Want glowing skin without the shine? The key is using the right skincare for oily skin. Building a routine with dermatologist-approved products to clear pores, fight blackheads, and calm acne is the first step toward achieving a smooth, matte finish.
Beyond basic cleansers and toners that remove oil, tighten pores, and gently exfoliate, an effective oily skin routine should include targeted treatments and masks to strengthen your skin’s barrier and prevent clogged pores. Here are the best skincare products for oily skin, chosen by dermatologists and Vogue editors.
Our Top Picks
– Best Blackhead Treatment: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $35
– Best Cleanser for Oily Skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $19
– Best Toner for Oily Skin: Murad Clarifying Toner, $30
– Best Serum for Oily Skin: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum, $6
– Best Retinol for Oily Skin: LaLaise The Retinol Renewal, $125
– Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Tatcha The Water Cream, $72
– Best Face Mask for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Shine Control Face Mask, $22
– Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $43
– Best for Excess Shine: Glow Recipe Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops, $32
In This Article
– Why does skin get oily?
– How to control oily skin
– Best skincare routine for oily skin
– Key ingredients for oily skin
– Expert recommendations
### Best Blackhead Treatment: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Price: $35
Why We Love It: This liquid exfoliant contains salicylic acid (a BHA) to unclog pores and reduce inflammation, making it a favorite for tackling blackheads. With a pH of 3.5, the formula stays effective at penetrating and clearing pores. Vogue contributor Emily Orofino notes that its watery texture absorbs quickly, allowing serums and moisturizers to layer smoothly. It also brightens skin and smooths fine lines.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea
Size: 4 fl oz
Pros:
✔ Absorbs quickly
✔ Anti-aging benefits
Cons:
✘ May cause temporary purging in some skin types
### Best Cleanser for Oily Skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Price: $19
Why We Love It: This gentle foaming cleanser balances oily skin without over-drying. Packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it refreshes while maintaining moisture.
Dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman recommends it for oily, acne-prone skin: “It cleanses effectively without irritating sensitive skin.” Dr. Kristina Collins adds that it “calms oil production without leaving skin tight or stripped.”
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramidesHere’s a more natural and fluent rewrite of your text while keeping the meaning intact:
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### Best Toner for Oily Skin: Murad Clarifying Toner
Price: $30 (Amazon)
Why We Love It:
Murad’s dermatologist-developed toner is perfect for a quick midday refresh. It helps balance oily skin by reducing excess oil, while witch hazel tightens pores for a smoother look. Dr. Collins recommends this alcohol-free formula for removing impurities and controlling shine, thanks to ingredients like witch hazel and algae extract. However, since it can be drying, those with dry skin may want to use it only in summer.
Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, grape seed extract, vitamin E, algae extract
Size: 6 oz
Pros: Leaves skin clean and refreshed
Cons: May cause dryness for some
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### Best Vitamin C for Oily Skin: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
Price: $182 (SkinCeuticals, Dermstore)
Why We Love It:
This oil-free vitamin C serum is designed for oily and acne-prone skin, reducing shine while improving clarity. Packed with antioxidants like l-ascorbic acid, silymarin, and ferulic acid, it also helps prevent breakouts. Dr. Hartman and Dr. Collins both recommend it for daily use, praising its ability to brighten skin and keep pores clear.
Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, silymarin, ferulic acid, salicylic acid
Size: 1 fl oz
Pros: Oil-free, brightening, antioxidant-rich
Cons: The packaging is easy to knock over (not ideal at this price!)
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### Best Serum for Oily Skin: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Price: $6 (Amazon)
Why We Love It:
Niacinamide is a must for oily skin—it reduces inflammation and controls oil production. The Ordinary’s affordable serum contains 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc, improving brightness and texture in just eight weeks. Dr. Collins calls it a cult favorite for regulating sebum and minimizing pores.
Key Ingredients: 10% niacinamide, 1% zinc
Size: 1 oz
Pros: Budget-friendly, anti-inflammatory
Cons: Can pill under moisturizer or sunscreen, so it’s best for nighttime use
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### Best Retinol for Oily Skin: LaLaie The Retinol Renewal
Price: $125 (Bergdorf Goodman)
Why We Love It:
LaLaie’s gentle retinol serum is perfect for oily skin, combining retinoids, bakuchiol, and peptides to unclog pores and smooth fine lines. Dr. Garshick recommends it for boosting cell turnover and refining texture without irritation.
