Acne & Oily Skin Guide

Acne and oily skin are caused by a mix of excess sebum, clogged pores, inflammation, and a weakened skin barrier. Korean skincare focuses on calming irritation, balancing oil and moisture, and gently exfoliating without stripping the skin. This guide explains what drives acne, which ingredients work, and how to build a Korean routine using products for acne and oily skin.

If you want to see all products in one place, you can start with the Korean Skincare for Acne & Oily Skin collection.

What Is Acne & Oily Skin?

Acne appears when pores become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and debris, creating blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples. Oily skin produces more sebum than normal, which can make pores look enlarged and shiny and increase congestion.

  • Excess sebum: overactive oil glands make the skin shiny and clog-prone.
  • Clogged pores: dead skin mixes with oil and blocks the pore opening.
  • Inflammation: irritation and bacteria inside the pore trigger redness and swelling.
  • Bacterial imbalance: acne bacteria thrive in trapped oil.
  • Barrier damage: harsh cleansing and over-exfoliation weaken the skin’s defense.

Understanding your triggers helps you choose the right routine and the right Korean products for acne & oily skin.

Key Korean Ingredients for Acne & Oily Skin

  • BHA (Salicylic Acid) – penetrates inside pores to dissolve sebum and clear blackheads and whiteheads.
  • LHA – slow-acting derivative of salicylic acid with a milder, targeted exfoliating effect.
  • Niacinamide – helps regulate excess oil, strengthen the barrier, and reduce visible redness and enlarged pores.
  • Zinc PCA – supports sebum balance and helps skin look less shiny while staying hydrated.
  • Cica (Centella Asiatica) – soothes irritation, calms redness, and supports barrier recovery.
  • Tea Tree – used in blemish-care products to support clearer-looking, less inflamed skin.

Korean Skincare Routine for Acne & Oily Skin

1. Cleanser (Morning & Night)

Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove excess oil, sunscreen, and impurities without leaving the skin tight. Over-cleansing can weaken the skin barrier and trigger increased oil production. Explore cleansers for oily & acne-prone skin.

2. Exfoliation (Night Only, 1–3 Times Per Week)

Exfoliation helps remove pore-clogging dead skin cells that contribute to breakouts and uneven texture. For acne-prone, oily skin, chemical exfoliation is generally preferred. Apply after cleansing and before serum or moisturizer, and avoid daily overuse. Explore exfoliation for acne & oily skin.

3. Toner (Morning & Night)

Use balancing or lightly exfoliating toners to refine pores and prep the skin for treatment steps. Formulas with BHA, LHA, or soothing ingredients like centella help manage oil and congestion. Explore toners for acne & oily skin.

4. Serum / Ampoule (Morning & Night)

Apply lightweight serums or ampoules to the full face to target breakouts, redness, uneven tone, and excess oil. Ingredients such as niacinamide, centella, or zinc PCA help support clearer, calmer skin. Explore serums & ampoules for acne & oily skin.

5. Spot Treatment (Night Only, As Needed)

Spot treatments are used only on active blemishes to help reduce inflammation and visible breakouts without treating the entire face. Apply after serum and before moisturizer, and use only when breakouts are present. Explore spot treatments for acne & oily skin .

6. Moisturizer (Morning & Night)

Hydration is essential even for oily skin. Choose lightweight, breathable moisturizers that support the skin barrier without clogging pores. Gel creams, lotions, and emulsions are commonly well tolerated. Explore moisturizers for acne & oily skin.

7. Sunscreen (Morning Only)

Sunscreen is a critical final step to help prevent post-acne pigmentation and dark marks. Look for non-comedogenic formulas that protect the skin without heaviness or pore congestion. Explore sunscreens for acne & oily skin.

Smart Ways to Personalize Your Acne Routine

  • Pair BHA with niacinamide if you struggle with blackheads, enlarged pores, and a shiny T-zone.
  • Choose LHA-based toners if your skin is sensitive or easily over-exfoliated.
  • Use CICA and other soothing ingredients when skin feels hot, red, or irritated from treatments.
  • Pick gel creams or emulsions instead of heavy creams if you dislike thick textures or live in a humid climate.
  • Use sunscreen daily to prevent new dark spots and to support a clearer, more even-looking complexion.

Shop by Concern: Acne & Oily Skin

Browse all acne-focused Korean skincare in one place: Shop Acne & Oily Skin Collection →

This concern-based collection connects the key acne ingredients, cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens recommended throughout this guide, so you can build a complete routine for breakout-prone, oily skin with confidence.