If you are new to skincare, you might have heard the common misconception that oily skin is, well, OILY, and because of that it does not require a moisturizer.
Let me burst that bubble right away.
Oily skin, just like all other skin types, requires hydration that strengthens the skin barrier. Otherwise, you may end up with dehydrated skin prone to damage.
It might be difficult to find the best moisturizer for oily skin because lots of products do not really help regulate oil production or may even make your skin more oily, without hydrating it.
The right moisturizer for oily skin will hydrate and nourish your skin without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy.
Opt for water-based, instead of oil-based cream.
Look for ingredients like niacinamide, willow bark, birch sap, and green tea, while staying away from mineral oil, coconut oil, and petroleum-based ingredients which might result in clogged pores.
Keeping this in mind, I have done all the research for you and compiled a list of the safest and best Korean moisturizers for oily skin.
Best Korean Moisturizers For Oily Skin – Ranking
Here are some of the best Korean moisturizers for oily skin that are non-greasy, have non-toxic and non-irritating ingredients, and work well for long-lasting hydration and regulating oil production.
1. COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion With Birch Sap
My verdict: Overall best Korean moisturizer for oily skin type
Among the best Korean moisturizers for oily skin, this one really stands out, being a non-greasy, oil-regulating, and ultra-hydrating moisturizer.
Its star ingredient is 70.8% birch sap, which is hydrating, purifying and nourishing. It soothes redness, inflammation, and irritated skin, making it great for oily sensitive skin.
Since it is moisturizing, it plumps up the skin and is a great product for people with acne-prone and oily skin types, especially if they use acne treatments that can dry out the skin.
Next, it contains hyaluronic acid which helps the skin retain moisture and boosts the skin’s moisture barrier.
It also contains 4-Terpineol, the major component of tea tree oil, and helps fight acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes).
The best part? This lotion has a lightweight texture and it’s free from artificial fragrance.
Why You Will Love It
- Lightweight hydration
Most women with oily skin types love that it hydrates their skin without leaving a greasy residue.
- No clogged pores
Girls who use this Korean moisturizer love how it leaves their skin hydrated without clogging their pores.
- No more oily sheen
Among benefits, users love how this lotion helps reduce excess oil production. A small amount of this lightweight moisturizer keeps their face soft and supple the whole day without any hint of oiliness.
- The holy grail for oily acne-prone skin
Most women rave about this lotion being their favorite Korean moisturizer for oily acne-prone skin. It not only reduces acne breakouts but also helps fade acne scars.
- Suitable for oily sensitive skin
Though it is suitable for all skin types, users with oily and sensitive skin love how it calms their irritated skin and keeps it hydrated.
Keep In Mind
Some users think the new formula is thicker than the previous one, which was perfect for their skin and they miss it.
PRO TIP: If your skin is not one, but two types (like sensitive and oily or acne & oily type etc.) I recommend you to check out my other article about the best Korean moisturizers for different skin types. You’ll find out how to choose a facial cream suitable for your skin and learn why it’s so important.
2. AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Cream
My verdict: Awesome lightweight moisturizer for hyperpigmentation
This is one of the best Korean moisturizers for oily skin when it comes to treating pigmentation.
It’s the new addition to AXIS-Y family and a sibling of the super famous and viral Dark Spot Serum.
It contains 5% niacinamide and alpha arbutin, Cica and a few types of peptides. This cream deeply hydrates the skin, brightens dark spots and blemishes, while balancing the production of oil.
It is great for all skin types, but exceptionally good for oily skin.
Why You Will Love It
- Controls sebum production
Girls with oily skin love the way this Korean moisturizer helps with skin oiliness! All thanks to niacinamide.
- No stickiness
It’s super lightweight, and the gel consistency sinks into skin super fast. It doesn’t leave any sticky or oily finish.
- Tackles dark spots and skin discoloration
This lightweight gel cream improves skin tone, heals acne scars (we all know those pesky red post-acne marks, right?) and dark spots. It’s brightening power comes from niacinamide and alpha arbutin.
Keep In Mind
It contains come fermented ingredients – which are not recommended if you’re struggling with fungal acne.
3. Isntree Onion Newpair Gel Cream
My verdict: Lightweight & soothing cream for sensitive oily
This is might be the best Korean moisturizer for oily & sensitive skin type – if you’re looking for something that helps to soothe and moisturize the skin while improving the skin tone.
