18 BEST SHAMPOOS FOR OILY HAIR IN 2024

It might be difficult to find a shampoo that works well for people with oilier hair types. The mixture ought to cleanse hair thoroughly without depriving it of essential oils, amplify its inherent luster, and prolong the intervals between shampoos. Your entire hair care regimen will function flawlessly with the ideal oily hair-friendly shampoo. If you have been struggling with finding the answer to the question of what is the best shampoo for oily hair, you have come to the right place.

NÉCESSAIRE SHAMPOO

Nécessaire, a company well-known for its sophisticated formulae and stylish branding, has done it again with this shampoo. A fragrance-free shampoo may sound uninteresting to some, but for those who get headaches easily, have allergies, or want their perfumes to steal the show, it’s a dream come true. The product has a creamy, gel-like texture, and we were really impressed with how nicely it lathers. When you gently massage your scalp, a creamy cluster of bubbles will form, providing a sensory sensation while you cleanse your hair and scalp. But for certain clients, it could be a little too drying but it’s still a good shampoo for oily hair.

KRISTIN ESS CLARIFYING SHAMPOO

We recommend this shampoo if you’re seeking an affordable option that will effectively cleanse your oily hair. Its unique strengthening component helps to minimize the look of damaged strands, and we adore that it effectively removes oil and filth without overly drying out the hair. Despite being appropriate for all hair types, its lightweight texture makes it especially simple to work through fine hair. It doesn’t lather very well on the first shampoo, so you’ll probably want to shampoo twice with this recipe. However, once it breaks through the first layer of grime, it lathers brilliantly, usually on the second shampoo.

OUAI DETOX SHAMPOO

With the use of this clarifying product, buildup and grease can be removed from the scalp along with pollutants, free radicals, and other impurities. Though some find its aroma somewhat too much, people adore that it contains apple cider vinegar to aid in its purifying properties. We think you’ll adore this formula if the aroma isn’t an issue for you. This pick has a rich texture, produces a silky lather, and is designed to be used in the shower for several minutes to properly do its magic. You should anticipate having perfectly clean hair after rinsing it out. 

REDKEN HAIR CLEANSING CREAM

Hard water contains a lot of minerals, which over time can build up in the hair and cause it to seem greasy and lifeless. It’s a good idea to use a shampoo that works to neutralize mineral buildup, like this one, if you regularly shower in hard water. This solution eliminates excess oil from the scalp and minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium that are commonly present in hard water with just one shampoo. It’s quite clarifying the first time around, so you won’t need to shampoo and rinse twice with it. It also produces a delicate lather that’s easy to massage around the head.

LIVING PROOF PHD TRIPLE DETOX SHAMPOO

If you have oily hair in addition to color or keratin treatments, you may find yourself in a difficult situation because frequent shampooing might reduce the longevity of these treatments. The fix: An excellent purifying shampoo that is safe for color and keratin. It works to totally cut through extra oil to reveal squeaky clean, smooth, and lustrous hair without affecting color or treatments. It is made with an anionic polymer to eliminate impurities and buildup and activated charcoal to absorb oil. This shampoo, like the most on our list, may feel a little drying on your hair because it is best suited for oily scalps.

AG CARE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SHAMPOO

Sulfates are not intrinsically harmful; in fact, they function as detergents in shampoo compositions. These substances can be very good in removing extra grease from oily hair, but they typically receive a poor rap because they can be a touch harsh and stripping for those with dry or damaged hair. This shampoo is for you, though, if you’d rather stick to sulfate-free formulations and still need something to thoroughly clean oily hair. It takes some getting used to because the lightweight texture is a little watery, but it does lather and requires less product to do the job.

dpHUE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SHAMPOO

Unlike many strong shampoos that eventually fade color treatments, dpHUE’s mild cleanser-like shampoo kept our hair color vibrant and consequently increased the intervals between salon appointments. With apple cider vinegar for cleaning and aloe vera, ginger root extract, and lavender for soothing the scalp, the recipe is extremely gentle. Because of this, it didn’t foam up like conventional shampoos and we had to rinse it twice or more to get a clean feeling. Similar to the Ouai choice, apple cider vinegar isn’t particularly loved by consumers, but this product’s softness is excellent.

