6 Best Face Washes Dermatologists Recommend for Oily Skin In India

Last Updated on January 19, 2026

Oily and acne-prone skin doesn’t struggle because it isn’t clean enough. It struggles because it’s easy to overdo. In India’s heat, humidity, and pollution, the wrong face wash can tip skin into chaos fast. Too gentle, and oil, sweat, and clogged pores quietly pile up. Too aggressive, and the barrier rebels with irritation, redness, and even more breakouts.

That is why dermatologists usually recommend gel or foaming face wash for oily skin that strike a balance. These face washes remove excess oil and impurities, help keep pores clear, and still protect the skin barrier.

Here are the top dermatologist-recommended face washes in India for oily, acne-prone skin.

Top Dermatologist-Recommended Face Washes For Oily Skin

1. Becalm Salicylic Acid Face Wash: Best Overall for Oily, Sensitive & Acne-Prone Skin

If there’s one cleanser that hits the sweet spot between effective and gentle, this is it.  The face wash combines 0.5% salicylic acid (safe for daily use) with Zinc PCA and barrier-supportive ingredients for oil control and calming. What makes it stand out is that it’s designed specifically for hot, humid climates, where sweat, pollution, and excess sebum can easily weaken the skin barrier.

It’s also microbiome-friendly, pH-balanced, and avoids the harsh, stripping feel many acne cleansers have. Dermatologist Dr. Anchal has also recommended this cleanser in her video roundup for oily skin, adding to its credibility.

Why it works:

It deep-cleans pores, controls oil, and calms the skin without overdrying, something not many salicylic acid face washes manage to do well. 

Best for:

Oily, sensitive, acne-prone, or combination skin, especially if irritation is a primary concern.

Available here.

You can read my detailed review here.

2. The Derma Co Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Wash: Best Pick for Acne Control

This one can give you visible results without going prescription-level. It pairs 2% salicylic acid with niacinamide, a dermatologist-approved combo for clearing pores, reducing breakouts, and calming redness. The gel texture feels light and practical in Indian summers, making it easy to use daily if your skin can tolerate actives well.

Good To Know:

Because 2% salicylic acid is more potent, sensitive skin types should start with once a day or alternate days and see how their skin reacts.

Best for:

Active acne, blackheads, and excess oil.  

Available here.

3. Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam: Best Foaming Cleanser for Oily Skin

This is a classic dermatologist-recommended option, especially for people who prefer foam cleansers. Sebamed formulas are known for their low pH levels (5.5), which help maintain a healthy skin barrier. The foam texture feels refreshing, rinses easily, and works well in hot weather.

Good to know:

Foams can feel slightly less hydrating for some people. Follow with a light gel moisturiser afterwards.

Best for:

Daily cleansing for oily or acne-prone skin when you want something gentle, familiar, and fuss-free.

Available here.

4. CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser: Best Ceramide-Infused Face Wash

This cleanser is a dermatologist’s favourite for acne-prone skin because it treats breakouts without compromising the skin barrier. CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser uses 2% salicylic acid (BHA) to help unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and control excess oil, while CeraVe’s signature ceramides work in the background to support and repair the skin barrier.

Good to know:

Because it contains 2% salicylic acid, it can feel a bit drying for sensitive skin at first. Starting once daily and pairing it with a good moisturizer helps minimize irritation.

Best for:

Oily or acne-prone skin with frequent breakouts, clogged pores, or blackheads

Available here.

5.  La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel: Best Luxury Cleanser

La Roche-Posay is a globally loved dermatologist brand, and the cleanser is a pH-friendly foaming gel. Formulated with zinc pidolate, it helps remove excess oil and daily buildup while maintaining the skin’s natural pH balance. The result is skin that feels clean and not over-dried.

Good to know:

This is a mild cleanser for daily use that won’t aggressively target blackheads or breakouts on its own.

Best for:
Oily or acne-prone skin that needs a gentle, daily cleanse.

Available here.

6. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser: Best Face Wash For Sensitive Skin

This one is all about safety and tolerance. It’s a low-irritation, non-stripping formula formulated with niacinamide and panthenol to support the skin barrier when it’s at its weakest.

Good to know:
This face wash doesn’t actively treat acne or control oil long-term. Think of it as a gentle cleanser for days when your skin is super-sensitive.

Best for:
Sensitive, oily skin or anyone who reacts easily to actives and wants a calm, everyday cleanser.

Available here.

How to Choose the Right Dermatologist-Recommended Face Wash for Oily Skin

If your skin is oily and acne-prone but also reacts easily, it’s best to choose a cleanser that balances actives with barrier care. Becalm Salicylic Acid Face Wash helps unclog pores and control oil, making it suitable for daily use even in hot, humid weather.

For those dealing with persistent breakouts, blackheads, or clogged pores, a more active-focused formula can be helpful. Cleansers from The Derma Co. and Cerave offer stronger oil-clearing and exfoliating ingredients, which can work well if your skin can tolerate higher actives without irritation.

If your main goal is simply a mild, no-nonsense daily cleanse and severe acne or oil control isn’t your priority, Sebamed, La Roche-Posay, and Cetaphil are good options. They cleanse effectively without stripping the skin, making them ideal for minimising irritation over time.

Tips for Using Cleanser in Indian Weather

• Use a small, pea-sized amount of cleanser and massage it gently into damp skin for about 30–40 seconds. There’s no need to scrub or over-clean.
• If you’re new to salicylic acid, ease into it. Start with once-daily use, preferably in the evening, and increase to twice a day only if your skin feels comfortable and balanced.
• After cleansing, always follow with a lightweight gel moisturiser to support the skin barrier, and don’t skip a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, especially when using exfoliating actives.
• If your skin starts to feel tight, red, or dry, take it as a sign to scale back. Switch to once-daily cleansing or alternate with a gentler face wash until your skin settles again.

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