It contains onion bulb extract, glycerin, niacinamide, few types of hyaluronic acid, tranexamic acid and panthenol among all nourishing ingredients that help even skin tone, hydrate it, tackle blemishes, soothe irritations while being lightweight enough for oily skin type.
The gel-like texture absorbs fast without clogging the pores or leaving a residual film.
Why You Will Love It
- No oily look
Most girls love that this moisturizer helped reduce their “oily sheen”. It feels light on the skin, while providing great hydration and protective barrier.
- Works well under makeup
Among benefits, women mention that it layers nicely under makeup and makes it last longer. It doesn’t pill up and doesn’t feel heavy.
- Brighter complexion
It not only plumps the skin and gives it nice glow, but also helps with pigmentation. And it works on pores too – some girls with large pores claim it helped to make their pores less visible.
Keep In Mind
A user complained that the fragrance-free moisturizer reminded her of a “medical smell” like that of bandaids or latex.
PRO TIP: I also recommend you this Iunik Rose Galactomyces Tone-up Cream – it’s basically like a moisturizer and primer in one.
Both rose water and galactomyces have sebum controlling abilities which makes this moisturizer a great choice for oily skin.
4. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream
My verdict: Hidden gem for oily skin with large pores
Skin1004 Centella collection is well-know especially for its soothing effects.
What distinguishes this cream is its gel-like consistency which makes it a fantastic choice for everyone who is struggling with skin oiliness.
Except for nearly 51% of Centella Asiatica extract, it contain niacinamide and Aloe Babadensis leaf extract.
It helps to soothe irritation, and tacle pigmentation spots.
This lightweight cream goes on like a dream and absorbs quickly, leaving your skin toned and moisturized.
Why You Will Love It
- Prevents the skin from getting too oily
Most women love how it tones their skin and helps to control sebum production.
- Healthy glow & less visible pores
This moisturizing cream is loved by users as it helps improve skin health and tone and adds a lovely glow to their skin.
Lots of girls confirm its ability to minimize the visibility of pores.
- Feels so light
Not only it is a great soothing and hydrating cream but oily skin girlies also love its lightweight texture (it’s almost jelly-like). No greasy feeling at the end!
Another benefit is that it doesn’t roll under makeup.
Keep In Mind
One girl said it left a white cast when she used a lot of product on her face. Well, a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount.
5. [heimish] Matcha Biome Oil-Free Calming Gel Moisturizer
My verdict: Best calming gel moisturizer
A cup of fresh green tea makes one feel fresh and hydrated, right? Now imagine that for your skin.
It contains Matcha green tea extract, which is packed with vitamins, amino acids, minerals, probiotics, and antioxidants. It helps soothe irritated and inflamed skin while providing intense hydration which boosts the skin barrier.
Another moisturizing ingredient in this lightweight gel cream, Panthenol (vitamin B5) helps to prevent transepidermal moisture loss.
The Centella Asiatica extract nourishes, soothes, and hydrates the skin, making this one of the best Korean moisturizers for oily skin types.
This calming gel cream also contains niacinamide and glycerin which improve skin tone and texture, and control oil production as well as moisture balance.
This light-green calming gel cream has a gel consistency and is incredibly lightweight, making it perfect for oily skin, combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin types.
Why You Will Love It
- Calms irritation
Among the benefits, users claim that this K-beauty lightweight gel works magically at soothing their irritated or inflamed skin, especially those with sensitive skin and acne-prone skin.
- Quenches dehydrated skin
What users love about this oil-free gel cream is how it prevents moisture loss and keeps the skin plump and hydrated. And since oily skin can easily be dehydrated, this gel cream offers just the perfect TLC.
- Glowing skin
Most women love how the green tea extract in this gel moisturizer helps to even skin tone and adds a healthy glow to the skin.
- Feather-light!
Women who use this soothing gel love how it makes for the best Korean moisturizer to use as the final step of their Korean skincare routine, as it is lightweight and does not sit heavy on their face.
Keep In Mind
Some users complained that this moisturizer felt a little tacky for their skin.
6. [Dr.Ceuracle] Vegan Kombucha Gel Cream
My verdict: Great Korean moisturizer for acne, oily and combination skin
This soothing gel cream is packed with the goodness of Kombucha tea, green tea extract, niacinamide, sunflower seed oil, and hyaluronic acid which makes sure your oily skin is hydrated, nourished, balanced and toned.
