Best Skincare Products for Oily Skin in 2026, Tested
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Oily Skin 101: This Skincare Routine Helped Us Control Shine, Minimize Pores, and Prevent Breakouts

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Published on March 23, 2026
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All skin types produce sebum. In fact, the natural, oily/waxy substance is essential to skin health, acting like the body’s in-built moisturizer to aid hydration and protect skin barrier integrity.

 But what happens if you have too much of the stuff?

“Oily skin tends to be shiny all over, with enlarged pores, sometimes visible glands, and oil returning quickly after washing,” says Dr. Jason H. Miller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Freehold, New Jersey. “Combination skin, on the other hand, has an oily central “T zone” with normal or dry skin around the cheeks.”

Oil-prone skin types like these often have enlarged pores and struggle with acne—issues that the wrong skincare routine can exacerbate. Simplifying your stack and opting for gels and lotions instead of occlusives (think petroleum jelly-based products) and heavy creams can help keep oil production under control.

To help you build an oily-skin-friendly routine, we researched and tested the best products, considering formula types, active ingredients, and effectiveness. We also plugged dermatologists for product recommendations. Ultimately, we landed on this list of gentle cleansers, lightweight moisturizers, niacinamide serums, mattifying sunscreens, and texture-refining night treatments that promise to curb oil production, giving you a clearer complexion.

Gentle Cleansers for Calm, Clear Skin

collage of cleanser products
Washing away dirt, debris, and oil at the end of each day is critical — especially for those with acne-prone oily skin. These cleansers make sure every pore is clean, clear, and ready for the next step in your routine. And, just as importantly, the formulas won’t wreck your skin barrier.
la roche posay effaclar purifying face wash

Foamy and Acne-Fighting

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Facial Wash for Oily Skin

Buy at CVS $18.99
If you’re prone to breakouts, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Facial Wash for Oily Skin will help clear things up. It contains Zinc Pidolate, a powerhouse acne-fighting ingredient known for its purifying, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic qualities.

I tested this face wash and loved its light and foamy consistency. It rinses off easily and leaves my pores feeling ultra clean and fresh without over-stripping my skin. One big caveat: using this cleanser twice daily alongside my nightly application of tretinoin — a prescription-strength, topical retinoid — caused temporary dryness and irritation. Reducing my use to every other day was the sweet spot for my complexion. And while we’re on the topic of irritation, this cleanser isn’t compatible with the eye area. If you need to remove eye makeup, try something ultra-gentle like a swipe of micellar water, instead.

dickinsons cleanser

Refreshing and Pore-Clarifying

Dickinson’s Pore Perfecting Cleanser

Buy on Amazon $7.49
Enlarged, clogged pores are a common complaint among oily skin types. Dickinson’s Pore Perfecting Cleanser calls on organic witch hazel, a natural astringent that contracts skin cells, reducing oil production and shrinking pores in the process.

 Additionally, the ingredient has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties,

 making it a great all-rounder for those dealing with acne.

Sarah Garone, a licensed nutritionist and writer who tested the product, appreciated the fresh “zingy feeling” this cleanser provided after every wash. “My skin feels very refreshed after using this, clean without feeling dry, and brighter,” she explained. Although the product is free from fragrance, Garone says that the witch hazel scent may be a little overpowering for sensitive noses.

good molecules hydrating facial cleanser

Hydrating with an Antioxidant Boost

Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel

Buy on Amazon $11.97
If your skin skews naturally sensitive — or your go-to retinoid is making it feel that way — give Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel a try. The pH-balanced formula lathers beautifully, lifting dirt, oil, and makeup away from pores without disrupting the skin barrier. Enriched with antioxidant rosewater to soothe and brighten skin, and clarifying pineapple extract to cleanse pores and prevent breakouts,

 it manages to be effective yet gentle.

Kara Wahlgren, a writer who tested this cleanser IRL, was impressed with how well it cleared out her pores—even her trouble spots improved. The product has a light, foamy consistency and rinses off easily, and she appreciated that it left skin feeling fresh and soft, with just the right amount of hydration.

