Oily skin is one of the most common skin types, and it often presents challenges such as excess shine, clogged pores, acne, and breakouts. However, Korean skincare, or K-beauty, offers a wealth of products designed to address the needs of oily skin without causing irritation or excess dryness. The key to a successful skincare routine for oily skin lies in balancing oil production, controlling shine, and maintaining hydration without over-drying the skin.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Korean skincare products for oily skin that can help keep your complexion clear, fresh, and balanced. These products focus on hydration, controlling sebum production, exfoliation, and pore care, all while offering lightweight formulas that won’t clog pores.
1. Double Cleansing: Banila Co Clean It Zero Purifying Cleansing Balm
For oily skin, effective cleansing is crucial to remove excess sebum, dirt, and makeup while keeping the skin’s natural barrier intact. Korean skincare is famous for the double cleansing method, which involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Purifying Cleansing Balm is an excellent first step for oily skin. This product is formulated specifically for oily and acne-prone skin, removing impurities without over-drying the skin. Its unique sherbet texture turns into an oil when massaged onto the skin, dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and sebum while maintaining hydration. The balm contains purifying ingredients like tea tree extract, which is known for its acne-fighting properties, making it ideal for oily skin prone to breakouts.
2. Gel-Based Cleanser: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
A gel-based cleanser is a perfect option for those with oily skin as it provides a deep cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a gentle yet effective cleanser with a slightly acidic pH (around 5.0 to 6.0), which helps to maintain the skin’s natural pH balance. It’s formulated with tea tree oil and mild ingredients like honey extract and salicylic acid to soothe and prevent breakouts while controlling oil production.
This cleanser has a refreshing, lightweight texture that leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed without any tightness or dryness. It’s ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin who are looking for a gentle but effective morning cleanser.
3. Exfoliator: Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon
Exfoliating is crucial for oily skin as it helps remove dead skin cells, prevents clogged pores, and reduces the risk of breakouts. Korean exfoliators are often mild and non-irritating, making them a great choice for those with oily skin who need regular exfoliation.
Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon is a fantastic exfoliating treatment that combines both chemical and physical exfoliation. The gauze pad has one side for gentle physical exfoliation and another side soaked in lemon extract, AHA, and BHA to exfoliate the skin chemically. This combination helps to brighten the skin, reduce excess oil, and minimize the appearance of pores. With regular use, this exfoliator leaves your skin feeling smooth, refreshed, and revitalized.
4. Toner: Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
A good toner is key for oily skin as it helps balance oil production, tighten pores, and prepare the skin for the rest of your routine. Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner is a favorite among K-beauty enthusiasts, especially for those with oily skin. It’s alcohol-free and made with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and licorice root extract, which hydrate and calm the skin.
The formula is light, non-greasy, and helps to balance the skin’s pH after cleansing. This toner also promotes better absorption of subsequent skincare products, making it ideal for layering under serums or moisturizers. It’s gentle enough for daily use and works well to balance oily skin without making it feel dry or tight.
5. Essence: Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
Essences are lightweight and highly concentrated formulas designed to hydrate and prep the skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers. For oily skin, a hydrating essence is essential to maintain moisture without making the skin greasy.
Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence is one of the most popular and highly rated essences for oily and combination skin. It’s formulated with fermented yeast extract, which helps refine the skin’s texture and promotes a brighter, clearer complexion. This essence is deeply hydrating and absorbs quickly into the skin, helping to restore balance to oily skin while enhancing the skin’s natural glow.
6. Serums: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Serums are an excellent addition to a skincare routine for oily skin, as they can target specific skin concerns, such as acne, oil production, and enlarged pores. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a serum that’s specifically designed to control excess oil and reduce the appearance of pores, which are common concerns for those with oily skin.
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, helps regulate sebum production and improve the skin’s texture, while zinc balances oil levels and soothes inflammation. This lightweight serum is ideal for anyone struggling with acne, blackheads, or excessive shine. It helps keep the skin clear and smooth while reducing the risk of future breakouts.
7. Moisturizer: Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream
Even oily skin needs moisture, but it’s important to choose a lightweight moisturizer that hydrates the skin without making it greasy. Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream is an excellent option for oily skin types looking for a moisturizing product that doesn’t clog pores or leave an oily residue.
Formulated with small-molecule collagen, this cream deeply hydrates the skin and strengthens its moisture barrier. It has a gel-like texture that absorbs quickly and provides long-lasting hydration. This moisturizer helps to balance oily skin while keeping it soft and smooth. It’s perfect for those with oily skin who want hydration without the heaviness of traditional creams.
8. Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream No Sebum SPF 35 PA++
Sunscreen is a must for all skin types, including oily skin. However, for those with oily or acne-prone skin, it’s important to choose a sunscreen that doesn’t feel greasy or clog pores. Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream No Sebum SPF 35 PA++ is a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection without leaving a heavy or shiny finish.
This sunscreen is formulated with natural ingredients like green tea and sunflower oil to soothe the skin while controlling excess oil. It’s perfect for oily skin as it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin with a matte finish, making it suitable for daily wear, especially during the summer months.
9. Clay Mask: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Calming Mask
A clay mask is a great way to tackle excess oil, acne, and clogged pores in oily skin. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Calming Mask is a hydrating clay mask that is ideal for oily skin because it not only draws out impurities but also helps to calm and soothe the skin.
Formulated with centella asiatica and tiger grass, this mask provides anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce redness and irritation while improving the overall texture of the skin. It helps control oil production while balancing hydration, making it a great option for those with oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. Use it once or twice a week for a clear and balanced complexion.
10. Pore Care: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil
Pore care is another essential aspect of a skincare routine for oily skin. Clogged pores can lead to breakouts and blackheads, so it’s important to incorporate products that help refine and minimize the appearance of pores. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil is an excellent option for oily skin looking to address pore congestion.
This cleansing oil is infused with rice extract, which has brightening properties, and helps dissolve sebum and impurities that can clog pores. It’s gentle enough for daily use, leaving the skin clean, clear, and fresh without stripping it of essential moisture. Regular use of this cleansing oil helps improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Building the Perfect Korean Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
When creating a skincare routine for oily skin, the goal is to balance sebum production, hydrate the skin, and prevent excess shine without causing irritation or over-drying. The key steps include:
- Cleansing: Use a gentle oil-based cleanser followed by a gel-based cleanser to effectively remove excess oil and impurities.
- Exfoliation: Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells, control oil, and reduce the risk of clogged pores.
- Toning: Apply a toner to balance the skin’s pH and refine pores.
- Essence: Use an essence to provide hydration and help prepare the skin for better absorption of other products.
- Serum: Choose a serum with active ingredients like niacinamide or zinc to control oil production and improve skin texture.
- Moisturizer: Select a lightweight moisturizer that hydrates the skin without clogging pores.
- Sunscreen: Always use a lightweight sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection without leaving a greasy finish.
With these top Korean skincare products for oily skin, you can maintain clear, balanced, and healthy skin. By choosing products designed for oily skin and focusing on hydration, exfoliation, and oil control, you’ll be able to achieve a complexion that looks fresh, matte, and radiant.