If oiliness has been bothering you and blotting your T‑zone every hour, understanding what are the best ingredients for oily skin will help you to understand what shop and care for your skin.
Look at ingredients and not labels
You've probably seen cosmetics promising "mattifying" or "oil control", when you learn which actives work for your oily skin, you'll feel more comfortable with your choices and shop smarter, avoiding common traps that make you look shinier. 😅
Best ingredients for oily skin (and how they help)
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is beta‑hydroxy acid exfoliant that dissolves the glue between skin cells and penetrates oily pores. Use it in cleansers, toners or leave‑on serums at around 0.5–2%. Since it is soluble in oil, it penetrates easily into the pore and it’s brilliant for unclogging blackheads and reducing breakouts
Niacinamide
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a true multitasker: it reduces sebum production, minimises enlarged pores and calms redness. Look for 2–5% in serums or moisturisers. It’s a great ingredient mixed into morning routines under SPF.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid has anti‑inflammatory, antibacterial and exfoliating effects. It's effective for acne and post‑inflammatory marks and works well if redness accompanies your oiliness. The most recent skincare products are formulated with 10%, like Skintegra ROS/AC10.
Clay (Kaolin, Bentonite)
Clays absorb excess oil and purify pores. Use clay masks like Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask once or twice a week to reduce surface shine and congestion. Kaolin is gentler; bentonite has stronger oil‑absorbing power. Don’t leave strong clay masks on until your skin feels tight. Rinsing before full dryness prevents irritation.
Zinc (Zinc PCA, Zinc Oxide)
In skincare, Zinc in regulates sebum and soothes inflammation. Zinc PCA is often found in lightweight serums and toners, while zinc oxide is a physical sunscreen ingredient that won’t clog pores. Both can be helpful for oily and acne‑prone skin.
Squalane (Non‑Comedogenic Oil)
Squalane is a lightweight, non‑greasy oil that hydrates and helps restore the skin barrier. At the right dose (a few drops), it can actually balance oil production rather than making you feel greasier.
Retinoids (Retinol, Retinal)
Retinoids speed up cell turnover, prevent clogged pores and reduce oiliness long term. Start slow (once or twice a week) and build up. They can be drying initially, so pair them with a gentle moisturiser.
Ingredients to use cautiously or avoid
- Alcohol denat: It offers instant mattifying but strips the skin, which can trigger more oil later.
- Heavy oils and waxes: Ingredients like coconut oil or paraffin can be comedogenic for many people with oily skin.
- Over‑exfoliating acids: Using multiple strong acids daily leads to barrier damage and rebound oiliness. Keep it simple.
Simple morning and evening routines for oily skin
Morning:
- Gentle foaming cleanser like
- Lightweight hydrating serum with niacinamide
- Mattifying, oil‑controlling moisturiser or gel moisturiser
- Broad‑spectrum SPF (mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are a good option).
Evening:
- Makeup remove (if needed)
- Cleanser with or without salicylic acid depending on your tolerance
- Target serum (salicylic/azelaic/retinoid, don't layer strong actives)
- Lightweight moisturiser or squalane.
Weekly:
- Clay mask 1–2x per week
- Exfoliate with BHA no more than 2–3x weekly if using other active acids.
Tips to Mix Active Ingredients
- Keep actives simple at first. Try niacinamide in the morning and salicylic acid in the evening before adding retinoids.
- Avoid layering multiple strong acids with retinoids on the same night until you understand your skin’s tolerance.
- If you’re unsure, book a skincare consultation. A short routine that suits your lifestyle often beats a complex one.
Where Disruptif Beauty can help
If you still struggle among the skincare market not knowing what to use, we at Disruptif Beauty offer skincare consultations and a curated selection of K‑Beauty favourites that often include lightweight essences and serums ideal for oily skin.
