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27 Products That Reviewers With Oily Skin Can’t Stop Gushing About
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Leaving our oily skin era behind this summer thanks to these products. I am a contributor and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2017, with a focus on beauty, travel, and practical products, and in addition to writing, am in the process of getting my master’s in speech-language pathology. Promising review: "I struggled with oily skin and hormonal breakouts. I looked into the Korean skincare regimen with double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. This was the very first Korean skincare product I purchased. I didn't realize how much I had been missing out. The theory that oil attracts oil totally works, as this oil cleanser has helped do wonders for my skin. I do two pumps on DRY skin and work that in for about a minute. Wet hands a little bit, which turns the oil into a milky emulsion that easily washes away. Follow up with a water-based cleanser. The end result is shiny, smooth, clean skin that is now ready to soak up your favorite products and a smooth base to wear your makeup over. I use this every night and would recommend it to anyone over and over." — amr2393 Promising review: "The Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is a game-changer! I've been using it for a few weeks, and it's quickly become a favorite in my routine. The mask has a smooth, creamy texture that's easy to apply, and once it dries, my skin feels deeply cleansed and refreshed — without any tightness. It really helps clear out my pores and control excess oil, leaving my skin soft and matte. I've noticed a reduction in blackheads and congestion, and it's perfect for my oily/combination skin. If you're looking for a mask that deeply purifies and clears your skin, this is definitely worth trying!" —Amazon Customer Promising review: "I love this toner! I've gotten more into Korean skincare, and since this brand is easy to get, I thought I would try this toner. My skincare is pretty minimalist, so I'm picky with my products. I really enjoy how liquidy it is and yet, so moisturizing. It also helps with my sensitive skin. I have combination skin, with an oily T-zone. It absorbs quickly, and I love the ingredients because they help with moisture levels, breakouts, and anti-aging. I sometimes even spray it throughout the day. Highly recommend!" —Jari Promising review: "I have oily skin, and this face wash is the only face wash I use. This face wash cuts down on my oil production and leaves my face less greasy throughout the day. I have been using this cleanser for a few years now — I swear by this product. I love that it comes in a bigger size, and it seems to last me a while. The formula seems to stay consistent over the years, and I’ve never had a problem. Great quality and excellent product. My skin is very sensitive, but I’ve never had a reaction or had my face get too dry from this formula. I also love that this is fragrance-free and very neutral on my face. This face wash has great foaming action and is non-comedogenic (aka won’t clog your pores)." —Lexi Get it from Amazon for $12.37+ (available in three sizes). Promising Review: "I have used this product for about three years or so now, and I believe it to be effective. I grew up with bad acne, and adding this to my skin care routine has made me go without acne since almost day one. I have oily-prone skin, and this does not add to the oil but personally makes my skin smooth and look healthier. I love it!" —Katelyn Shealy Check out a TikTok of the snail mucin moisturizer in action. Promising review: "If you're like me and have oily/combo skin that is also sensitive and prone to acne, this is an excellent product worth its price. Very little goes a long way since the slimy texture glides right over the skin. It does not leave any sticky residue; on the contrary, it is absorbed into the skin very quickly. It also keeps the skin moisturized but does not trap oil; in fact, I find my skin to be less oily after a few days of using it!" —Madeline Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business that was founded by Amy Liu and is designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients, and are vegan and cruelty-free. Promising review: "It really works. I found this product on Instagram, read the reviews, and decided to give it a try. My skin looks transformed after 10 days. My maskne is greatly improved, redness is gone, and my skin feels great. I have aging, oily skin that's still acne-prone, and this product not only had not broken me out, but has eliminated the small breakout I was having. I'm in love." —Bonnie Get it from Tower 28, Sephora, or Amazon for $12+ (available in four sizes). Promising review: "I’ve struggled for YEARS with acne-prone, oily skin, trying product after product with little to no success — until I found this gem! 🌟 From the first few uses, I noticed my skin felt smoother and less congested, and within a couple of weeks, my breakouts were visibly fewer, and my pores looked cleaner and smaller. This exfoliant has truly been a miracle for my skin — it unclogs pores, controls oil, and helps keep future acne at bay. My complexion now looks clearer, calmer, and more balanced than it has in such a long time. I also love that it’s lightweight and absorbs beautifully without feeling sticky or harsh. Highly recommend to anyone with oily, acne-prone skin! 