Lightweight Moisturizers That Won’t Clog Pores

collage of moisturizer products

Although it may seem counterintuitive to anyone with an abundance of sebum, oily skin types need moisture, too. In fact, “oily and dehydrated skin types commonly coexist — often due to over-cleansing or harsh products that disrupt the barrier,” says board-certified physician Dr. Sarah Allen MD, based in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. She recommends looking for water-based moisturizers to “restore balance without adding heaviness.”

neutrogena hydro boost moisturizer

Weightless Hydration Booster

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel with Signature Fragrance

Buy at CVS $25.99

Formulated with hyaluronic acid — an ingredient Dr. Allen recommends for oily skin types — this weightless gel moisturizer delivers long-lasting, non-greasy hydration for up to 24 hours. According to health and wellness writer Jen Sinclair, it has a pleasant whipped texture that absorbed into her skin quickly, with no greasy residue left behind. The formula was hydrating enough for her dry cheeks, but didn’t make her oily T-zone break out, and she noticed her complexion felt “tighter, smoother, and softer,” overall. On top of that, the moisturizer layered nicely under makeup, and it had a light, clean scent that wasn’t overpowering.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer

Multitasking Moisturizer With SPF

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer with SPF

Buy at Dermstore $25.99
Who doesn’t love a multitasking skincare product? This moisturizer checks the hydration and SPF boxes in one fell swoop. It’s enriched with La Roche-Posay’s signature prebiotic thermal water, glycerin — a humectant popular for reinforcing the skin barrier

 — and niacinamide to help regulate oil production and calm redness.

 Plus, with its broad-spectrum SPF 30 — the minimum level of coverage recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation — you won’t have to worry about adding sunscreen on top, streamlining your morning skincare routine.

Editor Nicole Bonaccorso described the formula as having a light-to-medium consistency that absorbed easily into her skin, leaving it “hydrated and happy.” She appreciated that the moisturizer is oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

walgreens cetaphil Mattifying Acne Moisturizer

Mattifying Moisture for Acne-Prevention

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer

Buy at Walgreens $12.99
If you’re constantly battling shiny skin, this mattifying formula can help. Designed for acne-prone complexions, it calls on exfoliating salicylic acid to gently dissolve pore-blocking dead cells and excess oil, bisabolol to soothe and promote healing,

 and a prebiotic to rebalance the skin’s microbiome — a protective barrier made from an invisible ecosystem of microorganisms.

Tori Martinet, MS RD, loved the formula’s lightweight texture, which was soft and cooling and kept her complexion matte without drying it out. It absorbed quickly and layered seamlessly under skincare and makeup products. “I loved the texture, both during application and after. It helped my skin feel moisturized without feeling greasy at all,” said Martinet, who struggles with acne. Although she didn’t notice a reduction in the frequency of her breakouts, the formula seemed to help balance her oily skin and clear acne lesions faster than usual.

Serums and Exfoliants For Clearer, Even-Textured Skin

collage of serum products
As you’re building your routine, Miller and Allen recommend looking for options that include salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin while clearing pores, retinoids, which speed up cell turnover and help regulate oil production over time, and niacinamide to help control oil, strengthen the skin barrier, and brighten your complexion.

 However, you can overapply niacinamide, which may cause irritation and dryness, so try to avoid using multiple products that contain the ingredient.
the ordinary Niacinamide serum

Budget-Friendly Buy For Oil Control

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Buy at Ulta $6
This oily-skin-friendly serum from The Ordinary combines 10% niacinamide with 1% zinc to help regulate sebum production, clear pores, and boost skin radiance with consistent use.

We love The Ordinary for its budget-friendly prices and stripped-back ingredient lists that pair well with other products. But be aware that 10% niacinamide is the upper limit of what’s recommended by experts,

 so avoid this if other products in your skincare stack also contain the ingredient.
yse beauty serum

Nighttime Serum With Anti-Aging Benefits

YSE Beauty Last Call Gentle Daily Retinol Serum

Buy at YSE Beauty $88
While many serums can be worn during the day, this one is designed for nighttime use. YSE Beauty’s potent formula combines a gentle time-release retinol with niacinamide, helping to accelerate cell turnover and reduce oil production, resulting in clearer, more even-textured skin. It just so happens that these two ingredients also have anti-aging benefits—both have been shown to boost collagen production.

