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Last Updated on September 26, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

best skincare routine for oily skin

Is there anything more annoying than oily skin? It looks like a greasy frying pan ALL day long. Pores are so large, you can see them from the moon. And why can’t pimples leave you alone?It feels like you can never catch a break. But… you can. Here’s the best skincare routine for oily skin, so you can finally say bye bye to all that excess oil and the acne that comes with it without dryness and irritation:

Oily Skin Symptoms: How Do You Know This Is Your Skin Type?

You probably already know if you have oily skin. I mean, why else would your face be shiny ALL the time? But, in case you’re still not sure, and you need some help figuring out if your skin is really oily, here are the symptoms you should look out for:

  • Your skin is shinier than a frying pan.
  • You have large, visible pores that can be seen from Mars (ok, maybe not, but it definitely feels that way).
  • Breakouts galore! Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples… you have them all.
  • Your skin ages more slowly and you get less wrinkles – there had to be something positive about it, right?

Related: How To Determine Your Skin Type (+ Free Test!)

Need help creating the best skincare routine for you oily skin? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Oily Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).

What Causes Oily Skin?

Workaholic sebaceous glands. You see, skin MUST produce sebum, it’s its natural moisturizer. It keeps skin naturally smooth and hydrated. But, when your skin starts producing way more sebum than it needs, problems start. But, why are you cursed with it, while lots of your friends aren’t?

You’re not gonna like this. It’s hormones and genetics. Basically, it’s the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that controls the production of sebum. And, hear this, its levels are genetically determined – that’s why you have to put up with all that oil, and your friends don’t.

DHT levels also tend to be higher during puberty and menopause. That’s why oily skin is worse during those awful high school years and after your 50s. I told you you weren’t gonna like this. But, if it can make you feel better, you can blame this one on men. DHT is a male hormone. It just so happens that both men and women have it.

Related: The Truth About Sebum (Why It’s NOT As Bad As You Think)

What’s The Best Skincare Routine For Oily Skin?

The key to saying “goodbye oily skin” is to keep oil production under control WITHOUT drying out skin. Here’s how to achieve this seemingly unachievable balance:

foaming cleansers bad for oily skin

Morning Routine

1. Cleanse With A Low pH Foaming Cleanser

The biggest mistake you’re making? Cleansing skin with a harsh cleanser in the hope it’ll remove ALL that oily from your face. Trust me, you DON’T really want that. Skin needs a little sebum. Take it all away, and your skin is gonna go into a frenzy and start producing even more to compensate! What you need is a gentle foaming cleanser that removes the most of the EXCESS oil, but still leaves some behind, so skin won’t be tempted to produce too much oil again too soon.

Best Picks:

  • COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ($14.00): Around pH 5.3. Best for oily, breakout-prone skin, with tea tree oil and betaine salicylate to help with excess oil and clogged pores. Available at Look Fantastic, Soko Glam, Ulta, and Yes Style
  • Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser ($19.00): pH 5.2–6.4. Best for oily skin that’s sensitive too, thanks to its gentler, barrier-friendly formula. Available at Cult Beauty, Paula’s Choice and SpaceNK
  • Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Cleansing Gel (£13.50): Formulated to maintain skin’s natural pH. Best if you want something simple and hydrating that still removes excess sebum and impurities without leaving skin tight. Available at Boots, Face The Future, and Look Fantastic

Related: Are Foaming Cleansers Bad For Skin?

2. Use A Vitamin C Serum With Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Vitamin C isn’t just for wrinkles and dark spots. If you have oily, breakout-prone skin, sodium ascorbyl phosphate is one of the best forms to look for.

Why? It’s a stable vitamin C derivative that has antioxidant benefits without the fussiness of pure vitamin C. Even better, research suggests it can help with acne too. In one randomised controlled trial, a 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate lotion significantly improved acne over 12 weeks compared with a placebo.

Another study found that sodium ascorbyl phosphate helped protect sebum from oxidation and showed antibacterial activity against acne-causing bacteria. Translation? It gives you the brightening and antioxidant benefits of vitamin C while being a much better fit for oily, acne-prone skin than many harsher vitamin C formulas. Apply it after cleansing and before moisturiser.

