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Organic Skin Care For Oily Skin

​Oily skin is usually something you are born with, and for those of us with oily skin, it can be challenging to believe we can do anything to help create a more balanced flow of oil from our pores.

Oils created by our skin are beneficial, they help relieve dryness, maintain a healthy skin surface, and keep skin pliable. The problem comes when our skin produces too much oil, causing our pores to become enlarged and the pore linings to thicken. Oils and dirt then get trapped, leading to blackheads and whiteheads.

For oily skin, the desired result is always less congestion in the pores, and therefore, fewer breakouts. We want to minimize shine and over-production of oil, but we do not want to strip the skin of oil entirely, or the skin will overcompensate by producing even more oil.

​This page is going to provide you with a specialized facial routine meant for ​oily skin. It will also link to relevant articles and product reviews.

​Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below and we may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, but these are all products we highly recommend. We won't put anything on this page that we haven't verified and/or personally used.

Oily skin is usually something you are born with, and for those of us with oily skin, it can be challenging to believe we can do anything to help create a more balanced flow of oil from our pores.

Oils created by our skin are beneficial, they help relieve dryness, maintain a healthy skin surface, and keep skin pliable. The problem comes when our skin produces too much oil, causing our pores to become enlarged and the pore linings to thicken. Oils and dirt then get trapped, leading to blackheads and whiteheads.

For oily skin, the desired result is always less congestion in the pores, and therefore, fewer breakouts. We want to minimize shine and over-production of oil, but we do not want to strip the skin of oil entirely, or the skin will overcompensate by producing even more oil.

​Ingredients to Avoid 

  • ​Alcohol - SD Alcohol 40, Denatured Alcohol, Ethanol and Isopropyl Alcohol.​ ​These are too drying to the skin (although, they can be effective in spot treatments). ​​​
  • ​Harsh, drying ingredients will actually cause the skin to produce more oil. 
  • Mineral Oil and Petroleum - This ingredient can clog pores.
  • ​Comedogenic Oils and Ingredients - See a list here.  
  • ​Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulphate - These cleansing ingredients strip the skin too much, leading to an overproduction of oil.

​Ingredients That are good for ​Oily Skin

​Because oily skin can lead to clogged pores, trapped bacteria, and breakouts. Ingredients that kill bacteria, promote cell turnover and reduce shine are going to help keep your skin looking its best.

  • ​Salicylic Acid - A type of Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that comes from the bark of the willow tree. It helps treat oily skin by opening up clogged pores, neutralizing bacteria, and breaking down blackheads and whiteheads by stipping off the outer layer of skin.  
  • ​Sulfur - A natural ingredient that effectively absorbs oil and sebum trapped in your pores. It also has a mild antibacterial  action. 
  • Glycolic Acid - A  type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane that helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, improve skin texture, and increase cellular turnover. [Read: Glycolic Acid Skin Benefits]
  • Niacinamide (Vitmain B3)  - Absorbs excess foil and keeps the skin from looking greasy. It also strengthens the outer layer of the skin and helps prevent breakouts. [Read: Niacinamide Benefits for the Skin]
  • ​Bentonite and Kaolin Clay - Clay draws out impurities, bacteria, and excess oil from within the pores. [​Read: The Ultimate Guide to Cosmetic Clays]
  • ​Hyaluronic Acid - Oily skin benefits from moisture, but it can't tolerate anything too heavy. Hyaluronic acid is ​a perfect moisturizing ingredient for oily skin because it is lightweight and doesn't clog pores. 
  • ​Vitamin C - A potent antioxidant that helps oily skin ward off aging. This vitamin helps even out pigmentation and minimizes oil ​and ​breakouts.  [Read: Vitamin C Serum Face Benefits]
Because oily skin can lead to clogged pores, trapped bacteria, and breakouts, ingredients that kill bacteria, promote cell turnover and reduce shine are going to help keep your skin looking its best.

​Caring for ​Oily Skin ​

​Cleansing

Cleansing is essential for keeping your skin clean and your pores clear, but should not be done more than twice a day, as over-washing will lead to more oil production. The best cleansers for oily skin are sulfate-free gel or foam based cleansers. ​

​If you wear makeup or sunscreen, you will want to use a double-cleansing method in the evening. ​The double cleansing method involves using ​​a cleansing oil, balm, or micellar water to ​break down makeup, oil, and sunscreen on the skin, followed by a deeper, water-based cleansing (with your regular gel or foam based cleanser).

