Tired of seeing your face shine brighter than the sun two hours after leaving your house?
And not with that healthy glow we all want.
You probable have oily skin and aren’t using the right products for it. Building the perfect skincare for oily skin requires proper cleansing and hydration with the appropriate ingredients.
We’ve got you covered.
How to identify oily skin
Oily skin occurs when the skin produces more sebum than it needs, leaving excess oil on the surface.
If you have oily skin, you will have noticed your face has a persistent shine, particularly on your forehead, nose, and chin, the commonly named T-zone.
The skin may appear thicker, with enlarged pores that are more visible, and congestion is common. Blackheads, whiteheads, and acne tend to develop more easily because excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and can clog your pores.
Oily skin can also be temporary. This usually happens when you use the wrong products such as a very heavy moisturizer or sunscreen. Your skin reacts to the products and produces excess sebum.
If this is your case, it can be reversed easily by simply using lighter products and keeping your skincare routine as simple as possible for a few days.
Similarly, skin that feels greasy but tight or flaky at the same time is often dehydrated, not oily.
This is a very common mistake. Some people believe they have oily skin so they don’t use moisturizer because “they don’t need it”. The result is you skin gets even more dehydrated and produces more sebum. A vicious circle.
Dehydrated skin lacks water, not oil, and produces more sebum to compensate for the lack of hydration. Over-cleansing or using harsh products can also create this imbalance, making the skin appear oilier than it actually is.
Another commonly misunderstood skin type is combination skin.
This skin type typically has an oily T-zone but normal or dry areas on the cheeks and jawline. Combination skin usually requires a more balanced routine, where lighter products are used in oilier areas while richer hydration may be needed elsewhere.
Sebum production itself is a natural and essential function of the skin. Sebum forms part of the skin’s protective barrier, helping to prevent moisture loss and protecting against environmental irritants.
Hormones, genetics, climate, and stress can all influence how much sebum your skin produces.
A proper oily skincare routine should not aim to get rid of all sebum, simply to regulate production.
Stripping the skin with overly harsh cleansers or alcohol-heavy products can damage the skin barrier and trigger even more oil production as the skin attempts to restore balance.
What ingredients does oily skin need?
Contrary to what you might expect, oily skin still needs hydration. With the right ingredients, moisture won’t make your skin feel oilier, rather it can bring it back into balance.
When the skin is properly hydrated, it often produces less excess oil because it no longer needs to compensate for dryness or barrier damage.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin. It does not add oil or heaviness, making it particularly suitable for oily skin types.
By increasing hydration within the upper layers of the skin, hyaluronic acid can help maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of surface oiliness.
Oily skin also needs sebum regulators, ingredients that help balance oil without stripping your skin.
One popular (and effective) example is niacinamide (vitamin B3).
Niacinamide has been widely studied for its ability to reduce excess sebum, improve pore appearance, strengthen the skin barrier, and calm inflammation. It also helps regulate keratin production inside the pores, which may reduce the formation of comedones.
Certain botanical oils can also support oily skin when used in appropriate formulations. For example, tamanu oil contains fatty acids and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help support acne-prone skin and promote skin repair.
For long-term skin health and acne management, retinoids such as retinol are also beneficial.
Retinol works by increasing cell turnover, which helps prevent dead skin cells from accumulating in the pores. Over time, it can improve skin texture, regulate oil production, and reduce the likelihood of clogged pores and breakouts.
Another important group of ingredients for oily skin is ceramides.
Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the skin barrier. Even oily skin can have a compromised barrier, particularly if harsh cleansers or exfoliants are used. Ceramides help restore the barrier, preventing water loss and improving the skin’s overall resilience. When the barrier is healthy, the skin is better able to regulate oil production naturally.
What ingredients should you avoid?
Heavy ingredients can cause oily skin to produce even more sebum than it already does and clog your pores further.
Very rich emollients such as shea butter and coconut oil or coconut butter are highly occlusive and contain fatty acids that can feel heavy on oily skin. Coconut oil, in particular, has a higher comedogenic potential for some individuals, meaning it may contribute to clogged pores.
