Shop the best water flossers to take charge of your dental health
By Beth CaseyNov 28, 2023
Need a more efficient way to clean your teeth? We review the best water flossers for oral hygiene and a cleaner, sparkling smile.
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Discover the best skincare for oily skin with these 12 products
Does your skin produce excess oil, leaving you looking shiny? Having the right products can help. Shop the best skincare for oily skin here.
When it comes to skincare, finding the right products for your skin type is essential, and this is especially true for those with oily skin. Dealing with excess oil, shine and potential breakouts can be a daily struggle. But fear not! Our editors curated a shoppable list of the best skincare for oily skin with products that deliver seriously impressive results.
From cleansers to moisturizers, serums, treatments and travel kits, these products wil help you conquer oily skin and achieve a balanced complexion.
Whether you’re dealing with a shiny T-zone, which includes your forehead, nose and chin, or overall oiliness as the day goes on, our expert recommendations will empower you to take control of your skincare routine.
Read more: Want an eye cream that actually works? Shop our picks
Browse the best skincare for oily skin
Best cleanser for oily skin
Pros & Cons
Gentle and effective cleansing
Suitable for all skin types
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture
May not be effective for heavy makeup removal
Some users may find it slightly drying
Experience the gentle, yet effective, cleansing power of Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser. Created alongside dermatologists, this fragrance-free cleanser is specially designed to remove dirt, excess oil and impurities without disrupting the natural moisture barrier of your skin. The foaming action creates a luxurious lather that reaches deep into your pores, leaving your skin feeling clean, refreshed and balanced.
Enriched with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this non-comedogenic cleanser also helps to restore and hydrate your skin, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. This is a great option if you’re looking for a drugstore option that won’t irritate your skin. And it’s gentle enough to also use on your body and hands.
Best cleanser for makeup removal
Pros & Cons
Gently exfoliates with bamboo and charcoal powder
Product is vegan and cruelty-free
Free of skin irritants, such as essential oils, silicones and fragrances
Some users report disliking the product fragrance
Some reviews report noticing residue following use
Removing makeup is quick and easy with the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser. A strong contender as one of the best skincare products for oily skin, this face wash is specifically formulated to melt away even the most stubborn makeup, oil and sunscreen.
Designed to leave your skin feeling purified and nourished, this product features a unique blend of antioxidant-rich fruit extracts and African oils. These ingredients will help to replenish and protect your skin while also providing a luxurious and soothing cleansing experience.
As it’s used, Slaai transforms from oil to a milk, leaving skin dewy (but never greasy) and dissolving impurities. If you’re looking for a non-drying solution for effective makeup removal, Slaai may be the best fit for you.
Best toner for oily skin
Pros & Cons
Treats hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, acne and blemishes
Formulated with salicylic acid to exfoliate skin
Suitable for sensitive skin
Some users have reported the product has a strong scent
Recommended to use the product sparingly as it is potentially drying
This powerful toner is specially formulated to target and reduce the appearance of acne and breakouts for a clearer complexion. The combination of salicylic and glycolic acid helps to unclog pores, remove dead skin cells and control excess oil production.
Effaclar Clarifying Solution also contains Thermal Spring Water, known for its soothing properties, to calm and comfort your skin. Incorporate this non-comedogenic and paraben-free toner into your skincare routine to experience the transformative effects of the product for a bright and fresh complexion.
Best toner for sensitive skin
Pros & Cons
Deeply hydrates and nourishes skin
Soothing ingredient properties reduce redness, irritation and inflammation
Infused with antioxidant-rich products to protect skin from harmful pollutants
Limited availability in some regions
Product has a noticeable fragrance
For those with oily skin, the Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner toner is one of our favorites. This is because it features a lightweight, non-sticky formula — but at the same time, it nourishes the skin and provides effective hydration. The result? Your skin will look and feel fresh, revitalized and balanced.
Formulated with 80% green tea extract sourced from Jeju slang, this Green Tea toner rejuvenates the skin — while infusing it with potent antioxidants. Green tea is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for all skin types, especially those with sensitive or irritated skin.