Oils have the ability to dissolve ​makeup and grime​ very effectively, without stripping the skin and damaging its protective barrier. An oil cleanser containing an emulsifier will be the easiest to remove and ​shouldn't require the use of a cloth.

Recommended Products

Budget Buy

  • Amaki Grapefruit Deep Cleansing Oil
  • Thesis Beauty Face Wash for Oily Skin
  • Christina Moss Naturals Facial Cleanser

Luxury Buy

  • Moss Revele Oil Cleanser
  • Dr Alkaitis Purifying Facial Cleanser
  • Eminence Stone Crop Gel Wash

Articles

  • Learn How to Properly Wash Your Face
  • How to Choose the Best Organic Facial Cleanser for Your Skin Type
  • The Best Organic Face Cleansers For Every Skin Type

​Toners 

A toner will help pick up left over dirt, oil, and cleanser. Simply splash toner onto a pad or cotton ball and swipe over your face. Pay special attention to areas that may get forgotten such as the crevices around your nose. Look for an alcohol free toner, as alcohol can be too drying.

Toners are a perfect way to deliver skin nourishing ingredients to a freshly washed face. Toners absorb into the skin, taking skin-repairing compounds with them. A toner containing vitamin C or vitamin B is excellent for anti-aging effects. Oily skin does well with a toner containing salicylic acid to help keep pores clear.

Look for toners containing ingredients like witch hazel (a natural astringent that is not drying like alcohol), geranium essential oil (great a cutting through oil), or a humectant that holds water in your skin, such as glycerin or sodium hyaluronate.

Recommended Products

Budget Buy

  • InstaNatural Age Defying and Skin Clearing Toner
  • Christina Moss Naturals Facial Toner
Luxury Buy
  • Odacite Mint & Green Tea Hydra-Purifying Treatment Mist
  • Kahina Giving Beauty Toning Mist
  • Indie Lee Coenzyme Q10 Toner

Articles:

  • DIY Facial Toner Recipes: For All Skin Types
  • Organic Facial Toner-Give Your Skin a Pick-me-up

​Serums

​Serums are concentrated elixirs packed full of active ingredients. They are often quick-absorbing, water-based liquids that absorb deep into your skin. Serums are meant to penetrate the skin, delivering nutrients where they can do their work. A great serum is a must for any skin type. Here we are talking about water-based serums (we will talk about oil-based serums down below).

​A good serum for oily skin will contain alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids to help reduce the appearance of large pores as well as brighten dull spots.  Serums high in antioxidants will help repair damage and keep your skin youthful.

Recommended Products

Budget Buy 
  • Acure Organics CGF Oil-Free Serum
  • Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum
Luxury Buy
  • Kypris Beauty Clearing Serum
  • Kypris Beauty Antioxidant Dew 

Articles:

  • Why Serums Are The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
  • 5 Potent Anti-Aging Serum Recipes : Firm And Plump Your Skin
  • Serums and Boosters; What are They For?

​Moisturizing

When moisturizing oily skin, you want a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). These can be hard to find, as even moisturizers labeled “non-comedogenic” can still contain pore-clogging ingredients [See a list of comedogenic ingredients].

Moisturizers seal in hydration and provide suppleness to the top-most layers of your skin. A lightweight gel moisturizer or serum is recommended for oily skin types. Look for something that is water or aloe vera based. Hyaluronic acid is a good moisturizing ingredient for oily skin. 

Another option is to try a non-comedogenic facial oil as a moisturizer (more on these below).

