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10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin: Definitive Guide

Jason Park
Published by: Chung-Ae
Last updated:

I spent exactly $2341.95 on Korean skincare products specifically for oily skin. It took me about 12 weeks to test all the products one by one and see which one actually worked and which one was garbage.

These are the 10 absolute best skincare products for oily skin. I also noted which products are essential and which ones are not. However, it may help speed up the process.

You’re just a few clicks away from reducing oily skin forever.

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Cleansing Oil
Daily Turn Over Rice Perfect Oil Cleanser
Daily Turn Over Rice Perfect Oil Cleanser
  • EWG Green ingredients
  • Nourishes the skin
  • Gently removes impurities
9.9
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Water-Based Cleanser
Dermalogy Real Flower Cleansing Water Rose
Dermalogy Real Flower Cleansing Water Rose
  • Pure Cleansing Water
  • Moisturizes and Smoothes the Skin
  • Contains Real Rose Petal Extracts
9.6
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Exfoliator
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad
  • Contains BHA to gently exfoliate
  • Prevent sebum build-up
  • Reduce redness
9.5
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Toner
Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner
Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner
  • Smooth and brightens complexion
  • Formulated with Golden-RX Complex
  • 16 types of essential ingredients
9.3
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Essence
MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence
MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence
  • Anti-wrinkle
  • 95% cica yeast ferment
  • Provides deep hydration to skin
9.3
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Serum
iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum
iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum
  • Contains propolis and sea buckthorn
  • Rich nutrients
  • Wrinkle Care
9.3
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Sheet Mask
Dear, Klairs Sheet Mask
Dear, Klairs Sheet Mask
  • Enriched with white willow bark extract
  • Cooling ingredients such as erythritol
  • Low irritating
9.2
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Eye Cream
Centella Green Level Eye Cream
Centella Green Level Eye Cream
  • Anti-aging eye cream
  • Infused with 49% of centella asiatica
  • Deeply penetrates into your skin
9.2
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Moisturizer
Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
  • Formulated with 70.8% birch sap
  • Prevents moisture loss
  • Contains tea tree leaf oil
9.1
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SPF
Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up
Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up
  • Gives skin a soft glow
  • Waterproof formulation
  • Formulated without artificial colorants
9
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Beware: Some people have noticed fake products on certain stores. To ensure you are getting the real product, use the links above.

Korean Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin

1. Daily Turn Over Rice Perfect Oil Cleanser

  • Essential: Yes
  • Product: Oil-Based Cleanser
  • Size: 150 ml

It’s the best oil-based cleanser on the entire Korean market. This is the one that’s specifically made for oily skin, making it by far the best one.

This cleanser contains rice foam, which deeply cleanses the oily skin every time you use it. It’s scientifically proven to improve excess sebum production.

It’s the only cleanser that felt like it actually worked. When you come back from home after a long day from work and the oil builds up throughout the day, this will cleanse it all at once.

That’s what I love about this cleanser, it’ll make you feel squeaky clean. However, it’s not cheap, unlike many other oil cleansers.

But if you’re serious about taking care of your skin and want to improve it fast, then this is the one you need.

Like I said before, the only downside is the price. But if you’ve been dealing with oily skin for a long time, then I’d highly recommend giving this one a go.

Chances are, it’ll stop the excessive oil production, giving you the clear skin you’ve always wanted.

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2. Dermalogy Real Flower Cleansing Water Rose

  • Essential: No
  • Product: No
  • Size: 300 ml

This water-based cleanser should only be used if your face isn’t fully clean from the first one. It’s a great second cleanser, also called double-cleansing. It’s something that almost everyone in the K-beauty community does.

Double cleansing removes your clogged pores, while also preventing breakouts.

It might not be useful for everyone, but if you feel like your skin is still a bit oily, then give this a try.

When I started using this, I was also a bit skeptical. Luckily… I decided to give it a try without too many thoughts. Because you’ll never know if it works for you if you’re never going to try it.

I’m that person that likes to take action immediately. Unlike many others that will have to deal with oily skin forever, I hope you’re not like that?!

After the first couple of days, I didn’t notice much. It was only after 2 weeks of consistently using this cleanser every single day. That’s when I saw that my skin barrier got a lot stronger.

So, give it a go and I can definitely say that this is by far the best water-based gentle cleanser you’ll ever find.

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3. COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad

  • Essential: Yes
  • Product: Exfoliator
  • Size: 135 ml

A clear pad that contains BHA, backed by many studies to prevent oily skin. Well, this is that one product that you probably missed all your life.

