Personal Care
Oily Skin Face Washes
Oily Skin Face Washes
Best Face Wash for Oily Skin Under ₹400 in India 2026
By Bikram Nath · Updated 2026-10-19 · How we pick · Affiliate disclosure: links earn a small commission
What's the best face wash to buy in India?
The Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash is our top pick for oily skin because its listing states 2% salicylic acid with LHA, sebum regulation for oily and combination skin, a pH of 4.5–5.5 and a fragrance-, sulfate- and paraben-free formula. The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Foaming Daily Face Wash is the alternative for a salicylic acid wash with Zinc PCA, which its listing says controls oil production.
Cetaphil's Oily Skin Cleanser suits oily skin that is also sensitive: its title names sensitive skin, and its listing states niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin in a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula. This guide compares six face washes from Minimalist, The Derma Co, DERMATOUCH, Cetaphil, Plum and NIVEA MEN, using what each listing states: active ingredients, the skin types it names, pH, free-from claims and oil-control claims. Stated sizes run from 50 ml (Plum) and 50 g (DERMATOUCH) to 100 ml (Minimalist, The Derma Co) and 100 g (NIVEA MEN).
Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash with LHA (100 ml)
The default pick for oily, acne-prone skin: 2% salicylic acid with LHA, pH 4.5–5.5 and a long free-from list, all stated on the listing.
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Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash with LHA (100 ml) | Top Pick | Minimalist | Check price on Amazon | |
| 2 | The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Foaming Daily Face Wash (100 ml) | Foaming salicylic wash | The Derma Co | Check price on Amazon | |
| 3 | DERMATOUCH Oily Skin Gentle Face Wash with Salicylic Acid (50 g) | AM and PM routine | DERMATOUCH | Check price on Amazon | |
| 4 | Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser Face Wash (59 ml) | Oily, sensitive skin | Cetaphil | Check price on Amazon | |
| 5 | Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash (50 ml) | Bead exfoliation | Plum | Check price on Amazon | |
| 6 | NIVEA MEN Oil Control Face Wash (100 g) | Men's oil control | NIVEA | Check price on Amazon |
Our Top Picks
Size
100 ml
Key Ingredients
2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA), Zinc, Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Skin Type
Oily, combination and acne-prone
Free From
Fragrance, silicone, sulfate, paraben, essential oil, dye
pH
4.5–5.5
Oil Control
Listing says it regulates sebum production and reduces shine
Pros
- ✓States 2% salicylic acid plus LHA, which the listing says works on the surface for gentle exfoliation
- ✓States a pH of 4.5–5.5
- ✓Fragrance-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free and dye-free, and described as non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
- ✓Listing says it is for men and women and to use twice daily
Cons
- ✗The listing gives no time figure for its oil-control claim
“The default pick for oily, acne-prone skin: 2% salicylic acid with LHA, pH 4.5–5.5 and a long free-from list, all stated on the listing.”
Check price on Amazon
Size
100 ml
Key Ingredients
1% Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, PHA
Skin Type
Oily and acne-prone
Free From
Mineral oil, dye, parabens, sulfates
Oil Control
Listing says Zinc PCA controls oil production
Pros
- ✓Combines 1% salicylic acid, Zinc PCA and PHA, per the listing
- ✓The listing says it is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
- ✓Free from mineral oil, dye, parabens and sulfates, per the listing
Cons
- ✗Salicylic acid is stated at 1%, against 2% on the Minimalist
- ✗The listing does not state a pH
“Suits oily, acne-prone skin that wants a foaming daily wash: the listing states 1% salicylic acid, Zinc PCA for oil control and a sulfate- and paraben-free formula.”
Check price on Amazon
Size
50 g
Key Ingredients
Salicylic Acid, AcneBusters, Zinc PCA, D-Panthenol, Aloe Vera
Skin Type
Combination to oily and acne-prone
pH
pH balanced (no figure stated)
Oil Control
Listing says Zinc PCA helps regulate excess sebum
Pros
- ✓Lists salicylic acid with Zinc PCA for sebum control
- ✓D-Panthenol and aloe vera, which the listing says support moisture balance
- ✓Listing says it suits regular AM and PM cleansing, including sensitive and acne-prone skin
Cons
- ✗The listing does not state the salicylic acid percentage
- ✗The listing gives no free-from list
“Suits combination to oily skin on a twice-daily routine: the listing states salicylic acid, Zinc PCA and a pH-balanced formula, but no acid strength.”
