Best K-Beauty Products for Oily Skin

Oily skin brings shine, visible pores, and breakouts. Korean brands make many oil-control products. Many Korean formulas aim to keep oily skin hydrated instead of stripping it with harsh cleansers.

When choosing products for oily skin, look for light gel or water-based textures and products labeled 'oil-free' or 'sebum control'. Ingredients often used for oily skin include niacinamide, BHA (salicylic acid), green tea extract, and tea tree oil. Heavy occlusives like mineral oil and petrolatum can feel greasy on oily skin.

skincare products from brands with active idol deals

Milk Touch Hedera Helix Green Hyaluronic All Day Moisture Soothing Cream

1 active idol deal | about $19

irecipe Cica PDRN Clear Toner Pad

1 active idol deal | about $21

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

1 active idol deal | about $24

Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

1 active idol deal | about $24

For cleansing, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a widely sold gel cleanser. The SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner contains three types of acids. For serums, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid and Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum are common picks. Etude SoonJung Hydro Barrier Cream is a gel-cream moisturizer.

Innisfree, COSRX, and SOME BY MI sell oil-control products at drugstore prices. For the products in our database, the product page shows the Korean price and the date we checked it.

Apply products from thinnest to thickest. At night, double cleanse: an oil or balm cleanser such as Banila Co Clean It Zero to remove sunscreen and makeup, then a gel cleanser. Use BHA a few times a week rather than every day if your skin gets irritated. Do not skip moisturizer: oily skin still needs hydration.