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Add The New York Post on Google Among all the other daily stressors we may run into — finding an acne spot treatment, picking a makeup remover that actually work — dealing with oily skin is one we want to rid for good.
Unlike dry skin, where eczema may abound, oily skin feels slick and looks shiny (which, can literally put a damper on your day).
With a smorgasbord of skincare products to choose from — toners, retinol creams and serums, the whole nine yards — we turned to two board-certified dermatologists to give us the 411 on the most sought-after products you’re likely searching for at the moment.
“You can notice that you have oily skin if you have enlarged pores, acne or blackheads,” Marina Peredo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in aesthetic dermatology and associate clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital with 31 years of experience, told the New York Post. “Those who have oily skin typically have an overall shine to their face and break out on the T-zone and cheeks.”
Conversely, combination skin has a similar-yet-different texture.
“Combination skin is common because sebaceous glands are more abundant in specific areas of the face, along the nose, lower forehead, and upper cheeks, commonly referred to as the T-zone,” Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai department of dermatology who specializes in acne, told The Post. “In those locations skin can appear more oily but may look normal to dry in places where sebaceous glands area more sparse.”
When it comes to finding the best ingredients for oily skin, our experts recommend looking for products with niacinamide, which absorbs the oil on the skin, retinol which promotes cell turnover and eliminates clogged pores, plus salicylic acid, which helps fight acne.
The CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is a solid option for anyone looking for a cleanser that targets breakouts without leaving the skin feeling overly stripped. It contains salicylic acid to help clear clogged pores and exfoliate the skin, along with niacinamide and three essential ceramides to support the skin barrier. The gel texture lathers well and rinses clean, making it easy to work into both morning and evening routines.
After consistent use, the cleanser can help improve the appearance of blackheads, excess oil, and occasional breakouts. It may feel a little drying for very dry or sensitive skin, especially if used too frequently, so following with a moisturizer is helpful. Overall, it’s a practical, affordable choice for acne-prone or oily skin, particularly for people who want a straightforward cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients.
Size: 8 ounces | Key ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides
Victoria McDonnell Pros: Lightweight texture that works well for oily skin Niacinamide helps improve the appearance of pores and uneven texture Supports smoother, firmer-looking skin without feeling heavy Cons: May not be ideal for very sensitive skin Visible firming results require consistent use More expensive than many basic niacinamide serums The Alpyn Niacinamide & Nettle Firming Serum is a great match for oily skin, especially if you want to control excess shine while improving the look and feel of your skin. I swear by this, and its lightweight formula absorbs easily without leaving a greasy finish. The best part? Niacinamide helps refine the appearance of pores, smooth uneven texture and keep oiliness looking more balanced. It also layers well under moisturizer and sunscreen, so it’s an easy fit into my daily skincare routine.
For oily skin that also deals with dullness, uneven texture or early signs of aging, this serum offers several benefits in one step. The formula helps skin look smoother, firmer and more refined with consistent use, without the heavy finish that richer serums can leave behind. It’s a particularly good choice if you want something that addresses oiliness while also giving the skin a more polished, healthy-looking appearance.
Size: 1 ounce | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Mountain Nettle (to nourish and remove excess oil)
The Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner is basically a tall glass of water for your skin—light, refreshing, and especially nice when your complexion is feeling a little stressed. The formula is packed with heartleaf extract to help calm the look of redness and irritation, while hyaluronic acid gives skin a boost of hydration without leaving behind that heavy, sticky feeling. It sinks in quickly and leaves skin feeling soft, fresh and ready for the rest of your routine.
This toner is a great everyday pick for oily, combination or sensitive skin that wants hydration without the extra shine. It won’t do the heavy lifting when it comes to treating stubborn breakouts or controlling oil, but it makes a great supporting step alongside your serums and treatments. After using it consistently, my skin feels more comfortable, plump and balanced. If your skincare routine feels like it’s doing a little too much, this is the calming, refreshing step that helps bring things back to baseline.
Size: 8.45 ounces | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Heartleaf
The Medicube 3H Relief Cream has quickly become one of those moisturizers I reach for when my skin needs a little extra comfort (after all, I did review the entire brand). I like how nourishing it feels without making my routine feel complicated, and it leaves my skin noticeably softer and more hydrated.
I especially enjoy using it at night when my skin feels dry or tight, because it gives me that cushioned, moisturized feeling by the time I wake up. If I’ve been using a lot of active products, this is the kind of cream I like having on hand to bring some moisture back into my routine.
For me, the biggest appeal is the comforting texture and how well it helps my skin feel after application. I wouldn’t necessarily pick it when I want something ultra-light or completely weightless, especially on an oily-skin day, but I think it works really well when my skin needs more nourishment. I like that I can apply a generous layer at night and not feel like I’m constantly reaching for more moisturizer. If you prefer a cream that feels soothing, hydrating, and a little more substantial, this one is worth trying.