Check price on Amazon
Size
59 ml
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin
Skin Type
Oily, acne-prone and sensitive
Free From
Parabens, sulphates
pH
pH balanced (no figure stated)
Oil Control
Listing says it removes excess oil without leaving skin dry or tight
Pros
- ✓Title names oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin
- ✓Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic formula free from parabens and sulphates, per the listing
- ✓Niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin, which the listing says reinforce the moisture barrier
Cons
- ✗The listing names no salicylic acid or other exfoliating acid
- ✗The listing does not give a pH figure, only pH balanced
“Suits oily skin that is also sensitive: the listing states a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, paraben- and sulphate-free formula with niacinamide and panthenol.”
Check price on Amazon
Size
50 ml
Key Ingredients
Green tea, glycolic acid, soft cellulose beads
Skin Type
Oily, acne-prone, dry and combination
Free From
Parabens, phthalates, artificial colours
Oil Control
Listing claims oil control for up to 2 hours
Pros
- ✓Glycolic acid and soft cellulose beads for exfoliation, per the listing
- ✓Gel-based and described as non-drying
- ✓Free from parabens, phthalates and artificial colours, and stated as vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- ✗The stated oil-control claim is up to 2 hours
- ✗The listing does not state a pH
“Suits shoppers who want a gel wash with gentle bead and glycolic acid exfoliation; the listing states vegan, paraben-free and oil control for up to 2 hours.”
Check price on Amazon
Size
100 g
Key Ingredients
Magnolia Bark Extracts, AirCool Mint Crystal
Skin Type
Oily
Oil Control
Bullet says up to 8 hours; title says 12 Hr in summer
Pros
- ✓Made for men with oily skin, per the title
- ✓AirCool Mint Crystal for a cooling feel, per the listing
- ✓Listing says it helps give tighter-looking pores and matte-looking skin
Cons
- ✗The title (12 Hr) and the listing text (up to 8 hours) give different oil-control durations
- ✗The listing gives no free-from list or pH
“Suits men who want a cooling oil-control wash: the listing states magnolia bark extracts and mint crystals, though its oil-control durations disagree.”
Check price on Amazon
Prices shown are pulled live from Amazon.in and refresh through the day. Amazon prices and availability change frequently — the price on the Amazon product page at the time of purchase is the one that applies. As an Amazon Associate, PakkaPick earns from qualifying purchases; your price is unaffected.
Editor's read
The Minimalist listing states actives with percentages, a pH range, a six-item free-from list and use instructions. The DERMATOUCH listing names its actives but not the salicylic acid strength, and the NIVEA MEN listing gives two different oil-control durations and no free-from list. None of these listings states an expiry period or a warranty.
— Bikram, editor
Editor's take
As a default, the Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash: 2% salicylic acid with LHA, pH 4.5–5.5 and a fragrance-free, sulfate-free formula, all on the listing. For oily skin that is also sensitive, the Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser with its hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula. For men who want a mint-cooling oil-control wash, the NIVEA MEN Oil Control Face Wash.
Further reading
How we picked these face washes
Every pick on this page is matched to its exact Amazon India listing, and the specifications, warranty terms and features on each card come from that listing; a brand's own claims are attributed to the brand. We don't physically test the products in our guides, and we don't link to Amazon search results. Prices shown come from Amazon's data with the time they were fetched; the price at checkout can differ.
Our editorial process is one person — Bikram, based in Pune. The order of products on this page reflects our editorial ranking only. No brand paid for a place in this ranking. Each ranked pick earns us money only through its Amazon affiliate link — clicking through earns a small commission, your price stays identical.
Buying face washes in India — what to check
- Warranty:check that the listing states an Indian warranty and what it covers. Imported (grey-market) units may not be serviced by the brand's Indian service centres.
- Delivery and returns: Amazon shows the delivery date for your pincode and the return policy on each product page. Check both before ordering, especially if it is a gift or needed by a date.
- Keep the invoice: some brands ask you to register the product after purchase. Keep the Amazon invoice and read the warranty card that comes in the box.
What to Look For
- 1.Active ingredient: the Minimalist lists 2% salicylic acid with LHA and zinc; The Derma Co lists 1% salicylic acid with Zinc PCA and PHA; the DERMATOUCH lists salicylic acid, AcneBusters and Zinc PCA without stating a percentage. The Cetaphil lists niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin, the Plum green tea and glycolic acid, and the NIVEA MEN magnolia bark extracts.
- 2.Skin type: the Minimalist names oily, combination and acne-prone skin; The Derma Co oily and acne-prone; the DERMATOUCH combination to oily and acne-prone; the Cetaphil oily, acne-prone and sensitive; the NIVEA MEN oily skin. The Plum's title names oily, acne-prone, dry and combination skin, and its listing says all skin types.
