If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that finding products that match well with different skin types can be quite a hassle. Between thousands of cleansers, hydrating moisturizers, sunscreens, and everything else in between, calling it a trial and error process would be an understatement. This is especially the case with oily skin as the goal is often to eliminate excess sebum without completely drying out your skin.
But what triggers excess sebum? “Although sebum is essential for protecting and hydrating the skin, overproduction can lead to shine, enlarged pores, and pimples,” says board-certified dermatologist Christina Collins, MD. “The biggest drivers are genetics and hormones, especially androgens, which stimulate oil production, as well as stress, humidity and use of overly harsh skin care that disrupt the skin barrier.”
To simplify your search for the best skin care. I asked Collins and board-certified dermatologist Danny Guo about their top picks for each step of a perfect routine. Keep scrolling for the perfect products for shine-free skin.
Best skin care for oily skin, at a glance
Best Skin Care for Oily Skin in 2026
Best Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
A good cleanser is the first step to managing oily skin, but securing the right formula is important. “A gel or foaming cleanser with salicylic acid is ideal because it helps dissolve excess oil and clear pores without leaving the skin tight,” says Collins. “Look for options that are sulfate-free to avoid over-stripping, which can backfire and increase oil production.”
professional: Safe for sensitive skin, unclogs pores
Shortcoming: must be drying for some
Main Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Glycerine
Customer Reviews: “After a few weeks of use, I noticed less clogged pores, smoother texture, and somewhat less frequent breakouts (especially around the T-zone and my chin).”
Best Toner: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner for Clear Skin
Paula’s Choice
2% BHA Exfoliating Toner for Clear Skin
Toner is usually the second step to a clean base, which is why this Paula’s Choice formula is a must. “A chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid or a gentle AHA/BHA blend helps keep pores clear and reduce congestion,” says Collins. “These work better than physical scrubs, which can irritate the skin and stimulate more oil production.”
professional: Treats uneven texture, minimizes pores, promotes cell turnover
Shortcoming: expensive
Main Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (BHA) 2%, Green Tea, Methylpropanediol
Customer Reviews: “This product is working wonders for my acne prone skin. I purchased the smaller size bottle to try and I am going to order the larger size again because I am so amazed at the difference in my skin since using this product.”
Best Moisturizer: Cerave Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream
Cerave
Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream
People with oily skin may be apprehensive about using moisturizer, but not using one can lead to more oil production to compensate for the lack of hydration. “A light, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer is essential,” says Collins. “Gel-based formulas hydrate the skin without clogging pores and help prevent oiliness that occurs when skin becomes dehydrated.”
professional: Absorbs excess oil, does not clog pores, moisturizes
Shortcoming: can take pill
Main Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide
Customer Reviews: “I’ve tried a few different brands for daily face lotion and this one is the best for people with oily skin. It has no scent, seems to be long-lasting, and is A+ with moisturizing.”
Best Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum for Oily Skin
Sephora
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum for Oily Skin
A good serum does not require a lot of expense. “This is an easy and very budget-friendly no-frills option to incorporate niacinamide into your routine,” says Guo. Zinc PCA present in this formula treats dark spots, uneven texture and excess oil.
professional: Budget friendly, treats dark spots and uneven texture
Shortcoming: Some people say it’s sticky
Main Ingredients: Zinc PCA
Customer Reviews: “After using this product for a week the size of my pores has changed dramatically. In places where my pores were clogged for a long time, noticeable blackheads are clearing up. Definitely a mystery buy, only regret not buying it sooner!”
Best Sunscreen: Shiseido Urban Eco Oil-Free SPF 42 Face Sunscreen w/ Hyaluronic Acid
Shiseido
Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF 42 Face Sunscreen w/Hyaluronic Acid
Using sunscreen daily isn’t a compromise, but it can be difficult to find for oily skin. Collins suggests choosing a matte, oil-free or mineral-based sunscreen. “These help control shine throughout the day while protecting against UV damage, which can worsen inflammation and breakouts,” she explains. This Shiseido sunscreen checks all the boxes while protecting skin with SPF 42 American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or higher.)
professional: Treats fine lines, wrinkles, acne and dark spots
Shortcoming: Cast takes time to settle
Main Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Spirulina Energy Essence, Licorice Root Extract
Customer Reviews: “My holy grail sunscreen! I have oily skin so usually sunscreen makes me look greasy but I wear this every day and no one will know!! It’s expensive, but worth it for me.”
Best Retinol: Selimax The Vita-A Retinal 0.1% Shot Booster Treatment
selimax
Vita-A Retinal 0.1% Shot Booster Treatment
When I first heard about this Vita-A Retinal 0.1% Shot Booster treatment, I thought it was referring to an in-office treatment. As it turns out, a lot of users say it can, even considering how well it works. “It’s easy to use and combined with vitamin C and peptides,” says Guo. “This is a cost-effective combination product that you can start with two to three times a week and gradually increase to daily use.”
professional: Light, Fragrance Free, Non Sticky, Non Greasy
Shortcoming: It takes a while to see results
Main Ingredients: 0.1% Retinal, 3% Matrixyl, Niacinamide, 1% Panthenol
Customer Reviews: “Really has made a difference to my skin routine. After 1 month, there is a huge difference in the fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes! Don’t overdo it, but it works miracles in a bottle.”
Best Shine Control: Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers
Tatcha
Aburatorigami Blotting Papers
The skin around my T-zone is oily, especially in summers and that’s where blotting papers come in. I like to keep a few in my purse for when I’m on the go and need a mid-day touch up to maintain that glow. Collins agrees that blotting papers and mattifying primers are great for controlling afternoon oil without interfering with makeup or skin care.
professional: Absorbs oil without spoiling makeup, travel friendly
Shortcoming: nobody
Main Ingredients: abaca leaf
Customer Reviews: “By far the best blotting pads I’ve used. I’ve been using these for years and always have them with me in the summer in Texas, and my makeup doesn’t smudge at all with them. I also haven’t had any irritation, which is a plus for my sensitive and acne-prone skin.”
how we chose
Like all of our buying guides on Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best oily skin care products, we relied heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered a number of factors including key ingredients, price, and customer reviews. We know how important these factors are to different needs and preferences, so we’ve made sure to list all the useful details.
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Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends and essential products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who Wears What as your most trusted style and shopping resource.
