11 Best Face Scrubs For Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you must already be aware that it needs a lot of patience, love, and care to maintain its glow and health. Oily skin requires exfoliation, moisturization, hydration, and oil control steps. Since exfoliation is indispensable for this skin type, you must opt for the best face scrubs for oily skin to reap maximum benefits.

Using an exfoliation scrub will prevent pimples, dullness, and breakouts and help control oiliness and excess shine. In addition, they help prevent clogged pores, remove dead skin cells from the skin surface, and leave you with smoother skin. To keep your skin refreshed and oil-free, we have curated a list of the best face scrubs that you can try. Keep scrolling and pick the one that suits your needs now!

11 Refreshing Face Scrubs Your Oily Skin Will Love

1. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Neutrogena DEEP CLEAN Long-Last Shine Control Daily Scrub

4.2

Image: Neutrogena

BUY ON AMAZON | $25.49

Neutrogena’s DEEP CLEAN Gentle Scrub is one of the best and gentle face scrubs for oily skin. The clinically-backed skincare formula cleans the pores to remove skin impurities and dead skin cells and reveal a glowing face. The dermatologist-tested scrub offers a creamy lather that rinses the skin clean, leaving it healthy-looking and soft. Its patented Rice Protein Technology helps with oil absorption and a mattifying effect to reveal a shine-free face for up to 8 hours.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba esters, Salicylic acid, Titanium dioxide, and Agar

2. Best Affordable:Queen Helene Mint Julep Facial Scrub

The Mint Julep Facial Scrub from Queen Helene is an ideal exfoliant for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains a mix of exfoliating and hydrating ingredients that cleanse the skin while nourishing it from within. While walnut shell powder reduces oil buildup, grime, and dead skin cells, kaolin and glycerin help in deep cleansing and moisturizing. This gentle scrub is best for daily use as it does not over-dry the skin and keeps it supple. The cool minty scent leaves you feeling refreshed for a long time.

Key Ingredients: Walnut shell powder, Kaolin, Glycerin, and Mint

3. Best Vegan:Garnier SkinActive Deep Pore Exfoliating Scrub

4.2

Now 6% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.21

This 100% vegan face scrub from Garnier gently exfoliates the skin to reduce the appearance of pores and aids in pore cleansing. This scientifically formulated scrub contains green tea and peppermint extracts to hydrate the skin and give it a healthy glow. Argan seed kernel powder and salicylic acid remove oil and grime from the skin surface to prevent breakouts. Suitable for sensitive skin types, this scrub’s coarse gel-like consistency makes it easy to apply and wash. It leaves your skin feeling smoother and healthier after every use.

Key Ingredients: Argan seed kernel powder, Salicylic acid, Green tea leaf extract, Peppermint extract

Pro Tip

If you get redness after using a scrub, just use some aloe vera gel to soothe your skin and reduce the inflammation.

4. Best Aluminum-Free:DIVA STUFF Watermelon & Tea Tree Face Scrubbie

The Watermelon & Tea Tree Face Scrubbie is specially formulated for acne-prone and oily skin. A tub contains 12 small square exfoliants that can be used 2-3 times for cleaning the skin. They tighten and tone sensitive skin. The watermelon extract, tea tree oil, and fruit seeds mildly exfoliate the skin without causing tears. With every use, the scrubbie removes dead skin cells, grime, and oil that clog pores.

Dr. Schwarzburg, cosmetic dermatologist, “When exfoliating your skin, temporary redness post-exfoliation isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can be an indicator that the exfoliator did its job in removing the dead skin cells on the superficial surface of your skin!”

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Watermelon powder, Tea tree oil, and Fruit seeds

Caution

Do not use a scrub on any open wounds on your skin or if you are sunburned. Doing so can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.

5. Best Non-Drying:UpCircle Coffee Face Scrub

The UpCircle Coffee Face Scrub is one of the most effective natural face scrubs for oily and combination skin. It is made with top-quality Arabica coffee grounds and tea tree oil.

Coffee is a natural exfoliator, it buffs away dead and dry skin cells and smooths out the rough skin. Tea tree oil helps fight spots, acne prevention, and breakouts. Shea butter, rosehip oil, patchouli oil, geranium oil, and chamomile oil help nourish and deeply moisturize the scrubbed skin. These oils also have anti-inflammatory properties that address various skin concerns such as rosacea, acne, and psoriasis.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Coffee seed powder, Rosehip oil, Apricot kernel oil, Jojoba oil, Sucrose, Coconut oil, Orange peel oil, Geranium flower oil, Rosemary leaf oil, Bergamot fruit oil, Patchouli leaf oil, Bitter orange leaf oil, and Chamomile flower oil

6. Best Silicone-Free:Natura Siberica Exfoliating Face Scrub

This gentle exfoliating face scrub from Natura Siberica is packed with natural Siberian herbs. It contains Sophora japonica and Arctic raspberry that delicately exfoliate, renew, and restore the skin, making it smooth and firm. These wild-harvested botanicals are 30% composed of Rutin (a biomolecule) that stimulates skin regeneration and regulates lipid balance in the outermost layer of your skin. This natural scrub features apricot seeds and micro granules that exfoliate, nourish, and pamper oily skin. The results-driven natural ingredients help with detoxifying and balancing the skin’s oil regulation with gentle exfoliation and aid in skin renewal.

