Oil-Free Cleansers: How They Work, Benefits and More

• Oil-free cleansers are best suited to those with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Oil-free facial cleansers are less likely to clog your pores than traditional products.
• Salicylic acid, niacinamide and benzoyl peroxide are effective ingredients widely found in oil-free cleansers.

Cleansers are essential as part of your daily skin care routine, helping to lift away impurities and excess oils from your skin. However, the efficacy of your cleanser will depend on its ingredients and your individual skin type. Oil-free cleansers are an effective option for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

What Is an Oil-Free Cleanser?

Oils can be comedogenic, which means they can clog your pores and cause blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) to form. This is especially problematic for those with oily and acne-prone skin that naturally produces too much oil.

Cleansers help to clear away excess oils from your skin, but they can sometimes have a negative impact if they are not formulated to target your personal skin concerns.

Face wash cleansers that are free from oil-based ingredients are beneficial for those who experience excess oil and breakouts. Oil-free cleansers typically have a foaming or gel-like consistency and are formulated with active ingredients that help to combat oiliness and clogged pores, such as salicylic acid and niacinamide.

How does it work?

Most oil-free cleansers contain foaming agents to thoroughly clear away excess oil and dirt from your skin. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium cocoyl glycinate (SCG) are two ingredients widely used in oil-free cleansers to create a foamy lather that lifts away impurities.

Benefits

For those with acne-prone skin, oil-free cleansers are unlikely to clog your pores, thereby reducing the chance of breakouts. Cleansers containing active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, will also help to treat existing blemishes and clogged pores, minimizing their appearance.

If you have oily skin, your face may appear shiny and feel greasy to the touch. By stripping away excess oil, a good cleanser will reduce shine and leave your skin feeling less greasy than usual.

Who Should Choose an Oil-Free Cleanser?

As they are most effective at controlling excess oil and clearing away dirt from the skin, oil-free cleansers are best suited to those with oily or acne-prone skin types.

Those with dry skin should avoid oil-free cleansers containing foaming agents, as they can be too drying for your skin type. Similarly, oil-controlling ingredients, such as tea tree oil and witch hazel may be too harsh.

Best Oil-Free Face Cleansers

Not all oil-free cleansers are created the same. A good oil-free cleanser will contain added active ingredients and nutrients that address your individual skin type. Similarly, a good cleanser will clear away oils without being too drying on your skin – it’s best to avoid those containing alcohol, which can be overly drying even on oily skin types.

Best types

Oil-free cleansers are typically foam and gel-based. These formulations work most efficiently with oily and acne-prone skin, as they are lightweight and deeply cleansing with ingredients that are unlikely to clog pores.

Other common formulations, such as cream and lotion cleansers, tend to be heavier and moisturizing on the skin and are therefore more suitable for those with dry and sensitive skin types.

Ingredients to look for

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) widely used to treat acne. Due to its oil-solubility, it’s able to reach deep into your pores to dissolve excess oil and buildup. This can be beneficial for those with acne-prone and oily skin types.

Niacinamide is an oil-controlling ingredient that also works to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores – a common characteristic of oily skin. It can also be used to combat blemishes and pimples.

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is an ingredient that kills acne-causing bacteria on your skin, while also acting as an anti-inflammatory. It’s especially effective when treating pimples and blemishes on acne-prone skin.

How to Use an Oil-Free Cleanser

Oil-free cleansers should be used as the very first step in your routine, to clear away all the oils and impurities that have built up during the day. Use in the morning and evening to keep your skin clean and refreshed. Typically, they are applied as follows:

1. Wash hands thoroughly, preventing any dirt and bacteria from reaching your face.
2. Dampen your skin with warm water – hot water can be damaging.
3. Apply a pea-sized amount of product onto your fingertips and gently massage into your face.
4. Thoroughly rinse off the product with warm water.
5. Pat your skin dry and follow up with a lightweight moisturizer.

Takeaway

Oil-free cleansers are an effective, non-comedogenic option for those with oily and acne-prone skin types. They often contain added ingredients to combat blackheads and breakouts, such as salicylic acid, BPO and niacinamide. Use oil-free cleansers twice a day to keep your skin clear from excess oil and bacteria.