Lanolin, a wax derived from sheep’s wool, is another heavy occlusive ingredient that may feel overly rich for oily skin types.
Certain ingredients often used to create very smooth or highly occlusive textures can be less compatible with oily or congestion-prone skin. For example, silicones such as dimethicone are commonly used in conventional skincare to create a silky finish and form a surface barrier. However, these types of ingredients can create a film on the skin that may trap sweat, sebum, and debris if the skin isn’t cleansed thoroughly.
Similarly, dense petroleum-derived waxes and occlusives, such as microcrystalline wax or petrolatum-heavy balms, are designed to seal moisture into the skin. While this occlusive effect can be helpful for severely compromised skin barriers, these ingredients may feel too heavy for skin that already produces excess oil and can contribute to a sense of buildup on the skin’s surface.
In addition to how they feel on the skin, ingredients like synthetic silicones and petroleum are also avoided in many clean beauty formulations because they are not biodegradable and do not actively support the skin with nutrients or skin-replenishing compounds.
For oily skin types, many people find that lighter, breathable textures allow the skin to feel more balanced and comfortable throughout the day.
As always, the overall formulation matters. The balance of ingredients, the texture of the product, and how a formula interacts with your skin’s natural oil production all play an important role in how a product performs.
If you have oily skin, you would do best with lightweight gel creams and oil-free emulsions to balance sebum production without giving up on proper hydration.
Best skincare products for oily skin
Building an effective skincare routine right off the bat can be a challenge and a headache.
At Beauty Heroes, we help you create a clean and healthy routine with the best products for oily skin.
Start off by cleansing
At the end of the day, your pores will be quite clogged and you will have excess sebum and build-up on your skin. So cleansing your face thoroughly with a gentle face wash is non-negotiable.
In some cases, in the morning you can get by with washing only with water so your skin don’t completely strip your skin of necessary oil
Oily skin benefits most from foaming cleansers or a mud cleanser.
These are our favorites:
This cleanser is designed specifically for blemish-prone, combination, and oily skin types that need effective pore cleansing without irritation.
Its formula focuses on gentle exfoliation and barrier support, making it particularly suitable for people who experience congestion, blackheads, or excess oil but also want to maintain hydration.
It is formulated with polyhydroxy acid (PHA), specifically gluconolactone. PHAs exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, helping to unclog pores and smooth texture while being significantly gentler than stronger acids like AHAs.
PHAs work primarily on the surface of the skin and are less likely to cause irritation, which makes them ideal for oily skin that is also sensitive or reactive.
The formula also includes prebiotic inulin and a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) sugar complex.
These ingredients help protect the skin barrier and support the skin’s microbiome.
Humectants like glycerin further hydrate the skin so the cleanser purifies without leaving the tight, stripped feeling that often causes oily skin to produce even more sebum.
This lightweight gel cleanser focuses on balancing oil while preserving the skin barrier. It uses a combination of soothing botanicals and amino acids to cleanse impurities and hydrate.
One of the main ingredients is aloe vera, which is known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Aloe helps calm irritation and provides lightweight moisture without adding oil or heaviness to the skin.
The formula also contains amino acids, which are natural components of the skin’s own moisturizing factors. These amino acids help keep the skin’s moisture barrier and support healthy skin function.
The cleanser also contains green tea extract, cucumber extract, and betaine, which offer antioxidant and soothing benefits.
Green tea is particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin because it contains polyphenols that can help calm inflammation and support oil regulation.
This oil-free gel cleanser is formulated to deeply purify pores while maintaining skin hydration.
It is designed for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin.
The white willow bark extract is a natural source of salicylates that functions similarly to beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). This ingredient helps gently exfoliate inside the pores, which can reduce congestion, blackheads, and breakouts. By removing buildup from the pores, white willow bark helps keep oily skin clearer while improving skin texture.
The formula also includes chlorophyll, sea salt, and red sea moss extracts, which help clarify and mineralize the skin.
