Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
When it comes to finding the best Korean skin care for oily skin, the real secret isn’t simply mattifying—it’s restoring balance. One of the biggest misconceptions about oily skin is that it needs harsh, drying products to stay under control. In reality, stripping your skin only pushes it to produce more oil. Korean skin care has long taken the opposite approach, relying on gentle, pH-balanced cleansers, hydrating toners, and calming ingredients like green tea, Centella asiatica (cica), and fermented extracts to nourish the skin barrier. “By replenishing moisture, the skin doesn’t feel the need to overcompensate with excess oil, and it keeps the skin barrier healthy,” says Charlotte Cho, cofounder of Soko Glam based in New York City.
Our Top Korean Skin Care for Oily Skin
- Best Moisturizer: Belif Aqua Bomb, $40
- Best Mask: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask, $12
- Best Toner: I'm From Rice Toner, $26
- Best Cleanser: Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil, $22
- Best Exfoliator: CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, $25
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Which Korean moisturizer is best for oily skin?
- How is Korean skin care for oily skin different from Western skin care?
- Do oily skin types really need the full multi-step Korean routine, or can you keep it simple?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
If you’re constantly battling shine, clogged pores, or makeup that slides off the moment you walk out the door, the goal is to find more support for your skin. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the K-beauty products that keep oily skin smooth, balanced, and breathable all day long.
Best Moisturizer: Belif Aqua Bomb
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Belif
True Cream Aqua Bomb
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why it's worth it: We might be hitting you over the head with this by now, but oily skin is usually thirsty skin. So, while something called a “water bomb” might initially sound like it would be too much moisture, it’s actually exactly what oily and combination skin crave. Belif’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb is a lightweight gel-cream that “delivers deep hydration without heaviness," says Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor based in Fort Lee, New Jersey. “It also absorbs quickly with a fresh, non-greasy finish.” Hyaluronic acid instantly plumps, niacinamide evens tone, and panthenol soothes, while squalane adds another hit of moisture without clogging pores. It even has that cool, refreshing feel—like splashing your face with cold water—making it ideal for oily skin that’s easily stressed or prone to redness.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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”Before my K-beauty collection really exploded—and trust, it has—Belif Aqua Bomb was my go-to, and it’s still a regular in my rotation all these years later. It’s the kind of lightweight yet intensely hydrating formulas my combo skin slurps up. Seriously, it disappears that quickly but leaves my skin feeling so soft and plush. And, whether it’s the dog days of summer or I’m feeling extra sleepy in the a.m. (always!!), the cooling texture is chef’s kiss.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol
- Texture: gel-cream
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Mask: Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask
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Dr. Althea
345 Relief Cream Mask
Amazon
Olive Young
Yesstyle
Why it’s worth it: Some nights your skin wants deep hydration. Other nights, it wants to calm down. For those in the latter camp, Dr. Althea’s 345 Relief Cream Mask is a more targeted, breakout-focused counterpart to the brand’s viral, dewy Jelly Seal mask. The difference is immediate; even the sheet itself feels indulgent, soaked in a rich, creamy formula that clings to skin. Similar to the viral 345 Cream, the name is inspired by its ingredients: three that fight blemishes, four that nourish, and five that soothe—all working in sync to restore your skin's natural balance. At the top of the breakout-calming list is 30% tea tree leaf water to ease inflamed blemishes and post-acne redness, paired with niacinamide to help balance oil and fade lingering marks, plus vitamin B5 to support skin repair without clogging pores. Centella asiatica and madecassoside (classic K-beauty staples) soothe irritation, while ceramides and hyaluronic acid hydrate and nourish the skin.
Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey after applying the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask
Annie Blay-Tettey
Blay-Tettey after applying the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask
Annie Blay-Tettey
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“I use this product about once a month or just when I'm having a self care night. I cleanse my face, use toner, then apply the mask and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. I love how soft and moisturized it makes my skin feel. It's super gentle and though it doesn't really give my skin any major results it's nice to use. After taking it off I pat in the remaining serum and follow up with a moisturizer. They really don't skimp on the serum, so the mask can actually be a little too gooey, but that's my only qualm." —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 30% tea tree leaf water, niacinamide, vitamin B5, Centella asiatica, madecassoside, ceramides
- How to use it: leave on for 10 to 5 minutes
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Toner: I’m From Rice Toner
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I'm From
Rice Toner
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: The rice in I’m From Rice Toner isn’t just your typical kind; it comes from Yeoju, a region in Korea known for its unusually fertile soil, clean water sources, and ideal temperature swings for rice cultivation. All of this leads to grains that are dense, nutrient-rich, and naturally packed with antioxidants, and you can feel that quality in this formula. “It has a milky, slightly cushiony texture that glides over skin and instantly softens. It also brightens and hydrates without heaviness, which is ideal for oil control and skin that can’t handle thick, occlusive layers,” says Cho. The experience is soothing and glow-boosting—offering oily skin a gentle reset.
Han applying the I’m From Rice Toner
Sarah Han
Han after applying the I’m From Rice Toner
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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"Despite an oil-prone T-zone, a hydrating toner or essence is a non-negotiable step of my daytime (and nighttime) routines. I only rinse my face with water in the a.m., so I really count on I'm From Rice Toner to instantly plump my skin, giving it a brighter, refreshed look that doesn’t give away how little I may have slept the night before. It also preps my skin nicely for the serum and moisturizing sunscreen that follow. It’s also more lightweight than other milky toners I’ve tried, so I’ll often layer up twice or thrice for an extra boost, especially at night (after a thorough double-cleanse) and during the colder months. Now that we're in the office four days a week, I can't be bothered to wear makeup every day—but at least my skin looks nice and glowy." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rice bran extract, vitamin E, niacinamide, ferulic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Cleanser: Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil
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Medicube
Zero Pore Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: For someone with oily skin, a cleanser that’s actually made for your skin type is non-negotiable. Medicube’s Zero Pore Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil does that first step of your routine right, melting away sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum without leaving skin feeling slick. A blend of lightweight oils—like soybean, grape seed, jojoba, and sunflower—breaks down pore-clogging buildup while still rinsing clean. What makes it especially great for oily skin is the addition of capryloyl salicylic acid (LHA), which helps loosen blackheads and congestion, plus niacinamide and willow bark extract to keep excess oil in check. A calming mix of cica derivatives, allantoin, and guaiazulene helps soothe skin, so it feels clean and balanced—not stripped—before the rest of your routine. And while you can’t actually get rid of pores, this one definitely does its damnedest to keep them looking clear.
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Deep Cleansing Oil
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“This cleanser goes to work on the oiliest parts of my face. My nose area is super prone to clogged, enlarged pores, and the only thing that consistently helps is regular retinol use and taking my time with an oil cleanser. Watching the excess sebum disappear is so satisfying, and the texture of Medicube's formula is just perfect. Some oils are so thin they're unmanageable, while others are so thick and gloopy they take ages to wash off—this texture is just right.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: capryloyl salicylic acid (LHA), niacinamide, willow bark extract, soybean, grape seed, jojoba, and sunflower oils, cica, allantoin, guaiazulene
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Exfoliator: CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
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Cosrx
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: If you’ve already flirted with acids and your skin can handle a little more action, CosRx’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is where things get serious. The ingredient list is short and sweet, with the star being “4% betaine salicylate, an oil-soluble BHA that works inside pores to break down buildup and help keep congestion under control,” says Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Willow bark water adds a clarifying boost, while niacinamide helps balance excess oil and smooth the look of pores over time. Panthenol and sodium hyaluronate help keep skin comfortable so it doesn’t feel overly dry while it sloughs off dead skin cells.
