Oily skin isn’t the enemy
If you’ve ever skipped moisturiser because you were scared of looking shiny, you’re not alone. For years, oily-skin routines revolved around stripping, drying, and mattifying. The problem? That approach misunderstands how oily skin actually works.
Oily skin often produces more oil because it’s dehydrated underneath. When the skin barrier is weakened, it loses water, and your sebaceous glands respond by producing even more oil.
The result: the more you dry your skin, the shinier it gets.
The new mindset isn’t about eliminating oil — it’s about balancing it.
Why oily skin still needs moisturiser
Your skin barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out. When hydration is lacking, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increases, and the barrier becomes compromised. This leads to:
- Excess oil production
- Sensitivity
- Redness
- Breakouts
Lightweight, water-rich, non-comedogenic moisturisers help restore the oil-water ratio, signalling to your skin that it’s safe — so it naturally produces less oil.
The goal is not a squeaky-clean matte finish at all times, but a calm, supported barrier that looks fresh rather than greasy.
Quick glossary
- TEWL: Transepidermal water loss
- Non-comedogenic: Won’t clog pores
- Gel-cream: Lightweight hybrid formula
- Humectants: Draw water into the skin
Best ingredients for oily skin
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Advanced Hydrators |
Soothing Saviours |
Sebum & Pore Perfectors |
Barrier Builders |
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Restore water without heaviness.
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Keep irritation and redness at bay.
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Control shine + refine texture.
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Strengthen and maintain moisture balance.
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Our top 10 Korean moisturisers for oily skin
Each balances hydration with weightlessness. Choose by finish and skin needs.
1) Dr G R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Cream
Why it’s great: 5-Cica Complex + niacinamide + panthenol soothe and balance.
Texture/finish: Pudding-gel; natural finish.
Best for: Oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin.
Pro tip: Use a thicker layer overnight to calm irritation.
2) Torriden DIVE-IN Low-Molecular HA Soothing Cream
Why it’s great: Multi-weight HA delivers deep water hydration.
Texture/finish: Cool water-gel; natural/glowy.
Best for: Oily-dehydrated skin; humid climates; under SPF.
3) Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel
Why it’s great: 44% red bean extract helps absorb excess sebum.
Texture/finish: Bouncy jelly → soft-matte.
Best for: Very oily skin; morning use.
4) iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
Why it’s great: Minimal, oil-free formula with Centella + Tea Tree.
Texture/finish: Ultra-light gel; absorbs instantly.
Best for: Sensitive, blemish-prone, fungal-safe routines.
5) SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream
Why it’s great: Centella + ceramide complex supports the barrier.
Texture/finish: Lightweight gel; dewy but non-sticky.
Best for: Oily/combination with a compromised barrier.
6) COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturising Lotion (Birch Sap)
Why it’s great: 70% birch sap for balanced hydration.
Texture/finish: Milky lotion; satin.
Best for: Daily AM/PM use; under makeup.
7) belief The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Why it’s great: “Water burst” effect with HA + squalane + niacinamide.
Texture/finish: Cooling gel-cream; dewy.
Best for: Dull, dehydrated oily skin.
8) LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream
Why it’s great: Micro-HA + ceramides + squalane.
Texture/finish: Lightweight cream; healthy glow.
Best for: Oily/combination seeking bounce + smoother texture.
Why it’s great: Minimalist astragalus formula seals hydration.
Texture/finish: Viscous “honey” gel; breathable seal.
Best for: Nighttime barrier support; reactive skin.
10) SOME BY MI AHA·BHA·PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream
Why it’s great: Hydrates, soothes, and gently exfoliates.
Texture/finish: Lightweight; natural finish.
Best for: Clogged pores, blackheads, and bumpy texture.
Use SPF; avoid stacking strong acids.
How to use moisturiser for less shine
AM
Cleanser → Toner/Essence → (Serum) → Moisturiser → Sunscreen
PM
Oil Cleanser → Water Cleanser → (Exfoliant/Mask, 2–3× weekly) → Toner/Essence → (Serum) → Moisturiser
Suggested routines
Ultra-oily mornings
→ Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel under SPF
Night repair
→ Dr G or Torriden for deep hydration and calming
Barrier SOS
→ SKIN1004 on nights without activities
Texture days
→ SOME BY MI + gentle routine
The bottom line
Oily skin still needs moisture — just the right kind.
When the skin is balanced and hydrated, sebum production normalises, the barrier stays resilient, and you get a fresher, smoother finish.
Lightweight, water-rich moisturisers are the key to controlling shine without stripping the skin.
Balance > dryness.
Healthy skin is supported, not starved.