With regular use, this product helps enhance your skin’s natural radiance, smoothes texture and improves overall skin tone. The toner is also enriched with Centella Asiatica extract, a powerhouse ingredient that promotes skin healing and soothes redness.
Best serum for oily skin
Pros & Cons
Lightweight, silky texture absorbs quickly into skin
Regulates oil production for both combination and oily skin
Reduces the appearance of pores
Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals due to retinol
Can cause skin sensitivity or irritation
The Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum could be your secret weapon for glowing skin. The serum leverages the power of antioxidants and retinol to address multiple skin concerns, so you can boast radiant, youthful-look skin.
The serum is formulated with a potent blend of vitamins C and E, green tea extract, and niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) to protect your skin against environmental stressors. It also works to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. The addition of retinol helps to promote cell turnover, refine texture and improve overall skin tone.
Best vitamin C infused serum
Pros & Cons
Designed for all skin types
Dermatologist-tested
Made with recyclable packaging
Not budget-conscious
Product strength may cause irritation to more sensitive skin types
The Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum is sure to leave you with remarkable results. This skincare serum is enriched with a high concentration of pure vitamin C, famously known for its brightening and anti-aging properties. With consistent use, this serum helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
The formula also includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which enhance hydration and improve elasticity. This serum's ability to brighten and even out skin tone makes it a go-to solution for those seeking a more luminous and youthful complexion. With a 4.5-star average rating and nearly 1,500 reviews, the results are worth the price point.
Best moisturizer for oily skin
Pros & Cons
Formulated to address redness-prone skin
Offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
Provides a lightweight and matte finish
Limited shade range available
Mineral-based sunscreens have the potential to leave a white cast on the skin
Designed to address skin redness while providing essential sun protection, the Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer for Normal to Oily skin is a game-changing solution. The moisturizer combines advanced skincare technology with mineral-based SPF 30 to create a multifunctional product that nourishes and protects your skin. The ingredients were made to prevent premature aging and sunburn, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with confidence.
Incorporate this moisturizer into your daily skincare routine to experience a calmer, more protected complexion. Suitable for normal to oily skin types, the lightweight formula works to control excess oil production and shield your skin from sun damage.
Best oil-free moisturizer
Pros & Cons
Lightweight and oil-free formula ideal for oily skin
Nourishes skin with Vitamin B5 concentration
Non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores
Limited benefits for dry skin
May not be suitable for those with ingredient sensitivities
Enriched with 10% vitamin B5, this oil-free moisturizer works to replenish and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, helping to lock in hydration. Vitamin B5 has soothing and calming properties, making it ideal for oily skin that is prone to breakouts or inflammation. The non-comedogenic formula ensures that your pores remain clog-free, preventing further oiliness or blemishes.
This innovative moisturizer is specifically formulated to deliver the perfect balance of moisture and nourishment without leaving a greasy residue. Its lightweight and refreshing formula makes it perfect for everyday use and with continued use.
Best mask for oily skin
Pros & Cons
Kaolin and bentonite clay ingredients work unclog and refine pores
Treats excess shine and oil on the skin
Doesn’t strip skin of natural moisture
Some users have noted that product has a strong fragrance
Recommended to perform patch test for sensitivity
Experience a breakthrough in oil control with La Roche-Posay Effeclar Shine Control Clay Mask, a revolutionary oily skincare treatment that targets excess oil and helps refine the appearance of pores. Formulated with a combination of gentle clays, this mask is designed to purify and mattify oily skin, leaving it with a fresh, shine-free finish. The mask is also enriched with salicylic acid to help prevent breakouts and remove stubborn blackheads from the skin.
Unlike traditional clay masks, the Effeclar Shine Control Clay Mask is gentle and non-drying, making it suitable for oily and sensitive skin types. This is one of the best skincare products for oily skin to add to your regime as it helps you take control of excess oil and shine.
Best soothing gel mask
Pros & Cons
Cleanses the skin for visibly refined pores
Reduced redness and irritation
Cooling sensation refreshes skin upon application
Potentially drying for users with dry or sensitive skin
Some users report that the mask is difficult to apply due to texture
If you’re on the hunt for a mask that is specifically designed to target and minimize the appearance of your pores, you’re in luck. The Pore Clarifying Charcoal Gel Mask harnesses the detoxifying properties of activated charcoal, which acts like a magnet to draw out impurities, oils, and toxins from deep within your pores. Infused with botanical extracts and soothing ingredients, this mask also helps to calm and balance the skin.
