Korean skincare secrets: How to balance and hydrate oily skin naturally
Samira Vishwas June 20, 2025 08:24 PM

New Delhi: Oily skin is a frustrating task that no one can get rid of easily. It may look like you have glowing and shiny skin, but in reality, it turns out to be a lot of oil stuck on the pores, sides of the nose, along the forehead and also all over the face, making it look dull and also affecting the skin from within. The Korean skincare routine, known for its emphasis on hydration, balance, and layering, is a proven method to manage oily skin effectively without stripping it dry.

Korean skincare can be the perfect solution to all your problems to skin, as it helps to hydrate from within and repairs the open and clogged pores. Korean skincare roūtine for oily skin can be a game changer with natural ingredients, it focuses on balancing moisture, controlling sebum production and improving the skin texture to remove oiliness.

Korean skincare for oily skin

Here is a nine-step Korean skincare routine that you must follow for oily skin.

1. Oil-Based Cleanser (Double Cleansing – Step 1)

Yes, even oily skin needs oil! An oil-based cleanser dissolves excess sebum, sunscreen, and makeup without clogging pores.

Look for: Lightweight oils like grapeseed or jojoba.
Try: Banila Co Clean It Zero (Purifying)

2. Water-Based Cleanser (Double Cleansing – Step 2)

Follow up with a gentle foam or gel cleanser to remove water-based impurities like sweat and dirt.

Look for: pH-balanced gel cleansers with tea tree or salicylic acid.
Try: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

3. Exfoliation (2-3 times a week)

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, reducing blackheads and whiteheads.

Look for: BHA (salicylic acid) or gentle AHA exfoliants.
Try: Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

4. Toner

A hydrating and balancing toner preps your skin and controls sebum.

Look for: Toners with niacinamide, green tea, or centella asiatica.
Try: Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner

5. Essence

Essences hydrate deeply and prep the skin to absorb serums better.

Look for: Lightweight, water-based essences with ferments or snail mucin.
Try: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

6. Serum/Ampoule

This step targets specific concerns like acne, large pores, or uneven skin tone.

Look for: Niacinamide, tea tree, salicylic acid, or centella extracts.
Try: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (used often in K-beauty routines)

7. Sheet Mask (2–3 times/week)

Korean sheet masks offer instant hydration and calm oily, irritated skin.

Look for: Masks with green tea, bamboo, or hyaluronic acid.
Try: Mediheal Tea Tree Care Solution Sheet Mask

8. Moisturiser

Yes, oily skin still needs a good moisturiser to stay balanced and avoid overproduction of oil.

Look for: Gel-based, oil-free, non-comedogenic options.
Try: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb or Etude House Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream

9. Sunscreen (Daytime)

Never skip sunscreen—it’s essential to protect from UV damage and prevent oiliness caused by sun exposure.

Look for: Matte-finish, gel or fluid sunscreens.
Try: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun or Innisfree Tone Up No Sebum Sunscreen

The Korean skincare routine offers oily skin the balance it needs, hydration, gentle care, and effective oil control. With the right products and consistency, you’ll notice improved skin texture, reduced shine, and fewer breakouts, leading to a healthy, natural glow.

© Copyright @2025 LIDEA. All Rights Reserved.