ORIBE SERENE SCALP OIL CONTROL SHAMPOO

This shampoo is rich without being overly thick, which is different from most light and sudsy shampoos for oily hair. It contains green sea algae and a prebiotic made of sugar to fight oil at its source. It also balances the microbiome of your scalp to help restore your hair to its natural state and produces just the right amount of oil to hydrate your hair without making it feel heavy. Those with thin hair who believe they can’t get their roots totally clean are the target audience for this shampoo. For individuals with thicker hair, the quantity of product offered for the price makes this shampoo difficult to recommend, but if it will help you avoid washing your hair every few days, it’s well worth the cost. 

DIVI SHAMPOO

This shampoo resembles a hybrid of a shampoo and a scalp serum. Tea tree oil, betaine, and menthol invigorate your scalp and senses while also removing harmful build-up from your hair and scalp. It lathers like a shampoo but penetrates like a serum. Excess oil is drawn to the tea tree oil, which then locks onto and removes it as it runs down the drain. Just a plus is the pump bottle. Some persons who are allergic to essential oils or have sensitivity to fragrances may find it too powerful, even though many enjoy the invigorating perfume and exciting experience. 

AVEDA ROSEMARY MINT PURIFYING SHAMPOO

White vinegar helps to clarify oily hair, and micelles aid in gently removing product build-up from hair. The vinegar works especially well to remove wax-based products from your hair without being harsh or stripping. All hair types, from extremely thin to extra thick, are ideal candidates for lightweight excellence. This shampoo gives just enough slide to fine hair that tangles easily when wet, making it simple to massage the product all the way into the roots. Your regular shower gains an aromatherapy element from the invigorating rosemary scent, which turns it into a luxurious sensory experience that encourages you to take your time applying the product to your lengths and ends.

PAUL MITCHELL TEA TREE SPECIAL SHAMPOO

Known for its unique tingling sensation, this best-selling shampoo combines soothing natural ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender to help wash away grime and oil, leaving your scalp feeling clean and rejuvenated. It is simple to massage the suds into your scalp and ends because of the lightweight gel-like formula’s good lather and spreading properties. Unlike other shampoos, you can actually feel the cleanness that this shampoo delivers to your locks, which you know is especially crucial if you suffer from oily roots. You save time in the mornings and your style lasts for several days because of that fresh feeling. It’s strong enough to give you a thorough deep clean, but gentle enough to use every time you wash your hair.

R+Co TELEVISION PERFECT HAIR SHAMPOO

Greasy roots are the fastest way to ruin a great hair day. This smoothing shampoo gives you the lustrous, healthy-looking hair you desire while also getting rid of greasy roots. The key is juniper berry extract; it helps balance the oils on your scalp, some of which are good for your hair’s health and help stop build-up before it starts. Glycerin, a naturally occurring humectant, assists in preserving the moisture equilibrium of hair. People adore how this shampoo improves all hair types; for straight hair, it gives body and shine, and for curly hair, it makes curls bouncy and shiny.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE SUNDAY SHAMPOO

Use Bumble & Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo to start a new weekend ritual. This shampoo is not something you should use every day; instead, save it for the days when you have the leisure to really engage in self-care. This deep cleanser, which is designed to break down oil and product build-up, instantly lifts away all impurities from your scalp for an exceptional clean, enabling you to start the week with even fresher hair. For people with thinner hair who easily become bogged down by heavier products, this shampoo is great.

OGX REFRESHING SCALP+ TEA TREE MINT SHAMPOO

 With a cooling effect, the Refreshing Scalp+ Tea Tree Mint Shampoo is designed to thoroughly clean and refresh the scalp. The two main components of this shampoo are peppermint and tea tree oils. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial qualities that are well-known for helping with dryness and dandruff on the scalp. In contrast, peppermint oil has a cooling effect and has the potential to stimulate the scalp.

VIRTUE FULL SHAMPOO

A volumizing and lightly hydrating solution that clarifies the scalp is necessary for fine hair. With the help of the company’s own Alpha Keratin 60ku protein, which replicates the keratin that naturally exists in the hair, the Virtue Full Shampoo accomplishes precisely that. This ingredient gives this sulfate- and cruelty-free shampoo extra credit because it repairs damage from the inside out.

