With extremely oily, acne-prone skin, finding a gentle cleanser that actually makes the skin feel clean without drying it out is no easy task. Enter the best soaps for oily skin that we have handpicked after hours of research and extensive forrays into user reviews. 

According to a paper published in the National Library of Medicine, a good soap for oily skin should contain more exfoliating elements and anti-bacterial ingredients that prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris and regulate bacterial infection, thereby reducing the chances of acne, zits, and dullness. At the same time, they should have a percentage of humectants and occlusives to restore lost moisture and hydration and make skin soft.  

We have a thing for bar soaps — affordable, portable, and no plastic! However, not every soap bar can be suitable for facial use as most are extremely drying. The ones on our list can easily compete with cleansers with their mindful formulations and pair well with other helpful products for oily skin. 

Also, oily skin and acne issues are rarely limited to facial skin, so it makes sense to have a soap bar in the shower that can help you combat issues like redness, back acne, and the like. Read on to check out our top choices for oily skin soaps and expert reviews of the same.

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  Best for Blemish-prone Skin

  VALITIC Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover

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For tired oily skin with acne scarring and blemishes, VALITIC Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover is a game-changer. Combining the power trio of vitamin C, retinol, and collagen to provide deep hydration to minimize sun damage, blemishes, and fine lines, the formulation works wonders to solve the common issues associated with oily skin. With its acne-fighting abilities, turmeric helps clear sebaceous glands of excess buildup and smooth your complexion for an even skin tone.

We found that with this product, patience is key, as it works gradually over time. But before you know it, you'll be glowing with smooth, radiant skin. We were also impressed that this gentle, SLS-free, and paraben-free formula is safe for daily use on your face, neck, hands, and body. Simply apply to wet skin, massage in, and rinse.

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Best Overall

Neutrogena The Transparent Facial Bar

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For a facial bar that cleanses skin to a soft, balanced state, reach for the Neutrogena Original Facial Bar. This dermatologist-recommended soap bar is designed for all skin types and gently removes excess oil and impurities without over-drying with its effective ingredients. The pure, fragrance-free formula contains glycerin to attract moisture to your skin. We liked that it rinses clean without any pore-clogging residue and leaves skin feeling fresh and healthy, not tight or dry, and consider this to be a perfect pick for normal to oily skin that needs a deep clean.

Quick Tip:

Use a light moisturizer after washing with this soap to combat any dryness.

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Best for Exfoliation

O Naturals Dead Sea Mud & Clay Soap

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Made with organic, vegan, and sustainable ingredients, O Naturals Dead Sea Mud & Green Clay soap is a hydrating cleanser bar that helps rejuvenate dull, tired skin. This luxurious French triple-milled soap bar harnesses the skin-nourishing properties of Dead Sea mud and the deep cleansing action of French green clay. We found that it works well to combat acne and exfoliate dead cells and impurities, leaving skin feeling silky smooth, and renewed.

We were especially impressed with its rich lather and lightweight moisturization — it rinses well without leaving residue. Plus, this top soap for oily skin is free of sulfates, parabens, and cruelty.

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Editor’s Pick

Keika Charcoal Peppermint & Tea Tree Face & Body Bar

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Ideal for acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin, Keika’s Charcoal Peppermint & Tea Tree Face & Body Bar is a gentle yet effective skin cleanser. Its soft lather cleanses skin without over-drying or causing tightness. On trying the product we found that the soap has a pleasant natural scent and you only need a small amount to reap its skin-clearing benefits. 

As per our expertise, we believe that this soap can be a lifesaver for those battling painful acne, as it gets to the root of breakouts and helps restore clarity.  While for some it may feel a little drying, we found that it's nothing that can’t be fixed with a follow-up toner and moisturizer. Overall, given its incredible price point and effectiveness, it’s a great find for sure.

Quick Tip:

Use one half of the soap at a time to minimize cracking and maximize the soap's lifespan.

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Best for Acne

JOESOEF Skincare Anti-Acne Soap

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Dermatologist-developed and approved for over 50 years, Joesoef's medicated Anti-Acne Soap harnesses the power of sulfur and salicylic acid to banish blemishes for good.

Unlike harsh scrubs that can irritate sensitive skin, we found that Joesoef's formula works gently yet effectively. The 10% sulfur deeply cleanses and penetrates pores, killing acne-causing bacteria on contact. Meanwhile, the salicylic acid gently exfoliates to whisk away dead skin cells.

With consistent use, you can expect visible results and say goodbye to persistent acne, blackheads, rosacea, and more. A reviewer shares, “I have been using the soap for about 3 weeks and it has cleared my problem pretty well. The soap lathers really well and seems that it will last a long time. It has a slight aroma, but it’s not unpleasant. Works well for me.” 