Dr. Schwarzburg, cosmetic dermatologist, “Believe it or not, a lot of people are allergic to silicone, which is why Natura Siberica is a great product for many. It is sensitive on the skin, whether you are allergic to silicone or not, and will reduce oiliness and excess sebum.”

Key Ingredients: Armenian plum seed powder, Huaihua flower extract, Siberian pine nut seed oil, Apricot seed extract, and Soapweed root extract

7. Best Cooling Sensation:Happily Unmarried Talk Dirty To Me Face Scrub

The Talk Dirty To Me Face Scrub by Happily Unmarried is a gel-based exfoliating formula that effectively helps with sebum control. It prevents your face from getting oily and shiny with the help of fine scrubbing granules and tea tree oil. Regular exfoliation with this scrub can help eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, acne, and dead cells from the skin’s surface. The Swiss garden cress sprout extract keeps your face clean, fresh, and bright and clears tanning. The results-driven scrub helps with skin texture improvement, purifying and soothing the skin post the blackhead removal and dead skin cell removal.

Dr. Schwarzburg, cosmetic dermatologist, “Exfoliating your skin is great to create a smoother texture and reduce oiliness. However, be sure not to over exfoliate and stick to 1 to 3 times a week. No one needs to exfoliate their skin on a daily basis. In fact, this may even cause irritation to your skin.”

Key Ingredients: Swiss garden cress sprout extract, Tea tree oil, and Menthol

8. Best Fragrance:Oriental Botanics Australian Tea Tree Face Scrub

This face scrub from Oriental Botanics gently buffs away dead skin, impurities, tan, blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads without irritating your skin. It contains mild physical exfoliants that restore your skin’s natural radiance.

The active extracts of holy basil, turmeric, neem, cucumber, rosemary, aloe vera, and tea tree oil are packed with antioxidants and vitamins to unclog the pores, lighten dark spots, and condition oily skin. They penetrate deep into the skin layers to moisturize your skin and actively fight damaging agents. This nutrient-rich face scrub for acne-prone and oily skin leaves your face feeling smooth and supple. It helps you achieve a healthy, glowy skin.

Key Ingredients: Holy basil, Jojoba oil, Aloe vera extract, Hyaluronic acid, Neem extract, Vitamin B5, and Cucumber extract

9. Best Hypoallergenic:DIVA STUFF All Natural Indian Ginseng Acne Scrub and Wash 

This face scrub with Indian ginseng (ashwagandha) is the best natural solution to keep acne and breakouts at bay, especially for oily skin types. It contains clarifying and brightening agents like ashwagandha, lemongrass, kelp, and witch hazel that reverse dull skin.

This scrub uses sugar as a natural exfoliant, which is relatively gentle on all skin types. Tea tree oil, peppermint, and aloe vera help soothing exfoliated skin. When used with the right cleansing, toning, and moisturizing products, this face scrub softens and brightens your skin.

Key Ingredients: Indian ginseng, Kelp, Oregano, Sugar, Lime, Lemongrass, Aloe, Witch hazel, Tea tree oil, and Peppermint

10. Best For All Skin Types:InstaNatural Brightening Vitamin C Scrub

4.2

Now 25% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.95

The InstaNatural Brightening Vitamin C Scrub is a gentle exfoliator suitable for oily, dry, and normal skin types. It is formulated with quartz crystals, strawberry seeds, and jojoba beads, making its texture creamy and non-abrasive.

It also contains green tea, aloe vera, coconut water, and lactic acid that removes dead skin cells and increases cell turnover for healthy skin. It corrects the uneven texture of the skin and boosts its radiance. It nourishes the skin, hydrates it, and protects it against environmental damage. It also reduces various signs of aging while revealing improved skin texture and a brighter skin tone. Moreover, its active ingredients also help in minimizing enlarged pores, eliminating uneven skin tone, and fading scars and blemishes.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Aloe vera, Green tea, Coconut water, Lactic Acid

11. Best For Shrinking Pores:Skin 90210 Ultimate Exfoliating Scrub

4.9

BUY ON AMAZON | $20

This exfoliating facial scrub is made with gentle, perfectly round micro granules that refine your skin’s texture and tone. The ultra-moisturizing scrub base keeps the skin supple and comfortable throughout the exfoliation process. The micro granules buff away oily shine, dirt, and dead skin from the large open pores without being abrasive. This scrub’s formula makes skin softer, reduces fine lines, visibly diminishes enlarged pores, and helps slow signs of aging on the face and neck.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin and Salicylic acid

Using facial scrubs on oily skin has various benefits. They help to unclog the pores, exfoliate dead skin and debris, and prevent acne and blackheads. They leave you with supple skin. However, you should consider certain factors before purchasing a face scrub. So, here is a buying guide to help you find the best face scrub for oily skin, check it out now!

