OILY SKIN

If you have enlarged pores, frequent breakouts, and often find yourself with a shiny complexion, then you may have oily skin. Caused by excessive sebum production by sebaceous glands in the face, oily skin is often caused by genetics or hormones. Here, you'll find products like cleansers and moisturisers that help reduce sebum production and decongest pores. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is oily skin?

Oily skin is a skin type characterised by overproduction of sebum, the natural oil your skin produces to keep itself protected and moisturised. With oily skin, the sebaceous glands work overtime, leaving your skin looking shiny, feeling greasy, and often dealing with enlarged pores, blackheads, and breakouts.

The good news about oily skin: it ages slower. The natural oils that frustrate you in your 20s help keep your skin plump and resilient against fine lines and wrinkles in your 40s and 50s.

How to tell if you have oily skin (rather than just temporarily oily or dehydrated skin):

  1. Your whole face produces oil, not just the T-zone
  2. You feel shiny within a few hours of cleansing, even without moisturiser
  3. Your pores look visibly enlarged across most of your face
  4. Makeup slides off or breaks down quickly
  5. You're acne-prone, especially with whiteheads or blackheads

Oily skin is mostly genetic, but it can be influenced by hormones, climate, and your skincare routine. Hot humid weather, stress, and over-stripping cleansers can all make it worse.

The K-beauty approach: balance your oil production by keeping your skin barrier healthy and hydrated. Skipping moisturiser or scrubbing your face raw will backfire.

How do I reduce oily skin?

Reducing oily skin isn't about stripping away every drop of oil (that backfires and triggers your skin to produce more). It's about balancing your oil production while keeping your barrier intact.

The five-step approach our community swears by:

  1. Cleanse twice a day with a gentle low-pH water cleanser. Add an oil cleanser to your evening routine if you wear SPF or makeup.
  2. Add a BHA (salicylic acid) exfoliator 2 to 3 times a week. BHA is oil-soluble, so it penetrates deeply into oily pores and clears them from the inside.
  3. Use niacinamide daily, either in a toner, serum, or moisturiser. It regulates sebum production over time.
  4. Don't skip moisturiser. Dehydrated skin overproduces oil to compensate. Use a lightweight gel-cream or fluid lotion.
  5. Apply SPF every morning. Sun damage worsens oil and inflammation.

Avoid harsh scrubs, alcohol-based toners, and stripping cleansers. They feel satisfying short-term but often make oily skin worse over weeks.

Diet and lifestyle help too: hydration, sleep, and reducing dairy or high-glycaemic foods can support a meaningful change for some people.

Cult favourites in our community: ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner, ANUA Niacinamide 10% Serum, and COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion.

Is Niacinamide good for oily skin?

Yes! Niacinamide helps to regulate the skin’s sebum production, getting rid of excess oils that can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne. 

Is Hyaluronic acid good for oily skin?

Yes, it is! Hyaluronic acid works by pulling water molecules from the air into your skin, so it boosts skin hydration levels without causing greasiness. 

What type of moisturiser is best for oily skin?

Oily skin still needs hydration. In fact, skipping moisturiser can make oily skin worse because your skin overcompensates by producing even more oil to make up for the lack of water.

The key is choosing the right moisturiser: lightweight, oil-free or low-oil, and non-comedogenic (so it won't clog pores). Look for gel-based creams, fluid lotions, and water-based formulas. Ingredients to seek out: niacinamide for sebum regulation, hyaluronic acid for hydration without heaviness, and centella for soothing.

Avoid heavy occlusive creams, butters, and richer oils on oily skin, especially during the day.

Cult favourites in our community: COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion, Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream Lite (a lighter version of the popular Dynasty Cream), and Pyungkang Yul Moisture Cream if you want minimal layering.