,

 reducing fine lines and giving skin a plumper appearance.
First Aid Beauty Brighten Glow Facial Radiance Pads

Gentle Every Day Exfoliation

First Aid Beauty Brighten + Glow Facial Radiance Pads with Glycolic + Lactic Acids

Buy at Dermstore $39
These cult favorite exfoliating pads make refreshing your skin incredibly easy. Designed for daily use, each pad is soaked in a radiance-bolstering blend of lactic and glycolic acid, which works to exfoliate the skin and dissolve sebum clogs,

 preventing blackheads and other forms of acne.

Our editor Ally Hirschlag, who tested the pads, adored how effective yet gentle they are. “I love these pads so much,” she said. “They make exfoliating so incredibly easy and painless. I used to have such a hard time exfoliating; my skin would get really irritated and red. These wipes are soaked in glycolic and lactic acid, which are some of the gentlest chemical exfoliators. They never bother my skin, but they do leave it looking brighter and smoother.”

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

Sensitive Skin-Level Retinal for Beginners

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Age Defying Night Serum

Buy at Dermstore $55
Although they’re one of the most highly praised ingredients in the beauty-sphere, retinoids can require an adjustment period of several weeks. Many people experience some irritation, dryness, and flaking at first,

 but you can avoid “retinization” using a newbie-friendly product like this one.

Medik8’s Crystal Retinal Night Serum is available in six strengths, from a sensitive/beginner-friendly 0.01 percent retinal to expert-level 0.24 percent. “[I] was impressed with how well it absorbed and how glowing it left my skin,” said writer Jill Di Donato.

Retinal (aka retinaldehyde), by the way, is a fast-acting member of the retinoid family that also boasts antibacterial properties, making it a great option for acne-prone skin.

 Medik8 recommends that beginners with non-sensitive skin try their Crystal 3 serum first, while those with sensitive skin should begin with the Crystal 1 option.

Shine-Free Sunscreens

collage of sunscreen products
When you’re going to be exposed to the sun, sunscreen is non-negotiable regardless of skin type, but finding a formula suited to oiliness is important. Miller suggests a gel or matte-finish SPF to help minimize shine while protecting your skin from UV rays.
Supergoop! Unseen Clear Face Sunscreen

SPF That Doubles as a Velvety Primer

Supergoop! Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Buy on Amazon $34.98
With its smooth, mattifying consistency, this formula helps control shine and doubles as a primer for smooth makeup application. Our tester, freelance writer Crystal Hoshaw, appreciated how smoothly it applied — likely thanks to the mineral silica, a popular skincare ingredient known for its absorbent properties.

This broad-spectrum mineral SPF 40 protects skin against UVA and UVB rays, and includes 17.68% zinc oxide and 1.33% titanium dioxide, which sit atop the skin instead of being absorbed, reflecting harmful rays away from it. Zinc also has proven anti-inflammatory properties and assists skin healing,

 making it a helpful ingredient for acne.
jack black sun guard waterproof

Oil-Free Protection For Active Types

Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard SPF 45 Sunscreen

Buy at Nordstrom $24
If you need a sunscreen that will hold up well during all kinds of outdoor adventures, this pick is for you. The brand claims its SPF 45 sunscreen absorbs quickly and stays put, even in water or during intense exercise. It combines a range of mineral and chemical filters to block the full spectrum of UVA and UVB rays, and is enriched with antioxidant vitamin C to help protect against environmental damage.

 Crucially, it’s also oil-free, so your skin won’t feel greasy or slick while you’re out and about.
cetaphil moisturizer sunscreen

Lightweight SPF For Acne-Prone Skin

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

Buy on Amazon $14.38

This affordable facial sunscreen is perfect for acne-prone complexions. The oil-free, hypoallergenic formula is lightweight and dries down to a breathable, shine-free finish, helping to prevent breakouts.

