10 Best Korean Skincare Products for Oily Skin

Ever blot your face at lunch only to find it shiny again by 3 p.m.? I used to carry oil-absorbing sheets like they were currency—always one swipe away from feeling like a grease pan. If you’ve been there, you know oily skin isn’t just a surface issue—it affects your confidence, your selfies, even how long your makeup stays on. But here’s the good news: Korean skincare has quietly mastered this battle. With smart ingredients and skin-calming formulas, it’s not about stripping the oil away—it’s about bringing your skin back into balance, one gentle step at a time.

K-Beauty is famous for its gentle yet effective formulas, and in this guide, we’ll cover:

✔️ Best Korean cleansers for oily skin
✔️ Must-have toners to control oil
✔️ Lightweight moisturizers that won’t clog pores
✔️ Korean sunscreens for a shine-free finish

Let’s dive in!

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Understanding Oily Skin: Causes and Lifestyle Factors

Oily skin is influenced by a variety of factors—from genetics and hormonal fluctuations to environmental stressors like pollution and humidity. Lifestyle choices such as diet, stress levels, and even sleep quality can also trigger excess sebum production. By understanding these underlying causes, you can better tailor your skincare routine to not only control oil but also promote overall skin health. Embracing a balanced lifestyle, staying hydrated, and managing stress are just as important as your daily cleansing routine.

Step 1: Cleansing – The Foundation of Oil Control

If you’ve ever scrubbed your face raw trying to get that slick, sticky feeling off—only to end up even oilier by night—you’re not alone. I used to think the tighter my skin felt, the cleaner it must be. Turns out, that’s the fastest way to trigger more oil production. The real trick? Double cleansing. Starting with a gentle oil-based cleanser lifts the grime, sunscreen, and sebum. Then a water-based cleanser clears it all away without turning your face into a desert. It feels like a reset button for oily skin—clean, but never tight.

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🌿Best Oil Cleansers for Oily Skin

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm – 100ml (3.38 fl. oz)

Ever come home with sunscreen, foundation, and a full day’s worth of oil clinging to your skin like armor? This balm melts it all away—no tugging, no stinging, no dry aftermath. Just smooth, quiet cleansing that feels like a sigh of relief. Even if your skin is breakout-prone or sensitive, the hanbang-inspired ingredients in this Korean favorite keep it calm while clearing every pore. One scoop at night, and you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.

BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm – 180ml (6.08 fl. oz)

You don’t realize how hard your cleanser is working until it isn’t. Heavy makeup, sunscreen, oily skin—it all builds up fast, and not every product can keep up. But this one does. Banila Co’s Clean It Zero goes on like a sherbet dream, melts on contact, and clears everything without that tight, over-scrubbed feeling. The acerola berry and vitamin C give it a bright, clean finish—like your skin’s had a glass of water after a long, dry day. It’s a cult classic for a reason, and once you try it, you’ll get why.

HEIMISH All Clean Balm – 120ml (4.0 fl. oz)

You know that stubborn layer of waterproof makeup and SPF that just won’t quit, no matter how many times you rinse? This is the balm that finally makes it easy. One scoop, and your mascara, sunscreen, and clogged-up sebum dissolve like they were never there. It goes on like silk, smells like a spa day, and rinses off without a trace—no film, no sting, no greasy feel. If your skin’s moody, reactive, or just plain tired, HEIMISH’s vegan formula gives you that clean-skin exhale without ever stripping your moisture barrier.

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm – Contains rice water for a brightening effect.

💦 Best Water-Based Cleansers for Oily Skin

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser – 5.07 fl. oz

Ever wake up with your skin already feeling greasy, tight, or just off? This gentle gel is like a calm reset button for your face. It doesn’t foam up wildly or strip your skin raw—it just quietly clears away the night’s oil, sweat, and leftover skincare with a soft BHA boost. The low pH means it works with your skin barrier, not against it. If you’ve got oily, sensitive, or breakout-prone skin, this cleanser doesn’t pick a fight. It just helps your skin start the day on good terms.

SOME BY MI 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam – 100ml (3.38 fl. oz)

There’s a certain desperation that comes with a fresh breakout—when your skin feels angry, swollen, and nothing seems to calm it down. This foam cleanser was made for moments like that. With a powerhouse blend of AHA, BHA, and PHA, it doesn’t just wash your face—it exfoliates gently, unclogs pores, and cuts down oil without that harsh, over-dried aftermath. It’s foamy but not aggressive, strong but not stripping. If your skin swings between oily chaos and painful flare-ups, this cleanser feels like a quiet kind of miracle that finally gives your skin some breathing room.

innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam

You know that slick, sticky forehead feeling that shows up before noon—even after you’ve washed your face? This cleanser was made for that kind of skin. The volcanic clusters pull out gunk from deep inside your pores, while the salicylic acid gently exfoliates and helps calm down the breakouts that oily skin loves to throw at you. And because it’s sulfate-free, you get that deep, satisfying clean without the tight, squeaky aftermath. It’s one of those rare finds that actually feels like it’s doing something—without punishing your skin for being oily.