Chlorophyll has antioxidant and calming properties, while sea minerals help detoxify pores and regulate excess oil. Meanwhile, glycerin and aloe extract hydrate your skin and prevent dryness.
The Gentle Cleansing Gel is a soap-free, oil-free cleanser designed to purify the skin. For oily and congestion-prone skin, this type of formulation is especially beneficial because it removes excess sebum and daily impurities without disrupting the skin’s acid mantle.
It’s formulated with cold-processed aloe vera juice, which acts as a lightweight hydrator and soothing ingredient.
It also contains green tea and chamomile hydrosols. Green tea contains polyphenols that help neutralize environmental stressors and may support oil regulation, while chamomile hydrosol helps soothe inflammation and irritation that often accompany acne or congestion.
Licorice root extract helps brighten the complexion and calm inflammation, which can be helpful for post-breakout discoloration.
Meadowsweet contains natural salicylate compounds that gently support pore clarity, while willow bark extract provides mild exfoliating properties similar to beta hydroxy acids.
The Gentle Cleansing Gel works well for oily and breakout-prone skin because it combines gentle cleansing agents with anti-inflammatory botanicals and lightweight hydration.
Mud cleansers can be particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin because mineral-rich clays naturally absorb excess oil and impurities from the pores.
The Purely Gentle Mud Cleanser uses mineral mud as its base to purify the skin without overly stripping it.
Mineral mud contains naturally occurring clay minerals and trace elements that help draw out impurities from the pores. This oil-absorbing effect can reduce surface shine and help minimize congestion.
Aloe, chamomile, honey, licorice, marshmallow, coffee, and sandalwood work together to calm irritation, hydrate, and support a balanced complexion.
Aloe vera and honey help retain moisture and soothe inflammation, while chamomile and licorice extract bring antioxidant and calming benefits that reduce redness. Marshmallow adds lightweight hydration, and coffee seed oil and sandalwood contribute antioxidant protection and a grounding sensory experience.
Regulate sebum production with Niacinamide
Niacinamide helps balance oil production, supports the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and minimizes the appearance of pores and uneven tone. So it is particularly useful for oily and combination skin to achieve a smoother, clearer texture.
It works well in lightweight serums that layer easily under moisturizers without adding greasiness, helping skin feel calmer and more resilient over time.
This lightweight, silky serum blends niacinamide with nutrient‑rich wild nettle, rambutan extract, and hydrating actives to refine texture and support a clearer, more balanced complexion.
Niacinamide helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and uneven tone, while wild nettle and botanical antioxidants nourish and calm skin, making it suitable for oily, combination, and congestion‑prone skin that needs both clarity and hydration.
The formula also delivers hydration from glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, helping to maintain moisture without greasiness or heaviness. Rambutan extract works as a plant‑derived alternative to traditional firming agents, supporting elasticity and smoothness. It also contains vitamin C, squalane and turmeric.
Marie Veronique’s Soothing B3 Serum is a fast‑absorbing gel that harnesses 10 % niacinamide to calm inflammation, support the skin barrier, and promote a more resilient complexion.
This lightweight formula is perfect for oily or sensitive skin types that struggle with redness or irritation, as niacinamide strengthens barrier function and helps reduce the appearance of blotchiness and sensitivity.
Supporting ingredients like licorice root and green tea extract provide antioxidant and soothing benefits, while panthenol helps retain hydration, so your skin feels comfortable and balanced without heaviness.
The Mukti Organics Vitamin Booster Vital B Elixir combines niacinamide (B3) with panthenol (B5) and multi‑weight hyaluronic acid for a deeply hydrating, soothing serum that helps regulate excess oil production and refine the look of pores.
Niacinamide works to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and balance texture, while B5 and hyaluronic acid lock in moisture without greasiness.
Botanical extracts like Kakadu plum and cucumber deliver antioxidants and calming properties, supporting barrier resilience and leaving skin visibly plump, balanced, and refreshed.
