Korean Skincare Routine for Oily Skin: How to Choose Ingredients and Restore Balance

There’s no question that living with oily skin can be tough. You’re constantly trying to mask that shine, and you’re always battling breakouts. Even though your skin produces a ton of oil you still find that it feels itchy, irritated, and difficult to care for.

The good news is that a Korean skincare routine for oily skin can help restore balance and bring out the best in your skin. It’s a gentle, restorative approach to skincare that focuses on healing.

However, you need to know how to choose Korean skincare ingredients for oily skin to reap all the benefits this philosophy is known for. We’ll point you in the right direction below, highlighting a few of our favorites:

• Salicylic Acid
• Niacinamide
• Tea Tree Oil
• Centella Asiatica
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Kaolin 
• Bentonite
• Charcoal

Learn more about the role each of these plays in your regimen and where you can find the best Korean skincare for oily skin - right here at Elizabeth Mott. Discover what a difference our cruelty-free Korean skincare products can make in your routine today!

Overview of Oily Skin

It’s important to confirm whether you actually have oily skin or not before you embark on this skincare journey. The last thing you want is to choose the wrong products for your skin’s specific needs. Let’s cover the signs you have oily skin along with common causes and challenges. 

Do I Have Oily Skin?

There are three main skin types - oily, dry, and combination. If you’re wondering whether or not you have oily skin, chances are, you do. As the name suggests, this skin type tends to produce excess sebum (oil), which can clog pores, causing blackheads and frequent breakouts. 

Maybe your skin feels greasy a few hours after washing, or your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) always seems shiny. Another common sign is enlarged pores, especially around the nose and cheeks. 

Fortunately, oily skin can also look naturally more hydrated and youthful because the extra oil helps protect your skin's moisture barrier. You just need to restore a bit of balance, and we’ll help you do it.

Common Causes

Your skin type is wired into your genetics. If oily skin runs in your family, chances are your skin is more likely to produce excess oil. But, there are other factors at play as well:

• Hormones: This is especially common during puberty, pregnancy, or your menstrual cycle, can increase oil production. Androgens, which are male hormones present in both men and women, stimulate the sebaceous glands and put them into overdrive.
• Climate and Environment: Living in a hot or humid climate will cause your skin to naturally produce more oil as compensation for the heat and moisture in the air.
• Improper Skincare Products: Using harsh products or over-cleansing your skin can strip away natural oils, leading your skin to overcompensate by producing even more oil.

Challenges in Caring for Oily Skin

It’s been said that oily skin is one of the most difficult to care for, and if you have this skin type, we probably don’t need to remind you. There’s a fine line between drying up excess sebum and stripping away natural oils, in turn causing your skin to start producing more oil.

Oily skin is prone to acne, blackheads, and clogged pores, as the excess oil mixes with dead skin cells to form blockages that result in breakouts. You’re also dealing with that notorious shine, especially on your cheeks and forehead. This can take a toll on your confidence. 

The key is finding products that control oil without drying out the skin. A Korean skincare routine for oily skin is an excellent choice, but why is Korean skincare so popular?

Is Korean Skincare Good for Oily Skin?

So, is Korean skincare good for oily skin? As a matter of fact, it’s one of the best routines for this skin type. We’ll explain why below, but let’s quickly touch on what all goes into this philosophy.

What is Korean Skincare?

This multi-step routine is a refreshing break from other modern skincare regimens that simply mask skin concerns with more products. In contrast, K-beauty promotes a healing response to address the root cause of problems. It also focuses on preventing future issues.

Korean skincare prioritizes hydration at every step, nourishing the skin with gentle, mostly natural ingredients to promote a beautiful complexion you’re proud to show off. It works well for a variety of skin types, but why is Korean skincare good for oily skin specifically?

Key Benefits for Those With Oily Skin

Korean skincare is especially beneficial for oily skin because it takes a balanced and non-stripping approach. The goal isn’t to remove all the oil from your skin - this can actually make it oilier as your body feels as if it needs to compensate by producing more sebum.