Best Picks:

  • Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum ($33.99): Best all-rounder. It uses sodium ascorbyl phosphate and has a lightweight consistency ideal for daily use and works well if your oily skin is also prone to breakouts and post-acne marks. Available at Ulta
  • Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum ($21.00): Best if you want more anti-ageing oomph. It combines sodium ascorbyl phosphate with L-ascorbic acid, so you’re getting more than one form of vitamin C in the same bottle. Available at Boots, SpaceNK, and Ulta

3. Wear Sunscreen

I know, I know, it’s an extra layer. A super greasy one at that. But, you need to protect your skin from UV rays too. Sunscreen is NOT optional. You’re already dealing with shine, breakouts, and excess oil. Do you want to add wrinkles, sun spots, and maybe even cancer to the list? Thought so. Pick a lightweight sunscreen and wear it daily.

Best Picks:

  • EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 ($43.00): Best if you want a 100% mineral sunscreen. Oil-free, non-comedogenic and water-resistant, without feeling like you’ve smeared butter all over your face. Available at Blue Mercury and Dermstore
  • Paula’s Choice RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 ($39.00): Best if you want sunscreen that also keeps shine under control. It’s tinted, mineral, dries matte and can even do the job of a primer on oily skin. Available at Cult Beauty, Dermstore, and Paula’s Choice
  • SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ($45.00): Best if you want mineral protection without the ghost face. The lightweight tinted fluid helps offset the dreaded white cast. Available at Blue Mercury, Dermstore and Skinceuticals

Related: The Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin

drunk elephant tlc framboos glycolic night serum

Evening Routine

1. Cleanse Again

At night, you need to remove sunscreen, makeup, excess oil and everything else that’s been sitting on your face all day. Use the same gentle, low-pH cleanser you used in the morning. No need to buy a separate “night cleanser” unless you want to. If you wear heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, you can remove that first with an oil cleanser, like Clinique Take The Day Off, then follow with your regular cleanser.

2. Exfoliate & Unclog Pores With Salicylic Acid (Every Other Night Only)

I don’t care what you’ve heard of the wonders of glycolic acid or the benefits of lactic acid. There’s ONLY ONE WAY to exfoliate oily skin: salicylic acid.

You see, all these acids exfoliate the surface of the skin. But salicylic acid is the ONLY ONE that can get inside your pores and remove all the gunk that clogs them up and gives you pimples and blackheads.

I’ll say this again: salicylic acid is the ONLY exfoliant that can get rid of pimples and blackheads. While it’s at it, it also removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, so they don’t fall into your pores and clog them up again. Cheat on it at your own peril.

Best Picks:

  • Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum ($90.00): Best if you want your exfoliant to multitask. It pairs glycolic acid with salicylic acid, so it tackles clogged pores, rough texture and dullness in one hit. Available at Sephora, SpaceNK and Ulta
  • Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($37.00): Best all-rounder for gentle exfoliation. The 2% salicylic acid gets straight to work on blackheads, clogged pores and excess oil without turning your routine into a chemistry lesson. Available at Dermstore, Paula’s Choice, Sephora, SpaceNK
  • The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum (£12.99): Best budget pick. You get 2% salicylic acid plus zinc PCA and hyaluronic acid, so it helps with oil and congestion without making your face feel like sandpaper. Available at Look Fantastic

Related: Why Salicylic Acid Is Key To Keeping Oily Skin Spot-Free

3. Use An Oil-Free Moisturizer

Let’s face it, most moisturizers don’t work for you. They’re way too heavy and greasy, and turn your face into a shiny war zone. Blame oils. Your skin has enough oil already and they add another dollop. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Instead, opt for oil-free moisturizers for lightweight hydration. They contain emollients, i.e. ingredients that behave like oils: they lock in moisture into your skin BUT without adding more oil. Plus,  they’re rich in humectants. These are ingredients like hyaluronic acid that attract and bind moisture to the skin. Again, without adding more oil. Awesome, right?

Best Picks:

  • Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer ($42.00): Best for oily skin that breaks out easily. This lightweight moisturizer is non-greasy, and packed with niacinamide and ceramides so you get hydration without the shiny aftermath. Available at Cult Beauty, Paula’s Choice and Sephora
  • Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer ($46.00): Best if acne is the bigger problem. It combines oil-free hydration with salicylic acid, so it moisturises while helping keep pores clear. It also helps minimise the look of pores. Just don’t use it daily. Every other night is more than enough. Available at Ulta
  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: Best if you just want something light and uncomplicated. The watery gel texture sinks in fast and gives oily skin hydration without feeling like you’ve added another layer of grease. Available at Look Fantastic, Ulta, and Walmart

Related: Oily Skin? Here’s Why You Should Use An Oil-Free Moisturiser

how bubble masks work

Extras To Keep Oily Skin Shine-Free During The Day

1. Use Clay Masks

Covering your face in mud may not make for a good look, but it certainly helps keep all that extra oil in check. Clays like bentonite and kaolin are very absorbent, and can soak up all excess oil, so that it doesn’t end up trapped in your pores and gives you breakouts.