Han before applying the CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Sarah Han
Han after applying the CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid for 3 weeks
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“One skin-care concern, no matter the season, has been my persistent blackheads. I have a years-long habit of stress-rubbing my nose that certainly doesn’t help, which is why I tap BHAs for an assist. In the case of CosRx’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment, this means two BHAs—68% white willow bark water and 4% betain salysilate—that blast through clogged pores and improve texture, making blackheads less of a visible pain point…hallelujah. (Reminder: You can’t totally erase your blackheads. Don’t believe any products that claim to do so!) It’s a pretty unsexy product, I admit, but sometimes that’s the winning recipe. After I cleanse my skin, I take a beat to really work this exfoliating liquid into my T-zone and on/around my nose. A simple rub-and-pat won’t suffice! I’ll either apply CosRx in the morning after splashing my face with water, or at night when I’m not using a retinol serum.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 68% willow bark extract, 2% niacinamide, 4% betain salicylate, sodium hyaluronate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol: Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming Serum
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Innisfree
Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming Serum
Amazon
Sephora
Han applying the Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming Serum
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: Don’t let the petite bottle fool you: A little of Innisfree’s Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming & Smoothing Serum goes a long way. The lightweight, concentrated formula absorbs quickly without leaving behind residue or shine, so it won’t feel heavy. Inside, you’ll find green tea-derived PDRN (instead of traditional salmon PDRN), green tea peptides, low-molecular hyaluronic acid, and a 1% triple retinol complex that helps smooth fine lines, refine texture, and keep pores appearing smaller. “It’s a more affordable retinol option, but it’s still very thoughtfully formulated,” says Dr. Kim. “The addition of calming ingredients like PDRN helps support barrier recovery, which is key when you’re using retinol” (especially for oilier skin types that still need hydration without heaviness).
Han before applying the Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming Serum
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming Serum
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“To be totally transparent, I'm still a little on the fence about PDRN’s benefits, but when you pair it with a gold-standard, well-researched ingredient like retinol, I'm more convinced that the product is actually improving my skin in the long run. Plus, PDRN is at the very least a hydrating and soothing ingredient, so I like the balance it brings with the retinol. I'm no stranger to Innisfree serums, and the silky, fast-absorbing textures don't disappoint. I've started to really zone in on my forehead to keep the most prominent (as of now) evidence of lines at bay as best as I can—and the results are promising. No irritation, just good 'ol plumping hydration. Also, this could be due to a variety of factors, but I swear a tiny red pimple flattened and became, well, less red overnight.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: green tea PDRN, 1% triple retinol complex, green tea peptides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Sunscreen: Dr. G Green Mild Up Defense Mineral Sunscreen
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Dr. G
Green Mild Up Defense Mineral Sunscreen
Yesstyle
Olive Young
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying Dr. G Green Mild Up Defense Mineral Sunscreen
Why it’s worth it: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, sunscreen can feel like high stakes: Will it clog pores? Make me shiny? Start a breakout? “For acne-prone skin, I often recommend mineral sunscreens,” says Dr. Kim. “Dr. G’s Green Mild Up Defense Mineral Sunscreen controls shine without over-drying—since overly dry skin will just produce more oil.” That balance comes from zinc oxide, which is naturally oil-absorbing, soothing, and less likely to irritate or clog pores than many chemical filters. To keep skin comfortable and not slick, the formula layers hyaluronic acid and glycerin for lightweight hydration. It also features Houttuynia cordata (a.k.a. heartleaf), a K-beauty favorite known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits for breakout-prone skin. Along with Centella asiatica, panthenol, and ceramides, it helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier, so oily skin stays balanced.