CURLSMITH WASH & SCRUB DETOX SHAMPOO

Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo’s moisturizing and clarifying composition is ideal for people with curly hair. Perlite, a mineral included in the creamy texture, gently exfoliates the scalp by removing peeling skin and product buildup without changing the natural curl pattern of your hair. Probiotics help maintain the proper balance of germs on the scalp, making it less oily over time. This shampoo helps achieve this goal. However, it should be noted that the company advises starting with its Super Slip Pre-Wash Primer, which is an additional cost. 

K18 PEPTIDE PREP DETOX SHAMPOO

The moisturizing and clarifying formula of Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo is perfect for those with curly hair. A mineral included in the creamy texture called perlite gently exfoliates the scalp by eliminating product buildup and peeling skin without altering your hair’s natural curl pattern. Over time, probiotics help reduce scalp oiliness by preserving the healthy balance of microorganisms on the scalp. This shampoo aids in achieving the objective. It should be mentioned, nevertheless, that the business suggests utilizing their Super Slip Pre-Wash Primer first—a costlier product. It should not, however, be used in place of a regular shampoo; rather, it should only be used as necessary.

BRIOGEO BIOTIN VOLUMIZING SHAMPOO

Briogeo’s Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo claims to lift and volumize fine, lifeless hair without depleting it of moisture. A natural starch called maltodextrin is a part of the mix that covers each strand of hair to give it the volume that finer hair lacks. Ginseng is added to promote blood flow to the scalp while biotin fortifies the ends. Furthermore, even the oiliest scalp types are cleansed by mild chelating agents, revealing hair that feels full and refreshed.

Using a clarifying hair cleanser and giving your scalp a thorough scrub on wash day is one of the greatest ways to treat a greasy scalp. Those with oily hair should first use a shampoo that will absorb the oil and wash the scalp before using products like hair masks and heat protectants. We’ve compiled the top shampoos for oily hair of all kinds, whether your hair is curly, straight, or color-treated. Take a look at our suggestions to make the best buy.

12 OF THE BEST WATER BASED PRIMERS, ACCORDING TO MAKEUP ARTISTS 

In the world of makeup, a good primer is the unsung hero. It creates a smooth canvas for your foundation, helps it last longer, and can even address specific skin concerns. But with so many primers on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a lightweight and hydrating option, then a water-based primer might be the perfect fit. Here’s a look at some of the top picks according to makeup artists, designed to give your foundation a flawless finish and keep it looking fresh all day long.

WHAT IS A WATER BASED PRIMER?

A water-based primer is a makeup product formulated with water as the main ingredient, unlike silicone-based primers. This makes them:

Hydrating: The water content helps keep your skin from drying out, which can be especially beneficial for those with normal, dry, or combination skin. If your skin is too dry, pay attention to adding a moisturizing mask to your face, especially Korean face masks for hydrated and glowy skin.

Lightweight: Water-based primers feel lighter on the skin compared to silicone-based ones.

Less likely to clog pores: The lighter formula is generally less likely to clog pores, making them a good option for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

BEST WATER BASED PRIMERS

MILK MAKEUP HYDRO GRIP PRIMER

If you’re looking for a water-based primer that ticks all the boxes, the MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Primer is a popular choice among makeup artists. This award-winning gel primer is all about longwear hydration. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide plump and hydrate the skin, while blue agave extract acts like a magnet to grip your makeup for up to 12 hours. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and free of common irritants like silicone, oil, fragrance, and gluten, making it suitable for most skin types.

ILIA, TRUE SKIN RADIANT PRIMING SERUM 

Focusing on more than just makeup application, ILIA’s True Skin Radiant Priming Serum bridges the gap between skincare and cosmetics. This silicone-free formula is a great option for those with sensitive skin or those who prefer a natural approach. It combines skincare benefits with a priming effect. Packed with nourishing ingredients, the serum helps to firm, moisturize, and soothe the skin while protecting it from environmental aggressors. It also boasts a subtle, radiant finish that creates a flawless base for your makeup. Like other water-based primers, it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving a soft, touchable feel.

PEACE OUT INSTANT PORE PERFECTOR

Peace Out’s Instant Pore Perfector goes beyond just a basic water-based primer. While it is lightweight and formulated without pore-clogging silicone, it offers more than just hydration. This multitasking product acts as a primer and a treatment in one. The key ingredient is a special hyaluronic acid blend that plumps and hydrates skin, instantly blurring the appearance of pores. It also tackles redness with its formula containing niacinamide. But Peace Out doesn’t stop there.  This product boasts long-term benefits too, with ingredients like mushroom extract that work to refine skin texture over time. So, if you’re looking for a water-based primer that minimizes pores, reduces redness, and offers lasting results, the Peace Out Instant Pore Perfector could be your new makeup must-have.