The lightweight texture of the products glides smoothly onto your skin, providing a cooling and refreshing sensation. It’ll also dry down without leaving your skin feeling tight or stripped. Incorporate this skincare product into your regime for a deep cleansing experience that will leave your pores visibly clarified and your skin with a healthy, radiant glow.
Best travel kit for oily skin
Pros & Cons
Gently exfoliates skin
Non-comedogenic product won’t clog pores
Dermatologist recommended and tested
Some users say the sunscreen leaves a white cast on skin
Not a budget-friendly travel kit
If you’re on the go and are looking to maintain healthy and balanced skin, the La Roche Posay Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin Travel Set may be the best option for you. This carefully curated set includes a selection of the best skincare essentials for oily skin.
Conveniently sized for travel, each product in the set is designed to be portable and easy to use, making it hassle-free to maintain your skincare wherever you are. Included in the set are an exfoliating cleanser for sensitive skin to remove excess oil, a daily moisturizer for oily skin, and an oil-free SPF-60 sunscreen.
Best travel kit for aging skin
Pros & Cons
Designed to last for two weeks of use
Formulated to address multiple signs of aging
Addresses multiple skin care concerns from hydration to texture
Worth considering your travel duration and usage frequency
May not be suitable for sensitive skin types
Keep your skin in check while traveling with the Resist Travel Kit for Normal to Oily Skin. Compact, convenient, and effective, this kit has got your back wherever you roam.
The foaming cleanser will be with you step-by-step to wash away impurities and excess oil, leaving your skin refreshed and clean. The Daily Pore-Refining Treatment is packed with antioxidants and salicylic acid to guard against greasy skin and clogged pores. The kit also features a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen and an anti-aging skin moisturizer so that you can hydrate and protect your skin without weighing it down.
Got oily skin? Here’s what to know
Want to know more about oily skin, what causes it — and how to manage it? We address commonly asked questions here.
What causes oily skin?
Oily skin is typically caused by overactive sebaceous glands that produce excess sebum, leading to a shiny appearance and potential skin issues, such as acne.
Why are my forehead and nose more prone to oiliness?
The forehead, nose and chin areas, or the “T-zone,” tend to have a higher concentration of sebaceous glands. These glands produce more sebum, resulting in increased oiliness in these areas compared to the rest of the face.
How can I manage oily skin?
Managing oily skin involves adopting a consistent skincare regime. Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Use non-comedogenic products, or those that won’t clog pores, and try to avoid harsh ingredients that strip the skin.
Additionally, moisturizing is absolutely crucial — even for oily skin. It’s best to opt for lightweight options with non-sticky formulas.
Not-so-fun fact: Skipping moisturizer can actually cause the skin to produce more oil to compensate for a lack of moisture. So be sure to focus on hydration!
Our verdict: Which skincare products for oily skin get our vote?
If you ask our beauty editors, all of the options in this roundup of the best skincare for oily skin deserve a place in your skincare regimen. But if we had to choose a few must-have staples, they’d be the following.
Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser: Affordably priced and suitable for everyday use, this fragrance-free face wash removes dirt, excess oil and impurities — without disrupting the natural moisture barrier of your skin. It’s an MVP product that should have a permanent place in your medicine cabinet.
Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Oil-Free Moisturizer: If you’re looking for a lightweight, affordable oil-free moisturizer, this oil-free Moisturizer will not only hydrate your skin, but it will also leave you glowing.
Finding the best skincare products for oily skin can make a world of difference in achieving a radiant complexion. With our carefully curated selection of recommended skincare for oily skin, you’ll get effective results by using products that are specifically designed to combat common concerns associated with oily skin.
Prices updated on 06/14/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Jada Bowman
Jada Bowman is an Atlanta-based freelance writer. Through her work, Jada aims to make the lives of her readers better by guiding them toward the most exceptional products and lifestyle choices.
Specialized topics
Bathroom
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