Korean Skincare Routine for Oily Skin: The Complete 2026 K-Beauty Guide

Updated February 2026 · By Glowmi Team · 10 min read

Oily skin doesn't mean you should skip skincare — in fact, Korean beauty philosophy teaches us that properly hydrated oily skin actually produces less oil. This guide gives you the exact steps and products Korean dermatologists recommend for oily and combination skin.

Understanding Oily Skin the K-Beauty Way

In Korean skincare, oily skin is often a sign of dehydration. When your skin barrier is compromised or lacks water, it overcompensates by producing more sebum. The Korean approach focuses on:

Hydration over stripping: Add water, not remove oil
Gentle cleansing: Preserve the natural barrier
Lightweight layering: Multiple thin layers instead of one heavy cream
Targeted actives: BHA, niacinamide, and tea tree for oil control

7-Step Korean Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Step 1: Oil Cleanser (PM only)

Oil dissolves oil. An oil cleanser removes sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum without stripping. Massage onto dry skin for 60 seconds, then emulsify with water.

Picks: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, COSRX Pure Fit Cica Clear Cleansing Oil

Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser

A low-pH (5.0-6.0) gel or foam cleanser removes remaining impurities. Avoid harsh sulfates that strip skin and trigger rebound oiliness.

Picks: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser

Step 3: BHA Toner (2-3x/week)

Salicylic acid (BHA) is oil-soluble — it penetrates pores to dissolve sebum plugs and prevent blackheads. Start 2x/week and increase as tolerated.

Picks: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

Step 4: Hydrating Toner

The K-Beauty "7 skin method" applies multiple thin layers of hydrating toner. For oily skin, 2-3 layers is ideal. Pat in, don't rub.

Picks: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner

Step 5: Serum

Niacinamide is the gold standard for oily skin — it regulates sebum, minimizes pores, and brightens skin. Use 5-10% concentration.

Picks: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum, COSRX Niacinamide 15 Serum

Step 6: Lightweight Moisturizer

Never skip moisturizer — dehydrated oily skin produces MORE oil. Choose gel-cream or water-based formulas that hydrate without heaviness.

Picks: COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion, Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Step 7: Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

Non-negotiable. Choose gel or watery textures that set matte. Korean sunscreens excel at lightweight UV protection.

Picks: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun

Ingredients to Look for (Oily Skin)

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Regulates sebum, minimizes pores
Salicylic Acid (BHA): Unclogs pores, prevents breakouts
Tea Tree Oil: Antibacterial, controls acne
Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant, reduces sebum by up to 70%
Centella Asiatica (Cica): Soothes inflammation, strengthens barrier
Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates without oil — water-based moisture

Ingredients to Avoid

Heavy oils: Coconut oil, mineral oil (comedogenic)
Alcohol denat.: Feels matte short-term but damages barrier long-term
Harsh sulfates: SLS/SLES strip natural oils, causing rebound oiliness

Pro Tip: Korean dermatologists recommend the "3-second rule" — apply hydrating toner within 3 seconds of washing your face while skin is still damp. This locks in maximum hydration and prevents the skin from overcompensating with oil.

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