Oily skin needs balance, not aggressive stripping. A good routine removes excess oil and sunscreen, helps keep pores clear, and still supports the skin barrier. Over-cleansing can leave the skin uncomfortable without fixing the underlying tendency to produce sebum.
Morning routine for oily skin
1. Gentle cleansing
Start with a cleanser suited to oily or combination skin. See our Cleanser collection.
2. Optional toner
A lightweight toner can add hydration or support oil-control goals. Browse Toners.
3. Lightweight treatment or moisturizer
Choose textures that feel comfortable rather than skipping hydration completely. Browse Hydrators.
4. Sunscreen
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning. Modern lightweight formulas can work well on oily skin; see Sunscreens.
Evening routine
1. Remove makeup and sunscreen thoroughly
Cleanse without repeatedly washing until the skin feels “squeaky.”
2. Add one pore-focused active
Depending on the skin, salicylic acid, an AHA or a retinoid may help with congestion and uneven texture. Avoid starting several strong actives at the same time. Browse Exfoliators, AHAs and Retinols.
3. Moisturize as needed
A light moisturizer can support comfort and barrier function, particularly when active products are used.
For blemish-prone oily skin
If blackheads and breakouts are a major concern, explore the Blemish collection. Persistent or inflammatory acne may need professional evaluation rather than an increasingly complicated cosmetic routine.
Common mistakes
- Using harsh scrubs every day.
- Stacking acids, retinoids and strong masks in one routine.
- Skipping moisturizer because the skin is oily.
- Skipping sunscreen because it feels heavy—choose a lighter formula instead.