- 3.pH: the Minimalist's listing states pH 4.5–5.5. The DERMATOUCH and Cetaphil listings say pH balanced without a figure. The Derma Co, Plum and NIVEA MEN listings do not mention pH.
- 4.Free from: the Minimalist lists fragrance, silicone, sulfate, paraben, essential oil and dye; The Derma Co mineral oil, dye, parabens and sulfates; the Cetaphil parabens and sulphates; the Plum parabens, phthalates and artificial colours. The DERMATOUCH and NIVEA MEN listings give no free-from list.
- 5.Oil control: the Plum's listing claims oil control for up to 2 hours. The NIVEA MEN's listing says up to 8 hours of oil-free skin, while its title says 12 Hr oil control in summer. The Minimalist, The Derma Co, DERMATOUCH and Cetaphil listings describe oil control or excess-oil removal without a time figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which face wash is best for oily skin under ₹400?
The Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash is our pick. Its listing states 2% salicylic acid with LHA, sebum regulation for oily and combination skin, pH 4.5–5.5 and a fragrance-, sulfate- and paraben-free formula.
Is a salicylic acid face wash good for oily skin?
Three of the six picks here use salicylic acid for oily skin: the Minimalist (2%), The Derma Co (1%) and the DERMATOUCH (strength not stated). Minimalist's listing says salicylic acid penetrates pores to dissolve excess oil, and The Derma Co's says it dissolves debris that clogs pores.
Which face wash is good for oily skin for men?
The NIVEA MEN Oil Control Face Wash is the men's pick here. Its listing states magnolia bark extracts, AirCool Mint Crystal for a cooling feel, and oil-free skin for up to 8 hours, though its title says 12 Hr oil control in summer. The Minimalist and Plum listings also say they are for men and women.
Which face wash suits oily and sensitive skin?
The Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser is the pick for oily, sensitive skin. Its title names sensitive skin, and its listing states a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula free from parabens and sulphates. The Minimalist listing also states a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula, and the DERMATOUCH listing says it suits sensitive and acne-prone skin.
How often should you use a face wash for oily skin?
Most listings here say twice a day. The Minimalist, Plum and NIVEA MEN listings state twice daily, and the DERMATOUCH listing says AM and PM cleansing. The Derma Co's title calls it a daily face wash, and the Cetaphil listing does not state a frequency.
Which face wash for oily skin is sulfate-free?
The Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash states a sulfate-free formula, as does The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid face wash. The Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser lists sulphate-free too. The DERMATOUCH, Plum and NIVEA MEN listings do not mention sulfates.
What is the top pick in PakkaPick's “Best Face Wash for Oily Skin Under ₹400 in India” guide?
The top pick in PakkaPick's “Best Face Wash for Oily Skin Under ₹400 in India” guide is the Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash with LHA (100 ml). The default pick for oily, acne-prone skin: 2% salicylic acid with LHA, pH 4.5–5.5 and a long free-from list, all stated on the listing.
What should I look for when buying a face wash?
- Key factors: Active ingredient: the Minimalist lists 2% salicylic acid with LHA and zinc; The Derma Co lists 1% salicylic acid with Zinc PCA and PHA; the DERMATOUCH lists salicylic acid, AcneBusters and Zinc PCA without stating a percentage. The Cetaphil lists niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin, the Plum green tea and glycolic acid, and the NIVEA MEN magnolia bark extracts.
- Skin type: the Minimalist names oily, combination and acne-prone skin; The Derma Co oily and acne-prone; the DERMATOUCH combination to oily and acne-prone; the Cetaphil oily, acne-prone and sensitive; the NIVEA MEN oily skin. The Plum's title names oily, acne-prone, dry and combination skin, and its listing says all skin types.
- pH: the Minimalist's listing states pH 4.5–5.5. The DERMATOUCH and Cetaphil listings say pH balanced without a figure. The Derma Co, Plum and NIVEA MEN listings do not mention pH.
How long does Amazon India take to deliver face washes?
Delivery time depends on your pincode and the seller. Amazon shows the delivery date for your pincode on each product page before checkout, so check it there for the pick you choose.
Are these face washes available with No-Cost EMI on Amazon India?
EMI and No-Cost EMI options depend on the product, the seller and your card. Amazon lists the options available for your payment method on the product page and at checkout.
Can I return face washes on Amazon if they don't work as expected?
Return and replacement terms are set per product and seller on Amazon.in. Check the return policy shown on the product page before you order, and keep the invoice for any warranty claim.
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Top Pick
Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Wash with LHA (100 ml)