“Throughout the day, I felt as though my skin felt less oily,” said Marisa Olsen, a freelance writer who tested the sunscreen. But thanks to the addition of hydrating vitamin B5, the formula never feels drying.

 “It makes skin feel moisturized and sets in quickly. I observed softer skin immediately,” Olsen added.

This sunscreen contains SPF 30, and the brand advises reapplying every two hours. “I do wish the SPF was slightly higher, especially as we enter the spring and summer months,” Olsen said. Although she was impressed with the product overall, Olsen had two small gripes. Despite being fragrance-free, the formula has a detectable sunscreen scent — not unpleasant, but definitely there. Additionally, be careful to avoid the sensitive eye area when applying, as it tends to sting.

What causes oily skin, and can it be changed?

While you can’t change your skin type, you can significantly improve oil balance and pore health with consistent, clinically informed skincare. “Oily skin is largely genetic and hormonally driven by sebaceous gland activity,” says Allen, “but oil production can be regulated with evidence-based treatments.”

She recommends looking for products with ingredients such as niacinamide, salicylic acid, retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and azelaic acid — a skin-friendly acid used to treat acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.

 “These help regulate oil, clear pores, and support hydration.” On the flip side, those with oily skin should avoid “heavy oils, coconut-based ingredients, and alcohol-heavy toners that can clog pores or trigger irritation,” she explains.

Is oily skin a bad thing, or does it have any benefits?

Our experts were both eager to emphasize that oily skin is not a bad thing at all — there may even be some benefits to those overzealous oil glands. “Patients with oily skin often find a delay in the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles and better barrier protection from dry skin,” explains Miller.

However, that isn’t a free pass to skip vital skincare steps. Oily skin has its own unique concerns, and Allen adds that “daily sun protection remains the most important factor in healthy aging, regardless of your skin type.”

Does oily skin cause acne and clogged pores?

The short answer is: yes. “Excess sebum combines with dead skin cells to clog pores and create an environment for acne-causing bacteria,” explains Allen.

 This can manifest in common forms of acne, including blackheads and whiteheads (known as comedonal acne), and painful cystic acne. “Regulating oil production and normalizing cell turnover with retinoids and salicylic acid are key to preventing breakouts,” explains Allen. 

But don’t overdo it. Using harsh, skin-stripping products can make matters worse, leading to “irritation, barrier disruption, and inflammation,” says Miller. “On occasion, this may lead to an unwanted 'rebound' in oil production.”

What skincare products do derms recommend for oily skin?

“Oily-skin patients need a gentle foaming cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and a gel or matte-finish sunscreen in their arsenal,” says Dr. Miller. Additionally, he adds that you may want to use an evening formula with active ingredients such as retinoids, which are known to help regulate sebum production, reduce pore size, and increase cell turnover to prevent blocked pores.

 
It’s not just about having the right products; the order in which they’re applied can have a huge impact on results too. In the morning, Miller recommends: cleanser, optional toner, serum with niacinamide (a topical form of vitamin B3 that helps reduce acne),

 lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen. And for the evening: cleanser, AHA or retinol treatment, and lightweight moisturizer.

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Tori Martinet is an Intuitive Eating dietitian, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer based in Southern California. She received a master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University Teachers College and spent nearly a decade as the director of wellness and sustainability for a premier food service contractor based in New York City. In her time there she crafted wellness and sustainability programming for clients like Google, Citigroup, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harvard Business School, and the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament.

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Ally Hirschlag is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience editing and writing health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, and science content. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Weather.com, People, BBC Future, Audubon, Scientific American, and Smithsonian Magazine, among other publications. Hirschlag was most recently an associate editorial director for Byrdie.

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Jill has over 15 years of experience writing about women's health, wellness, and beauty. She has deep knowledge of buzzy products and what makes them popular with consumers. She's tested hundreds of skin care products, tools, and medical aesthetics procedures throughout her career, and she has interviewed top dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and holistic physicians to stay on top of the latest in skin health and wellness.

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Resources
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