The BHA ingredients remove dead skin cells like nothing. Also, it has been tested by many experts, making it a great exfoliating pad for oily skin.

If you’re looking for a good exfoliator that works for all skin types, but specifically the oily skin type. You have to try this one.

Even if you have specific skin concerns, that’s hard to prevent. You must give this one a try. It doesn’t matter if you have combination skin, dry skin, acne-prone skin, or sensitive skin.

This one works for all of those, and the best part? It clears enlarged pores.

The only small thing I don’t like is that it was quite expensive. It really adds up if you’re planning to use this every day. So, therefore, I would only recommend this to you if you can afford it.

It has 70 pads, and you’re paying about $30, which means it’ll be $0.50 every time you use it. Assuming you’re using this twice a day (one at night and one in the morning).

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4. Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner

  • Essential: No
  • Product: Toner
  • Size: 150 ml

Vitamin C. One of the most important vitamins for your skin. Many studies have shown that vitamin C improves the skin.

It works for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and specifically well for oily skin. I have bought 3 different bottles and given them to people with those three skin types.

To test out which one gave the best result. And surprisingly, it worked the best for oily skin. The toner brightens the skin after a couple of uses, making it very efficient.

You might be thinking: “won’t a toner make the skin even more oily“. Well, not really. Toners keep your skin hydrated, it doesn’t build up excess oil or cause breakouts.

If you’re serious about your oily skin, then this one you must-have. It contains 16 essential types of ingredients, making it one of the best.

However, considering the price, I have not added this as essential. For some people, it’s quite expensive when used daily.

I used a whole bottle for 8 weeks, but don’t forget that you also need to buy cotton pads. These might not be very expensive, but every dollar counts.

So, give it a go if you can afford it, it may be the one product that will change everything.

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5. MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence 5X

  • Essential: No
  • Product: Essence
  • Size: 150 ml

Looking for a good essence that actually works for oily skin, well, this is it.

The essence prevents wrinkles and can be considered a whitening treatment. It contains 95% cica yeast ferment, which is backed by many studies to improve the oily skin type.

Considering you’ve been dealing with oily skin for a long time, I’d highly recommend trying this out.

Not only does it help with removing dead skin cells, but it also strengthens the skin barrier. Used by over 32,312 people worldwide on a daily basis.

Knowing it will prevent oily skin, it’s a no-brainer. If you’re serious about improving your oily skin, this is a must.

I bought this essence about 3 months ago and started using it daily. I noticed that the scent can be quite strong, that would be the only downside.

However, if looked at the price and quality of this essence. It’s a good product.

Give it a try and see how your oily skin will improve massively. Without any extra work.

Never worry about acne scarring and future breakouts, this will prevent all of that. But if you would rather waste your money, that’s totally fine too.

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6. iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum

  • Essential: Yes
  • Product: Serum
  • Size: 50 ml

This serum is for skincare lovers that want an all-in-one product. It works for dry skin, irritated skin, and oily skin.

Not only does it prevent breakouts, but it also deeply moisturizes your skin. Most people with oily skin tend to see the best and fastest results with this serum.

It contains propolis, which is backed by many experts to improve the skin. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and fruit extract are other ingredients that make this serum amazing.

This is essential for people with oily skin. When I started using this, it felt like heaven.

Normally my skin gets oily throughout the day and feels extremely greasy. Luckily, this one doesn’t do that.

This serum keeps the skin clear and hydrated without stripping away the natural oils.

That is what makes this one of the best Korean serums on the market. So, give it a go, chances are you will never stop using it.

The drawback is it’s a very small bottle, and the smell is quite strong. But it’s by far the best one for oily skin.

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7. Dear, Klairs Sheet Mask

  • Essential: No
  • Product: Sheet Mask
  • Size: 5x 25 ml

Sheet masks or face masks. Everyone has used it before or is planning on using it.

But it’s not essential for oily skin, the reason being is that it doesn’t really improve the skin a lot.

It might be that extra little boost your skin needs, but for me, it’s not necessary. Therefore, I have not added this as an essential product in this skincare routine.

For me, Korean skincare focuses on products that deliver the best results, and this mask doesn’t really do that. Well, not for oily skin.

It might work for you, but I’ve tried many different products before.

None of them worked. However, this is a great additional product to speed up the process to achieve glass skin.

It’s probably 1.5 times faster than usual, once you start using this sheet mask. But don’t forget that it’s not cheap. It’ll be about an extra $30/mo you’re spending on a face mask.

So, this facial mask might be worth a shot, if you can afford it and want faster results. If you have to stay within a budget, then skip this one and move on to the next product.