The hydrating green tea extract soothes and nourishes the skin while boosting the skin barrier.
Kombucha is full of antioxidants and probiotics that improve skin health and balance the production of oil.
Five-flavor berry extract detoxifies pores and improves skin texture, which makes this the best Korean moisturizer for oily skin if your skin has dull and rough patches.
This gel cream has a lightweight jelly-like structure that absorbs easily in your skin and hydrates it from within.
Why You Will Love It
- Lightweight and super hydrating
Among benefits, users love how this soothing gel is intensely hydrating, but leaves no greasy residue, making it great for oily and combination skin types.
- Smooth skin
Most women have claimed that this gel cream vividly improved their dry and dull patches, which means if you have oily and dry skin, this might be the best Korean moisturizer for you.
- Soothing gel
Women with sensitive and oily skin find that this soothing gel cream really calms their skin and does not irritate it, while deeply hydrating the skin.
Keep In Mind
A few users think that this gel cream might need additional layering in the winter season.
Final Decision: What Is The Best Korean Moisturizer For Oily Skin?
In my opinion, the best Korean moisturizer for oily skin has to be the COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap.
Just like its name, it is lightweight, oil-free, non-greasy, and offers intense hydration and oil regulation. It soothes sensitive and oily skin and fortifies the skin barrier while making sure it does not clog the pores.
Users love how deeply it hydrates their oily skin and does not feel tacky or heavy at all.
Korean Moisturizers For Oily Skin – FAQ
Here are some questions that you might have regarding Korean moisturizers for oily skin.
How To Choose K-Beauty Moisturizer For Oily Skin?
- Texture
Whenever choosing a K-beauty moisturizer for oily skin, remember to choose one with a lightweight texture that provides hydration but does not feel greasy.
Choosing heavy creams or similar skincare products might result in clogged pores, acne breakouts, and excess sebum.
- Ingredients
Secondly, look for formulas with non-comedogenic and hydrating ingredients such as green tea, salicylic acid, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, etc.
Some facial oils such as rosehip oil and tea tree oil are perfect for oily and acne-prone skin as they hydrate and cleanse without clogging the pores or causing acne.
Humectants such as hyaluronic acids, aloe vera, honey, panthenol and glycerin are all great for oily skin.
- Formulation
Next, opt for water-based lightweight creams or moisturizers for oily skin. Steer away from oil-based ingredients in skincare products as they just sit heavy on the skin and are better suited to dry, dehydrated, and flaky skin types.
Another thing worth mentioning is to avoid products with artificial fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, or other irritating ingredients that could worsen and dry out your skin.
Ingredients To Look For In Korean Moisturizer For Oily Skin?
Here are some of the facial cream ingredients that you should look for if you have oily skin1:
- Niacinamide – improves skin texture and oil balance
- Salicylic acid – reduces excess oil and acne breakouts
- Glycolic acid – prevents pore-clogging and excessive sebum production
- Hyaluronic acid – hydrates without leaving a greasy residue
- Jojoba oil – great for acne and oil control
- Rosehip oil – lightweight oil with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties
- Zinc PCA – reduces irritation, redness, and overproduction of oil
- Retinoids – Anti-aging, anti-acne and reduce excess production of oil
Which Ingredients Should I Avoid For Oily Skin Type?
There are some specific ingredients that are a big no-no for oily skin type2:
- Coconut oil
- Mineral oil
- Castor oil
- Paraffin
- Silicons
- Sulfates
- Beeswax
- Petroleum
- Alcohol
- Lanolin
Do I Need Moisturizer If I Have Oily Skin?
Yes! When you do not moisturize, your skin compensates by producing extra sebum/oil which gives you that oily look.
Can I Skip Moisturizer & Use Only Sunscreen For Oily Skin?
If your sunscreen has moisturizing ingredients, then yes, you can skip moisturizer and use only sunscreen. However, it is better to use a lightweight moisturizer to keep your skin moisturized and healthy, and then layer the sunscreen.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority. This article contains affiliate links.
All pictures in this article with YouAreBeautie logo belong to YouAreBeautie.com and were taken by the owner of this website. All these images are copyright-protected.
Sources of other pictures: Skin1004 and Dr. Ceuracle brands.
Resources:
- https://theblushingbliss.com/
- https://weheartthis.com/
- https://bemariekorea.com/