Recommended Products

Budget Buy 
  • Christina Moss Naturals Facial Moisturizer 
  • Acure Oil Mattifying Facial Moisturizer 
Luxury Buy
  • Dr Alkaitis Organic Day Creme
  • Dr Alkaitis Soothing Gel

Articles:

  • How to Find the Right Organic Facial Moisturizer
  • The Best Organic Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

oil cleansing method

​Facial Oils

​Plant oils contain the essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and lipids that our skin needs to stay healthy. Oils applied topically to the skin absorb into the epidermis and help keep our skin barrier intact. ​[Have acne? Read: The Best Face Oils for Acne]

​Oily skin does best with oils high in linoleic acid, that are non-comedogenic. Apply your facial oil after your serum and moisturizer. Use 1 - 2 nights a week. ​

​Best Oils For ​Oily Skin

Single OIls
  • Jojoba Oil 
  • Black Cumin Seed Oil
  • Sacha Inchi Oil 
  • High Linoleic Safflower Oil
Facial Oil Blends 
  • Laurel Whole Plant Organics Balance Facial Oil - luxury 
  • Mahalo Vitality Elixir - luxury 
  • Mahalo Rare Indigo Beauty Balm - luxury
  • Thesis Beauty Oily Skin Facial Oil - budget
  • Annemarie Gianni Herbal Facial Oil for Oily Skin - budget

Articles:

  • DIY Moisturizing Serum - Make Your Own Facial Oil
  • Omega 3,6,9 Benefits for the Skin
  • 9 Best Natural Oils For The Skin & Why You Should Use Them
  • ​A List on Non-Comedogenic Facial Oils 

​Sunscreen

People with oily skin tend to stay away from sunscreens because they can't find one compatible with their skin type. ​Luckily there are some great, lightweight sunscreens available for oily skin types. 

Look for a sunscreen using zinc oxide because it will leave a more matte finish to your skin, is anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. ​A good way to get multiple purposes out of a product is to buy a tinted moisturizer with SPF, then you don't need a separate moisturizer and foundation. 

Recommended Products

Budget Buy 
  • Zatik Argan and Yarrow Moisturizing Sunscreen - I am using this right now and I love how light it is. 
  • Mychelle Unscented Mineral Sunscreen 
  • Mychelle Tinted Oil-Free Sunscreen
Luxury Buy
  • Mutki Organics Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen
  • Josh Rosebrook Tinted Nutrient Day Cream 
  • Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizing Sunscreen

Articles: 

  • The Importance Of Sun Protection for Anti-Aging
  • How the Sun Ages Your Skin : Know Some Facts

​Masks

​Use a clay mask once a week to clear out pores. Don’t use them more than two times a week at most, otherwise they will dry out and irritate your skin. Yogurt or honey masks contain enzymes that digest dead skin cells that clog up pores.

Recommended Products

Budget Buy 
  • Bentonite Clay
  • e-ra Organics Dead Sea Mud Mask
Luxury Buy
  • May Lindstrom The Problem Solver
  • Mahalo Pele Mask
  • Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask

Articles:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Cosmetic Clays
  • The Best Mud Masks - With all Natural Ingredients
  • 10 Homemade Facial Masks for Glowing Skin
  • Organic Face Masks: Detox and Nourish

​Exfoliation 

​Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, revealing the fresh, young-looking skin underneath.  Exfoliation can be accomplished using chemicals such as acids, or by using physical exfoliates such as bits of walnut shells, oats, or apricot kernels.  

Oily skin deals with enlarged pores and blemishes. Regular exfoliation ( 2-3 times a week) can help with these issues. I recommend using chemical (acid or enzyme), rather than physical (scrub) exfoliates for oily skin. Physical exfoliates tend to irritate the skin and cause breakouts. 

Glycolic acid is a great chemical exfoliate that can be tolerated by oily skin types. Another great ingredient is Salicylic acid because it exfoliates the surface of your skin as well as inside the pore. 

Recommended Products

Budget Buy 
  • Magic Pad Glycolic Acid Skin Pads
  • InstaNatural Glycolic Acid Peel
Luxury Buy
  • Eminence Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 
  • Eminence Rosehip and Maize Exfoliating Masque

Articles:

  • The Best Organic Exfoliates- For Your Skin Type
  • Is your Exfoliate Damaging your Skin?
  • Benefits of Natural Sea Sponges 
  • ​Glycolic Acid Skin Benefits 
  • ​What are AHA's and How do They Effect the Skin?

Anti-Aging Treatments

​Read Our Anti-Aging Routine for​ Oily Skin.