ELTAMD, UV DAILY TINTED BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 40 

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 falls into a different category compared to the other products mentioned so far. It’s not specifically a primer, but rather a tinted sunscreen. While it can provide some smoothing and evening of skin tone due to the tint, its primary function is sun protection.

This product is a good option if you’re looking to streamline your morning routine. It combines broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection with a hint of color, potentially eliminating the need for a separate sunscreen and primer.  However, it’s important to note that sunscreen should always be applied generously and evenly, which might not be ideal if you’re aiming for a lightweight priming effect.

If you have dry or combination skin and prioritize sun protection, the EltaMD UV Daily Tinted could be a good fit. However, for those seeking a dedicated primer with pore-minimizing or other targeted benefits, this product might not be the best choice.

ARMANI BEAUTY LUMINOUS SILK HYDRATING MAKEUP PRIMER

Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer is a luxurious option for those seeking a radiant and hydrating base. This lightweight formula, suitable for all skin types, combines skincare and makeup benefits.  Like other water-based primers, it provides a surge of hydration with ingredients like shea butter and glycerin, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.

However, where the Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer truly shines is in its ability to enhance radiance. It utilizes a unique technology to capture and reflect light, creating a subtle, natural glow that complements your foundation. This primer is perfect for achieving the signature “lit-from-within” look that Armani Beauty is known for. If you have dull or dry skin and want a primer that promotes a radiant and flawless canvas, the Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer is definitely worth considering.

MAYBELLINE, FACESTUDIO MASTER PRIMER 

Maybelline’s Facestudio Master Primer is a drugstore favorite that offers a budget-friendly option in the world of water-based primers. This color-correcting primer comes in a variety of targeted versions to address specific concerns.

Looking for a blurring effect to minimize pores and imperfections? They have a “Blur + Smooth” version. Want to combat redness? Try the “Blur + Redness Control.”  Each version utilizes lightweight, water-based formulas to create a smooth canvas for makeup application while addressing your unique skin concerns.

Given the variety of options and its affordable price point, the Maybelline Facestudio Master Primer is a great choice for those who want to experiment with water-based primers and find the perfect fit for their skin type and makeup goals.

TOO FACED HANGOVER REPLENISHING FACE PRIMER

Targeting those late nights and early mornings, Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer promises to be your beauty sleep in a bottle. This hydrating, water-based primer is formulated to combat the signs of fatigue and dehydration. Enriched with coconut water, electrolytes, and probiotics, it aims to revive and replenish your skin, leaving it looking bright and healthy.

Whether you’ve had a long day or a short night, the Hangover Primer aims to create a smooth and dewy canvas for your makeup. If you have dry skin or tend to experience dehydration, and want a hydrating primer with a touch of radiance, this Too Faced option could be worth a try.

SMASHBOX, PHOTO FINISH PRIMERIZER+ 

Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primerizer+ is a multi-tasking primer that combines the benefits of hydration with skincare-inspired ingredients. This water-based formula features a key ingredient: triple hyaluronic acid. This powerhouse hydrator plumps and hydrates the skin for up to 72 hours, ensuring a smooth and comfortable canvas for makeup application.

But the Photo Finish Primerizer+ goes beyond just hydration. It also boasts niacinamide, a vitamin B3 that helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and protect it from environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light.  This primer is suitable for all skin types, but those with dry or dehydrated skin might especially appreciate its long-lasting hydration benefits.

SHISEIDO SYNCHRO SKIN SOFT BLURRING PRIMER

Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer is a water-based primer that promises a flawless, soft-focus finish. Designed to be lightweight and universally flattering, it tackles multiple concerns to create the perfect canvas for your makeup. Its Light Diffusion Technology utilizes light-diffusing powders to blur imperfections and create a smooth, airbrushed appearance.  

For those with oily skin, mattifying peptides and sebum-absorbing powder work together to keep shine in check throughout the day. But hydration isn’t forgotten –  the formula boasts ingredients that provide up to 8 hours of moisture, ensuring a comfortable wear. So, if you’re looking for a water-based primer that minimizes imperfections, controls shine, and keeps your makeup looking fresh all day long, the Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer is definitely worth considering.

