A good skin care routine is vital for maintaining, clear, glowing, youthful skin and preventing early signs of aging. Unfortunately, many of us operate under the misconception that skincare only becomes a necessity in our 30s and 40s. However, it is far easier to maintain your skin’s youthful qualities rather than  to try to treat set in wrinkles, dark spots, or other signs of aging. Please keep reading for the best affordable skincare for oily skin.

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Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links (*). If you purchase by clicking on my links, I may be compensated at no additional cost to you.

Cleansers & Makeup Removers

The following cleansers products are some of the best affordable skincare for oily skin. While these face washes can be harsh for anyone with normal-to-dry skin, oily skinned individuals will see results with these cleansers. 

Clean & Clear – Continuous Control Acne Cleanser | $7.79

Best For: Oily, Acne Prone Skin 

The Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser* was my ride or die face wash when I suffered from severe acne. The Cleanser promises to remove excess dirt and oil. Also, the Acne Control Cleanser fights and prevents breakouts with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide.

That being said, I only recommend using this face wash if you have oily skin and severe acne. Users should only use this cleanser once a day. This cleanser has the potential to be overly drying if used multiple times a day. In fact, this cleanser will irritate normal, combination, or dry skin.

PSA: This cleanser will BURN if it gets in your eyes.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | $13.49

Best For: Normal to Oily Skin

Unlike the Clean & Clear face wash, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser* is one of the best cleansers for sensitive skin. Cetaphil won’t irritate or dry out the skin beccause it cleanse the skin without stripping it. As a result, this cleanser is great for daily use. It leaves the skin feeling soft and clean.

However, this cleanser may not be strong enough for anyone with severe acne. For anyone with severe acne, this product may be best used when paired with a stronger cleanser.

Pond’s Cold Cream Cucumber Cleanser & Make-Up Remover | $4.99

Best For: All Skin Types

The Pond’s Cucumber Cleanser is one of the most inexpensive, highly effective makeup removers. Makeup easily dissolves without needing to scrub or tug at the skin. Unlike other drying makeup removers, the Cucumber Cleanser is actually 50% moisturizer. As a result, the moisturizer component leaves the skin feeling ultra soft.

Also, the Pond’s cleanser is so emollient that a little product goes a long way. In fact, it took me an entire year to use one jar entirely – despite wearing makeup nearly everyday.

The Cucumber Cleanser is advertised for dry skin. However I love using it despite having ultra oily skin. That being said, anyone with oily skin will need to double-cleanse. Without double cleansing, the Cold Cream will clog pores.

Also, the packaging is bulky. From a sanitation perspective, dipping fingers into a jar is not ideal. Keeping that in mind. Do not share this cream with others.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes | $5.99

Best For: All Skin Types

The Neutrogena Cleansing Towelettes* are iconic for good reason. They are the best makeup remover wipes available at the drug store. With their gentle but powerful formula, the Neutrogena wipes melt away makeup. No need to tug at the skin or use multiple wipes at a time.

Each standard pack comes with 25 towelettes. The cleansing towelettes are formulated without alcohol or fragrance.

Disclaimer: I dislike single-use makeup wipes for daily use. However, makeup remover wipes are travel-friendly and these wipes do a good job at removing makeup.

Masks & Acne Treatments

Please note, masks and acne treatments included in the best affordable skincare for oily skin roundup may not be cure-alls for anyone with cystic acne. However, these products can work well to treat or prevent other acne bursts.

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask | $10.89, CF

Best For: Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

sheaMoisture’s African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask promises to draw out dirt, oil, and other skin contaminants. In addition to removing impurities, this mask brightens and balances oily, acne-prone skin. Prominent ingredients in the mud mask include:

• African Black Soap – a natural remedy for oily skin,
• Tamarind – an astringent that exfoliates and brightens the skin
• Tea Tree Oil – a skin soothing anti-inflammatory.

The SheaMoisture African Black Soap Mask is a thick, black mask that comes in a plastic jar. The Clarifying Mask is a dupe for Origin’s beloved Clear Improvements Charcoal Mask* or GLAMGLOW’s Supermud Clearing Treatment.* As all three masks promise to help reduce the appearance of pores and clear out congested skin. Also, all three masks can also be used as spot treatments for acne.

However, the SheaMoisture mask is a fraction of the price. Additionally, the SheaMoisture mask is better for individuals with combo skin. Both the Origin’s and GLAMGLOW masks can be too drying for normal to dry skin.

Despite the many benefits of the SheaMoisture Mask, there are two major drawbacks. First, the mask smells like Playdoh. Second, the mask is not as powerful as the Origins or GLAMGLOW treatments. For example, to get rid of a breakout, I need to use the SheaMoisture mask 3-4 times to eradicate acne. In comparison, the Origins and GLAMGLOW masks will drastically reduce a bad breakout after one application.

P.S. I found this mask at Marshalls for only $4.99. You may find that sheaMoisture masks are more expensive at other retailers.

JJ Young Pore Glow Face Mask | $14.99, CF

Best For: All Skin Types

The JJ Young Pore Glow Face Mask* is a newer addition to the CVS beauty aisle. In an effort to reach more diverse beauty needs, CVS recently expanded their K-Beauty offerings in-store and online.

