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Having oily skin is a blessing and a curse. Well, you probably already know how frustrating it is to deal with a greasy complexion on a daily basis. But on the bright side (yes, there’s a bright side), oily skin tends to age better than other skin types.
Conventional cleansers are made up of harsh ingredients that can irritate skin or aggravate existing problems. They may even strip skin of the moisture that it needs to be healthy, which just causes it to produce more oil to overcompensate.
Going down the organic route for a face cleanser can be one of the best things that you do for your skin. The best organic cleansers are formulated with nutrient-rich ingredients that work wonders for clearing congested skin, reducing excess sebum, and preventing breakouts!
What to Look for in Cleanser for Oily Skin
Gel Cleansers
Gel cleansers are suitable for all skin types. Compared to foaming cleansers, they’re usually gentler on our skin but they still get the job done right! Gel cleansers typically contain active ingredients that can effectively treat common skin problems associated with oily or acne-prone skin, such as redness or breakouts.
Foam Cleansers
Foaming cleansers are great for oily or acne-prone skin. They’re light and airy, and the best part is that you don’t have to spend any time working up a lather. This type of cleanser works well for purifying skin by providing a deep and thorough cleanse to remove dirt, debris, and excess oil.
Clays
Clays are a complete game-changer for oily skin types. They’re best known for their ability to absorb oil, while purifying and balancing skin. Clay works well for reducing excess sebum by pulling oil from the skin and clearing congested skin.
However, not all clays are the same. Various clays have specific properties that will benefit different skin types. Clays with stronger absorption qualities like bentonite or French green clay will work best for oily skin types.
Balancing Oils
When you have oily skin, the last thing on your mind is adding more oil into the equation. But the thing is, our skin actually produces more oil when it’s dehydrated. Incorporating oils into your skincare routine can work wonders for balancing skin and replenishing moisture levels to reduce oil production.
Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Ingredients
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients can help get rid of the bacteria that causes acne or breakouts. These ingredients can also help soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
Ingredients to Look for in a Cleanser for Oily Skin
Sulfates
Sulfates are commonly used in personal care and household cleaning products. This ingredient is responsible for the lather we see with most cleaning products, and it helps remove dirt and oil.
However, sulfates can strip our skin (or hair) of the moisture that keeps it healthy. It can cause irritation in the eyes or on the skin. They may also clog pores and contribute to acne or breakouts.
Parabens
Parabens are widely used as a preservative in beauty products. The alarming part is that they’re easily absorbed through the skin and they have been linked to serious health risks, such as developmental and reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and cancer.
Synthetic Fragrance
The thing about synthetic fragrances is that companies rarely list the ingredients that they contain. There are certain chemicals used in synthetic fragrances that have been linked to serious health risks like reproductive and developmental toxicity, and cancer. They may also cause irritation or an allergic reaction for people who have sensitivities to these chemicals.
The Best Organic Cleansers for Oily Skin
Odacité’s Black Mint Cleanser provides the perfect pick-me-up at the start or end of the day. In addition to the refreshing mint scent, it has a soothing, cooling effect on skin. This gel cleanser has a gentle formula that creates just enough lather to provide skin with a thorough deep cleanse.
Formulated with rhassoul clay, activated charcoal, tea tree, peppermint, and apple amino acids, this cleanser is effective for clearing and purifying oily or congested skin. Another bonus is that it works great for removing makeup.
Pros
- Refreshing mint scent
- Soothing, cooling effect on skin
- Provides deep cleanse without drying skin out
- Removes makeup
- Leaves skin feeling soft, matte, and clean
Cons
- Some people find the scent too strong.
Where to Shop
Indie Lee’s Purifying Face Wash is a great option for clearing and brightening up your complexion. This foaming cleanser effectively dissolves sebum, and clears dirt and debris to purify skin. It’s rich in antioxidants and contains a wonderful combination of Java Plum, Orange, and Lavender Extract, which leaves skin feeling clean and soft.
Pros
- Gentle formula provides deep cleanse without stripping skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Leaves skin feeling clean and soft
- Very lovely, subtle scent
Cons
- Some people find it not hydrating enough
Where to Shop
Great reviews all-around! Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser is gentle on skin but still provides a thorough, deep cleanse. This gel cleanser works great for oily and blemish-prone skin types.
Formulated with willow bark extract, arnica extract, and wintergreen extract, this cleanser is remarkably soothing and has a cooling effect on skin. It leaves skin feeling soft and clean, while diminishing the appearance of redness or blemishes.
