Acne & Oil Control Face Wash

This range groups facial cleansers formulated for oily and breakout-prone skin. Products differ mainly by the ingredient they are built around, which is usually the most practical way to narrow the list.

Ingredients used in this range

• Salicylic acid — an oil-soluble acid, stocked in several strengths, used in cleansers formulated for congested pores and blackheads.
• Benzoyl peroxide — an antimicrobial agent used in cleansers formulated for inflamed breakouts.
• Tea tree and neem — plant-derived ingredients traditionally used in products for oily skin.
• Charcoal, clay and multani mitti — absorbent ingredients, generally chosen for shine and surface oil rather than for active breakouts.
• Low-pH and soothing formulas — milder options for skin that is oily but also easily irritated.

Comparing options

Active strengths differ between products, so check the concentration on the label before comparing two cleansers with the same ingredient. Textures include foaming gels, cleansing foams, creamy washes and dual wash-masks, in sizes from small tubes up to large pump bottles. Follow the usage instructions on each product page, and speak to a registered doctor about persistent, painful or scarring acne.

Related categories

Rinse-off cleansers stay on the skin only briefly, so they are commonly used alongside a leave-on product — see Acne & Pore Care Serum, Acne Cream & Gel and Acne Patches. Products intended for diagnosed skin conditions are listed under Medicated Skin Treatments.