Key Ingredients: Oil Control Complex (OCC3), pure retinol, granactive retinoid, vitamin C, peptides
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Pros: Gentle yet effective
Cons: Small bottle for the price
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### Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Tatcha The Water Cream
Price: $72
Why We Love It: Even oily skin needs hydration—just in a lightweight, non-greasy formula. Tatcha’s The Water Cream delivers just that, absorbing quickly without adding shine. “This oil-free, water-based moisturizer hydrates while minimizing pores,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s packed with Japanese botanicals that balance and purify oily skin.” The silky texture, infused with Tatcha’s Hadasei-3 complex (green tea, rice, and algae) and Japanese leopard lily, leaves skin smooth and glowing.
Key Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, Hadasei-3 complex
Size: 1.7 oz
Pros: Oil-free, lightweight, soothing
Cons: Some users wish the jar were bigger
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### Best Night Cream for Oily Skin: Caudalie Premier Cru
Price: $119–$129
Why We Love It: Fans of French pharmacy skincare will love Caudalie’s Premier Cru. It targets eight signs of aging—from dark spots to fine lines—with a blend of TET8, hyaluronic acid, and firming sugars. “This rich yet non-comedogenic formula hydrates and firms without clogging pores,” says Dr. Garshick. “Perfect for oily skin that wants anti-aging benefits without heaviness.”
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, tightening sugars, TET8, Viniferine
Size: 1.6 oz
Pros: Multi-tasking anti-aging formula
Cons: Some find the scent too perfumed
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### Best Exfoliant for Oily Skin: Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment
Price: $72–$122
Why We Love It: This cult-favorite serum uses lactic acid to gently exfoliate, revealing fresh, glowing skin. Infused with licorice, prickly pear, and aloe, it balances potent actives while soothing redness. “Exfoliation is key for oily skin to prevent clogged pores,” says Dr. Hartman. “Lactic acid dissolves dead skin cells without irritation, and this formula absorbs quickly.”
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, prickly pear extract, licorice
Size: 1.7 oz
Pros: Brightens and smooths skin
Cons: May irritate sensitive skin
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### Best Face Mask for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Shine Control Mask
Price: $22
Why We Love It: Clay masks are a go-to for oily skin, and this one from La Roche-Posay helps control shine while purifying pores. With kaolin, glycerin, and vitamin B5, it leaves skin matte and refreshed.
Key Ingredients: Kaolin, glycerin, vitamin B5
Pros: Reduces oiliness, gentle yet effective
Cons: None noted
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This version keeps the original details while making the language smoother and more conversational. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!Clay Mask for Oily Skin
After a quick five-minute treatment, this clay mask helps absorb excess oil and cleanse pores. Dr. Hartman recommends it for oily skin, saying, “La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Shine Control Face Mask effectively removes excess oil, reduces shine, and clears dirt and impurities.” The non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores, and it’s gentle enough for multiple weekly uses.
Key Ingredients: Kaolin, glycerin, vitamin B5
Size: 100 ml
Love It
✔ Controls shine
✔ Non-comedogenic
Leave It
✖ Takes a few minutes to work—not ideal for quick routines
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Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Price: $38 (Amazon), $43 (Dermstore)
Dermatologists, including Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, praise this sunscreen for acne-prone or oily skin. Its non-comedogenic formula contains lactic acid and niacinamide to reduce inflammation and oil production. With SPF 46 and a natural finish, it’s perfect for daily summer wear.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide 9%, octinoxate 7.5%, lactic acid, niacinamide
Size: 1.7 oz
Love It
✔ Non-comedogenic
✔ Anti-inflammatory
Leave It
✖ May leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones
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Best for Dark Spots: Naturium Tranexamic Acid Serum
Price: $20 (Amazon)
This affordable serum tackles post-acne dark spots with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid. Dr. Garshick notes, “It evens skin tone without heavy oils or fragrances, making it great for oily skin.”
Key Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice root extract
Size: 1 fl oz
Love It
✔ Brightens skin
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Clears pores
Leave It
✖ May oxidize quickly
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Best for Excess Shine: Glow Recipe Strawberry BHA Drops
Price: $32 (Amazon, Glow Recipe)
These viral drops blur pores and control oil with BHAs and strawberry enzymes. Dr. Collins loves them for all-day shine control, while Dr. Garshick calls them a “great multitasker—works as skincare and primer.”
