How To Build A Korean Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

Oily skin brings shine, clogged pores, and frequent breakouts, especially around the T-zone. A simple, repeatable Korean skincare routine helps control sebum, support the barrier, and reduce congestion without stripping your face.

This guide explains each step, then links every step to real products available on The Pretty Picks, so you move from confusion to a routine that fits daily life.

Step 1: Start With A Gentle Cleanser

Oily skin needs regular cleansing, not harsh stripping. Sebum, sweat, and pollution sit on the surface and mix with dead skin cells. A low pH Korean cleanser removes this mix while leaving the barrier strong.

How to cleanse oily skin

• Morning: one gentle gel or foam cleanser
• Evening: one cleanse on lighter days, cleansing oil plus foam on heavy makeup or sunscreen days
• Avoid hot water, pick lukewarm water instead

Product picks from The Pretty Picks

COSRX - Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser - 150 ml

• Low pH gel, perfect for oily and combination skin
• Tea tree and mild BHA remove excess sebum and help keep pores clear
• Light texture suits humid weather and daily use

mixsoon – Centella Cleansing Foam – 150ml

• Soft foam with centella for soothing redness from previous breakouts
• Removes sweat and sunscreen without a tight sensation after rinsing
• Good option for acne-prone, sensitive, or reactive oily skin

Step 2: Balance With A Toner

Korean toners work as a hydration and preparation step. For oily skin, focus on formulas with calming ingredients for daily use and gentle acids on selected nights.

Daily soothing toner

Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner - 250 ml

• Heartleaf extract supports calm, less inflamed skin
• Watery texture layers easily without heaviness
• Great base for acne-prone oily skin that flares with fragrance or alcohol

Exfoliating toner for texture and pores

Use exfoliating acids on only a few nights per week at first. Frequent use plus other strong actives leads to redness and peeling.

SOME BY MI - AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner - 150 ml

• AHA targets surface roughness and flaky patches
• BHA reaches into pores and supports fewer blackheads and whiteheads
• PHA offers gentle smoothing with less irritation
• Reserve for night, two or three evenings per week, never around the eyes

Step 3: Treat With Targeted Serums

Serums give the strongest change in an oily skin routine. Focus on two main goals first, oil control plus brightening or post-acne marks.

Niacinamide and TXA for sebum and dark spots

Anua Niacinamide 10% TXA 4 Serum - 30 ml

• Niacinamide supports smaller-looking pores and more balanced oil levels
• Tranexamic acid supports fading of post-acne marks and uneven tone
• Light serum texture suits both morning and night routines

Centella brightening ampoule for glow and barrier support

SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule - 100 ml

• Centella soothes redness from active breakouts and previous irritation
• Niacinamide and brightening capsules support more even tone over time
• Thin, essence-like texture layers well under sunscreen and over toner

For beginners, one serum in the evening gives a safer start. Add a second serum only after two to three weeks of stable skin.

Step 4: Hydrate With A Light Moisturizer

Oily skin still needs moisture. When hydration drops, sebaceous glands often produce more oil. A gel or light cream keeps the barrier strong and reduces that greasy cycle.

Non-greasy creams for oily skin

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream - 50 ml

• Light cream texture, suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
• Focus on soothing, barrier repair, and surface hydration
• Pairs well with exfoliating toners and niacinamide serums

On humid days, many oily skin users prefer half a pea size amount for the full face. On air-conditioned or drier days, use a little more on cheeks and jawline.

Step 5: Protect With Sunscreen Every Morning

Sunscreen holds a central place in any Korean routine. For oily skin, the main goal stays clear, long-lasting UV protection with minimal shine and no sticky finish.

Matte finish Korean sunscreens and sun sticks

Beauty of Joseon - Matte Sun Stick - 18g

• Matte finish formula for shine control through the day
• Convenient stick format for re-application over makeup
• Great for T-zone touch-ups, travel, and office days

Isntree - Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick - 22g

• Lightweight sun stick with hydrating hyaluronic acid
• Breathable texture suits oily, combination, and sensitive skin
• Good re-application option for long days outdoors

Apply two full fingers of sunscreen for face and neck in the morning. Reapply every two to three hours on days with strong sun exposure.

Step 6: Weekly Extras For Oily Skin

Clay and wash-off masks for deep pore days

Beauty of Joseon - Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask - 140 ml

• Red bean and gentle clays help absorb excess sebum
• Soft, creamy texture spreads easily and rinses without dryness
• Use once per week on T-zone or full face, after cleansing and before toner

Spot patches for active breakouts

SOMEBYMI – Clear Spot Patch - 18 Patches

• Hydrocolloid patches cover whiteheads and fresh spots
• Support faster flattening of pimples and protect from picking
• Apply on clean, dry skin before toner or cream, then leave for several hours or overnight

Sample Korean Routines For Oily Skin

Beginner routine (simple, low risk)

Morning

1. Cleanser: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
2. Toner: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
3. Serum: none or a few drops of SKIN1004 Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule
4. Cream: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream
5. Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick on face and neck

Night

1. Cleanser: mixsoon Centella Cleansing Foam
2. Toner: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
3. Serum: Anua Niacinamide 10% TXA 4 Serum
4. Cream: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

Active routine (with exfoliating toner)

Use this only after two to three weeks on the beginner routine without strong redness or peeling.

Two or three nights per week

1. Cleanser: COSRX or mixsoon cleanser from above
2. Exfoliating toner: SOME BY MI 30 Days Miracle Toner
3. Serum: Anua Niacinamide 10% TXA 4 Serum
4. Cream: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

On the other nights, stay with Anua Heartleaf toner for calming support only.

Common Mistakes With Oily Skin Routines

• Over-washing – Cleansing three or four times per day often leads to more oil and barrier damage.
• Skipping moisturizer – Dry, stripped skin triggers extra sebum, so shine returns quickly.
• Layering many actives together – AHA toner, BHA serum, strong vitamin C, and retinoids in one night leads to high irritation risk.
• Ignoring sunscreen – UV exposure worsens redness, dark marks, and uneven texture.
• Using heavy, occlusive creams – Thick balms and heavy oils often clog pores on oily, acne-prone faces.

FAQ: Korean Skincare For Oily Skin

Is double cleansing required for oily skin every evening?

For heavy makeup, long wear sunscreen, or polluted days, a cleansing oil followed by a gentle gel gives a deeper clean. On lighter days, one cleanse with COSRX or mixsoon often feels enough. Watch how skin behaves the next morning and adjust frequency.

How many actives feel safe in one routine for oily, acne-prone skin?

As a simple rule, pick one strong active focus per routine. For example, an exfoliating toner night or a niacinamide plus TXA night, not both with extra harsh layers. Slow changes usually bring fewer flare-ups.

How long before results show for pores and shine?

Sebum control from niacinamide often shows within three to four weeks. Dark marks from acne usually need eight to twelve weeks with daily sunscreen and regular use of brightening serums.

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