Kinonen before applying Dr. G Green Mild Up Defense Mineral Sunscreen
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying Dr. G Green Mild Up Defense Mineral Sunscreen
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“I wear this sunscreen every day—in the morning after my moisturizer, as the last step in my skin-care routine. While I know I should be applying (and reapplying) every few hours, I sadly (and disappointedly) only do it once, in the a.m. While I think this sunscreen blends into my fair skin, I don't believe that is true of all skin tones. It even takes me a couple of seconds to blend out the cast. But once it's rubbed in, it looks and feels great—and makes for a pill-free base before makeup. It's a little thicker than your average K-beauty sunscreen, but that's probably because it's mineral… and I had no idea! I've been using this SPF for at least a month and assumed it was a chemical sunscreen. Now I'm pleasantly surprised!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, Centella asiatica, heartleaf, panthenol, ceramides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Serum: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
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Anua
Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: If your skin is oily or breakout-prone, your serums need to perform a unique balancing act: You want something that helps with acne and redness, but doesn’t feel heavy, sticky, or irritating. Anua’s Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum gets it. The lightweight formula layers easily, won’t add extra shine, and won’t clog pores—making it the kind of serum you can use consistently without your skin acting up. “This is a rare azelaic-based formula that tackles uneven skin tone while actively soothing and hydrating skin,” says Dr. Chang. Azelaic acid does the behind-the-scenes work by calming inflammation, keeping pores clearer, and smoothing uneven tone over time. K-beauty calming favorites like Centella asiatica, squalane, ceramides, and green tea leaf water help take the edge off redness and sensitivity, so skin stays comfortable as it clears.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: azelaic acid, ceramides, squalane, Centella asiatica
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Acne Treatment: Mediheal Phyto-Enzyme Peeling Pad
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Mediheal
Phyto-Enzyme Peeling Pad
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: We love Mediheal’s Phyto-Enzyme Peeling Pads for their flexibility. You can wear them as a quick mini face mask—on your forehead, cheeks, or chin while you get ready—or use them like a toner pad, wiping across skin to lightly exfoliate and prep for the rest of your routine. “In Korea, this step is known as dak-to,” notes Dr. Kim—a post-cleanse toner wipe that refines texture and helps treatments absorb better. Each dual-sided pad lets you customize the experience: The embossed side helps smooth oil-prone areas with buildup, while the smooth side is gentle enough for more sensitive spots.
“Instead of relying on strong acids, the formula uses papain, a fruit-derived enzyme, to gently dissolve residual debris and excess sebum,” says Dr. Kim. That said, it still includes betaine salicylate, a milder BHA-derived exfoliant that helps keep pores clear without tipping skin into irritation. Mugwort (Artemisia) oil helps calm stressed skin, while glycerin keeps things comfortable so skin never feels stripped.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: papain, glycerin, mugwort oil, betaine salicylate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Korean moisturizer is best for oily skin?
When it comes to the best Korean moisturizer for oily skin, gel-cream formulas are the clear winners. “They’re typically packed with humectants like hyaluronic acid and soothing ingredients like Centella asiatica or green tea,” says Cho. These lightweight textures provide deep hydration without the heaviness of traditional creams, keeping skin plump, balanced, and less likely to overproduce oil. The right gel-cream not only minimizes midday shine but also helps strengthen the moisture barrier—one of the keys to keeping oily skin calm, clear, and consistently hydrated.
How is Korean skin care for oily skin different from Western skin care?
Korean skin-care products for oily skin differ from Western approaches in one major way: “K-beauty focuses on calming and hydrating the skin rather than stripping it,” says Cho. While Western routines sometimes lean on harsh, drying cleansers or strong acne treatments to cut oil, K-beauty takes a gentler approach—using lightweight, water-based layers to keep the barrier healthy and balanced. This prevents the rebound oiliness caused by dehydration. K-beauty also favors non-irritating solutions like gentle exfoliants and pimple patches, which “keep acne away from bacteria and protect the wound from moisture,” helping breakouts heal cleanly without causing more irritation, says Cho.
Do oily skin types really need the full multi-step Korean routine, or can you keep it simple?
You definitely don’t need a 10-step Korean skin-care routine to show oily skin some TLC. “The Korean beauty philosophy is about customizing to your needs, not hitting a magic number of steps,” says Cho. For oily skin, a well-rounded routine can be as simple as “a gentle oil-based cleanser to remove excess sebum and sunscreen, followed by a hydrating toner and a lightweight moisturizer or sunscreen,” she says. Those few steps can deliver the same balanced, healthy-skin results you’d get from a longer routine without overwhelming oily skin.
Meet the experts
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Charlotte Cho, an esthetician and the co-founder of Soko Glam based in New York City
- Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor and Medical Director of PureenMD based in Fort Lee, New Jersey
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Korean skin care for oily skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
