9 Best Ingredients for Oily Skin to Master the Matte

Non-stop grease, forever shiny skin, large pores for days - if anything from this list struck a chord, then you've been blessed with oily skin.

Too much of any one thing is bad, and our oily-skinned folks know this to be true more than anyone else. At this point, you'd give anything for a muted finish that lets you go about your day rather than blot your way through it. We hear you and we've got you covered.

Think about it this way: Just like we handpick the ingredients to a healthy meal, it's important to gather the right ingredients and dish out the bad to concoct your ideal oily skin-saving skincare recipe.

In this "mastering the matte" blog post, we are going to spotlight some of the top, must-have ingredient heroes that will control excess sebum while keeping just the right amount on your skin so it can continue to work its magic to provide you with a youthful, flawless base and keep the shine at bay!

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What is the Main Cause of Oily Skin?

What is Oily Skin

When the skin's sebaceous glands produce more sebum than necessary to hydrate the skin, it causes oily skin. This excess sebum causes the skin to appear shiny and can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Causes of Oily Skin

To master oily skin, you have to know what causes it and what you can use to control it.

Lots of different criteria, either on their own or coming together, can cause oily skin. A combination of any of the following can result in oily skin:

1. Puberty, Hormonal Imbalance & Genetics
2. Stress
3. Climate & Location
4. Diet
5. Current Skincare Routine with Harsh Ingredients
6. Sweat
7. Enlarged pores
8. Aging

For more information on understanding what exactly it means to have oily skin, and how you can treat it, check out this article:

No More Shine: How To Stop Oily Skin Like a Pro

Discover the secrets to mastering oil control and achieving a beautifully balanced complexion with our expert tips on how to stop oily skin like a pro. Say goodbye to shine and hello to matte perfection!

EliteSelectsVinisha Venugopal

Tips:

1. When it comes to various levels of concentration, start low and go slow.
2. Start with one ingredient at a time. You do not need all of these ingredients for the ideal routine. Pick what you need according to your skin concerns.
3. Always make sure the ingredients added to your skincare routine are okay to use together. If not, use these ingredients separately.

Best Ingredients for Oily Skin

Salicylic Acid (BHA - beta hydroxy acid)

If there was only one ingredient that could be recommended, Salicylic Acid aka liquid exfoliant would make a super compelling case. This oil-soluble ingredient dissolves the grease deep in the skin while unclogging the pores, preventing breakouts, and removing blackheads and whiteheads. As a by-product, pores reduce in size. Salicylic Acid also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to calm breakouts in the process of healing the skin.

The CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is great for a thorough full face wash for everyday treatment and to control oily skin.‌‌

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

The Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant is perfect for all-over-the-face treatment and spot treatment for specific areas.‌‌

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

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Glycolic Acid (AHA - alpha hydroxy acid)

Glycolic Acid is an ideal assist to Salicylic Acid with its water-soluble properties that make it great for exfoliation and ideal to unclog pores on the surface level of the skin. Glycolic Acid also heals the skin's scars and hyperpigmentation while helping the skin stay hydrated. Its hydrating properties make it ideal for a non-drying experience that leaves the skin barrier healthy and supple and no longer in need to overcompensate in sebum production. This prevents build-up and acne to reveal smoother and brighter skin.

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner is great for deep exfoliation with a touch of witch hazel for oil control.

Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner

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Hyaluronic Acid

One fact that is necessary to understand is: hydrated skin means oil-controlled skin. The skin produces sebum to maintain hydration, so if you help it out with hydrating ingredients, the skin will self-regulate oil production. What better product can give you that more than hyaluronic acid, an ingredient known for locking down moisture? For oily skin, you don't need much but some form of moisturization is a must to stop the skin from working overtime and producing the grease that needs to be kept at bay.

A fan-favorite Hyaluronic Acid, Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum is a great choice for an oil-free, lightweight hydrator that stays put throughout the day. For a budget-friendly option, the Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid is a great option.‌‌

Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

A moisturizer is something that is an absolute must in terms of hydrating for oily. So if a serum, isn't for you, check out the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel

Niacinamide

Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 is great for reducing the appearance of enlarged pores and calming blemishes. Again, hydrated skin means self-regulated oil production. Niacinamide just happens to be great at hydrating and thereby helping the skin regulate its oil production. It's great for keeping oily skin at bay and bonus, it's a great assist to the sunscreen when it comes to protecting from sun damage!

