Table of Contents: Korean Skincare Products for Oily Skin
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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!
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.
🌿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.
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm Makeup, Sunscreen, Pore Cleanser for Sensitive Acne Skin. Korean Skincare for Men and Women 100ml, 3.38 fl.oz
- Thorough and Gentle Cleansing: Immerse your skin in the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm for a melt-away experience that effortlessly removes makeup, sunscreen, and dirt. This balm cleanser ensures a deep cleanse without any irritation, leaving your face feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
- Hydration Infusion: Unlike traditional cleanser balm, our balm doesn’t strip your skin of its natural moisture. The ultra-hydrating formula keeps your skin moist and hydrated, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion.
- No Residue, No Smudging: Revel in the clean sensation as this balm leaves no residue behind. Say goodbye to smudging and hello to a pristine canvas for your skincare routine.
List Price :
Offer: 18.00
Go to AmazonBANILA 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.
BANILA CO Clean it Zero Original Cleansing Balm Big Size | Korean Makeup Remover, Cleansing Oil, Facial Cleanser for All Skin Types | Vegan | Made with Acerola Berry & Vitamin C (180ml / 6.08 fl.oz)
- Global No.1 Cleansing balm🥇 Loved by K-beauty fans worldwide, this award-winning balm is designed to melt away even waterproof makeup effortlessly, leaving your skin clean, soft, and refreshed. Plus, it’s now #1 Best-selling Cleansing balm in the world! (Source Euromonitor International Limited; Based on Cleansing Balm product sold via retail (online and/or offline) in RSP value terms, 2023; Research conducted in November 2024 –February 2025)
- Balm to Oil Type Cleanser🫧 Serbet-type cleansing balm blended with magnet oil formula melts to cleanse heavy makeup and impurities from pores and wrinkles. This lightweight balm transforms from a sherbet-like texture into a smooth oil upon application, breaking down makeup, SPF, dirt, and impurities effortlessly in one step.
- Safe Ingredients🍒 Formula combines the antioxidant benefits of Acerola berry and Vitamin C to provide hydration & vitality to all skin types. Certified vegan formula, dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, Clean It Zero Original is gentle enough for everyone, offering a deep clean without stripping moisture or clouding your eyes.
List Price :
Offer: 23.00
Go to AmazonHEIMISH 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.
HEIMISH All Clean Balm – Cleansing Balm, Waterproof Makeup Remover, Face Cleanser, Oil Based Cleanser, Korean Skincare with Natural Aroma Oil, Vegan, For All Skin Types, 4.0fl.oz/120ml
- 1-STEP, ALL-IN-1 CLEANSING SOLUTION: Effortlessly remove even heavy makeup, including eye and lip makeup, with a multi-functional formula that combines lip & eye remover with cleansing foam for a complete cleanse. Clinically proven to eliminate 93% of impurities and reduce blackheads by 67.51%.
- INSTANT HYDRATION BOOST: See an immediate improvement in skin hydration by 108.89%, leaving your skin feeling plump and refreshed. Perfect for combating dry or dull skin while effectively removing makeup and serving as a hydrating shield when used in the double cleansing routine.
- NATURAL AROMATHERAPY FOR A LUXURIOUS JOY: Enriched with 10 premium natural essential oils such as Shea Butter and Coconut Extract, HEIMISH All Clean Balm transforms your cleansing routine into a fragrant, relaxing experience, like a calming aromatherapy session at home.
List Price :
Offer: 17.98
Go to AmazonBeauty 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.
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Cleanser, 5.07 fl oz, BHA Face Wash, Daily Mild Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, PH Balancing, Korean Skin Care, Korean Face Wash
- Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser: Cleanse daily with this gentle and effective gel type cleanser day and night, removing impurities while strengthening your skin barrier.
- Cleanse for a Luminous Day and Silky Night: While refining the skin texture, the cleanser will help cleanse with no stripping. Great for all skin types, wake up to a firmer-looking skin while letting it rest clean during the night.
- Key Ingredients: pH balanced, tea-tree oil, and BHA to soothe and strengthen for luminous and clear skin.
List Price :
Offer: 11.9
Go to AmazonSOME 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.
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam – 3.38oz, 100ml – Korean Acne Face Wash for Smooth & Clear Skin – Salicylic Acid Cleanser for Exfoliation & Sebum Control – Korean Skin Care
- SOME BY MI : SOME BY MI is a compound word of ‘SOMETHING’ and ‘BY A MIRACLE’. Our brand mission is to make products that stick to the essentials of cosmetics, with safe and clean ingredients with proven efficacy. Through our Skincare products, we hope to bring some positive changes and ‘MIRACLES’ to your skin
- MIRACLE CLEAR FOAM : This facial cleanser combined TruecicaTM ingredient with a concentration of 160,200 ppm and designed to soothe acne-prone skin and protect against external irritants or harmful substances. When used for cleansing, skin irritation is reduced through the use of natural surface activators for a gentle user experience. The facial foam is free of 20 artificial ingredients and has been dermatologically tested for those with sensitive skin
- KEY INGREDIENTS : AHA exfoliates the surface of the skin and can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and improve the skin texture and tone. BHA exfoliates the inside of the pores, help to clear out impurities and excess sebum. PHA is a gentle exfoliator which help to hydrate the skin, brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve the overall texture of the skin
New starting from: 13.9
Go to Amazoninnisfree 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.
innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam with Salicylic Acid, Sulfate Free, Exfoliating Korean Cleansing Foam
- Cleanse & clear pores with this daily multi-tasking cleanser. Pore-purifying Volcanic Clusters absorb excess sebum. Two types of AHA+ BHA work together to exfoliate dead skin cells and smooth skin’s overall texture.
