When it comes to managing oily skin, many people fall into the trap of over-cleansing or skipping moisturizer altogether—only to end up with more shine, more breakouts, and a disrupted skin barrier. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to turn to a skincare philosophy that prioritizes balance, hydration, and long-term skin health. Enter the Korean skincare routine for oily skin—a gentle, layered, and highly effective approach that works with your skin, not against it.
Unlike harsh routines that strip away natural oils, the K-beauty method focuses on nourishing the skin in stages. This not only reduces excess sebum but also improves texture, clarity, and barrier strength over time. Below, we break down the 7-step Korean skincare routine that actually works for oily skin—no fluff, just results.
1. Oil-Based Cleanser – Melt Away Sebum and Sunscreen
It might seem counterintuitive, but using an oil cleanser is one of the most effective ways to remove excess oil from your skin. Oil attracts oil, making it ideal for breaking down sebum, waterproof sunscreen, and makeup without disrupting your skin’s natural balance.
Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic options like the Banila Co Clean It Zero Purifying Balm, which contains calming ingredients like centella asiatica and tea tree extract—perfect for oily, acne-prone skin.
Pro Tip: Use this step only in your evening routine. Massage gently into dry skin for 30–60 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water.
2. Water-Based Cleanser – Get That Squeaky Clean (Without the Squeak)
Following up with a gentle water-based cleanser ensures that all remaining residue—sweat, dirt, and oil—is effectively removed. For oily skin, opt for gel-based, low-pH formulas that won’t over-strip your skin.
A solid pick is the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, which contains tea tree oil and natural BHA to help unclog pores and control oil without drying you out.
Avoid high-foam cleansers with alcohol or sulfates, as they can damage your skin barrier and trigger even more oil production.
3. Toner – Balance, Calm, and Prep
Toners in Korean skincare are all about rebalancing pH and preparing your skin for better absorption of the next steps. For oily skin, a toner that gently exfoliates and tightens pores while offering hydration is ideal.
Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is an excellent choice, containing a mild mix of exfoliating acids and tea tree leaf water. Alternatively, if you’re on the go, toner pads offer convenience with pre-soaked exfoliating and hydrating formulas.
Usage Tip: Pat into skin using your hands or swipe with toner pads—avoid rubbing harshly.
4. Essence – Lightweight Hydration with Big Impact
Essences are a cornerstone of Korean skincare. They’re more than just fancy water—they deliver hydration, improve absorption, and strengthen the skin barrier.
For oily skin, snail mucin-based essences are a hidden gem. The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence offers non-greasy hydration, helps fade acne scars, and supports healing. Despite its name, it absorbs quickly and leaves no sticky residue.
Why it works: Snail mucin is rich in glycoproteins and antioxidants—great for calming inflammation without clogging pores.
5. Serum – Target Oil, Acne, and Pores
This is where you customize your routine. A serum tailored for oily skin can refine texture, unclog pores, and balance sebum production.
Look for serums with niacinamide, zinc PCA, or green tea extract, like the Isntree Green Tea Fresh Serum. It provides antioxidant protection while soothing the skin and reducing excess oil.
Layering Tip: Stick to one or two active ingredients per routine to avoid overloading your skin.
6. Moisturizer – Lock in Hydration Without the Shine
Oily skin still needs moisture. Skipping this step can lead to dehydration, prompting your skin to produce even more oil to compensate.
Opt for gel-based moisturizers that are oil-free and fast-absorbing. The Etude House SoonJung Hydro Barrier Cream is a great choice—it hydrates deeply without making skin greasy.
Look for soothing ingredients like panthenol, madecassoside, and birch sap, which hydrate while calming inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier.
7. Sunscreen – Non-Negotiable Protection
No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen—especially for oily skin that’s prone to hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks. Many people skip this step because they fear it will clog pores or add shine, but with the right formula, that won’t happen.
Go for lightweight, gel or essence-type sunscreens like Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+. It’s hydrating, non-comedogenic, and dries down to a natural finish.
Reapplication Tip: Use a powder or spray SPF midday if you wear makeup.
Final Thoughts: Your Routine, Your Results
This 7-step Korean skincare routine for oily skin isn’t about using more products—it’s about using the right ones, in the right order. With consistent use, you’ll notice less oiliness, fewer breakouts, and smoother, more balanced skin.
Remember, skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. While this guide offers a solid foundation, listen to your skin and tweak your routine based on how it reacts. And most importantly—be consistent. The K-beauty approach rewards patience and care.
Also, read👉🏻My 10-Step Korean Beauty Routine: Achieve Flawless Skin with This Korean Beauty Routine
Frequently asked questions
Can I use all 7 steps of the Korean skincare routine every day?
Yes, you can use all 7 steps daily, especially in your evening routine. However, some steps like exfoliating toners or strong active serums may be used 2–3 times a week depending on your skin’s sensitivity. Always listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.
2. Will using an oil cleanser make my oily skin worse?
No. Oil-based cleansers are formulated to attract and dissolve excess sebum, sunscreen, and makeup without clogging pores. They’re essential for a thorough double cleanse and can actually help reduce oiliness over time when used properly.
What’s the difference between toner and essence?
Toners rebalance your skin’s pH and prep it for the next steps, while essences provide hydration and improve absorption of serums and moisturizers. Both are lightweight, but essences often contain active ingredients that support skin repair and renewal.
Do I really need a moisturizer if I have oily skin?
Absolutely. Skipping moisturizer can lead to dehydration, causing your skin to produce more oil to compensate. Opt for gel-based or oil-free moisturizers that hydrate without adding shine or clogging pores.
Can I skip some steps if I’m in a hurry?
Yes. On busy mornings or lazy nights, stick to the essentials: cleanser, toner (or essence), moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). While the full routine offers the best results, even a simplified version can benefit oily skin if followed consistently.
Is snail mucin suitable for oily and acne-prone skin?
Yes, snail mucin is a lightweight, non-comedogenic ingredient that hydrates, soothes, and supports skin healing. It helps fade acne scars and calm inflammation without clogging pores—making it ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin types.
How long before I see results from this routine?
Visible improvements can start showing within 2–4 weeks, but full benefits typically appear after consistent use for 6–8 weeks. Factors like skin type, product compatibility, and lifestyle also influence results. Patience and consistency are key.
Can men use this routine too?
Definitely. Korean skincare is gender-neutral. Men with oily skin can benefit just as much from this structured, effective routine—especially if they deal with excess shine, clogged pores, or breakouts.
Should I use different products for morning and night?
You can use many of the same products for both, but it’s common to use lighter formulations in the morning and more nourishing or active products at night. For example, sunscreen is for AM only, while oil cleansing and certain serums are better suited for PM.
What ingredients should oily skin types avoid in Korean skincare?
Avoid heavy oils (like coconut oil), comedogenic ingredients, and alcohol-heavy products. Be cautious with overly rich creams or products with synthetic fragrances, which can irritate and worsen oily or acne-prone skin.
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