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The Science Behind Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is a cornerstone of Korean skincare, especially for oily skin. The first step uses an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum, while the second, water-based cleanser sweeps away any residual impurities. This two-step process ensures a thorough cleanse without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier, helping to prevent over-drying and irritation that can lead to more oil production.

Step 2: Toning – Shrink Pores & Balance Sebum

Ever wash your face and still feel like something’s clinging on—like your skin isn’t quite clean yet? That’s where a good toner steps in. It sweeps away what your cleanser missed, calms your pores before they throw a fit, and keeps breakouts from crashing the party. I’ve had the best luck with toners packed with BHA to unclog, niacinamide to brighten, and green tea to soothe the chaos. It’s like hitting reset before your skin even starts the day.

🍃 Best Korean Toners for Oily Skin

✔️ Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner – Fights acne & controls oil.

I still remember the first time I tried this on a breakout-ridden forehead after a summer heatwave. It tingled just enough to let me know it was working, and within days, the angry bumps started flattening out. This toner doesn’t just fight acne—it gently exfoliates, balances oil, and helps your skin reset without the harsh sting. Perfect for anyone tired of products that overpromise and leave your skin even more irritated.

✔️ Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner – Soothes and reduces sebum production.

first reached for this after a string of midday oil slicks left me blotting my face like clockwork. This toner felt like a cool, herbal sigh of relief. The green tea instantly soothed my skin, and over time, the greasy shine around my T-zone stopped showing up so early in the day. If your skin feels constantly overwhelmed or sensitive, this one helps bring it back to center—calm, balanced, and refreshed.

✔️ Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner – Minimizes large pores and refreshes skin.

Back when I was battling visible pores that made my foundation look like a dotted map, this was my secret weapon. One swipe felt like a splash of icy water—cooling, clarifying, and strangely satisfying. Over time, my skin felt tighter and smoother, and those crater-like pores? Less obvious, finally. It’s the kind of toner that doesn’t just refresh—it resets your whole skin mood.

Step 3: Serums – Target Excess Sebum & Acne

There was a time when I layered on every harsh product I could find, thinking more sting meant more results. But the real shift happened when I discovered the quiet power of serums. The right ones don’t scream—they soothe. A few drops with niacinamide helped calm angry breakouts, while propolis and centella asiatica worked slowly but surely to fade scars and bring my skin back into balance. If your skin’s been through it, these ingredients are like gentle healers that know exactly where to go.

✨ Best Korean Serums for Oily Skin

✔️ iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum – Soothes acne-prone skin.

I started using this during one of those relentless breakout cycles—where new pimples showed up before the old ones even healed. This serum was like a soft reset. The tea tree calmed the redness almost overnight, and with centella in the mix, my skin finally started to feel less reactive. It doesn’t just soothe—it teaches your skin how to breathe again when it’s in survival mode.

✔️ COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – Hydrates without making skin greasy.

I didn’t get the snail hype—until my skin hit rock bottom. A brutal mix of hormonal acne and retinol overuse left my cheeks red, raw, and flaking like I’d gone through a chemical peel. That’s when I reached for COSRX’s Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, mostly out of desperation. It goes on like a thin serum, but don’t let the texture fool you. Within days, that gooey magic started knitting my barrier back together. My skin felt plumper, less angry, and for once, like it actually wanted to heal. It’s weird, it’s slick, and it works. If your skin is waving a white flag, this is the peace offering it’s been waiting for.

✔️ Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum (Propolis + Niacinamide) – Controls oil while brightening skin.

The first time I used the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum, I didn’t expect much—just another “brightening” bottle on a cluttered shelf. But my skin was mid-breakout, with angry red patches and dull, post-acne shadows that wouldn’t budge. One pump of this golden, honey-textured serum and… my skin sighed. It felt instantly calmer, like the serum knew exactly where the damage was and got to work. Within a week, the inflammation had chilled out, and those stubborn spots started fading into memory. If your skin’s been through hell and needs a hug and a pep talk, this is it. Propolis for healing, niacinamide for glow—it’s like skincare that actually listens.

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Step 4: Moisturizing – Hydration Without the Grease

I used to think skipping moisturizer would keep the shine away—but my skin had other plans. By noon, I’d be blotting nonstop, wondering why I looked oilier without it. Turns out, dehydrated skin fights back by overproducing oil. The fix? Lightweight, breathable hydration that tells your skin it’s safe to chill. Once I made that switch, my face finally found its balance.

💧 Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin

✔️ I’m From Vitamin Tree Water Gel – Cooling and perfect for humid weather.

On those sticky summer nights when even my pillow felt too warm, this was the only thing my skin could tolerate. It glides on with a cooling rush, like aloe but lighter, and never leaves a greasy trace. Perfect for humid weather, it hydrates without suffocating your pores—and gave me that rare feeling of putting something on my face that actually made it feel cooler, not heavier.

✔️ COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion – Fast-absorbing and non-greasy.