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Best for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar

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CeraVe's Foaming Cleanser Bar is a step ahead when it comes to top soaps for oily skin! This soap-free, fragrance-free bar is formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to cleanse away dirt, oil, and gunk while still being gentle on the sensitive skin barrier.

Based on our observations, this cleanser bar leaves congested and greasy skin feeling fresh, clean, and comfortable. We can’t recommend this enough for those with combination or oily, acne-prone skin — it's non-comedogenic and has a balanced pH that's gentle enough for daily use. With its affordable price tag, quality of ingredients, and cleansing efficacy, this one can quickly become a must-have in your skincare routine!

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Best All-Natural Formulation

Natrulo 10% Sulfur Soap Cleansing Bar

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Handcrafted in the USA with high-quality ingredients and zero additives, Natrulo 10% Sulfur Soap Cleansing Bar is as close to nature as you can get. Enriched with sulfur, this facial cleanser bar works to absorb excess oil, regulate sebum production, and gently exfoliate, leaving skin clear, balanced, and free of blemishes. As per a study published on NCBI, volcanic sulfur, with its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, can help in clearing breakouts and preventing new ones from forming. The formula also contains nourishing coconut milk, vitamin E, tea tree oil, and refreshing lemongrass essential oil. These natural ingredients work together to cleanse, purify, and soothe skin. 

We particularly love how it is free of harsh chemicals and gentle enough even for sensitive skin. If you struggle with excess oil, clogged pores, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, this natural sulfur soap is a must-try. Beyond just the face, it can also be used as a body bar, scalp bar for dandruff, and even a dog shampoo.

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Best for Severe Acne

Fabulure Sea Salt Soap

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Acne-prone skin will love the deep-cleansing properties of Fabulure Sea Salt Soap. Natural ingredients like mineral-rich sea salt and nourishing goat's milk get rid of impurities without stripping your skin. We found that this leaves all skin types clean, conditioned, and hydrated but never tight or dry. A user shares, "I've struggled with breakouts since my teenage years, trying every expensive facial and product under the sun. But nothing beats this soap for keeping my skin clear and healthy-looking." Overall, if you want a soap that cleans deeply but gently, deodorizes, and helps fight acne, give this high-quality sea salt soap a try. 

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Best with Salicylic Acid

Good Molecules Clarify & Cleanse Bar

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This innovative soap-free cleansing bar from Good Molecules uses a revolutionary pH-balanced formula to gently clarify and detoxify without stripping the skin. We analyzed the formulation: the star ingredient, salicylic acid, helps clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts by keeping pores clear. It also contains Kaolin clay which can help balance oil production. 

The combination of these two key ingredients with antioxidant-rich cocoa powder and nourishing rosehip oil is why users report reduced inflammation and redness with no more excess sebum. We recommend this vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free bar cleanser for clear, even-toned skin.

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Most Gentle Formulation with Sulfur

KAWAR Sulfur Soap with Olive Oil

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Kawar Dead Sea Sulfur Soap is a mineral-rich cleanser bar that can transform your skin. The sulfur, in combination with other minerals in this formula, has therapeutic properties that combat acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It gently exfoliates and sheds dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, healthier complexion.

However, we found that you need to follow up with a moisturizer after washing, as this soap can dry out your skin. But that's exactly how it works its magic. Overall, if you struggle with skin issues or just want a deep cleanse that transforms your complexion, give Kawar Dead Sea Sulfur Soap a try.

Choosing the best soap for oily skin out of all the amazing alternatives mentioned above can be quite a task, hence to narrow down your search, we have listed a few factors you can consider while making your next purchase.

Here are a few factors that you can consider while shopping for the best soaps for oily skin: 

1. Composition of Ingredients: While purchasing a good soap for oily skin, it is important to check out its ingredients. Pick soaps with exfoliants like salicylic acid, charcoal, sea salt, etc. in their composition to decongest pores and exfoliate dead skin cells while simultaneously tightening enlarged pores. In addition, it should also contain anti-bacterial elements like tea tree oil and calendula oil to prevent bacterial growth and zit aggravation. It is also helpful to avoid heavy emollients as it may aggravate sebum production and make the skin look slick. Also, avoid harsh ingredients. 

2. Texture: For a good cleansing bar to last long, it should have a melt-proof texture so that it doesn't crumble or disintegrate easily. In addition, it should lather well to facilitate maximum surface area coverage without much effort.   

3. Fragrance: For those with sensitive skin, it is ideal to pick fragrance-free soaps to avoid allergic reactions or discomfort.