💛✨" —Vicious Vegan Get a one-ounce bottle from Amazon for $15+ (available in three sizes and a multipack). Promising review: "I am in love with this sunscreen, it's definitely worth the price if this is the right sunscreen for you. I have extremely oily and sensitive skin that reddens with every sunscreen out there, including the ones made for oily skin by brands like La Roche-Posay. I use this one over serums that can sometimes leave my face a bit shiny and it mattifies without drying. I would recommend reapplying if you are going to be under the sun for a while, but reapplying for me just means I get mattified again, which is something that is extremely hard for me to get. If you've ever used the Porefessional by Benefit, that's the kind of what the texture of this sunscreen feels like. I can't recommend it enough, would buy in bulk if I could." —Petunia Conejos Get it from Amazon for $40 (available in four shades). Promising review: "I thought no possible way this thing could work so I was pleasantly surprised when it did. I have very oily skin, and I'm 60-something. It has been the bane of my existence since my teenage years. Just roll it around your face slowly and the oil is stopped up. I used it over and over for a week before I washed it, but it was still going strong. I only washed it because it was probably bacteria-laden by then. Don't need old cake powder anymore. Just go for a roll. The plastic case could stand to be a little sturdier, though." —karen johnson Promising review: "They work! OMG hallelujah! I have battled oily skin my whole life. Before these sheets, I used to just use Kleenex or toilet paper to de-shine my poor face. I stumbled on these, read the reviews, and thought it was 'worth a shot.' Why, oh, why did I not find these sooner? They work wonders and don't remove makeup in the process! Using one leaves me shine-free for hours. I keep a pack in my purse, my car, and next to my computer before Zoom calls. :) It's a little embarrassing to show what one of these sheets looks like after using it because, eeek! That's a lot of yuck coming off my face. If you're on the fence about them, give it a shot — promise you won't be disappointed. I will never go back to Kleenex again." —Happy Gal. Mostly. Get a three-pack of 100 sheets from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in two styles and a single-pack of 100 or a six-pack of 100). Promising review: "I normally don't buy skincare products that are trending on the internet, but this product is money well spent. I've been using this toner for over a month now, and I can guarantee that my skin has a nice glow, my redness has decreased, and my skin is hydrated. I have oily/acne-prone skin, and this toner does a great job keeping my face clear, matte, but giving a natural glow. I definitely recommend this to people who are starting their skincare journey and leaning toward Korean skincare." —Gabrielle Briar If you want something more lightweight without the dewy finish, check out Tatcha's equally popular The Water Cream, which is loved by reviewers with oily skin. Promising review: "So far, I am IN LOVE. The texture is rich and creamy but not heavy. The scent is very lightly floral (almost lavender) but not strong at all. Absorbs super quickly and doesn’t pill under my rosehip oil topcoat. Leaves my skin plump and literally silky, soft, almost buttery. It feels so luxurious and glides on like liquid satin. No adjustment period for my sensitive skin (my sensitive gals know what I mean….). I have sensitive combination/mostly oily skin with hormonal breakouts, and I have noticed a drastic difference in both balance as well as breakouts. The breakouts are minimized, my dry/rough spots are gone, and the oily areas remain dewy and moisturized but not greasy. This stuff is magic, honestly. It’s my first pricey skincare product, but honestly, it’s SO worth it, even for someone like me." —Madison Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in three sizes). Promising reviews: "This cleanser is not hydrating, but it is perfect if you have really oily skin and has helped clean out my blackheads and minimized my pores. The best facial cleanser ever and leaves your skin so clean." —Darlene "Literally the best cleanser I’ve ever used. You can see the dirt come out of your pores. If you’re like me and experience those annoying black dots on your nose, this pulls it right out. I put on my dry skin and rub it around in circles for a couple of minutes, and then wash it off with water. My skin has never felt this smooth. And so inexpensive!" —Ashley Promising review: "I absolutely love this product! I have very oily skin. Especially in my T-zone. I use this product after I wash my face, apply my toner, and then a lightweight moisturizer. A little goes a long way. When it dries, it leaves your skin feeling very soft. Almost like a powdery feel. I didn't notice any kind of scent or strong smell. It works as a great primer for your foundation. It keeps your makeup in place all day long