Best Picks:

  • Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask ($15.60): The fun one. It bubbles up like a science experiment while the clay soaks up excess oil and grime. Available at Stylevana and Yes Style
  • La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Clay Mask ($21.99): The sensible one. It uses clay and kaolin to mop up excess sebum, plus panthenol so your face doesn’t feel like it’s been left out in the desert. Available at Dermstore and Ulta

Related: All You Ever Wanted To Know About Bentonite Clay

2. Don’t Forget A Mattifying Primer

Oily skin and makeup don’t go that well together, do they? You spend all that time putting makeup on and, after a few hours, it’s all gone. Shine is reigning supreme again. To give your makeup a fighting chance, always use a mattifying primer. It’s an extra layer and an extra step in the morning, but it can really make a world of difference.

Best Picks:

  • Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner & Minimizing Primer ($48.00): Best if pores are your main annoyance. It helps blur their appearance, takes down shine and gives oily skin a smoother base for makeup. Available at Dermstore, Look Fantastic, and Ulta
  • Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer ($58.00): Best if you want something more lightweight. It helps control oil, smooths over texture and gives makeup a better chance of surviving past lunchtime. Available at Sephora, SpaceNK and Ulta

Related: What Are The Best Primers For Oily Skin?

3. Blot, Blot, Blot The Shine Away

When you have oily skin, you always have to be on the alert for any sign of shine starting to appear on your face. If you notice any, no problem. Blot it away with an oil-blotting paper. It gets the job done without ruining your makeup.

Best Pick:

  • Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets ($12.14): Cheap, easy to find and actually do the job. They soak up sebum from your oily t-zone without messing up your makeup or leaving powder all over your face. Available at Walmart

Related: The Trick To Keep Oily Skin Shine-Free In Summer

What Should You Avoid If You Have Oily Skin?

Oily skin does NOT need to be punished into submission. If anything, going too hard usually just leaves you with oil and irritation. Fun.

  • Harsh cleansers: If your face feels tight and squeaky after cleansing, your cleanser is doing too much. Stick to something gentle that removes excess oil without stripping your skin bare.
  • Alcohol-heavy astringents: They may make your face feel wonderfully matte for five minutes, but they can also dry and irritate skin. Not exactly the win it sounds like.
  • Over-exfoliating: Salicylic acid is brilliant for oily skin. Using it every five minutes is not. Too much exfoliation can leave your skin red, sore and flaky.
  • Heavy products that make you feel greasy: Oily skin can still use moisturiser, but thick creams and rich formulas may feel like too much. If a product leaves you shiny, sticky or congested, move on.
  • Essential oils: They, like artificial scents, can irritate skin and cause inflammation that leads to breakouts and acne.

The goal is to control excess oil, not declare war on your face.

FAQs About Oily Skin

How Often Should You Wash Oily Skin?

Twice a day is plenty: once in the morning and once at night. Washing your face every time it gets shiny is overkill and can leave skin irritated instead of magically oil-free.

How Often Should You Exfoliate Oily Skin?

Start with salicylic acid a couple nights  a week and see how your skin reacts. If it tolerates it well, increase frequency to every other night. If your face starts stinging, flaking or looking angry, back off.

Can Oily Skin Still Get Dehydrated?

Absolutely. Oil and water are not the same thing. Your skin can produce loads of sebum and still be short on water, which is why oily skin can sometimes feel tight, flaky or uncomfortable too. 

Does Oily Skin Need A Toner?

You totally don’t, But if you want one, choose one with antiaging or anti-acne ingredients. Anything with antioxidants or niacinamide (a skincare superstar that moisturises skin and treats acne) fits the bill.

Unfortunately, they’re hard to find. 99% of toners for oily skin out there are astringents (you know, those crappy toners that contain alcohol and little else). Like harsh cleansers, they strip all sebum from your skin, tricking it into believing it needs to produce more (as if!). And that’s the last thing your skin needs.