7 Gently Purifying Cleansers Perfect For Restoring Balance In Oily Skin

Best for: The pimple-prone

Formulated to address the imbalanced pH levels and microbiome of oily and pimple-prone skin, this foaming gel cleanser aims to purify skin, whilst respecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Sizes: 200ml / 400ml

Key features:

• Helps to maintain a balanced skin pH and microbiome
• Suitable for pimple-prone and sensitive skin
• Removes dirt, makeup and impurities
• Purifies skin without stripping it of moisture

Available at:

• $31.95 from Adore Beauty
• $25.39 from Chemist Warehouse

Best for: A budget-friendly beauty routine

If you’re looking to save a few dollars when it comes to your skin care, your cleanser is the best step to find an affordable alternative for as it spends the least amount of time on your face. Case in point? This foaming cleanser from CeraVe, which is budget-friendly without compromising on results. It removes excess sebum and oil, and utilises a nourishing blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to reinforce the skin’s protective moisture barrier.

Sizes: 236ml / 473ml

Key features:

• Enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
• Removes excess sebum and oil
• Reinforces the skin’s natural protective barrier
• Gel-based, foaming formula
• Non-irritating

Available at:

• $17.99 from Adore Beauty
• $14.39 from Chemist Warehouse
• $14.39 from Priceline

Best for: The simple routine

Clinique has been customising skin care routines since the late ’60s, and the brand is still at the forefront of the category decades later with Clinique’s signature 3-Step Skin Care System. Designed to be used as the first step in the brand’s Combination Oily or Oily Skin routines, this simple, yet effective cleanser washes away impurities and soothes skin with an infusion of aloe.

Sizes: 200ml

Key features:

• The first step in Clinique’s signature 3-Step Skin Care System
• Simple formula that’s easy to use
• Gently washes away impurities
• Infused with soothing aloe
• Suitable for combination oily or oily skin types

Available at:

• $46 from Clinique
• $46 from Sephora
• $46 from MYER

Best for: Congested pores

Battling with congestion and clogged pores? This volcanic ash and BHA-infused cleansing foam promises to gently exfoliate, purify pores, absorb excess oil and soothe skin too.

Sizes: 150ml

Key features:

• Contains exfoliating BHAs (salicylic acid), soothing madecassoside, and oil-absorbing volcanic ash and zinc PCA
• Removes congestion
• Unclogs pores
• Doesn’t sensitise or strip skin of moisture
• Leaves skin with a fresh, shine-free finish

Available at:

• $19 from Adore Beauty
• $19 from Sephora
• $19 from Innisfree

Best for: A shine-free T-zone

Prepping your skin for makeup and want to minimise potential shine? Try this gentle and sensitive skin-friendly cleanser. It contains plant-based Comedoclastin™ (an ingredient derived from milk thistle seeds), which helps to reduce excess sebum and mattify the skin.

Sizes: 200ml / 400ml

Key features:

• Suitable for oily, pimple-prone and sensitive skin
• Contains mattifying and sebum-absorbing Comedoclastin™
• Infused with Avène’s signature soothing Thermal Spring Water
• Soap-free
• pH-balanced

Available at:

• $27.99 from Priceline
• $25.99 from Oz Hair & Beauty
• $29.99 from Adore Beauty

Best for: Temperamental skin

If your skin refuses to take a day off from producing oil and throws temper tantrums when you try to tackle the issue with potent products, then this purifying foam gel cleanser is here to act as mediator. It effectively purifies skin, minimises congestion and limits sebum production without drying out your skin for a comfortable complexion all day long.

Sizes: 200ml

Key features:

• Suitable for combination and oily skin
• Non-comedogenic, non-drying, and soap-free
• Unclogs pores
• Regulates sebum production
• Helps to maintain comfortable-feeling skin

Available at:

• $15.99 from Amazon Australia
• $26.99 from Adore Beauty
• $15.99 from Chemist Warehouse

Best for: Battling blemishes

If you deal with consistent breakouts as a result of oily skin, then this clarifying cleanser from Murad should be on your radar. Not only does it help to smooth blemished, textured skin, but it also helps to prevent future breakouts using a combination of two types of salicylic acid and green tea extract.

Sizes: 200ml

Key features:

• Minimises existing blemishes and prevents future breakouts
• Soothes and heals blemish-prone skin
• Smooths texture
• Improves the clarity of the complexion
• Free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates, gluten and animal-derived ingredients

Available at:

• $58 from Adore Beauty
• $58 from Sephora
• $58 from Murad