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The Best Actives for Oily Skin: Korean Skincare Product Recommendations

  • Writer: Claudia D'Agostino
    Claudia D'Agostino
  • Aug 29, 2024
  • 4 min read

If you have oily skin, you're likely familiar with the shiny appearance and enlarged pores, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Oily skin results from overactive sebaceous glands, which produce excess sebum. While this natural oil helps to keep skin moisturized, too much of it can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne. To manage oily skin effectively, it's crucial to use the right skincare products and active ingredients.


Key Considerations for Oily Skin


When choosing products for oily skin, here are some essential points to keep in mind:


1. Non-Occlusive and Non-Comedogenic Products: Avoid heavy, oil-based products that can trap oil in the pores and lead to breakouts. Water-based formulations, especially moisturizers, are ideal for oily skin.


2. Avoid Over-Drying: While it might be tempting to use alcohol-based products to dry out excess oil, this can backfire by triggering your skin to produce even more sebum. Instead, focus on balancing your skin's oil production.


3. Protect Your Skin Barrier: Harsh physical exfoliants can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and oil production. Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants instead.


Now, let's dive into the best active ingredients for oily skin and some top Korean skincare product recommendations.


visual representation of oily skin vs skin where oil production has been regulated

Top Active Ingredients for Oily Skin


1. Chemical Exfoliants: AHAs and BHAs

  • AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): Water-soluble acids that work on the skin's surface to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. AHAs are excellent for improving skin texture and brightening.

  • BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids): Oil-soluble acids that penetrate deeper into the pores, making them perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. BHAs, like salicylic acid, help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.


K-Beauty Recommendations:


2. Hyaluronic Acid

  • Description: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. Despite having oily skin, hydration is essential, as dehydrated skin can produce even more oil to compensate.


K-Beauty Recommendations:


3. Niacinamide

  • Description: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps regulate oil production, reduce pore size, and improve overall skin texture. It's also effective in calming inflammation and reducing redness.


K-Beauty Recommendations:


4. Retinoids

  • Description: Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, promote cell turnover, prevent buildup in the pores, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They’re excellent for oily and acne-prone skin but can be irritating, so start with lower concentrations.


K-Beauty Recommendations:


5. Clay-Based Products

  • Description: Clay masks help absorb excess oil and draw out impurities from the pores. However, they should be used sparingly (no more than once every 1-2 weeks) and left on for no longer than indicated on the packaging to avoid over-drying and irritating the skin.


K-Beauty Recommendations:


Final Thoughts


Managing oily skin is all about balance—using the right actives to control oil production without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Incorporating these carefully selected Korean skincare products into your routine can help you achieve clear, balanced, and healthy skin.


Remember to stay tuned for more articles on the best actives for each skin concern!


All the linked products are from Yesstyle, you can save 5% on your order by using my code CLAUDIA252 at checkout!

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