Key Ingredients: Tapioca/rice, BHA, strawberry enzymes, pore-minimizing extract
Size: 1 fl oz
Love It
✔ Blurs pores
✔ Doubles as makeup base
Leave It
✖ May irritate sensitive/dry skin
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Best Lotion for Oily Skin: La Prairie Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion
Price: $320 (Nordstrom, Saks)
When skin feels extra oily, this lightweight lotion hydrates without heaviness. Ideal for layering, it’s a luxurious pick for shine-prone complexions.
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Best Lightweight Lotion for Oily Skin: La Prairie Cellular Hydralifting Lotion
La Prairie’s lightweight lotion is a Vogue editor favorite, deeply hydrating skin with 100% active caviar water to lift, tone, and minimize pores. Apply after toner, then follow with your preferred serum.
Dr. Garshick says: “This luxurious option hydrates and tones in one step. Despite its rich name, it has a lightweight finish perfect for oily skin.”
Key Ingredients: Caviar water
Size: 5 oz
Pros: Lightweight, hydrating, lifts and tones
Cons: May feel drying for non-oily skin types
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Best Peel for Oily Skin: Skin Design London Clear Skin Peel
This professional-grade peel clears congestion in minutes with a blend of BHA, niacinamide, and dioic acid—leaving skin smooth and matte.
Dr. Collins says: “It resurfaces oily, congested skin while clarifying and improving tone—great for breakouts or dullness.”
Key Ingredients: Dioic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, magnolia bark extract
Size: 1 fl oz
Pros: Quickly clears congestion
Cons: May cause mild irritation or temporary breakouts
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Best Face Scrub for Oily Skin: Lancer The Method Polish
A gentle yet effective scrub that removes buildup and revives dull skin with enzymes and magnesium crystals. It also boosts cell turnover to reduce fine lines in four weeks.
Dr. Hartman explains: “The mix of pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes exfoliates, while winged kelp hydrates for a refreshed feel.”
Key Ingredients: Pumpkin/pomegranate enzymes, magnesium crystals, lilac stem cells, salicylic acid
Size: 4.2 oz
Pros: Leaves skin softer and smoother
Cons: Can feel harsh if skin isn’t damp or if applied too roughly
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Best Hyaluronic Acid for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
This fast-absorbing serum hydrates and plumps with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and madecassoside—no greasy residue.
Dr. Collins says: “Essential for oily skin, it soothes and replenishes moisture.”
Dr. Hartman adds: “A daily must for restoring hydration and improving skin’s look.”
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, madecassoside
Size: 1.69 fl oz
Pros: Lightweight, soothing, great for daily use
Cons: Scent may be too strong for some
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Why Do Some People Have Oily Skin?
Dr. Jean (board-certified dermatologist) explains: “Oily skin is often genetic but can also be influenced by other factors.”
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This version keeps the original meaning while making it more concise and natural. Let me know if you’d like any tweaks!How Hormones and Lifestyle Affect Oily Skin
Hormonal changes, stress, skincare habits, dehydration, and seasonal shifts can all contribute to oilier skin. Oily skin tends to be more noticeable in hot, humid weather and may also flare up during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.
How to Manage Oily Skin
To keep oily skin under control, dermatologist Jeannette Graf recommends:
– Using a BHA (like salicylic acid) to exfoliate inside pores and prevent excess oil buildup.
– Keeping skin hydrated, as dehydration can trigger more oil production.
– Incorporating oil-regulating ingredients and opting for lightweight skincare products.
The Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Lupo suggests a simple three-step routine:
1. Cleanse: Use a salicylic acid or AHA cleanser to gently exfoliate.
2. Tone: Apply a peel or toner to rebalance skin and minimize pores.
3. Moisturize: Choose a gel-based moisturizer (not lotion) to avoid adding extra oil.
Key Ingredients for Oily Skin
Dermatologists recommend these ingredients to balance oil production:
– Hyaluronic acid – Hydrates without heaviness.
– Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) – Glycolic, lactic, and citric acids gently exfoliate for smoother skin.
– Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) – Salicylic acid penetrates pores to clear excess oil and prevent breakouts.
– Vitamin C – Regulates oil, reduces shine, and protects against UV damage (use in the morning).
– Niacinamide – Controls oil and reduces inflammation (best for daytime).
– Retinol – Speeds up cell turnover, unclogs pores, and regulates oil (use at night).
Meet the Experts
– Dr. Mary Lupo – Board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans.
– Dr. Jeannette Graf – Board-certified dermatologist and professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
– Dr. Corey L. Hartman – Board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Alabama.