-drying the skin, making it perfect for daily use.
- Best for: Mild acne, daily herbal cleansing
- Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, neem
- Texture: Gel
Pros:
- Antibacterial and anti-fungal
- Non-irritating
- Pakistani brand with clean formulation
Cons:
- May not clear stubborn breakouts
Price: 1,150 PKR
Quantity: 150 ml
Editor’s Pick
Best Overall Face Wash for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin in Pakistan
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin
If we had to pick just one face wash that checks all the boxes for oily and acne-prone skin, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser would be it.
Formulated with ceramides to protect your skin barrier, niacinamide to calm inflammation, and hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration, it offers deep cleansing without over-drying. It is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for everyday use — even for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What is Oily Skin?
Oily skin is a common skin type where the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum (natural oil), making the skin appear shiny and greasy, especially in areas like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
While sebum helps protect and hydrate the skin, too much of it can lead to clogged pores and acne.
Oily skin is often associated with the following characteristics:
Characteristics/Signs of Oily Skin
1. Shiny Appearance
The skin may appear shiny or greasy, particularly in the T-zone.
2. Large Pores
Oily skin often has visibly enlarged pores, especially on the nose, cheeks, and forehead.
3. Acne-Prone
Excess oil can clog pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, and acne breakouts.
4. Thicker Skin Texture
Oily skin tends to have a thicker texture, which might make it less prone to fine lines but more susceptible to breakouts.
5. Frequent Makeup Sliding
People with oily skin may notice that their makeup slides off or doesn’t last long due to the extra oil.
Factors That Influence Oily Skin
Oily skin is often influenced by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
1. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations, such as during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can stimulate sebum production.
2. Climate
Hot and humid environments can exacerbate oil production.
3. Overwashing
Using harsh cleansers or overwashing the face can strip the skin’s natural oils, causing it to produce even more sebum to compensate.
4. Diet
High-glycemic foods (e.g., sugar and refined carbs) may contribute to oiliness by increasing inflammation and hormonal activity.
5. Wrong Skincare Products
Using products not suited for oily skin, such as heavy creams or oils, can clog pores and worsen oiliness.
Related:
6 Best Salicylic Acid Serums in Pakistan
Best Face Washes For Dry Skin In Pakistan
11 Best Vitamin C Serums In Pakistan
Education: University of Peshawar
Abrar Ahmad holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry and has been writing about skincare for over five years. With a deep understanding of ingredients and their impact on the skin, he enjoys sharing practical, science-based skincare advice. When not writing, he loves playing with his kids.