The JJ Young Pore Glow Face Mask promises to brighten the skin, tighten large pores, and leave a cooling effect. Prominent ingredients within the Pore Glow Face Mask include:

• Menthol & Panthenol –  provide the cooling and tightening effects
• Pomegranate, Fig, Mulberry, & Gingko – promote brighter skin

This JJ Young Mask is great for individuals with dull, discolored skin. Also, anyone will large pores may enjoy this mask. In fact, my skin feels refreshed and brighter after use. For an added cooling effect, I store my mask in the fridge.

Finally, this mask comes with a tiny plastic spatula. While the spatula is convenient for scooping product out of the jar, I find it ineffective for an even application on the face.

Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication | $7.49

Best For: Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

The Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication is a holy grail drugstore acne treatment. Formulated with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, this treatment promises to treat current breakouts and prevent future pimples.

Unlike retinoid-based treatments, this treatment will not overly dry out the skin. Also, this treatment works well with other benzoyl peroxide-based products. However, it should not be used in combination with retinol or retinoid solutions or salicylic acid. Mixing these two ingredients may cause irritation, inflammation, and dryness. I learned this the hard way!

The Persa-Gel is best applied nightly with fingers. Only a small amount of product is needed. An entire tube can easily last a year.

RELATED: Saying Goodbye to $200 Worth of Skincare

Differin Gel | $13.99

Best For: Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Differin Gel* is a great topical treatment for adults with acne. Unlike the Persa-Gel, Differin is retinoid based. Formulated without alcohol, oil, and fragrance, this treatment promises to quickly minimize breakouts and prevent future acne from appearing.

This gel should be applied once a day, as needed, after washing the face. Only a minute amount of product is needed. Also, this product works quicker than Benzoyl Peroxide. However, Differin is more of an irritant. This gel can dry out clear skin next to a pimple.

Note: Any time a retinoid is used, sunscreen is a non-negotiable, as retinoids can make skin more susceptible to sun damage.

Moisturizers

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream | $19.99

Best For: Oily skin

I have a love-hate relationship with the Hydro Boost line largely due to the steeper price-tag. The moisturizers contain truly amazing ingredients that warrant the higher price tag. However, the high end-looking packaging is likely the reason for the steep price. So how did this product make the list?

First, this line is available at the drugstore and at Ulta. With these two retail partners, this cream is nearly always on sale. In fact, I used a 40% Off coupon to purchase my jar.

Second, the non-greasy formula is amazing for oily skin. The formula is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and applies smoothly. As someone with large pores and oily skin, cream-based formulas don’t work well. Moreover, I wish the Hydro Gel formula was available ten years ago. I would have been more inclined to adopt a moisturizer into my skincare routine at an earlier age.

Although the packaging is sleek and gorgeous, it is not travel friendly. Furthermore, the jar packaging makes this product unsuitable for sharing.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF 15 | $19.99

Best For: Oily skin

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF 15* glides on just as easily as the regular Hydro Boost Water Gel. It leaves the skin with lightweight, non-greasy hydration. However, this iteration provides a slight SPF.

The packaging is sleek. and easy to toss in a travel bag. Therefore, this product is great for individuals that frequently work out at the gym or travel. Also, I love that this product comes with a pump.

Ultimately, this product is pricey for what it is. Therefore, I recommend purchasing the Water Gel while it is on sale.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | $16.99

Best For: All Skin Types

The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a holy grail drugstore moisturizer, particularly for anyone on acne medication, anyone with dry skin, or anyone that experiences eczema. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this cream helps to restore moisture and act as a barrier to protect the skin.

Additionally, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is noncomedogenic and fragrance-free. While this cream is too thick for my face during the Summer months, it is essential during the Winter. Also, the non-greasy formula locks in moisture for 24-hours. This leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. Given the rich, thick texture of the cream, I do not recommend this to individuals living in hot, humid climates all year long.

CeraVe sells many iterations of moisturizers. However, this particular product is my favorite. While the price tag is steep for the drugstore, this product is more than worth it.

Burt’s Bees Fragrance-Free Body Lotion with Shea Butter & Vitamin E | $8.79, CF

Burt’s Bees Fragrance-Free Body Lotion with Shea Butter & Vitamin E is a great alternative to the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream if you are Cruelty-Free. While the moisturizer is not as long-lasting as the CeraVe formula, this hypoallergenic lotion absorbs quickly into the skin. Moreover, the Burt’s Bees Body Lotion is a better option for individuals that live in more humid climates. Additionally, the packaging is more sanitary since it is easily squeezed out of the tube.

However, the Burt’s Bees Lotion is not scent-free. Is it formulated without fragrance? Yes. But is it scent-free? No.

In fact, the moisturizer has a strong plastic, chemical smell. I am unsure whether this is being caused by the actual packaging or by product, itself. Either way, the smell is noticeable when rubbing the lotion onto the skin. That being said, the smell fades after initial application.

Suncare

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 | $12.49

Best For: Oily Skin

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion* is an easy to apply sunscreen. This sunscreen glides onto the skin due to the lightweight, moisturizing formula. Despite the lighter feeling, the sunscreen doesn’t compromise on providing UVA/UVB sun protection.

This formula is great for individuals with oily skin. It won’t clog the pores, cause breakouts, or leave the skin looking or feeling greasy.

Final Thoughts on the Best Affordable Skincare for Oily Skin

Hopefully my rundown on the best affordable skincare for oily skin shows you that good skin care doesn’t need to break the bank. Thankfully, affordable brands release some amazing products available at the drug store to help your skin feel brighter, tighter, and clear.

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What do you think of  my recommendation of the best affordable skincare for oily skin? What are your holy grail affordable skin care favorites? Have you tried any of these products? Please let me know in the comments below!

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