Exfoliate once or twice a week
Exfoliation is important for oily and congestion‑prone skin because it helps remove dead skin cells, clear blocked pores, and reduce buildup of sebum and debris that can lead to blackheads and breakouts.
For oily skin, exfoliation should be effective yet gentle. Strong scrubs or over‑exfoliation can strip the skin, triggering increased oil production and irritation.
This is why chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or azelaic acid are often preferred: they work at the surface and within pores to dissolve dead skin and sebum without harsh abrasion, improving texture, clarity, and overall balance when used correctly.
Lilfox Acid Glow is a gentle chemical exfoliant formulated to brighten, smooth, and refine skin texture without irritation.
This serum combines a blend of exfoliating acids, including salicylic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic Acid, hyaluronic acid, and tartaric acid.
Unlike rough physical scrubs, this acid‑based formula works on the surface and inside pores to clarify and promote clearer, more radiant skin over time.
Supporting ingredients such as niacinamide and soothing botanicals help calm inflammation and support barrier health while exfoliating, making it suitable for daily or regular use without dryness or irritation when introduced gradually.
The Refresh Mint Toner by Maya Chia delivers gentle exfoliating support alongside refreshing hydration, making it an excellent pairing for oily skin routines.
Infused with azelaic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, this toner helps unclog pores and lift away excess oil and dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of congestion and blackheads.
Its mint and botanically derived ingredients provide a cooling, invigorating sensation that enhances the cleansing process and helps maintain a clearer, more refined texture.
The formula also includes soothing chamomile and hydrating glycerin, which balance exfoliation with calming and moisture‑supporting benefits.
This combination keeps skin from feeling stripped or tight but promoting a brighter, more refreshed appearance.
The Daily Acid Toner is a gentle yet effective AHA treatment that exfoliates, brightens, and smooths skin without irritation. Perfect for oily, combination, and congestion-prone skin.
Its blend of fruit and flower acids, including glycolic, citric, tartaric, and malic acids, works to resurface dead skin cells and refine texture, while galactoarabinan from the larch tree supports cellular renewal and promotes a plumper, more resilient complexion.
The formula also contains hydrating and soothing ingredients such as montmorillonite clay, Irish moss, sea kelp, hyaluronic acid, and sodium PCA, which help maintain moisture and support the skin barrier during exfoliation.
Antioxidant-rich plant extracts like turmeric, green tea, chamomile, calendula, and echinacea protect against environmental stressors while calming irritation.
Unlike harsher acid toners, this gentle yet powerful formula delivers subtle stimulation that over time leaves the skin smoother, brighter, and more luminous, without stinging or over-drying.
Hydrate your skin
Yes, oily skin needs hydration.
When the skin is dehydrated or stripped of moisture the sebaceous glands tend to compensate by producing more oil, which can worsen shine and congestion.
A lightweight, non‑comedogenic moisturizer helps balance sebum production, strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, and keep texture smooth without heaviness or pore blockage.
Gel‑based or light cream formulas deliver essential hydration while supporting clear, comfortable skin.
Temperate Forest Restoring Complex by Live Botanical is a lightweight, milky gel designed to deeply hydrate while supporting the skin’s natural microbiome and moisture balance.
Its formula features snow mushroom, a powerful plant-derived humectant that helps bind water to the skin, along with sea kelp ferment to create a breathable, second-skin hydration layer that keeps skin feeling plump and comfortable.
A blend of whole plant extracts, including licorice, peony, milk thistle, oats, green tea, and echinacea, works to soothe visible redness, brighten the complexion, and support the skin’s natural resilience against environmental stress.
Probiotic and postbiotic ingredients help support a balanced skin flora, which can assist in managing congestion while maintaining optimal hydration levels.
The formula absorbs quickly and delivers refreshing moisture without heaviness, leaving skin looking clearer, calmer, and softly hydrated.
This daily moisturizer is a lightweight, hydrating cream that supports your skin’s barrier while delivering smooth, balanced moisture.
Its formula features hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that draws and retains water in the skin, helping to keep it plump and hydrated without heaviness.