LAURA MERCIER, PURE CANVAS PRIMER 

Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Primer is another strong contender in the water-based primer category. This silicone-free formula caters to a variety of skin types, offering a breathable, hydrating base for your makeup. Like many water-based primers, it boasts long-lasting wear – up to 16 hours according to the brand –  helping your makeup stay fresh and vibrant throughout the day.

While Laura Mercier offers a few variations within the Pure Canvas line, the core benefit remains consistent:  hydration.  The Pure Canvas Primer aims to improve the look of bare skin over time with its skincare-infused formula. This makes it a great option for those who want a primer that goes beyond makeup application and offers a touch of skincare benefit.

HONEST BEAUTY EVERYTHING PRIMER, GLOW

Honest Beauty’s Everything Primer, Glow caters to those who want a radiant, all-in-one base. This water-based primer is infused with hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrator that plumps and smooths the skin’s surface. But the glow doesn’t stop there. Mica, a light-reflecting mineral, gives your skin a subtle, luminous finish, perfect for achieving a dewy look. Honest Beauty doesn’t forget about nourishment – the primer also includes a blend of fruit extracts like watermelon, apple, and lentil, along with two types of hyaluronic acid to provide deep and lasting hydration.  This vegan and cruelty-free option is suitable for all skin types and aims to prep, brighten, and hydrate your skin for a fresh, healthy-looking complexion that’s primed for flawless makeup application.

MAKE UP FOR EVER, STEP 1 PRIMER SHINE CONTROL 

Designed for normal, combination, and oily skin types, Make Up For Ever’s Step 1 Primer Shine Control is a mattifying water-based primer. This lightweight formula minimizes shine and mattifies the complexion, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. It’s formulated without oil or silicone, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types. If you struggle with excess oil throughout the day and want a water-based primer that keeps shine in check, Make Up For Ever’s Step 1 Shine Control Primer could be a great choice.

BENEFITS OF USING A WATER-BASED PRIMER

Water-based primers offer a variety of advantages over their traditional, solvent-based counterparts. Here’s a breakdown of some key benefits:

Lightweight and Breathable: Water-based primers feel lighter on the skin compared to silicone-based ones. This is because they use water as the main solvent, resulting in a more comfortable and breathable wear, especially beneficial for normal, dry, or combination skin types.

Hydration Hero:  Many water-based primers are packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. This helps to keep your skin from drying out throughout the day, ensuring a smooth and plump canvas for makeup application.

Less Likely to Clog Pores: Due to their lighter, water-based formula, these primers are generally less likely to clog pores compared to silicone-based primers. This makes them a good option for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Farewell to Fumes:  Water-based primers are known for their low odor or lack thereof. This is a major benefit for those who are sensitive to strong smells or have respiratory concerns.

Easy Cleanup:  Cleaning up after application is a breeze with water-based primers. Simply use soap and water to wash away any residue from your brushes or sponges. No harsh solvents or special cleansers are required.

WHEN NOT TO USE A WATER-BASED PRIMER?

While water-based primers offer many advantages, there are situations where they might not be the best choice. Here’s when you might want to consider a different primer option:

VERY OILY SKIN

If you have extremely oily skin, a water-based primer might not provide enough mattifying power to control shine throughout the day. In this case, a mattifying silicone-based primer could be a more effective option for shine control.

SEALING STAINS

Water-based primers aren’t the strongest when it comes to sealing stubborn stains like watermarks or tannins on wood. If you’re priming a surface with such stains, a solvent-based primer might be necessary to create a good barrier.

EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

Water-based primers may not be the most durable option for very humid or cold environments. If you’ll be wearing makeup in extreme weather, a more heavy-duty, weatherproof primer might be a better choice.

CRACKED OR DAMAGED SURFACES

For surfaces with cracks or significant damage, a water-based primer might not fill in the gaps effectively. Opt for a thicker, filler primer in these cases to create a smooth and even base.

CONCLUSION

So, that concludes our look at 12 of the best water-based primers according to makeup artists.  With a variety of options to choose from, there’s a perfect primer out there for almost any skin type and makeup need. Whether you’re looking for long-lasting hydration, a radiant finish, or shine control, a water-based primer can provide a smooth, prepped canvas for flawless makeup application.  Consider your skin type, makeup goals, and budget when making your choice, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find the water-based primer that works best for you!