9 Best Exfoliators for Oily Skin (Top Picks to Keep Breakouts Away)
If you have oily skin, you know the struggle—your face gets shiny by noon, your pores feel clogged, and breakouts seem to appear out of nowhere. The right exfoliator can be a game-changer, keeping excess oil in check, preventing blackheads, and giving you that fresh, smooth glow.
But not all exfoliators are created equal. Some are too harsh and strip your skin, making oil production even worse. Others just don’t do enough.
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That’s why I researched a ton of exfoliators to find the absolute best ones for oily skin. Whether you want a budget-friendly pick, a luxury splurge, or a quick 2-in-1 cleanser, I’ve got you covered!
Why Oily Skin Needs Exfoliation
Exfoliation isn’t just about making your skin feel smooth—it’s essential for oily skin. Here’s why:
✔ Removes excess oil & prevents clogged pores – Oily skin produces more sebum, which can mix with dead skin cells and lead to breakouts. Exfoliation keeps your pores clear.
✔ Fights blackheads & acne – Exfoliators with BHAs (like salicylic acid) can penetrate deep into pores, breaking down oil and preventing pimples.
✔ Balances oil production – The right exfoliator won’t strip your skin; instead, it helps control oil without making your skin overcompensate.
What to Look for in an Exfoliator for Oily Skin
- BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) – The MVP for oily skin! Salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores to clear out excess oil and dead skin.
- AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) – Like glycolic acid, which removes dead skin and brightens without being too harsh.
- Oil-controlling ingredients – Look for niacinamide, clay, or charcoal to keep your skin balanced.
- Lightweight formulas – Oily skin doesn’t need heavy creams—opt for gels, liquids, or lightweight serums.
Alright, let’s get into the best exfoliators for oily skin!
1. Best Overall Exfoliator for Oily Skin
✨ Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (buy it here)
If you only get one exfoliator, let it be this one. It’s a holy grail for oily and acne-prone skin. The 2% salicylic acid penetrates deep into your pores to dissolve excess oil, clear blackheads, and prevent breakouts—without over-drying your skin.
✔ Instantly smooths skin & unclogs pores
✔ Fades acne scars over time
✔ Works overnight—no scrubbing required
💡 If you’re new to exfoliating, start using it 2-3 times per week and build up to daily use!
2. Best Drugstore Exfoliator for Oily Skin (Affordable & Effective!)
✨ CeraVe SA Cleanser (buy it here)
This drugstore gem is a gentle yet effective exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid. It removes excess oil while keeping your skin hydrated (thanks to ceramides and niacinamide).
✔ Budget-friendly & dermatologist-approved
✔ Clears blackheads and smooths rough skin
✔ Hydrating formula won’t strip your skin
💡 If you prefer a leave-on exfoliant, check out my guide on how to exfoliate your face the right way.
3. Best Luxury Exfoliator (Worth the Splurge!)
✨ Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (buy it here)
If you want next-level exfoliation, this serum is 100% worth the splurge. It combines AHAs + BHAs to clear clogged pores, smooth skin, and brighten your complexion overnight.
✔ Powerful formula that resurfaces skin
✔ Helps with acne scars and uneven texture
✔ Lightweight gel absorbs quickly—no sticky residue!
💡 A little goes a long way—use this 2-3x per week to avoid irritation!
4. Best Exfoliating Cleanser for Oily Skin (2-in-1!)
✨ Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser (buy it here)
If you love minimal skincare, this cleanser + exfoliator in one is perfect. It has kale, spinach, and green tea to cleanse while AHAs gently exfoliate to keep pores clear.
✔ Deep cleans & exfoliates in one step
✔ Packed with antioxidants to fight breakouts
✔ Refreshing gel texture feels amazing on the skin
💡 Pair it with a weekly exfoliating mask for even better results!
5. Best Chemical Exfoliant for Oily Skin (BHAs & AHAs)
✨ The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (buy it here)
If you want a powerful exfoliating toner, this one is amazing. It removes dead skin, unclogs pores, and helps fade acne scars with 7% glycolic acid.
✔ Brightens skin & prevents breakouts
✔ Affordable & lasts forever (huge bottle!)
✔ Works well under serums & moisturizers
💡 If you have sensitive skin, use it only 2-3 times per week to avoid irritation!
6. Best Physical Exfoliator for Oily Skin (Gentle Yet Effective)
✨ Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder (buy it here)
If you love a gentle physical exfoliator, this powder is chef’s kiss. It uses rice enzymes to exfoliate without being too harsh on oily skin.
✔ Leaves skin super smooth without irritation
✔ Foams up into a luxurious lather
✔ Great for deep-cleansing after a long day
💡 Pair it with a BHA toner for maximum results!
7. Best Natural Exfoliator for Oily Skin (Clean Beauty Pick!)
✨ Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask (buy it here)
This clean beauty fave is a mask + exfoliator in one. It has natural BHAs & fruit enzymes to exfoliate gently while blue tansy calms inflammation.
✔ Clears breakouts & soothes redness
✔ All-natural, non-toxic formula
✔ Great for sensitive oily skin
💡 Use it 1-2x per week for a deep skin reset!
8. Best Exfoliating Mask for Oily Skin (Deep Clean in 10 Minutes!)
✨ Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (buy it here)
This powerful clay mask pulls oil and impurities from your pores like a magnet. Mix it with apple cider vinegar for the ultimate detox.
✔ Absorbs excess oil & shrinks pores
✔ Leaves skin feeling extra clean
✔ Affordable & lasts forever
💡 Use only once a week—this stuff is powerful!
9. Best Exfoliating Toner for Oily Skin (Daily Glow Booster!)
✨ Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Toner (buy it here)
A lightweight, hydrating toner that exfoliates daily without irritation. Perfect for keeping pores clear & skin glowy.
✔ Gentle enough for everyday use
✔ Hydrates and exfoliates
✔ Smells amazing (like fresh watermelon!)
Exfoliating oily skin is all about finding that sweet spot—you need something powerful enough to clear pores, remove excess oil, and prevent breakouts, but it also has to be gentle enough to avoid stripping your skin.
Over-exfoliating can actually make oily skin worse, causing irritation and triggering even more oil production (ugh, we’ve all been there). That’s why choosing the right exfoliator—and using it the right way—is so important.
If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend going with a gentle chemical exfoliant like the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (my personal fave!) or a mild AHA toner like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution. These will help unclog pores and control oil without being too harsh.
If you prefer a physical exfoliator, go for something that’s finely milled and non-abrasive, like Tatcha’s Rice Polish—it gives you that satisfying smoothness without damaging your skin barrier. And if you love a good deep clean, a weekly mask like Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is perfect for absorbing excess oil and giving your skin a much-needed reset.
When you find the perfect balance, your skin will look brighter, smoother, and way less congested—which means fewer breakouts, minimized pores, and that healthy, glowy look we all want.
So, what’s your go-to exfoliator for oily skin? Have you tried any of these? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!