as opposed to that blotchy look that you get with oily skin. My skin stays oil-free and smooth all day long. Out of all the sebum control products I've tried, this one is my absolute favorite. It's definitely worth the cost because it will last you a long time. I even apply it at night to keep my oil at bay overnight. I would highly recommend Bioderma sebum pore refiner!" —Lindsey Ramey If you have delicate/sensitive skin, it's recommended not to leave this on any longer than 5–10 minutes. Some skin redness is normal and should disappear in about 30 minutes! Promising review: "I have bought this from Amazon and in-store at Walmart, and both have been THE BEST things I have ever used on my skin! I get hormonal acne that will NOT go away. I've used Curology, Proactiv, and Adapalene; this is the only thing that gets rid of my acne and clears a pimple in like TWO DAYS. (I'm talking the big, nasty suckers that never surface and stick around for MONTHS.) It leaves my skin soooo soft, gets rid of oil (I have pretty oily skin), tightens my pores, decreases the purple hyperpigmentation that pimples leave, and clears my complexion. I literally cannot rave about this enough!! Don't even question it — just buy it! Also, a container has 25+ uses in it for me. Leave it on for 30 minutes for oily skin, use it 2–3 times a week, my skin is FLAWLESS! I've NEVER had good skin before this!" —Natalie Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in three sizes). Promising review: "I absolutely love this Eucerin Clear Skin SPF 50 sunscreen! It feels very lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave my skin greasy or shiny. I have oily, acne-prone skin, and this sunscreen does NOT cause breakouts at all. It works great under makeup and keeps my skin protected all day. I also like that it’s fragrance-free and gentle. Definitely a must-have for daily use!" —Reina Canizales Promising review: "This is my favorite daytime moisturizer. Great for people with oily skin and great when layering with other products. It keeps my face moisturized, and because it's very mattifying, I notice that it works very well for people looking for something that works well in the summer." —Page Riley Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available with or without SPF 30). Promising review: "This is the best stuff ever!!! I don’t wear makeup as often as I used to, so one jar lasted me about five months. I wear makeup at least once or twice a week, but it works like magic to remove primer, foundation, concealer, powder, blush and contour, lipstick, and waterproof mascara all sealed in with Urban Decay setting spray. I have very oily, very bad acne-prone skin, as well as being allergic to a lot of skin creams, and I had nothing but great results. I use this then wipe it off with a wet washcloth, then follow up with my face soap and water to break down the oil. And voila!" —Gabby Promising review: "If I could give this 10 stars, I would! I ran out of The Ordinary hyaluronic acid I’ve been using for a year, and no stores close sold it, so I gave this a try. So glad I did because it’s a thousand times better!! I put it on first, then moisturizer, after I put on my primer and makeup, and it looks the best it’s ever looked. My pores were smaller in just three days, and my skin was so hydrated. I have combo skin, so my T-zone gets awfully oily. The fix is to make sure your skin is hydrated. Also, the bottle is twice the size of The Ordinary! This does it all!!! So very impressed." —smnthfinch Before buying this, we just want to let you know that Differin is a strong acne product, and depending on your skin's sensitivity, you might need to work your way up to daily use. Also! Since this is a retinoid and retinoids can make you more sensitive to the sun, you should make sure you're applying a daily sunscreen while using this product. If you're able to use this at night vs. in the morning, that's awesome — this way, your skin has some time to recover at night and hopefully poses less of an irritation risk the next day! Read more about adapalene, acne, and non-prescription acne treatments at Mayo Clinic. Promising review: "First-time purchase for this highly recommended product to help oily, acne-prone skin. I have a history of more severe acne, but as an adult, I have occasional breakouts and oily skin. In less than one month, I’ve noticed a clearer, softer complexion and less oil production during the day. A little goes a long way. I apply a thin layer on my face. Don’t use too much at a time. It will over-dry your skin, as I quickly learned. I include this in my morning facial regime, applying immediately after cleansing and waiting for my face to dry." —faith Read our Differin gel review to learn more! Get it from Amazon for $13.48+ (available in three sizes for a 30-, 60-, or 180-day supply). Read Buzzfeed contributor AnaMaria Glavan's glowing review of the stuff here! Promising review: "To preface: I have oily and flaky skin; practically so dry that it circles back to oily lol. I first used this years ago when I was in high school and fell in love! For one reason or another, I switched to another brand for a while and I never noticed much improvement. I've switched off of this twice, but every time I come back, I'm amazed by the immediate improvements. From now on, I'm sticking with this. It's the only moisturizer I've ever tried that visibly gave me any noticeable and desired results." —Glossier Customer To use, cleanse skin and apply peel for no more than two to five minutes, no more than once or twice a week depending on skin sensitivity. Promising review: "I love this peel. I have struggled with adult acne more on the cystic side, and I do the peel about twice a week. Within a few weeks, my breakouts were almost eliminated, and my face felt amazing afterward. Make sure you don't leave it on too long, though, or it can burn you. I do not have sensitive skin, so I was able to leave it on for a little bit longer. I also have oily skin, and it helps reduce oil overall." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in four strengths). Promising review: "OMG, you guys, this stuff is amazing. For reference, I have very oily skin, large pores with tons of sebaceous filaments all over my T-zone, and use a prescription retinol. I have been using this stuff for about two weeks, and my skin has improved NOTICEABLY! I use it at night as the first part of my skincare routine. Since it is oil soluble, it can actually break down all of the nasty gunk stuck in your pores that are oil/chemical based, like skin oil, sebum, makeup residue, sunscreen residue, etc. This is the ONLY thing I have ever used that has made an actual difference on my sebaceous filaments/ clogged pores. I am so excited and in love with this product!! Also, my skin is so much softer to the touch than it was before starting with this cleanser. It has not made my face more oily... and maybe even less oily. I HIGHLY recommend you try this product ASAP. I also love that I don't have to take off my makeup anymore with remover." —k10 Promising review: "My skin feels so soft and I can already tell a difference when I use it. Recently my skin has been getting more oily, which is no fun for anyone. I started doing research and came across this moisturizer and it’s really a fantastic product! It’s easy to use and pump out, the consistency is great, and it doesn’t leave the skin oily, sticky, or dry. It really is the perfect combo for oily and dry skin! I wear it under my makeup or just alone, and it doesn’t make my face cakey or flakey." —Britt Check out a TikTok of the Retinal Skin Booster in action. Promising review: "Almost two weeks and my skin has been doing great! I replaced my AHA toner from Paula’s Choice with this and found that it has been more gentle and made my skin glow immediately the next morning. I still like my AHA toner, but this really helped with my pores and skin texture. I used tretinoin before, and I found that it was harder to spread. The consistency of this formula made it so easy to spread throughout my face and neck! Not to mention the price is a steal! Loving this product so much! I am acne-prone (hormonal acne around the jaw) with combination skin (very oily and very dry), and this really helped even out everything." —T. BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Negesti Kaudo uses this: "I got a facial a couple of years ago and I could tell something was different about my extractions, so I asked the aesthetician to write down the name of the product. I went home and immediately bought this! I LOVE IT. I love it more than any other skincare tool that I own. This thing gets gunk out like nothing I've ever tried before, and the first time I used it, I was absolutely disgusted. But I kept on using it. I don't have much acne, but I do have oily combination skin and visibly clogged pores, so this has been a lifesaver when I don't have time to visit an aesthetician. You have to use it while your face is still wet, so after washing your face or even using toner, and you just start scraping. Make sure you have a paper towel near (and maybe a camera) because you will be amazed and disgusted all at once, but you will literally never stop using. I use mine every other day to once a week if I'm having skincare issues, but it also does a great job with monthly use (it's just much grosser)! I follow mine up with Clinique's Clarifying Lotion 3 and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel!" Promising review: "Don't doubt it, a staple in skincare. I got this little device from a TikTok and decided to give it a try. I never knew I needed it until the first time I tried it. The vibrations magically bring up all the stubborn blackheads you can’t reach with just your fingers, especially if you have acrylics like me." —Paige Chaney Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three colors and in a waterproof version). * Products If You Want Your Skin To Stop Acting Up And Start Acting Right * According To Reviewers, These 28 Skincare Products "Work Like Magic"...So, Yeah, You'll Want To Try 'Em * Newer Skincare Products That’ll Revamp Your Daily Routine From Start To Finish * Skincare Products That Work So Well, You’ll Become Obsessed With Your Reflection * Skincare Products For All The Acne That’s *Not* On Your Face Plus, oil-free moisturizers, and finds from Amazon, Sephora, and Walmart. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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