You know the everyday struggle if you have oily skin: the persistent sheen by midday, the fight against pimples and big pores, and the sensation that your makeup is slipping off your face. For many years, using harsh chemicals to dry it out was the standard recommendation. However, we have a skincare secret for you: that is the worst thing you can do!
Instead of declaring war on oil, the secret to controlling oily, acne-prone skin is to balance it. Your complexion can be transformed with the correct oily skin products and a regular, mild routine. The best products for oily skin, from drugstore staples like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay to potent Korean favorites, are featured in this guide, which will guide you through a dermatologist-recommended skin care regimen. Oily Skin Products
Why Is My Skin So Oily? Understanding the Basics
Prior to delving into the products, let’s examine the “why.” The main cause of oily skin is an excess of sebum produced by overactive sebaceous glands. The following may have an impact: oily skin products
Genetics: Usually, it’s just your physical makeup.
Hormones: Variations can increase the production of oil, particularly during adolescence, pregnancy, or menstruation.
Environment: Shine is increased by hot, humid conditions (think summertime oily skin care).
Harsh Products: Removing oil from your skin can make it create more to make up for it.
Skincare errors include using the incorrect moisturizer or omitting it altogether.
The Cornerstone of Control: A Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care Routine for Oily Acne-Prone Skin
For oily skin, a regular skincare regimen in the morning and evening is essential. These are the morning and nighttime breakdowns of the fundamental oily skin care steps.
Oily Skincare Routine in the Morning
Your morning regimen should aim to protect, moisturize, and remove pollutants from the previous day without adding shine.
First Step: Mild Cleaner; oily skin products
Use a mild face wash for oily skin or a lukewarm water rinse to start your day. A cult classic, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser efficiently eliminates extra oil without weakening the skin’s protective layer. The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a dermatologist-recommended mainstay for drugstore purchases.
Step 2: Toner (beneficial but optional) oily skin products
A quality toner can aid with pore refinement and pH balance. Seek out alcohol-free formulations that contain salicylic acid (to exfoliate inside pores) or niacinamide (to control oil). This procedure is excellent for addressing big pores.
Step 3: Apply a Lightweight Lotion: oily skin products
You really do require a moisturizer! In addition to hydrating, a good daily oily skin cream can actually tell your skin to create less oil. Choose non-comedogenic, oil-free lotions or gels. Despite being marketed as a PM product, CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a great, lightweight CeraVe product for oily skin that may be used during the day under sunscreen. Another excellent, moisturizing choice is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.
Step 4: Apply sunscreen—the most crucial step!
For oily skin, a decent sunscreen is essential. It shields against UV rays that might exacerbate oil production and cause black patches. Choose a mattifying, lightweight sunscreen for oily skin. An excellent option that feels light on the skin is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 as a great mineral alternative.
PM Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Eliminating the dirt from the day, treating acne, and letting your skin heal are the goals of your nightly routine.
Step 1: Initial Cleaning (Removal of Makeup and Sunscreen) oily skin products
Start with an oil-based balm or micellar water if you use makeup or a lot of sunscreen. Oil effectively removes oil and sunscreen without stripping the skin, which may seem paradoxical.
Step 2: Use a water-based cleaner for the second clean.
Use the same mild facial wash for oily skin that you used in the morning to make sure all traces of makeup and grime have been removed.
Step 3: Serums for Treatment
Here is where you address particular issues like oiliness and acne. Let this serum absorb completely before proceeding.
A salicylic acid serum is your best buddy if you have acne and pimples. To avoid obstructions, it exfoliates inside the pores.
For Pores & Oil Control: A niacinamide serum, such as The Ordinary’s, works wonders for controlling sebum and enhancing skin tone.
For Dark Spots & Brightening: Post-acne markings can be improved with a vitamin C serum; however, it works best in the morning.
Step 4: Apply a moisturizer.
Use amoisturizer to seal in moisture while your skin heals itself at night. If your skin feels dry from treatments, you can use a somewhat heavier formula than in the AM, but stay away from oil-based products. This amazing, straightforward Korean product, the COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion, hydrates without adding shine.
The Best Products for Oily Skin: Your 2025 Shopping List
It can be intimidating to navigate the aisles. The top brands and categories of products for oily skin are broken down here.
Top-Rated Products & Brands oily skin products
Products for Oily Skin by CeraVe oily skin products
Dermatologists enjoy this cheap brand because of its simple yet powerful ingredients. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is the cleaner. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is an excellent moisturizer for both morning and evening. Why it works: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides help to hydrate and cleanse the skin while preserving the skin barrier.
Oily Skin Products by La Roche-Posay
For oily and sensitive skin, this French pharmacy brand is a powerhouse. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleaner is the cleaner. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer is an excellent moisturizer to use under makeup. Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen by La Roche-Posay
Oily Skincare Products from Korea: Oily Skin Products
Lightweight, moisturizing layers are K-beauty’s forte.
COSRX: Their Salicylic Acid Disalicylic acid for acne: The Best Treatment Daily Gentle Cleanser and Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion are excellent.
Beauty of Joseon: Their lotions and serums are frequently light and full of skin-beneficial substances.
Building Your Own Oily Skin Care Set
Although pre-made oily skin care sets are available, creating your own guarantees that every product will work for you. Included in a basic oily skin care kit should be:
A mild cleanser for oily skin products
A Compact Moisturizer
A remedy (such as a serum containing niacinamide or salicylic acid)
A Sunblock oily skin products
Tips for Oily Skin and Typical Errors to A
Oily Skin Care Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expert Advice for a Perfect Finish: Oily Skin Products
Blotting papers are your friend; use them to remove shine without removing makeup throughout the day.
Avoid Over-Washing: Washing more than twice a day can cause your skin to get stripped and produce extra oil.
Exfoliate Carefully: To unclog pores, use a chemical exfoliator (such as salicylic acid or BHA) one to three times per week. Steer clear of rough physical scrubbing.
Hydrate from the inside out by drinking lots of water.
Makeup for Oily Skin: To seal everything in place, use oil-free, non-comedogenic foundations and a setting powder. Search for oily skin makeup items step-by-step for comprehensive instruction.
Typical Errors: oily skin products
“Should oily skin use moisturizer?” is the question of whether or not to use it. Indeed! It is necessary for oil moderation and barrier health.
Using harsh, alcohol-based products can result in rebound oiliness even though they give a momentary matte texture.
Excessive exfoliation weakens your skin’s protective layer, increasing irritation and frequently producing additional oil.
Oily Skin Care in Special Circumstances
Regarding Teens: Teenagers with oily skin should follow a straightforward skincare regimen that includes sunscreen, moisturizer, cleanser, and pimple spot therapy. The secret is consistency.
During Pregnancy: Avoiding high-dose salicylic acid and retinoids is necessary for oily skin care during pregnancy. After speaking with your doctor, stick to mild, pregnancy-safe products like glycolic acid and azelaic acid.
For Men: Products for men with oily skin are identical! An excellent men’s sunscreen for oily skin and the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser are ideal places to start.
Your Oily Skin Product Questions, Answered!
Should moisturizer be used on oily skin?
Of course. Your skin becomes dehydrated when you skip moisturizer, which may cause it to create more oil to make up for it.
Which is superior, cream or gel?
Because they are lighter and less likely to clog pores, gel-based or gel-cream moisturizers are generally preferable for oily skin.
Can acne be caused by moisturizers?
Only if they are pore-clogging, or comedogenic. Always go for “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” products.
Does oily skin benefit from hyaluronic acid?
Indeed! Oily skin types benefit greatly from hyaluronic acid, a humectant that offers gentle hydration without adding oil.