GLOW

Routine by skin type

The best skincare routine for oily skin

Oily skin makes too much sebum, which can mean shine, enlarged pores, and breakouts. The fix is not to strip your skin (that backfires and triggers more oil) but to balance it with the right lightweight, non-comedogenic products.

Here is a balanced routine for oily skin, picked from best-sellers and tuned to keep oil in check without over-drying. Take the 60-second quiz to personalize it to your exact goals and budget.

The routine (8 steps, about $155.94)

Apply in this order, thinnest to thickest. Tap any product to view it on Amazon, or take the quiz to swap picks to your goals and budget.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

La Roche-Posay

Medicinal daily cleanser with salicylic acid for pore congestion and recurring blemishes.

$16.99est. View on Amazon ↗
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Serum / Treatment

Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

Naturium

4.5 (9,120)

High-strength niacinamide plus zinc to rein in oil, refine pores, and fade post-acne marks.

$15.99est. View on Amazon ↗
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Night Moisturizer
Moisturizer

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Night Moisturizer

Neutrogena

Mainstream retinol night cream for users targeting lines and uneven tone on a mid budget.

$25.99est. View on Amazon ↗
RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream
Eye Cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

RoC

Widely used eye-treatment pick for fine-line and texture-focused eye routines.

$21.99est. View on Amazon ↗
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Toner / Essence

Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

Paula's Choice

4.5 (6,240)

Niacinamide toner that hydrates while visibly tightening pores and balancing oil after cleansing.

Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50
SPF

Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Australian Gold

Matte-leaning tinted mineral SPF choice popular with oily and combo skin types.

$16.99est. View on Amazon ↗
AmLactin Daily Nourish Body Lotion 12% Lactic Acid
Body Lotion

AmLactin Daily Nourish Body Lotion 12% Lactic Acid

AmLactin

4.5 (31,460)

12% lactic-acid body lotion that gently exfoliates and moisturizes rough, bumpy, very-dry skin (great for KP).

$13.99est. View on Amazon ↗
SALT & STONE Aluminum Free Deodorant
Deodorant

SALT & STONE Aluminum Free Deodorant

Salt & Stone

Premium deo pick with strong longevity and skincare-forward base ingredients.

Want this tuned to you? Build my routine →

FAQ

What should oily skin avoid?

Heavy, occlusive creams and harsh, stripping cleansers. Both can trigger more oil. Look for gel or foaming cleansers and lightweight, non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizers.

Does oily skin need moisturizer?

Yes. Skipping moisturizer makes oily skin produce more oil to compensate. Use a light gel or water-based moisturizer.

What ingredients help oily skin?

Niacinamide and salicylic acid (BHA) help control oil and refine pores; a lightweight SPF prevents the shine a heavy sunscreen can add.