Korean skincare has become a global phenomenon, admired for its emphasis on gentle care, layering of lightweight products, and dedication to achieving healthy, radiant skin. For individuals with oily skin, the Korean skincare philosophy offers particularly effective solutions, focusing on balance, hydration, and prevention rather than harsh stripping of oils.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 10-step Korean skincare routine tailored specifically for oily skin. We’ll go over the goal of each phase, suggested ingredients, typical blunders, and advice on how to get the most out of this practice. Whether you’re just beginning your K-beauty journey or refining your skincare strategy, this guide will help you build an effective regimen to control oil and boost your skin’s overall health.
Understanding Oily Skin
Before diving into the routine, it’s important to understand what oily skin actually means. Shiny skin, larger pores, and frequent breakouts are all signs of oily skin, which is characterized by an overabundance of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. Despite popular belief, poor hygiene is rarely the cause of oily skin. Oiliness may be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormone fluctuations, nutrition, stress, and even improper skincare.
Common Characteristics of Oily Skin:
- Shiny or greasy appearance, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
- Enlarged or clogged pores
- Frequent acne or blackheads
- Makeup that slides off easily
- Thicker skin texture in some cases
Now that we understand oily skin better, let’s explore how the Korean skincare routine addresses these concerns.
Step-by-Step Korean Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
1. Oil-Based Cleanser (First Cleanse)
Purpose: To remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum.
Why it’s good for oily skin: Though it might sound counterintuitive, oil cleansers are excellent for oily skin. Oil attracts oil, so an oil-based cleanser dissolves excess sebum, blackheads, and impurities without stripping the skin.
Recommended ingredients: Green tea, rice bran oil, tea tree oil, and jojoba oil.
Tip: Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic oils. Use it in the evening, massaging it into dry skin and emulsifying it with a bit of water before rinsing.
2. Water-Based Cleanser (Second Cleanse)
Purpose: To eliminate water-based debris such as perspiration, grime, and leftover oil cleaner.
Why it’s beneficial for oily skin: Because oily skin is more prone to blocked pores and acne, frequent exfoliation is necessary to maintain skin clear and smooth.
Recommended ingredients: Salicylic acid, centella asiatica, or green tea extract.
Tip: Look for low-pH formulas (around 5.5) to avoid disrupting your skin’s acid mantle.
3. Exfoliator (2–3 times a week)
Purpose: To remove dead skin cells, prevent clogged pores, and promote cell turnover.
Why it’s beneficial for oily skin: Regular exfoliation is necessary to maintain clear, smooth skin since oily skin is more likely to develop blocked pores and acne.
Recommended exfoliants:
- Chemical: BHA (salicylic acid) penetrates oily pores and clears out sebum.
- Physical: Gentle scrubs made with natural grains like rice or sugar (use sparingly).
Tip: Avoid everyday exfoliating since it might peel your skin and cause additional oil production.
4. Toner
Purpose: To balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for better absorption of following products.
Why it’s good for oily skin: A toner helps control excess oil and soothes the skin. Korean toners are often hydrating rather than astringent, which is ideal for oily skin that still needs moisture.
Recommended ingredients: Witch hazel (in small amounts), green tea, centella asiatica, niacinamide.
Tip: Pat the toner in with your hands or a cotton pad. If your skin tolerates it, you may additionally layer it utilizing the “7-skin method”.
5. Essence
Purpose: To hydrate, promote cell regeneration, and improve overall skin texture.
Why it’s good for oily skin: Lightweight but powerful, essence gives the skin moisture without heaviness. This helps prevent dehydration, a common cause of overactive oil glands.
Recommended ingredients: Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, fermented ingredients, ginseng.
Tip: Apply after toner by gently patting into skin. You can layer it for extra hydration.
6. Serum or Ampoule
Purpose: To target specific skin concerns like acne, enlarged pores, or dullness.
Why it’s good for oily skin: Serums with active ingredients help treat oiliness-related issues like breakouts, inflammation, and discoloration.
