Oily Skin Skincare Routine
Take control of shine, minimize breakouts, and keep your skin balanced all day. Our oily skin routine is built around dermatologist-recommended products that work with your skin, not against it.
Products in Our Oily Skin Routine
Everything you need to cleanse, balance, treat, and protect oily skin.
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean
$39.00Sweep away excess oil, impurities, and daily buildup without stripping your skin. This gentle, purifying cleanser leaves your face feeling fresh, balanced, and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
goop beauty Daily Detox Foaming Cleanser
$38.00Sweep away excess oil, impurities, and daily buildup without stripping your skin. This gentle, purifying cleanser leaves your face feeling fresh, balanced, and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser
$15.00Sweep away excess oil, impurities, and daily buildup without stripping your skin. This gentle, purifying cleanser leaves your face feeling fresh, balanced, and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin
$18.99Sweep away excess oil, impurities, and daily buildup without stripping your skin. This gentle, purifying cleanser leaves your face feeling fresh, balanced, and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel
$14.00Sweep away excess oil, impurities, and daily buildup without stripping your skin. This gentle, purifying cleanser leaves your face feeling fresh, balanced, and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
Marini Skin Solutions Bioglycolic Oily Skin Cleansing Gel
$46.00Sweep away excess oil, impurities, and daily buildup without stripping your skin. This gentle, purifying cleanser leaves your face feeling fresh, balanced, and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
Bioderma Sébium Foaming Gel
$10.99Sweep away excess oil, impurities, and daily buildup without stripping your skin. This gentle, purifying cleanser leaves your face feeling fresh, balanced, and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
ISDIN Isdinceutics Essential Purifier Foaming Cleanser
$40.00Sweep away excess oil, impurities, and daily buildup without stripping your skin. This gentle, purifying cleanser leaves your face feeling fresh, balanced, and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
Derma Made Antioxidant C Serum+
$56.00Derma Made Antioxidant C Serum+ – Brightening & Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum The Derma Made Ant...
Plated Skin Science DAILY Serum
$258.00A luxurious serum that provides an infusion of growth factors, antioxidants, and hydrating ingred...
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
$185.00Powerful daytime antioxidant for brighter, firmer, more even skin. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF® is...
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Cream
$54.99This vitamin C cream is a daily moisturizer that visibly plumps skin and reduces the appearance o...
Essopi Retinol Treatment Serum 5X
$92.00Essopi Retinol Treatment Serum 5X contains a mix of advanced ingredients that target multiple sig...
Marini Skin Solutions BioRefine AHA Face Cream
$93.00Marini Skin Solutions BioRefine AHA Face Cream is a potent, anti-aging moisturizer designed to im...
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5
$80.00SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5 is a moderate-strength retinol treatment designed to improve skin ...
Derma Made Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum 1%
$56.00The Derma Made Retinol + Bakuchiol 1% Serum is a potent anti-aging treatment targeting multiple c...
SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer with Vegan Collagen
$78.00Experience a bursting wave of hydration with SkinMedica’s HA5® Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moistur...
PCA Skin HydraMatte
$102.00Experience immediate and long-term hydration while reducing oil at the skin’s surface and minimiz...
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin
$24.99Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer for oily skin is formulated with a high concentrat...
Grown Alchemist Skin Defense Mattifying Primer
$40.00Blur, mattify & defend your skin’s barrier - primer meets skincare Prep your skin for flawles...
PCA Skin ReBalance
$63.00A nourishing, light moisturizer that hydrates, calms and soothes normal to sensitive skin.
SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream
$72.00SkinMedica's TNS Ceramide Treatment Creamâ„¢ is expertly formulated to restore moisture, heal, and ...
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
$120.00A multi-dimensional volumizing serum with hyaluronic acid that not only plumps and hydrates, but ...
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer
$31.97Tested on allergy-prone, ultra-sensitive skin, Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer hydrates a...
EltaMD UV Clear Untinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
$20.00Uniquely formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, this oil-free non-comedogenic formula protects against UV damage and calms irritated skin without clogging your pores.
Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte SPF 45
$89.00Uniquely formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, this oil-free non-comedogenic formula protects against UV damage and calms irritated skin without clogging your pores.
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+
$46.00Uniquely formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, this oil-free non-comedogenic formula protects against UV damage and calms irritated skin without clogging your pores.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 Original
$52.00Uniquely formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, this oil-free non-comedogenic formula protects against UV damage and calms irritated skin without clogging your pores.
Step 1: Cleanse Twice Daily
Cleansing is the foundation of any oily skin routine. Washing your face removes excess sebum, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants that can clog pores and trigger breakouts. It also preps your skin to absorb the products that follow more effectively.Â
Follow these steps to properly cleanse oily skin:
- Wash your hands before touching your face to avoid transferring bacteria.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water (not hot water, which can strip the skin of moisture).
- Apply a small amount of cleanser and massage it into your skin for 30–60 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
- Follow immediately with moisturizer or a targeted treatment to restore hydration.
We recommend cleansing twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. In the morning, use a refreshing gel cleanser like SkinCeuticals Simply Clean to remove overnight serum and prep the skin for SPF. In the evening, switch to something like Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel for a deeper cleanse that removes sunscreen and the day’s buildup without disturbing your skin’s natural moisture balance.