‌‌Try Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops for a hydrating, lightweight, pore-minimizing finish that leaves a little glow behind.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Retinol

Retinol is an anti-aging powerhouse that is praised day in and out for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, due to its ability to increase cell turnover by boosting collagen levels. Cell turnover wonders works for oily skin because the dead skin cells that clog pores are quickly removed as new skin cells are produced and oil production is regulated. Less clogged pores, less, oil, less acne, and happy skin!

‌For oily skin, the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a pore-minimizing, brightening miracle, .3% retinol serum with a touch of niacinamide (also good for oily skin) that eases your skin on the anti-aging and oil control journies in one go.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

For something a bit more potent, try Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment.

Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment

Apply the Resurfacing Retinol Serum at night & apply sunscreen. Start slow and increase usage. A patch test is advised.

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Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is the perfect ingredient for oily skin that suffers from acne. This ingredient's main purpose is to kill the bacteria present on the skin and gently exfoliate dead skin cells - two traits great for oily skin and acne prevention. Those with sensitive skin are clear to use this product as long as it is used in the lowest concentration (2.5%) to avoid irritation.

For those who want to calm their skin and keep it that way, try a thorough face wash with the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

For spot treatment, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment is the way to go. It is lightweight, fragrance-free, great for sensitive skin, and ideal for clearing away acne.‌

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, makes it great for reducing redness and swelling in acne-prone skin while preventing breakouts. Vitamin C can also boost cell turnover helping keep excess oil production at bay.

Made with tangerines which are said to be 10x more potent than lemons, the GOODAL Green Tangerine Vitamin-C Dark Spot Serum is a hydrating, nourishing, soothing, antioxidizing blend that reduces dark spots, and post-acne hyperpigmentation with a touch of niacinamide.

GOODAL Green Tangerine Vitamin-C Dark Spot Serum

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Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is another great option for acne control with its boost to increase cell turnover (new skin with controlled oil production) and exfoliating properties. Lactic Acid allows the skin to become firmer and thicker resulting in a brighter, smoother base.

This means that this AHA exfoliant heals moderate to severe hyperpigmentation, fades out age spots, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Bonus, it is available in different concentrations, the mildest of which is great for sensitive skin.

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The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + Ha 2% does this to a T. Start with the 5% concentration and bump it up to 10% with the Ordinary Exfoliating Latic Acid 10% + Ha 2%.

Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + Ha 2%

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Clay

For skin that still needs a little extra help balancing out oil, clay is a great ingredient. Clay is known for its ability concerning drawing out excess oils, and blackheads, and reducing shine. Once the clay pulls the dirt and oil from the skin into it, all you need to do is wash it away for a fresh base.

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The innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Masks are great for removing excess oil, unclogging pores, and pore minimizing without over-stripping the skin.

innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Masks

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Homemade Ingredients

Honey contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties and oatmeal is great for soothing inflamed skin and absorbing excess oil. Both are great assists for oily-skinned folks to try out. Thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, this is a good choice for oily skin.

Final Tips

1. Never skip moisturizing. Use a lightweight, oil-free, water-based moisturizer.
2. Wear titanium dioxide and zinc oxide-based sunscreen for a less greasy sun-protected experience.

Conclusion - Best Ingredients for Oily Skin

While oily skin can feel like a chore, this doesn't have to mean that it will be the bane of your existence. With the right products, you can avoid the grease and shine, make your oily skin work for you, and maintain skin health.

For a clean swipe of dirt and oils, give Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant a try. For an age-rewind, oil control combo, try the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.

Even if you don't try any of this, don't forget to moisturize! Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel has got you covered.‌‌

This is all you need to master the matte!

FAQS

How We Curated Our List

Whether you fall under the category of oily skin types or have dry skin, there's always a way to learn how to make your skin work for you.

There are products on the market for treating oily skin to extremely oily skin, so it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you.

We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products that will fit both your budget and your needs.

Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.

Next Up: No More Shine: How To Stop Oily Skin Like a Pro

Sources

What to Know About Lactic Acid for Skin Care

Is Vitamin C serum suitable for oily skin? Here's what the experts say

The Ultimate Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin

THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR OILY SKIN

8 Best Ingredients for Acne-Prone Skin

The Best Ingredients to Control Oily Skin

The 4 Best Ingredients for Acne Prone Skin

Best and Worst Ingredients For Oily Skin

Skin Care Ingredients for Oily Skin