Things To Consider Before Buying Best Face Scrubs For Oily Skin

• Gentle and Effective

Face scrubs for oily skin are usually harsh on the skin as they are made to eliminate excess oil from the skin. However, it shouldn’t be the case. Therefore, you should look for face scrubs for oily skin that are made with skin-friendly ingredients. The scrub should exfoliate the skin gently, get rid of the excess oil, and effectively unclog pores to make your skin breathable. Look for gentle scrubbing particles to help you get youthful and baby-soft skin! In contrast, avoid scrubs that may cause itching, redness, or rashes post-exfoliation. Always make sure to apply face scrubs on freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin in circular motions to remove the dirt, sebum, and debris effectively. Watch video reviews of the testers’ experience to get the full information of products.

• Non-Comedogenic

Always look for non-comedogenic face scrubs for oily skin. Comedogenic products block the skin’s pores and decrease its breathability. This causes dullness, blackheads, and breakouts. Therefore, non-comedogenic scrubs are best suited for oily skin. They unclog the pores keeping your skin free from pimples and blackheads. If you have sensitive skin, look for a dermatologist-tested scrub or a clinically proven product that does not cause reactions or weaken your skin barrier.

• Rich Natural Ingredients

The best facial scrubs for oily skin are loaded with rich natural ingredients. Ingredients such as salicylic acid and green tea extract control excess oil production and eliminate dead skin cells. Other ingredients such as mint, glycerin, and fruit extracts seeds give a refreshing feeling to the face. The scrub can also contain traces of neem, shea butter, and aloe vera for improving skin health. Finally, some essential oils like tea-tree oil or rosemary leaf oil make the skin appear glowing and hydrated. You can also check the videos of various testers’ experiences and their reviews when looking for specific ingredients in the product.

• Ingredients To Avoid

Stay away from face scrubs for oily skin that has harmful chemicals. Ensure that you use scrubs free from paraben, petrochemicals, silicone, SLS, aluminum, sulfate, etc. It must also not have any artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. These chemicals often impact skin health, cause premature aging, and harm the upper layer of skin on your face. In addition, at times, they may over-dry the skin and cause acne. Therefore, they are very harmful to people with dry skin types.

Infographic: Ingredients To Look In A Scrub For Oily Skin

Your oily skin may not give you a day of respite, but with a good scrub, you can keep the skin issues in control. Scrubs for oily skin use quality ingredients that help regulate sebum production, tone down excess shine, and minimize pimples. Check out the infographic below to learn what ingredients you must look for.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it good to scrub oily skin?

Yes, it is good to scrub oily skin as it helps remove dirt, sebum, blackheads, and other impurities and unclogs the pores.

Which scrub I can use daily if I have oily skin?

The Neutrogena DEEP CLEAN Long-Last Shine Control Daily Scrub is a dermatologist-tested and -recommended product that you can use for oily skin. If you are looking for an affordable option, the Queen Helene Mint Julep Facial Scrub is a good choice. You can also try the DIVA STUFF All Natural Indian Ginseng Acne Scrub and Wash if you have sensitive skin. All three work well on oily skin and offer fresh, well-exfoliated skin.

Is a salt scrub good for oily skin?

Yes, a sea salt scrub is good for exfoliating oily skin. It leaves a lasting glow. However, do not rub it too harshly on the skin as it will cause reactions.

Can I use a scrub on pimples too?

Yes, you can use gentle scrubs on minor bumps. But, scrubbing on acne or bigger pimples will cause inflammation and redness, and hence, it is better to avoid doing that.

Can I use a face scrub every day?

No, ideally you should use a face scrub only twice or thrice a week.

Is coffee scrub good for oily skin?

Yes, coffee scrub is good for oily skin as it gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin while its antioxidants help reduce inflammation and redness caused by physical scrubbing.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach. She curated this list of the best face scrubs for oily skin after carefully researching multiple products and browsing online user reviews for her readers. Her selection comprises face scrubs that help control pimples, dullness, and breakouts. Not only do these face scrubs reduce oiliness and excess shine, but they also prevent clogged pores and help remove dead skin cells.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Schwarzburg MD

 

Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.

Read full bio of Dr. Schwarzburg

Oyendrila KanjilalCommerce Writer

 

Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.

Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das