Step 2: Target Oily Skin Concerns
Targeted treatments like serums and retinols enable you to address skincare concerns that go beyond oil and shine. Whether you’re dealing with enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, or frequent breakouts, make a targeted treatment the second step in your daily routine. For oily skin, opt for lightweight and fast-absorbing products that won’t sit on top of the skin or contribute to congestion.
Follow these tips to apply targeted treatments to oily skin:Â
- Apply lightweight treatments after cleansing (serums go before moisturizer, heavier creams after).
- Use a pea-sized amount and warm the product between your fingertips before applying.
- Gently press the product into your skin rather than rubbing it in.
- For morning treatments, follow with moisturizer and SPF. For retinol products, apply as the last step in your routine.
In the morning, we recommend a vitamin C serum like Marini Skin Solutions C-Esta Face Serum. It delivers a powerful hit of antioxidants to brighten the skin and protect against free radical damage, all without a greasy feel. At night, incorporate Essopi Retinol Treatment Serum 5x to accelerate cell turnover and refine pore appearance. Start with 1–2 nights per week and build up as your skin adjusts.
Step 3: Don't Skip the Moisturizer
Skipping moisturizer is one of the most common mistakes people with oily skin make. When your skin isn’t properly hydrated, it compensates by producing more oil. To prevent your skin from feeling weighed down or greasy, choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog your pores or worsen shine.Â
Follow these steps to moisturize oily skin the right way:
- Unless you’re using a serum, apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp.
- Apply a dime-sized amount (oily skin may need less product than dry skin).
- Gently press and smooth the moisturizer into your face and neck.
- Give the moisturizer a few moments to absorb before applying SPF.
In the morning, opt for a featherweight formula like SkinMedica Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer to deliver instant hydration with a shine-free finish. In the evening, we recommend something nourishing like PCA Skin Rebalance Moisturizer to restore the skin’s equilibrium overnight while soothing irritation and supporting a healthy, balanced complexion by morning.
Step 4: Apply Sunscreen Last
Sunscreen is non-negotiable, no matter your skin type. For oily skin, unprotected UV exposure can increase inflammation, trigger breakouts, and worsen post-acne dark spots. The right SPF for oily skin is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and oily-free so it protects without adding to the problem.
Follow these steps to apply SPF to oily skin:Â
- Apply SPF as the very last step in your morning routine.
- Use sunscreen enough to cover the length of your index and middle fingers.
- Spread the product evenly over your face, neck, and any other exposed skin.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you’re spending time outdoors.
Our top pick for oily and acne-prone skin is EltaMD UV Clear Untinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. Formulated with niacinamide and lactic acid, it calms redness and soothes reactive skin while delivering reliable broad-spectrum protection with a mattifying finish that works well under makeup.
FAQs
What Is the Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin?
The best oily skin routine focuses on controlling excess sebum without over-stripping the skin of moisture. Start with a gentle gel or foaming cleanser, follow with a lightweight oil-free moisturizer, and finish your daytime routine with a non-comedogenic SPF. In the evening, a targeted treatment like retinol can help minimize pores and reduce breakouts over time.
Should I Moisturize If I Have Oily Skin?
Yes, moisturizer is essential in any skincare routine. In fact, skipping moisturizer can actually make oily skin worse. When the skin lacks hydration, it compensates by producing more sebum. The right moisturizer hydrates without clogging pores or adding shine, so look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula.
How Often Should I Wash My Face If I Have Oily Skin?
We recommend cleansing twice daily, once in the morning and again at night. Washing more frequently can strip your skin of its natural oils which may trigger a rebound increase in sebum production. If your skin still feels oily during the day, keep some blotting papers handy or try a quick rinse with lukewarm water.
Which Skincare Ingredients Are Best for Oily Skin?
Look for ingredients that help regulate oil production and keep the pores clear. Niacinamide helps balance sebum production and minimize the appearance of pores while salicylic acid helps unclog the pores and prevent breakouts. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin deliver moisture without increasing oil production while retinol boosts cell turnover, helping to refine the skin’s texture.
What Should I Avoid If I Have Oily Skin?
Avoid heavy creams, oil-based formulas, and products containing comedogenic ingredients that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Harsh, drying cleansers may seem like an effective choice but they often trigger rebound oil production, so steer clear of sulfate-heavy soaps. Alcohol-based toners can also over-dry the skin and cause similar issues, so opt for products specifically formulated for oily or acne-prone skin.
Is Vitamin C Good for Oily Skin?
Absolutely! Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps balance oil production and support healthier, stronger skin. It’s easy to incorporate into a skincare routine for oily skin as a daily serum or overnight treatment. During the day, vitamin C helps brighten the skin and protect against environmental damage. At night, it supports skin repair and rejuvenation, fading dark spots and improving areas of uneven skin tone or texture.
Explore Other Skincare Routines
Dry Skin Routine
A skincare routine for dry skin is all about restoring hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. We recommend rich, nourishing cleansers and moisturizers paired with targeted treatments that replenish and protect the skin. Explore our step-by-step dry skin routine for curated product recommendations.
Combination Skin Routine
Combination skin requires a targeted approach of controlling excess oil in the T-zone while delivering adequate hydration to dry areas. We recommend gentle, multi-action products you can layer as needed to suit your skin’s specific needs. Check out our step-by-step combination skin routine to find your perfect balance.
Sensitive Skin Routine
A skincare routine for sensitive skin focuses on calming irritation and strengthening the skin barrier. We recommend fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested formulations that soothe , hydrate, and protect without triggering reactions. Explore our step-by-step sensitive skin routine to learn more.
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