Oily Skin

Oily skin produces an excess of sebum that causes the skin to appear shiny and feel greasy—especially throughout the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). People with oily skin may tend to have less wrinkles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD),2 but they may also be more prone to enlarged pores, acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Keep in mind that just because oily skin produces more natural oils, this doesn’t mean that it requires any less moisture than other skin types. Supporting oily skin comes down to choosing the right products that nourish and hydrate, without clogging your pores or triggering breakouts. The ideal oily skin routine should feature a gentle, foaming cleanser that effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and other impurities. It should also include a lightweight, moisturiser that provides your oily skin with the essential hydration it needs.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Hyaluronic acid helps retain the skin’s natural moisture.
Niacinamide helps calm the skin.

Simple 5 step routine for oily acne prone skin

1. Cleanse

A foaming gel face wash is ideal for removing excess oil, dirt, and makeup. When choosing a facial cleanser for oily skin, it’s important to look for a formula that's gentle, won’t disrupt your skin’s natural protective barrier (which can leave skin feeling dry or tight), and contains ingredients that help maintain its moisture balance. We recommend the COSRX Low pH Morning Gel Cleanser.

2. Tone

Toning your skin is an essential skincare step for controlling oily skin. If you need recommendations, try out the Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner, most loved by oily skin. Perfect for oily and combination skin types, Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner uses natural, EWG green grade ingredients to balance and nourish the complexion. Other notable ingredients include centella asiatica extract to reinforce the skin’s barrier, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid to hydrate, allantoin to soothe, and blueberry fruit extract to relieve skin stress.

2.1 You may want to go in with an exfoliating toner. The COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is formulated with 4% BHA, this concentrated toner visibly diminishes enlarged pores and dead skin cells. Contains natural BHA ingredients like willow bark water to maximize benefits without irritation. BHA deeply penetrates pores, helps clear clogged pores, and gently exfoliates dead skin cells, giving the skin its natural glow. This product helps remove excess sebum and blackheads so you can find healthy and hydrated skin.

6a60b3_f7817dc780fe449ab7ec7b377d6d837d~mv2.jpg

3. Ampoule/Serum

We recommend the Beauty of Joseon Propolis & Niacinamide serum. This serum is made for troubles with large pores and inflamed skin. Containing 60% propolis extract and 2% niacinamide, it helps to control sebum secretion and keeps the skin moist. As a skincare ingredient, proplis extract is effective for hydrating the skin improving inflammed skin. The serum has a thick consistency however, does not make you feel oily and sticky

Niacinamide 2%
Among the various effects of niacinamide, it is especially helpful in controlling sebum secretion and maintaining the oil and moisture balance of the skin.

BHA 0.5%
As a fat-soluble exfoliant, it helps to remove sebum and wastes accumulated in the pores.

4. Moisturize

As skin matures, it tends to lose moisture and oil, leading to easier wrinkle formation. When the skin lacks sufficient moisture, it compensates by producing more sebum for protection. This imbalance can increase the risk of skin inflammation. Hence, maintaining the skin's oil-water balance is crucial for its health.

For those with oily skin, BOJ created 'Red Bean Water Gel'. With its light gel consistency, it delivers abundant moisture without the greasy feel. The cream's key components, red bean extract and a blend of three peptides, synergize to boost hydration and skin health.

5. SPF

The Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia was developed with Ramón (@glowbyramon), an influencer and cosmetic chemist. The goal was to create a sun stick with SPF 50+ PA++++ that applies beautifully over makeup and combats oiliness throughout the day. Silica Powder helps to absorb excess sebum so your skin feels softer, smoother, and less oily after use. Maintain moisture and protect your skin with powerful SPF coverage. Key ingredient Mugwort has been an important ingredient throughout the history of Asian medicine. Artemisia capillaris has a cooling property and has been used as a therapeutic medicine since ancient times. Zero white cast. Vegan-certified.