LW Answers: What are the best moisturizers for oily skin?

Oily skin tends to create an abundance of sebum, leading to a radiant complexion that sometimes crosses the line into shine. Enlarged pores and occasional breakouts can make this skin type a challenge, but fear not because finding the right day cream can actually help with many of the struggles that oily skin types have to navigate. 

The best ingredients for oily skin types

When hunting for the perfect day cream for oily skin, it's all about the ingredients. Whether you’re searching for the right day cream or serum, always opt for products that are "non-comedogenic" and "oil-free." These skincare products won't clog your pores or add fuel to the already overactive sebum glands.

Look for the following ingredients in Korean skincare specifically, since they will harmonize with oily skin: 

• Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) - A potent antioxidant, green tea extract helps control oil production, soothes irritated skin, and work anti-inflammatory.
• Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) - Known for its soothing properties, Centella Asiatica aids in calming inflammation and maintaining skin balance, ideal for oily skin prone to redness or acne.
• Hyaluronic Acid - This powerhouse hydrator retains water without adding heaviness, ensuring optimal hydration without triggering excess oil production. A lack of hydration in oily skin types can actually lead to dehydrated skin and increased sebum production.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - A multifaceted ingredient, niacinamide regulates oil production, minimizes pores, and addresses blemishes which makes it a must-have for oily skin. Good thing is that you will already find this ingredient in many of the Korean skincare products designed for oily skin.
• Salicylic Acid (BHA) - Perfect for oily skin, salicylic acid exfoliates within the pores, preventing clogs and promoting a clearer complexion. However do note that over-exfoliation can actually lead to more sebum production and mess up your skin barrier. Exfoliating 2 to 3 times a week should be enough and one salicylic acid product in your routine is the right way to go.

What moisturizers are the best for oily skin? 

1. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream We love lightweight gel creams in the morning routine of an oily skin type. This gel cream by Skin1004 effectively diminishes the visibility of enlarged pores while purifying and revitalizing the skin with mineral-rich ingredients and aloe vera. Remember how we mentioned we also like niacinamide in skincare for oily skin? Well, this gel cream is abundant with this ingredient as well.

2. Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel If you struggle with shine, and overactive sebum production then this gel moisturizer will be perfect for your skin. Red bean is a unique ingredient that absorbs sebum while also working on improving skin health and elasticity. Enjoy the fresh feeling of a lightweight and delicate moisturizer without any oiliness.

3. COSRX Lighweight Soothing Moisturizer One of the favorites of our skincare specialists, this lightweight and quick-absorbing gem keeps oily skin hydrated without the unwanted shine. It's also full of anti-inflammatory, calming ingredients such as tea tree, madecassoside, and propolis which will bring any oily skin into a zen state.

4. Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Gel Cream Kombucha is one of those magical Korean ingredients that has an immense amount of benefits for your skin. It works anti-aging, strengthening, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying. It's also full of probiotics that will make your skin more resilient. This gel cream combines kombucha and other fermented ingredients to deliver all that goodness without weighing your skin down.

5. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream Another Skin1004 favorite that's filled to the Brin with Centella Asiatica. A booming 72% Centella Asiatica Extract has a calming, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. On top of that the cream has a gel texture that feel refreshing and light.

6. iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream This iUNIK gel cream is one of the best sellers among creams and for a good reason. It works great for all skin types but especially for those with oily skin. It combines 72% Centella Asiatica Leaf water and 10% Tea Tree for an anti-inflammatory and acne-fighting effect. It's budget friendly and also work great as a soothing cream after shaving!

7. Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel This is the perfect moisturizer for the summer months, infused with 80% Aloe Vera and propolis it works wonders to fight inflammation and will calm any skin on a hot summer day. It's infused with ingredients that also reduce scaring and acne, making it perfect for acne prone, oily skin.

8. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream Not a fan of a gel texture? Then this gel-cram will be your new go-to. It has a texture of a more watery cream which delivers amazing hydration to the skin. Infused with ingredients such as licorice root for brightening, Centella Asiatica for soothing and green tea for an anti-inflammatory effect.

Finding the right products for oily skin might be a headache with so many things to look out for, but that's why we're here for you! Do you need help finding other amazing K-Beauty products for oily skin? Chat with one of our skincare specialists, or check out our selection of skincare products for oily skin or follow up your moisturizer with the best Korean cushions and BB creams for oily skin.