Pros
- Soothing, cooling effect on skin
- Designed for oily or blemish-prone skin types
- Works great for reducing redness and blemishes
Cons
- Definitely a splurge! ($72 for 4.1 fl oz)
Where to Shop
Osea's Ocean Cleansing Mudd is a great option for oily, blemish-prone, or combination skin types. It contains a potent blend of USDA Certified Organic Algae, which works well for purifying congested skin and reducing excess oil.
You can look forward to a refreshing, cooling sensation from this cleanser, along with an incredibly uplifting mint scent! This product will leave skin feeling clean and invigorated.
Pros
- Refreshing mint scent
- Effectively purifies congested skin for oily, blemish-prone, or combination skin types
- Leaves skin feeling clean and invigorated
Cons
- Some people find that this cleanser leaves the skin feeling tight.
Where to Shop
Dr. Alkaitis’ Organic Purifying Cleanser effectively purifies skin and removes dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, clearer complexion. This cleanser is a bit of a splurge, but a little does go a long way. Suitable for all skin types, this product can thoroughly cleanse skin while providing a boost of hydration that will leave skin feeling soft, clean, and invigorated.
Pros
- Gentle formula moisturizes while providing a deep cleanse
- Reduces the appearance of blackheads and breakouts
- Brightens and clarifies skin complexion
Cons
- A bit of a splurge!
Where to Shop
Want to try something different? Osmia’s Black Clay Facial Soap is a fantastic choice for those looking for a facial soap bar that can remove impurities without stripping skin! This facial soap contains a unique combination of nourishing ingredients, such as Australian black clay, Dead Sea mud, and antioxidant-rich botanical oils which helps to tone, balance, and clear skin.
You’ll have to pay extra attention to how you store this soap bar! To get the most out of this product, make sure you store it somewhere dry or invest in a soap saver.
Pros
- Helps to reduce breakouts
- Gentle, nourishing formula removes impurities without drying out skin
- Affordable!
Cons
- Requires more attention when it comes to storage and use
Where to Shop
One Love Organics’ Easy Does It Cleanser can be used on the face, body, and hair – yes! This gel cleanser contains Chilean soap bark, cold-pressed apple oil, and vegetable glycerin, a gentle but hydrating formula that effectively removes dirt and oil.
Pros
- Gentle formula is suitable for sensitive skin types
- Removes makeup
- Affordable price!
Cons
- This product may make dry patches or flakes look more noticeable
- Can leave skin feeling dry or tight
Where to Shop
Ursa Major’s Fantastic Face Wash works great for removing dirt and oil, without making skin feel dry. It contains AHA/BHA complex, which exfoliates and removes dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, clearer complexion.
This foaming gel cleanser is suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin types. The ultra-hydrating formula can soothe and calm acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Fresh and uplifting scent
- AHA/BHA complex exfoliates skin
- Soothing formula is great for temperamental or acne-prone skin
- Affordable price!
Cons
- None!
Where to Shop
This cleanser is suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It features a gentle but concentrated formula that works great for thoroughly cleansing skin without drying it out.
Christina Moss Naturals’ Organic Face Wash is formulated with Rosemary Flower Extract, Rosemary Essential Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Aloe Vera, and Coconut Oil, which delivers powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce the appearance of blemishes or redness.
Pros
- Helps reduce blemishes and redness
- Improves overall condition of skin
- Leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed
Cons
- Tube packaging isn’t fun to deal with
Where to Shop
Thesis Beauty’s All Natural Organic Facial Wash has a mild formula that works well for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin types. This foaming gel cleanser features a powerful blend of Tea Tree, Geranium, Petitgrain, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Mint, and Lavender, which effectively purifies skin and removes excess oil. It also reduces blemishes and helps to prevent future breakouts.
Pros
- Soothing, cooling effect on skin
- Refreshing peppermint scent
- Helps clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts
- Affordable price!
Cons
- None!
Where to Shop
Conclusion
Face wash is one of the most important aspects of our daily skincare routine! Dealing with oily skin is no fun, but the best organic cleansers can work wonders for reducing excess oil, clearing congested skin, preventing future breakouts, and improving the overall condition of our skin.
We hope that you found this article helpful! Let us know in the comments about your own experience searching for an organic face wash or if you have any tips to share with us – and of course, if you have any questions!
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