Size: 1.69 ounces | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides
The Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 is one of my favorite sunscreen options for oily skin because it gives me sun protection without leaving my face looking shiny or feeling greasy. The mineral formula has a soft, velvety texture that helps blur the look of pores and creates a smooth matte finish. I also like that it works nicely under makeup, especially on days when I want my skin to look more polished without adding another layer of shine.
For oily skin, the finish is the biggest selling point for me. Instead of feeling like a traditional sunscreen sitting on top of my skin, it leaves behind a lightweight, primer-like feel that helps keep my complexion looking more balanced throughout the day. It may not be the best match if you prefer a dewy finish or have a deeper skin tone and struggle with mineral sunscreen cast, but if your biggest sunscreen complaint is excess shine, this is an easy one to put at the top of the list.
Size: 1.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone (helps create the matte finish), Shea Butter
The Biodance Refreshing Sea Kelp Real Deep Mask is a great option for oily skin when I want to add hydration without reaching for a heavy cream. I love using it (and also, I use it quite often) when my skin feels dehydrated or a little rough, because the sheet mask gives my complexion a fresh, bouncy feel without making it feel coated in product. The sea kelp-focused formula also makes it a nice pick after a long day when my skin needs something soothing and refreshing.
I wouldn’t use this as my main oily-skin treatment, since it’s more about hydration and calming the skin than controlling oil or treating breakouts. For me, though, it works well as an occasional reset when oily skin starts feeling dehydrated — especially since over-drying can make a routine feel even more unbalanced. The 4-pack is also convenient if I want to keep a few masks ready for those days when my skin needs an extra boost.
Key ingredients: Sea Kelp Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Allantoin (to soothe)
The Naturium The Purifier Niacinamide Serum Body Wash is a great option if I want my body cleanser to do a little more than simply wash away sweat and buildup. I like that it combines a cleansing step with niacinamide, making it especially appealing for oily or blemish-prone body skin. The formula leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed without that overly stripped, squeaky feeling that some acne-focused body washes can cause.
Trust me on this: I reviewed nearly all of Naturium’s body washes here, so there’s no greasy finish after your shower.
For oily skin, I think this is especially useful on areas like the chest, back, and shoulders where excess oil and clogged pores can become an issue. I wouldn’t expect it to replace a dedicated acne treatment, but it’s a nice everyday option for keeping the skin feeling fresh and balanced. I also like that it focuses on maintaining comfortable, hydrated skin rather than relying on an aggressive formula that can leave me feeling dry afterward.
Size: 16.9 ounces | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol
“The easiest way to tell if you have oily skin is to observe your skin for a day,” Sapna Palep, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Journelle Skin, shared. “Start by washing skin in the morning and don’t apply any skincare products or ingredients.”
If your skin feels slick, look shiny or glossy, or reflects light, then you likely have oily skin. “Some people with oily skin have oily skin all over, some only have oily spots in portions, most commonly the T zone (forehead, nose and chin),” she added.
“Salicylic acid is one of my favorites because it is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate into the pore and help remove the oil and dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores and acne,” Whitney Hovenic, board-certified dermatologist, MOHS surgeon and co-founder of sunscreen brand SPOOGE, shared.
Niacinamide is another great ingredient. “It can help with the appearance of excess oil while also supporting the skin barrier, which is especially helpful because people with oily skin tend to overdo exfoliation,” Dr. Hovenic explained.
She also recommends retinoids, which are excellent for oily, acne-prone skin because they help normalize cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. Adapalene is a good over-the-counter option, per Hovenic, that causes less irritation, as it tends to get better absorbed into the areas where skin oil is being produced.
“I also like ingredients such as azelaic acid, particularly when oiliness comes with acne, redness or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” Hovenic said. “And, don’t forget barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Oily skin still needs hydration!”
“I recommend lightweight, fast-absorbing serums that provide targeted benefits without leaving the skin feeling heavy or greasy,” Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, board-certified dermatologist and member of the Elizabeth Arden Dermatologist Collective, shared with The Post. “Oily skin still needs hydration and barrier support, so ingredients like ceramides can be particularly beneficial.”
“Oily skin still needs moisture, and skipping moisturizer can actually contribute to an imbalanced skin barrier,” Dr. Zubritsky saiad. “Look for lightweight, non-greasy formulas that provide hydration and barrier support without feeling heavy or occlusive.”
Daily, broad-spectrum SPF is essential for every skin type. “For oily skin, I recommend looking for a lightweight formula that feels comfortable and absorbs easily, since the best sunscreen is one you’ll actually use consistently,” Zubritsky said.
“As many people with oily skin also tend to have acne breakouts, blue light LED therapy is beneficial to add to your skincare regimen,” Dr. Palep shared. “Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria and helps regulate sebum production.”
Adding a clay mask to your weekly routine is a great way to absorb excess oil as well. “I wouldn’t do a clay mask more than once a week, and if you find that your skin isn’t as oily when you add moisturizers and other products to the skin, drop it down to using it two to three times a month,” Palep recommends.
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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