Rather, this philosophy seeks to regulate and control oil production while keeping the skin hydrated. Here’s why you might consider taking a chance on it to manage excess oil:

• Hydration Without Heaviness: Korean skincare products are lightweight and often water-based, giving your skin the moisture it needs without making the oiliness worse. The idea is to keep the skin balanced, hydrated, and comfortable.
• Calming and Soothing: Many Korean products calm irritated skin, a huge benefit for oily skin types prone to breakouts or sensitivity. The gentle, soothing solutions reduce inflammation without clogging pores.
• Layering for Customized Care: The multi-step routine has a ton of room for personalization. You can layer products to address specific skin concerns. For oily skin, this means you can target issues like excess sebum production, breakouts, and enlarged pores all at once.

Following a Korean skincare routine for oily skin can be transformative, restoring a sense of balance and control over your skin’s condition. 

But understanding how to choose Korean skincare ingredients for oily skin cannot be taken lightly. The last thing you want is to cause more harm than good, so let’s get into what you really came here for - tips on choosing the best Korean skincare for oily skin.

How to Choose Korean Skincare Ingredients for Oily Skin

It’s easy to get overwhelmed embarking on a Korean skincare journey given how many steps are involved, but the good news is it’s not nearly as complex as you might think. 

You can always count on Elizabeth Mott to offer expert insights and personalized product recommendations if you’re not sure, too! Just get in touch with our support team. In the meantime, here are the most popular ingredients for a Korean skincare routine for oily skin.

Salicylic Acid for Exfoliation and Acne Prevention

Also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), salicylic acid is a powerful exfoliant for acne-prone or oily skin. It works quickly to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, effortlessly removing them from your skin and creating a clean slate so you can then follow up with other products.

Those who struggle with pore-clogging will love it because of its unique ability to penetrate pores and bring impurities - including excess sebum - to the surface for complete removal. It also has antibacterial properties that can battle breakouts to bring out the best in your skin!

Niacinamide for Oil Control

While it’s more known as an ingredient in Korean skincare for hyperpigmentation, niacinamide can work wonders for controlling oil as well. It has incredibly brightening properties that can fight dark spots associated with aging.

But what makes it one of the best Korean skincare for oily skin ingredients? Its calming, antiinflammatory properties can create a sense of balance in the sebaceous glands. This helps you get oil production under control. Meanwhile, it delivers a healthy bit of moisture as well.

Tea Tree Oil for Blemishes

You’ve probably heard of tea tree oil as a remedy for a variety of skin and hair concerns. It’s a versatile, powerful ingredient that might just become your new best friend for managing blemishes that arise from excess sebum production.

It's packed with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can penetrate the skin and target clogged pores to clear up blemishes while preventing future breakouts.

Plus, tea tree oil has the ability to soothe irritation and redness, promoting a clearer complexion without the harshness of traditional acne treatments. 

Centella Asiatica for Soothing Inflammation

Centella Asiatica, often referred to as “cica,” is a staple in K-beauty regimens for its ability to calm and heal inflamed, irritated skin. This is a common concern those with oily skin have.

Cica is rich in antioxidants which help promote collagen production while aiding in skin barrier repair. It’s a great choice for those who find that their oily skin contributes to irritation and breakouts.

It’s also a wonderful addition if you’re looking for Korean skincare for redness, as it can soothe discomfort and leave your skin feeling refreshed and balanced.

Hyaluronic Acid for Lightweight Hydration

No skincare routine is complete without hyaluronic acid. This versatile ingredient is one of our favorites not just for oily skin but any skin type. It offers a healthy dose of hydration as a humectant that draws moisture from the environment into your skin before locking it in place.

But, hyaluronic acid is unlike many other moisturizers in that it won’t weigh your skin down or leave it feeling/looking greasy. After all, your skin already produces plenty of natural oil - you don’t need to overdo it.

Other Popular Oily Skin Korean Skincare Ingredients

There are quite a few other great oily skin Korean skincare ingredients you can consider as well, especially if you’re looking for additional mattifying properties. 

Kaolin 

This clay ingredient, more commonly known as white clay, helps absorb excess oil on the skin to create a sense of balance. It’s very gentle and can be used to clean/unclog pores and soothe irritation as well. We consider kaolin to be among the most versatile ingredients in K-beauty.

Bentonite

Another clay, this time, sourced from volcanic ash. Bentonite clay is a bit more aggressive than its white clay counterpart, but if you’re really struggling with excess sebum, it could be just what you need.

It has more powerful oil absorption potential, while also helping those prone to acne with its antibacterial and antimicrobial capabilities. 