- Volcanic Clusters: Absorb excess sebum
- Lactic + Glycolid + Salicylic Acid: AHAs and BHAs that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and minimize the appearance of pores
New starting from: 14.00
Go to AmazonThe 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
A good toner removes leftover impurities and tightens pores to prevent breakouts. Look for ingredients like BHA, niacinamide, and green tea.
🍃 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.
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner – 5.07oz, 150ml – Korean Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Face Toner for All Skin Types – Daily Pore Care & Oil Control with 2% Niacinamide – Korean Skin Care
- SOME BY MI : SOME BY MI is a compound word of ‘SOMETHING’ and ‘BY A MIRACLE’. Our brand mission is to make products that stick to the essentials of cosmetics, with safe and clean ingredients with proven efficacy. Through our Skincare products, we hope to bring some positive changes and ‘MIRACLES’ to your skin
- MIRACLE TONER : The Korean toner helps to refine skin texture in the first step of skincare, ensuring a smooth base for makeup application. This AHA BHA toner is particularly effective due to its inclusion of AHA/BHA/PHA ingredients, which gently exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities, leaving the skin clear and smooth. Additionally, the high concentration of tea tree extract in this pore care toner soothes and treats troubled skin, making it an essential part of any Korean skincare routine
- KEY INGREDIENTS : AHA exfoliates the surface of the skin and can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and improve the skin texture and tone. BHA exfoliates the inside of the pores, help to clear out impurities and excess sebum. PHA is a gentle exfoliator which help to hydrate the skin, brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve the overall texture of the skin
List Price :
Offer: 15.8
Go to Amazon✔️ 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.
ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner 200ml, 6.76 fl.oz | Korean Skincare | Toner for Oily Skin | Sebum Control | Hydrating and Refreshing
- 🌱Jeju Green Tea Extract: A natural source of skin-protective elements, helping maintain a resilient skin barrier.
- 🌱Sebum Control Formula: Effectively balances oil production, reducing shine and minimizing the appearance of pores.
- 🌱Hydrating & Refreshing: Lightweight, watery texture absorbs quickly, providing immediate hydration without stickiness.
List Price :
Offer: 15.92
Go to Amazon✔️ 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.
ETUDE Wonder Pore Cream 2.5 fl. Oz (23AD) | Kbeauty | Hypoallergenic Skin Care Solution | Watery Gel Formula Moisturizing Cream with Sebum Control for Sensitive Skin Without Perfume
- Wonder Pore Cream: The pore cream fills skin with moisture and cares sebum secreted from enlarged pores of oily skin.
- Doubled Amount of Upgraded Peppermint Vinegar: Refreshing and Hydrating Moisturizer Cream that Treats Facial Pores
- Pore BALANCE Increase Moisture: Moisturizing cream that refines sebum excretion from wide and oily pore skin, while filling up required moisture.
List Price :
Offer: 17.98
Go to AmazonStep 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.
IUNIK Tea Tree Relief Vegan Serum for Acne-Prone Skin – Non-Sticky & Lightweight Facial Ampoule with Centella Asiatica for Soothing, Calming, and Balancing – Korean Skincare
- 🌿 MILD FORMULA LIGHT TEXTURE: The formula is mild with Tea Tree Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water and multiple plants extract, it soothes, relieves, nourishes the skin refreshing with not greasy, which can be quickly absorbed. Continue use 3-4 weeks, it will effectively treat the acne and pimples, and repair the rough phenomenon caused by the acne. For severe acne, it is recommended to use this serum for 2 cycles.
- 🌿 REDUCE REDNESS AND REPAIR SKIN: Containing with multiple naturally-derived ingredients, our acne treatment serum can enhance the skin metabolism, effectively reduces the redness of the acne and pimples, maintain the skin elasticity, and moisturize your facial skin.
- 🌿 KEY INGREDIENTS: Tea Tree Leaf Water & Centella Asiatica Leaf Water. Tea Tree was first used by native Indians as medication. Nowadays it is used as an ingredient that takes care of irritations caused by environmental stress. Centella Asiatica Leaf Water is a skin soothing ingredient that is very well known.
List Price :
Offer: 16.98
Go to Amazon✔️ COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – Hydrates without making skin greasy.
✔️ Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum (Propolis + Niacinamide) – Controls oil while brightening skin.
Step 4: Moisturizing – Hydration Without the Grease
Skipping moisturizer triggers even more oil production, so lightweight hydration is key!
💧 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.
![[I'm From] Vitamin Tree Water Gel 75g,](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31qCSTimClL._SL500_.jpg)
[I'm From] Vitamin Tree Water Gel 75g, Vitamin C, B3, Vitamin Water 68%, Niacinamide, Cool sensation, Moistuizing, Organic moisturizer
- This gel moisturizer contains 68% Vitamin Tree Leaf Water extracted from infused vitamin tree leaves.
- The product applies with a cool sensation to provide excellent moisturizing and illuminating effects.
- All skin type, Great for summer time moisturizer
✔️ COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion – Fast-absorbing and non-greasy.
✔️ Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream – Reduces redness & oiliness.
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.
✔️ Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50+ – Matte finish & great for oily skin.
✔️ ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel – Oil-free but moisturizing.
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
If you struggle with oily skin, acne, or shine, K-Beauty has perfect solutions to help you achieve a clear, balanced complexion.
👗 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!