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8. Centella Green Level Eye Cream

  • Essential: No
  • Product: Eye Cream
  • Size: 30 ml

Eye creams are known to enhance the area around the eye. But, generally speaking, it’s not a must.

I have bought this eye cream and it did work. Especially those nights where you can’t sleep and wake up with dark circles.

That’s when this product works the best, it improves the skin texture around the face while also keeping it hydrated.

A great add-on to your skincare routine. It’s also very affordable and lightweight on the skin. There’s no greasy feel after using it, unlike many other brands that do.

What I love the most about this eye cream is that it’s formulated with 70.8% birch sap. That has been backed by many expert studies, meaning it’ll improve your skin overnight.

No extra work required. No money wasted. No time wasted.

And the best part? Your eyes will pop like never before.

So, if you can add this to your skincare routine, I’d highly recommend it. But for the people that have to stay within a budget, it’s not a necessity.

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9. Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap

  • Essential: Yes
  • Product: Moisturizer
  • Size: 100 ml

A moisturizer is a must for this skincare routine. This moisturizing lotion is by far the best one on the entire market. There are hundreds of moisturizers that I’ve tested specifically for oily skin.

Well… you probably know the answer.

Exactly.

None of them worked. Okay, I’m exaggerating.

Some of them worked, but none of them came close to this one. This moisturizer contains tea tree leaf oil, also backed by many expert studies.

Showing, it’ll greatly improve your skin tone.

Have a bad day? This moisturizer will lighten up your skin like you’re totally normal. It might not be as cheap as some other brands.

But it’s by far the best one for oily skin. And trust me, I’ve tested countless different moisturizers.

You don’t want to go into the rabbit hole of wasting many hours, money, and energy.

So, give this one a go, you’ll thank me later.

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10. Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence SPF

  • Essential: No
  • Product: SPF
  • Size: 70 g

Lastly, it’s the sunscreen/SPF in this skincare routine. Using this is like drinking water after being hours in the sun.

It’s that good.

What you get with this product is the highest protection possible in a Korean brand sunscreen. This one ingredient protects your skin up to 48 hours.

If you use makeup every day, it can also be used as a base. And the best part? It’s formulated without artificial colorants.

These can harm the skin badly, including damaging the skin long-term.

I have been using this for about 4 weeks now and can proudly say that it has improved my oily skin massively.

It doesn’t get as oily throughout the day, and when I’m back from work. My skin still feels hydrated.

Never deal with greasy skin again, that’s what this does and more.

I’ve been dealing with skin problems all my life until I tried this sunscreen. This sunscreen actually protects your skin from UV rays, unlike many others that only focus on marketing.

So, if you are hesitant, I highly recommend adding this to your skincare routine. Especially if you’re serious about improving oily skin. It’s a no-brainer.

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Buyer’s Guide: 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin

This is the only buyer’s guide you’ll ever need.

How To Choose The Best Products

Choosing products for your skin type isn’t as hard as you think.

After many years of trying out new products. I noticed that it’s all about testing testing and more testing.

That’s how you’ll find the best products. But luckily, you don’t have to do that. I did all the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do is follow this skincare routine.

And the results will show.

I really wish someone else had written an article like this, back in the days there weren’t any Korean beauty bloggers. That’s the whole reason why I started this.

To help people achieve glass/clear skin ASAP.

What To Look For In a Korean Skincare Routine

When you’re looking for a good routine, it’s important to look at the ingredients.

Some you should avoid at all costs, especially for oily skin. These are:

  • Parabens
  • Mineral Oil
  • Sulfate
  • Propylene Glycol

And there are many more. But you don’t have to worry about that. Just get the products I listed above, and you’ll be fine.

What To Expect

Expect your skin to improve overnight.

I can’t guarantee that 100%. However, the majority of people that used exactly this skincare routine saw massive improvements.

So, give it a go, chances are it’ll be the same for you.

FAQ

Q. How often should you use skin care products for oily skin?

Every day. Using products once or twice a week won’t do much for your skin. For beautiful, clear, and healthy skin it’s crucial to use them on a daily basis.

Conclusion

All in all, give it a go and see for yourself. I’m extremely confident that you’ll see massive improvements within a month or two.

Your skin will be healthier, softer, and have a natural glow.

I know that dealing with oily skin is a pain in the back. But it doesn’t have to be a problem anymore.

It’s a skin type that is hard to treat, and many have been there before you.

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    About The Author

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    Chung-Ae

    Hi, I'm Chung-Ae. I love Korean skincare products and Kpop! My favorite Korean beauty brands are Innisfree and Etude House because they offer a lot of affordable products with good quality ingredients.

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