Recommended ingredients:
- Niacinamide (oil control and pore minimizing)
- Salicylic acid (acne and congestion)
- Propolis (anti-inflammatory and healing)
- Centella asiatica (calming)
Tip: Use 1–2 drops and spread gently. Avoid using too many actives at once to prevent irritation.
7. Sheet Mask (1–3 times a week)
Purpose: To deliver concentrated hydration and nutrients.
Why it’s good for oily skin: Many believe sheet masks are only for dry skin, but oily skin also benefits from hydration-focused masks that calm and balance oil production.
Recommended ingredients: Tea tree, green tea, bamboo, charcoal, and aloe vera.
Tip: Choose masks labeled as “purifying,” “balancing,” or “calming.” Avoid thick, creamy masks.
8. Eye Cream
Purpose: To protect and hydrate the sensitive region around the eyes.
Why it’s good for oily skin: Though the eye area isn’t typically oily, neglecting this step can lead to premature wrinkles. Use lightweight gels instead of heavy creams.
Recommended ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, ginseng, hyaluronic acid.
Tip: Dab gently with your ring finger to avoid pulling the skin.
9. Moisturizer
Purpose: To preserve moisture and strengthen the skin’s protective layer.
Why it’s good for oily skin: Moisturizing is crucial for oily skin to prevent overproduction of oil due to dehydration. Use non-comedogenic, gel-based moisturizers that hydrate without clogging pores.
Recommended ingredients: Green tea, birch sap, hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica.
Tip: Avoid occlusive-heavy creams. Look for water-based formulas with a matte or semi-matte finish.
10. Sunscreen (Daytime Only)
Purpose: To protect the skin from UV damage, aging, and pigmentation.
Why it’s good for oily skin: Many Korean sunscreens are lightweight, non-greasy, and even mattifying perfect for oily skin types.
Recommended ingredients: For further advantages, use niacinamide, centella asiatica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide (found in physical sunscreens).
Tip: Throughout the day, especially if you’re outside, reapply every two to three hours. Use an independent sunscreen rather than relying on SPF in makeup.
Additional Tips for Managing Oily Skin in a K-Beauty Framework
- Avoid Over-Washing
Cleansing more than twice a day can strip your skin and trigger more oil production.
- Hydrate, Don’t Dehydrate
Dehydrated skin produces more oil. Ensure you use hydrating toners, essences, and moisturizers. - Blot, Don’t Rub
Use blotting papers to gently absorb oil without disrupting makeup or irritating skin. - Watch Your Diet
Spicy foods, dairy, and sugar can exacerbate oil production and acne. Stay hydrated and consume a balanced diet. - Patch Test New Products
Oily and acne-prone skin can be sensitive. Before implementing new products fully, always test them on a small area. - Avoid Alcohol-Based Products
Alcohol may dry out your skin and is a common ingredient in Western toners and acne treatments. Korean products usually avoid harsh alcohols in favor of soothing ingredients.
Product Recommendations (Korean Brands for Oily Skin)
Here are some popular Korean skincare products known to work well for oily skin types:
- Oil Cleanser: Banila Co Clean It Zero (Purifying), Heimish All Clean Balm
- Foam Cleanser: COSRX Good Morning Gel Cleaner with Low pH
- Exfoliator: Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
- Toner: Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
- Essence: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
- Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (not Korean, but effective), Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
- Sheet Mask: Mediheal Tea Tree or N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask
- Moisturizer: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, Etude House SoonJung Hydro Barrier Cream
- Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+, COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Final Thoughts
The Korean skincare routine is about consistency, patience, and understanding your skin’s needs. For oily skin types, it provides an ideal approach by focusing on hydration, barrier protection, and gentle care. Instead of harsh stripping methods that can worsen oil production, the K-beauty routine helps rebalance your skin and manage excess sebum naturally.
By following these ten steps with products suited to your skin type, you can achieve clearer, more balanced, and healthier-looking skin. Keep in mind that skincare is personal what works for one person might not work for another. Always listen to your skin, be mindful of ingredient lists, and adjust the routine as needed.
With time and consistency, you’ll likely see a noticeable improvement in your oily skin and maybe even fall in love with the art of Korean skincare.