I recommend using a natural retinol alternative - Kypris Beauty Midnight Catalyst - to stimulate exfoliation and cell renewal. An exfoliating enzyme mask used once to twice a week will help keep dead skin cells from building up - try May Lindstrom's Honey Mud.

Articles:

  • Niacinamide for the Skin: Benefits for Acne, Aging, and Rosacea​
  • Glycation of the Skin: How to Prevent Aging
  • Top 10 Anti-Aging Essential Oils
  • 9 Potent Anti-Aging Ingredients You Didn't Know Existed 
  • 8 Natural Anti-Aging Ingredients : Keep You Looking Young

​Makeup

​Oily skin does well using a primer before makeup application, to achieve the best finish. Foundations should have a matte finish. Powder foundations, blushes, and eye shadows work best. A finishing powder helps to keep shine down and set your makeup for the day.

​Best Organic Makeup Brands For ​Oily Skin 

Alima Pure
  • The Detox Market
  • Credo Beauty
  • Amazon
  • Content Beauty & Wellbeing

Jane Iredale

  • Amazon

Articles:

  • Best Organic Primers : Prep Your Skin for Beauty
  • ​What is the Best Makeup for Oily Skin?
  • How To Determine Your Skin Tone & Choose a Foundation
  • The Best Natural Makeup List : 16 of Our Top Favorites
  • Vapour Organic Beauty Reviews

​Conclusion 

I hope that this page is a valuable resource to you and that it helps you find relevant articles and products for your skin type. ​Remember that the key to treating ​oily skin is to avoid ingredients​ that overstip the skin, or clog pores. You want to incorprate anti-inflammatory ingredients as well as ingredients that help keep pores clear and reduce shine.  We hope you bookmark​ this page so that you can come back to it again and again.

You can read more ​dry skin articles here.

​Do you have any questions? Drop us a line  or leave a comment, we always answer 🙂

To Beautiful Skin,
The TBOSC Team

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lesley J Lester says

    June 27, 2018 at 5:41 pm

    Hi, I have super oily skin & have the whitehead problem. I’ve been looking for a good moisturizer that won’t clog my pores even more, I saw you put Acure’s oil mattifying moisturizer but it has cocoa seed butter, is that the same as regular cocoa butter? As in pore clogging, I know I should stay away from?

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      June 28, 2018 at 7:08 am

      Hi Lesley, you are right, the Acure Moisturizer does have Cocoa butter in it! Cocoa butter does have the potential to clog pores, however the amount contained in this moisturizer is not a lot. Many people find that this moisturizer works really well for their oily skin, despite it containing a comedogenic ingredient. Every person’s skin is different, what works for some may not work for others.

      Have you read our Acne page? It is more targeted to people dealing with breakouts.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        July 5, 2018 at 6:18 am

        Hi Lesley, maybe use less product if you find it is too greasy. MSM is great for building collagen and contributing to young looking skin, it has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help heal acne scars. There is some controversy over DMAE as a skin care ingredient. It has been shown to boost collagen production and tighten the skin, but there is also evidence that it causes cell death. You can read more about DMAE here.

        Reply
  2. Diane taber says

    April 27, 2020 at 12:09 am

    Hi I’d just like to know what is the best skin care that I can use on my skin as I have the start of a few lines and wrinkles here and there and want to eradicate them. Even if I have to go down the realms of more invasive measures.as I absolutely hate these lines and wrinkles.

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      April 27, 2020 at 11:14 am

      Hi Diane, have a look at our anti-aging routine for oily skin page for info on how to combat wrinkles and fine lines. Let me know if that helps or you have any other questions!

      Reply
  3. Louis Chilton says

    August 6, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    Hi diana, I just read your article and I am so happy because I got what am looking for hear. Now I know that alcohol is a bad ingredient for oily skin. Thanks alot

    Reply
  4. Carter says

    September 29, 2020 at 2:46 am

    Hi, Nice article thanks for sharing with us. Oily skin may be genetic, but oil production can also be influenced by hormones, stress, the environment and seasonal changes. If you want to get rid off from oily skin then organic and herbal products are best option. If anyone interested for organic products then visit here: https://facenatur.com/collections/all

    Reply

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