Charcoal

Last but not least, you can consider charcoal as an oil-absorbing ingredient to help soak up the excess on your skin and fight shine head on.

Charcoal, like bentonite, can be a bit harsh. You might find that it irritates your skin, and if this is the case, we suggest replacing it with something gentler. 

However, charcoal can be great for not just oil control but also pore cleansing and protection against free radicals which cause a ton of damage on your skin.

Which Korean Skincare Brand is Best for Oily Skin?

Knowing how to choose Korean skincare ingredients for oily skin is just the first step. You also need to find a reliable, trusted brand that creates quality formulations with these ingredients. This is where the real challenge comes in.

So, which Korean skincare brand is best for oily skin? After all, there are tons of options at your fingertips thanks to the ease of online shopping. Fortunately, you needn’t look any further than Elizabeth Mott.

Our brand was born when our Korean-American founder decided she wanted to tailor the unique philosophy of K-beauty to the US market, making it more accessible for all to experience the transformative healing properties this routine has to offer.

All our products are backed by science and formulated to be gentle on even the most sensitive skin, so you can shop our catalog with confidence. We’re also Leaping Bunny certified, so you can spoil yourself without compromising on your ethics.

Whether you’re looking for Korean primer or snail mucin serum, Korean mascara, vitamin C Korean skincare, or even Korean hair care, we’ve got the solutions you need. 

Shop our full vegan Korean skincare line, including Korean skincare for aging skin, Korean skincare for dark spots, Korean skincare for blackheads, and more. 

Remember, you don’t need to play the guessing game in choosing the best Korean skincare for oily skin. Help is a click or call away. Get in touch with our customer service team and discover the power of a Korean skincare routine for oily skin today!

Tips on Starting a Korean Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

While you wait for your new Korean skincare products for oily skin to arrive, we’ll walk you through getting started with this revolutionary regimen to balance excess oil production and unlock your healthiest, happiest skin yet.

Start With Double Cleansing

The double cleanse is the hallmark of K-beauty. First, use an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Yes, oil! Don’t worry, these cleansers won’t make your skin oilier. Rather, they break down oils on your skin without clogging your pores. 

Follow this with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities and leave your skin feeling fresh without drying it out. Make sure you’re not scrubbing too vigorously and irritating your already sensitive skin. Let the active ingredients do the heavy lifting.

Use a Lightweight Toner

A lightweight, hydrating toner that balances the skin’s pH and provides hydration without feeling heavy will prep your skin for the next steps. 

We suggest toners with soothing properties to control excess sebum while keeping your skin hydrated. In contrast, you should avoid toners with astringents or alcohols that might dry out your skin. This could kick your sebum production into overdrive and make oiliness worse.

Add an Essence for Hydration

Essences are the heart of the Korean skincare routine for boosting moisture without adding excess oil. The goal here is to hydrate without overloading the skin, so be careful. Proper hydration actually signals your skin to produce less oil, balancing natural oils over time.

Follow Up With Serums That Target Oily Skin Issues

This is where you can tailor your routine to oily skin specifically. Lightweight serums that target issues like clogged pores, breakouts, and excess sebum production are great choices. 

We touched on this a bit earlier, but stick with non-comedogenic and fast-absorbing formulas that don’t sit on the skin or leave it feeling greasy.

Choose a Gel-Based Moisturizer

Yes, oily skin still needs moisture! This step seals in all the hydration and treatments you’ve applied while preventing your skin from overproducing oil. A gel-based moisturizer is ideal because it’s lightweight, hydrating, and absorbs quickly. 

Sunscreen Is a Must

Even if you have oily skin, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Skipping this step can worsen oiliness, as your skin tries to defend itself from UV damage by producing more oil. Choose a matte-finish or oil-free sunscreen to protect your skin without adding shine. 

Closing Thoughts on the Best Korean Skincare for Oily Skin 

Finding the right Korean skincare routine for oily skin can transform your skin by creating balance, hydrating your skin without overwhelming it with heavy ingredients that weigh it down.

Stick with lightweight, oil-free products (expect for the oil-based cleanser, of course), and layer them correctly to bring out a side of your skin you never knew was possible. Trust us - you’ll wish you’d tried Korean skincare for oily skin sooner!

You can learn more in our blog with resources like is snail mucin good for oily skin, do you need primer for makeup, is Korean skincare vegan, homemade primer for makeup, does snail mucin clog pores, and more.