Marine algae extracts support barrier function and help the skin retain moisture more effectively, and white lily extract contributes antioxidant benefits and works to even tone and brighten the complexion.
This formula absorbs easily and hydrates without greasiness, helping skin feel soft and comfortable throughout the day.
Additional ingredients like aloe leaf extract soothe and calm irritation, while salicylic acid gently exfoliates to help keep pores clear and reduce surface congestion.
The Purely Simple Face Cream uses a minimalist blend of hydrating and barrier‑supporting ingredients to soothe and nourish oily or sensitive skin without clogging pores.
It features squalane, a lightweight plant‑derived emollient that mimics skin’s natural oils, promoting supple, smooth skin without shine. For further nourishment it also includes organic aloe vera, sweet almond oil, and apricot kernel oil.
Complemented by glycerin and calming botanicals like chamomile and calendula, this moisturizer deeply hydrates while reducing inflammation and strengthening the skin’s ability to retain moisture. The result is balanced, comfortable skin that feels soft and protected all day.
This calming cream combines antioxidant‑rich chamomile extract (Anthemis nobilis) with niacinamide and natural humectants to deliver balanced hydration while supporting oil regulation and texture refinement.
Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and supports a more even skin tone.
Soothing floral extracts like chamomile and calendula help calm inflammation and redness, while gentle emollients lock in moisture without heaviness.
Other superpower ingredients include apricot, jojoba, manuka, rosehip, and shea.
The Anthemis is ideal if you’re looking for a supportive, nurturing moisturizer that keeps skin hydrated and resilient without compromising clarity.
Temperate Forest Restoring Complex is a lightweight, milky gel moisturizer that deeply hydrates while supporting a healthy, balanced skin barrier.
Its unique formulation uses snow mushroom and fermented sea kelp to create a “second-skin” hydration layer that locks in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
The formula is enriched with botanical actives including licorice root, peony root, milk thistle, oats, green tea, and echinacea, which provide antioxidant protection, calming, and brightening effects, while also helping reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and scarring.
Probiotic derivatives and prebiotics support the skin’s microbiome to manage congestion and strengthen the barrier, enhancing overall skin resilience.
Lightweight squalane delivers non-greasy nourishment, leaving the skin soft, supple, and visibly clear.
Protect your skin from sun damage
Sun protection is a non‑negotiable step in any skincare routine.
Daily SPF shields your skin from UV damage, premature aging, and dark spots,and helps prevent post‑inflammatory pigmentation that can occur after breakouts.
For oily or acne‑prone skin, choosing a lightweight, mineral‑based sunscreen can provide broad‑spectrum protection without leaving a heavy or greasy feel, supporting a balanced, healthy complexion all year round.
This multifunctional mineral sunscreen combines broad‑spectrum non‑nano zinc oxide with a blend of antioxidants, niacinamide (3 %), and nourishing botanical oils to protect against UV damage while supporting overall skin health.
The zinc oxide creates a physical barrier against UVA/UVB rays, while niacinamide helps refine texture and support an even tone.
Hydrating botanicals like red raspberry seed oil, and squalane help maintain moisture without greasiness, while a complex of gotu kola, ginkgo, and milk thistle delivers antioxidant support against environmental stressors.
The centella asiatica will also treat your skin from any blemishes and redness.
The lightweight, non‑greasy formula absorbs easily and leaves a subtle, radiant finish that doubles as a daily SPF and moisturizer replacement, making it a great all‑in‑one for oily skin routines.
Plumscreen SPF 31 is a silky, non‑comedogenic mineral sunscreen that uses 4.7 % non‑nano zinc oxide for broad‑spectrum UVA/UVB/HEV protection.
The formula features a proprietary Plum Superfruit Complex® and hydating Zonaria Tournefortii seaweed extract, which help defend against free radicals, environmental stressors, and signs of aging.
This sunscreen also includes plum seed oil and fruit extracts that soften, nourish, and help maintain balanced moisture levels without pore‑clogging heaviness.
