Korean Skincare Steps for Oily Skin: 10 Proven Steps for Clear, Balanced Skin

Does your skin get shiny just a few hours after cleansing? Do enlarged pores and unexpected breakouts frustrate you, even when you try to follow a skincare routine? If so, you’re not alone.

Oily skin is one of the most common skin types worldwide. While it comes with perks like slower aging, it also brings daily struggles such as clogged pores, acne, and excess sebum production.

This is where the Korean skincare steps for oily skin make a real difference. Unlike harsh routines that strip away natural oils, the K-beauty philosophy focuses on balance, hydration, and layering lightweight products. Instead of fighting your skin, you learn to work with it. The result? Less shine, fewer breakouts, and a calmer, healthier complexion.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• A step-by-step Korean skincare routine for oily skin beginners
• The Korean morning skincare routine for oily skin and how it differs from the night routine
• Why the Korean double cleansing method is a game-changer
• The best lightweight Korean moisturisers and sunscreens that won’t clog pores
• Affordable K-beauty brands for oily skin that actually work

By the end, you’ll understand the best Korean skincare steps for oily skin and feel confident creating a personalised routine that delivers real results.

Step-by-Step Korean Skincare Routine for Oily Skin Beginners

Starting in Korean skincare can feel overwhelming—especially with the famous “10-step routine.” But here’s the truth: you don’t need every product to see results.

Why Oily Skin Needs Balance, Not Stripping

It’s common for people with oily skin to over-cleanse, hoping it will reduce shine. But this can actually make things worse by triggering more oil production.. But when you strip your skin’s natural oils, it responds by producing even more sebum. When you strip away your skin’s natural oils, it fights back by producing more oil, leading to a cycle of excess shine and breakouts.

The goal should be hydration and balance rather than stripping your skin. Use products that hydrate and help manage oil production, like gentle moisturisers and toners that won’t clog your pores.

The 5 Core Beginner Steps 

If you’re new, stick to these essentials:

1. Cleanser – Removes dirt, sweat, and excess oil.
2. Toner – Balances skin’s pH and preps it for hydration.
3. Essence or Serum – Targets acne, pores, or uneven tone.
4. Moisturiser – Locks in lightweight hydration.
5. Sunscreen – Protects from UV damage and post-acne scars.

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Using harsh foaming cleansers that dry out the skin.
• Skipping moisturiser because the skin “already feels oily.”
• Adding too many new products at once.
• Avoiding sunscreen due to fear of looking greasy.

Tip: Start simple, then gradually introduce new steps as your skin adjusts.

Korean Morning Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Your morning routine should focus on refreshing and protecting your skin from pollutants, UV rays, and oil buildup.

Gentle Cleansing to Start the Day

In the morning, avoid harsh soaps. Instead, use gentle Korean foaming cleansers with green tea, centella asiatica, or rice water. These remove overnight oils without stripping your skin barrier.

Balancing Toners for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

A Korean toner for oily and acne-prone skin hydrates while controlling oil. Look for:

• Niacinamide for oil regulation
• Heartleaf extract to calm redness.
• Witch hazel for pore tightening

Lightweight Essences and Serums

Hydration is critical, even for oily skin. Choose:

• Essences with snail mucin or hyaluronic acid
• Serums with tea tree or niacinamide to reduce breakouts

Sunscreen Is Essential

For oily skin, choose a sunscreen that’s gel-based or water-based. It should help control shine and be gentle on your skin so it won’t clog your pores.

Some popular options include:

• Missha Aqua Sun Gel
• COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
• Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish

Korean Night Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Evening routines are all about repair and renewal. At night, your skin regenerates, so the right care makes all the difference.

Korean Double Cleansing for Oily Skin

The Korean double cleansing method uses:

1. Oil-based cleanser – Dissolves sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum.
2. Gentle foaming cleanser – Removes leftover dirt and impurities.

This prevents clogged pores and acne while keeping skin balanced.

Night Treatments and Serums

Night is the best time to use active ingredients:

• Salicylic acid (BHA): Clears pores and controls acne.
• Niacinamide: Reduces sebum and even skin tone.
• Vitamin C: Fades dark spots and post-acne scars.

Introduce treatments slowly—one at a time—to avoid irritation.

Lightweight Moisturisers Overnight

Use lightweight Korean moisturisers for oily skin, such as gel creams with:

• Aloe vera
• Green tea
• Centella asiatica

These hydrate without clogging pores.

Optional: Masks and Overnight Packs

Clay masks, once a week, absorb excess oil. Sleeping masks with hydrating essences strengthen your skin barrier while you sleep.

Best Korean Cleansers and Toners for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

Oil-Based vs. Foaming Cleansers

• Oil-based cleansers: Melt sunscreen and impurities (try rice bran or green tea oils).
• Foaming cleansers: Refresh skin without overdrying (choose low-pH, sulfate-free formulas).

Best Korean Cleansers for Oily Skin

• COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
• Innisfree Green Tea Foam Cleanser
• Heimish All Clean Balm (oil-based)

Best Korean Toners for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

Look for toners with AHA, BHA, green tea, or centella asiatica. These gentle toners exfoliate, calm irritation, and regulate oil.

Lightweight Korean Moisturisers and Sunscreens for Oily Skin

Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Free Moisturisers

The best moisturisers for oily skin are gel creams or water creams, such as:

• Etude House SoonJung Hydro Barrier Cream
• COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream
• Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

Sebum-Control Formulas

Choose moisturisers with niacinamide, green tea, or aloe to balance hydration and reduce shine.

Best Korean Sunscreens for Oily & Sensitive Skin

Top picks include:

• Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50
• Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50
• COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50

er Korean Skincare Products for Oily Skin

Correct Skincare Order

Always follow the light-to-heavy rule:

1. Toner
2. Essence
3. Serum
4. Moisturiser
5. Sunscreen (morning only)

Layering Tips for Oily Skin

• Let each layer fully absorb before applying the next.
• Stick to non-comedogenic Korean products.
• Don’t combine too many activities at once.

Affordable Korean Skincare for Oily Skin

Budget-Friendly K-Beauty Brands

• COSRX – Acne-friendly and affordable.
• Some By Mi – Popular for exfoliating acids and tea tree formulas.
• Etude House – Affordable basics like sunscreens and toners.

Affordable Korean Skincare for Acne-Prone Oily Skin

Choose gentle exfoliating toners, lightweight moisturisers, and gel-based sunscreens under $20.Explore affordable K-beauty products for more.

Yes! Most Korean sunscreens are oil-free, lightweight, and designed for daily use—perfect for oily, acne-prone skin.

Conclusion

Managing oily skin doesn’t mean constantly battling shine. The real secret lies in hydration, balance, and gentle care. Following the Korean skincare steps for oily skin can reduce excess oil, unclog pores, and maintain a smooth, healthy complexion.

From the step-by-step beginner’s routine to advanced techniques like double cleansing and layering lightweight products, Korean skincare offers a proven, effective approach for long-term results.

Start small, stay consistent, and let your skin adjust. With the right routine, oily skin can achieve balance and the radiant, healthy glow K-beauty is famous for.Explore affordable Korean skincare products and take the first step toward healthier skin today.