I used to skip moisturizer because I was terrified of breaking out—every cream felt like a gamble. Then winter hit, my face got tight and flaky, and makeup started clinging to dry patches I didn’t even know I had. That’s when I found COSRX’s Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion. It goes on like a cool drink of water—thanks to the birch sap—and sinks in fast with zero greasy after-feel. No clogged pores. No midday shine. Just calm, balanced skin that doesn’t feel like it’s fighting itself anymore. If you’ve been burned by moisturizers before, this one feels like a truce.

✔️ Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream – Reduces redness & oiliness.

I remember staring at my reflection after a long day—skin flushed, cheeks stinging, that hot, prickly kind of irritation that feels like your face is yelling at you. I reached for Dr. Jart’s Cicapair Calming Gel Cream like a reflex. The texture is cool, almost watery, and the moment it touched my skin, the fire dialed down. It’s not just a moisturizer—it’s a reset button. The centella (tiger grass) calms everything without leaving a sticky film, and by morning, the redness had retreated like it never happened. If your skin flares up from stress, weather, or literally existing, this cream gets it—and it delivers quiet relief.

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Additional Hydration Tips

While lightweight moisturizers are key for oily skin, incorporating a hydrating essence or booster can provide extra moisture without the risk of clogging pores. Look for formulas enriched with hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts. These ingredients attract and lock in hydration, ensuring your skin remains plump and radiant while keeping oil production under control.

Step 5: Sunscreen – Essential for Oily Skin

Korean sunscreens are lightweight, non-greasy, and packed with skin-loving ingredients.

☀️ Best Korean Sunscreens for Oily Skin:

✔️ Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics) – Hydrating but lightweight.

I used to dread sunscreen—the greasy film, the ghostly cast, the way it pilled under makeup like my face was rejecting protection. But the first time I tried Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, it felt… different. Like skincare, not just SPF. The texture is silky, almost like a light cream, and it melts in with no trace—no stickiness, no chalky finish, no regret. My skin actually looks better after applying it, thanks to the rice and probiotics doing quiet work in the background. If you’ve ever skipped sunscreen because it felt like a chore, this one changes the whole game. It’s the sunscreen you’ll actually look forward to.

✔️ Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50+ – Matte finish & great for oily skin.

You know that suffocating feeling some sunscreens leave—like your face is trapped under a sticky, sweaty film? That was my summer every year until I found Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish. This SPF is the definition of a breath of fresh air. It goes on like a featherweight lotion, dries down to a soft matte finish, and somehow keeps my skin feeling clean all day. No shine. No breakouts. No sliding off by noon. Just calm, protected skin that doesn’t feel smothered. If you’ve got oily or sensitive skin and dread putting on sunscreen, this one feels like finally finding your perfect match.

✔️ ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel – Oil-free but moisturizing.

My skin used to feel like the Sahara by lunchtime—tight, flaky, and desperate no matter how much moisturizer I slathered on. Sunscreen only made it worse… until I met ISNTREE’s Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel. This stuff feels like a tall glass of water for your face. It glides on like a lightweight serum, sinks in instantly, and leaves behind zero residue—no white cast, no pilling, no heaviness. Just plump, protected skin that stays hydrated all day. If you’ve ever skipped SPF because it made your skin feel worse, this one flips the script. It doesn’t just protect—it actually makes your skin feel better.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can these products work for combination skin?
A: Absolutely—many of these recommendations are suitable for combination skin as they balance moisture and oil control without causing dryness.

Q: How often should I use this routine?
A: For optimal results, follow your skincare routine twice daily—morning and night. Adjust based on your skin’s needs, especially during seasonal changes.

Q: Is double cleansing necessary if I wear minimal makeup?
A: Yes, even without heavy makeup, double cleansing helps remove environmental pollutants and excess oil, ensuring your skin is truly clean.

Final Thoughts: The Best Korean Beauty Routine for Oily Skin

You know that 3 p.m. moment when your face feels like a grease slick, your makeup’s melting, and another breakout’s brewing under the surface? I’ve been there—and that’s exactly where Korean skincare stepped in. With lightweight layers, calming ingredients, and zero pore-clogging nonsense, K-Beauty actually helps your skin breathe again. If you’re chasing balance instead of blotting papers, this is where the real solutions begin.

👗 Bonus Style Tip: Now that your skin is glowing, complete the look with your wardrobe! Explore the Best Kpop-Inspired Outfits for Every Season to match your skincare glow with spring pastels, summer crop tops, and more idol-worthy fashion.

💡 Must-Have K-Beauty Products for Oily Skin:
✅ Double cleansing with Banila Co Cleansing Balm + COSRX Gel Cleanser
✅ Exfoliating toner like Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA Miracle Toner
✅ Lightweight serum with niacinamide or tea tree
✅ Gel-based moisturizer like COSRX Oil-Free Lotion
✅ Matte sunscreen like Etude House Sunprise SPF50+

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Oily Skin

In addition to following a structured skincare routine, integrating healthy lifestyle habits can greatly improve oily skin. Regular exercise boosts circulation and reduces stress—both key factors in managing oil production. Adopting a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, lean proteins, and whole grains while limiting processed sugars can further support skin health. Remember, consistency in both your skincare and lifestyle choices is essential for achieving a clear, balanced complexion.

Have you tried any of these? Let us know in the comments!