Its sheer, lightweight texture absorbs comfortably and primes the skin for makeup, a versatile choice for oily, sensitive, or combination skin that needs daily sun protection without greasiness or white cast.
Solara Fortune Teller Tinted Brightening Serum SPF 30 combines broad‑spectrum SPF protection with skincare benefits in a lightweight, multi‑tasking formula.
It blends mineral or chemical UV filters with antioxidants and brightening botanicals that help defend against sun damage, even out tone, and support skin resilience.
Other superpower ingredients include amla, argan, hyaluronic acid, licorice, mica, raspberry, and zinc oxide
Its tint adds a natural finish that can even skin tone to combine sun protection and a boost of radiance in one step.
Treat those pesky spots
Unfortunately, oily skin can be more prone to spots or random breakouts, so it’s a good idea to have a specific product at hand so you don’t feel the need to pick your face!
Spot treatments are targeted products designed to help calm active blemishes, reduce redness, and speed up the healing process without over‑drying surrounding skin.
For oily and acne‑prone complexions, well‑formulated spot treatments can help shrink breakouts quickly by combining anti‑inflammatory, antibacterial, and sebum‑regulating ingredients.
Osmia Spotless Blemish Oil is a targeted, fast-absorbing spot treatment designed to calm active breakouts and support clearer, balanced skin.
Its formula combines antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory essential oils, including cypress, thyme, rosemary, and lavender, that help reduce redness, control excess sebum, and fight acne-causing bacteria.
Evening primrose oil provides gentle hydration, preventing the skin from becoming over-dry.
Additional botanicals like parsley and cajeput help clarify the skin and support overall tone. Lightweight yet potent, this concentrated oil works directly on blemishes without leaving residue or clogging pores.
Spot Intensive by Marie Veronique is a concentrated, targeted treatment designed to calm active blemishes and support overall skin balance for oily, combination, or breakout-prone skin.
Its formula combines willow bark and aspen bark extracts, natural sources of gentle salicylates and plant acids, to exfoliate clogged pores, reduce congestion, and promote healthy skin turnover without irritation.
Niacinamide helps reduce visible redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and regulate sebum production.
Complementary botanicals, including green tea, licorice root, tamanu oil, and squalane, provide antioxidant protection, hydration, and soothing benefits, preventing dryness and irritation.
Odacité BL+C Pimples Serum Concentrate is a targeted, lightweight oil treatment formulated for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin.
Its concentrated blend works to calm active breakouts, purify pores, and support a balanced complexion without harsh or overly drying ingredients.
The formula features black cumin seed oil, rich in linoleic acid, which helps regulate sebum and reduce congestion, and cajeput oil delivers antibacterial and refreshing properties to reduce blemishes.
Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection to help reduce inflammation and support skin healing.
Hydrocolloid patches are great ways to target spots and blemished directly.
Each evre. patch creates a moist, protective microenvironment that absorbs excess fluid, reduces inflammation, and prevents further irritation from friction or picking.
These patches are infused with mānuka oil and deliver natural antibacterial and soothing properties to calm redness and support blemish resolution.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps reduce visible inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and promote a more even tone.
The fully sheer, gentle hydrocolloid design allows the patches to be worn day or night, discreetly fitting different spot sizes to accelerate healing and protect the skin while maintaining comfort.
Build the perfect routine with Beauty Heroes
Managing oily skin doesn’t mean stripping it of everything it needs, it’s about balance, hydration, and protection.
A routine built on gentle cleansing, lightweight hydration, targeted treatments, and broad-spectrum SPF helps regulate sebum, keep pores clear, and prevent irritation or overproduction.
Using clean, carefully formulated products ensures your skin stays healthy, calm, and resilient, reducing the risk of congestion and breakouts while supporting your natural barrier.
At Beauty Heroes, we make it easy to build a complete, effective routine for oily and combination skin with products selected for their ingredients, performance, and skin-friendly formulations.
If you want to discover all new products and brands for clean and healthy beauty, subscribe to the Discovery Box today and get a nifty 15% discount on most products in our shop.
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