Guide skincare - Care by skin type

Oily skin - regulate sebum and imperfections according to a doctor and analyses by BeautyDecoders.

Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum, which clogs pores and promotes blackheads, shine and imperfections. The right routine is based on five steps: gentle, soap-free cleansing morning and night, exfoliation with BHA (salicylic acid), light moisturizing (gel-cream), a weekly mask and sebum-regulating active ingredients such as niacinamide, azelaic acid or retinol. Mistake to avoid: stripping the skin, which increases sebum.

ApproachIndependent cosmetic analysis
MethodVerdict Sensitivity - Dr David's rule
Selection6 treatments rated by BeautyDecoders

Causes and consequences of oily skin

Combination to oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum. Linked to hormonal imbalance, lifestyle, pollution or stress, this hyperseborrhea clogs pores and creates imperfections. The cutaneous barrier is damaged, and no longer fights bacteria or dehydration.

Medium- to long-term consequences: blackheads, comedones and pimples; dilated pores, shiny, thick and dull skin; blotches and scars; minor to severe acne attacks; scaling and tightness due to lack of water. Acne also has a documented psychological impact. The good news is that an appropriate skin care routine can rebalance this hyperseborrhea.

Tip 01

Clean smoothly

Gently remove make-up (using micellar water or a suitable lotion), then cleanse morning and night. Choose non-aggressive, alcohol-free formulas: gels or foams with gentle surfactants (betaines, coco-glucoside) or superfatted lotions, avoiding stripping soaps. A soap-free gel respects the pH while eliminating excess sebum.

The ratings and review excerpts come from users of the BeautyDecoded application. These reviews are not verified. The Sensitivity Verdict applies the Dr David Rule: a sensitive skin score below 0 indicates a potential risk of irritation; between -2 and -5, a product not suitable for sensitive skin.
Anti-blemish foaming gel - CeraVe

CeraVe Anti-Imperfection Foaming Gel

★★★★½4,50/5(33 reviews - solid base)

Cleanses without stripping - oily skin

Foaming gel cleanser for oily skin with imperfections, which removes excess sebum without stripping and prepares the skin for subsequent treatments. Scores oily skin 91, imperfections 76,5. Sensitive skin score -1.7 - slight caution. Effective on hormonal acne and the back according to feedback, but too drying for dry skin: reserve for oily skin.

Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
25,9
Oily skin
91
Normal to oily
91
Sensitive skin
-1,7
Imperfections
76,5
Stains
34
⚠ Sensitivity verdict Slightly cautious (score: -1.7). Too drying for dry skin.
User feedback (33 reviews - representative extracts)
★★★★★«Much less imperfections and marques, it prevents the arrival of new pimples.»
★★★★★«Great for hormonal acne as a double cleanser, doesn't dry out the skin.»
★★★★«Does the job, rinses off easily and economical, I also use it on my back in the summer.»
★★★«Not suitable for my dry skin, its active ingredients caused me dry patches.»
Verdict - Foaming gel cleans without stripping (oily skin 91), effective on hormonal acne and back. Slight caution (-1.7), for oily skin only. 4.50/5 out of 33 reviews.

Tip 02

Exfoliate to clean in depth

Seborrheic skin becomes saturated with pollutants more quickly. Gently exfoliate with BHA (salicylic acid), once or twice a week, depending on sensitivity: it unclogs pores, eliminates excess sebum, refines skin texture, reduces spots and scars, and brightens the complexion. Twice a month, an acid peel mask can be used instead.

Salicylic acid 2% - Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

★★★★★4,74/5(31 reviews - solid base)

The reference BHA - unclogs pores

Exfoliating lotion with 2 % salicylic acid and green tea, no-rinse, the benchmark BHA for unclogging the pores of oily skin. Imperfections score 85. Sensitive skin score -1.0 - slight caution, Use every second or third day. Smoothes skin texture according to numerous feedbacks; some sensitive skins find it too strong, often in the case of an overloaded routine.

Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
73,5
Oily skin
84
Normal to oily
91
Sensitive skin
-1
Imperfections
85
Stains
3,4
⚠ Sensitivity verdict Slight caution (score: -1.0). Every second or third day.
User feedback (31 reviews - representative extracts)
★★★★★«The best product with salicylic acid, irritating especially when the routine has incompatible products.»
★★★★★«The BHA is my favorite for my oily skin, my fine lines are smoothed out too.»
★★★★«A small bottle lasts a long time, doesn't stick, I use it one day out of three in the evening.»
★★«Disaster for my sensitive skin, made my acne worse.»
Verdict - The benchmark BHA for unclogging the pores of oily skin (blemishes 85). Slight caution (-1.0), to be spaced out; too strong for some sensitive skins. 4.74/5 out of 31 reviews.

Advice 03

Moisturize oily skin

Dehydrated skin produces more sebum to compensate: moisturizing is essential, even on oily skin. Avoid rich creams in favor of fluid textures. Gel-creams, jellies and micro-emulsions penetrate quickly, transporting rebalancing active ingredients and leaving a clean, matte finish. Certain non-comedogenic oils (jojoba, hazelnut) rebalance sebum without clogging.

Matifying cream-gel - Laboratoire SVR

SVR Sébiaclear Mat + Pores

★★★★☆4,15/5(10 reviews)

Mattifying effect - T-zone, thin layer

Matifying cream-gel with salicylic acid and niacinamide, lightly moisturizes while regulating sebum and the appearance of pores. Oily skin score 91. Sensitive skin score -1.75 - slight caution. Real all-day mattifying effect according to feedback, ideal in the morning on the T-zone; can fluff up in thick layers, apply thinly. Not suitable for dry skin.

Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
16,8
Oily skin
91
Normal to oily
79,8
Sensitive skin
-1,75
Imperfections
76,5
Stains
34
⚠ Sensitivity verdict Slight caution (score: -1.75). Not suitable for dry skin.
User feedback (10 opinions - representative extracts)
★★★★★«Regulated oily skin, my imperfections and scars have faded, I highly recommend.»
★★★★«Matifies well, ideal in the morning for matte skin all day, at a low price.»
★★★★«The mattifying effect is real, too bad the product is a little fluffy.»
★★★«Correct on sebum but doesn't really work on acne.»
Verdict - Mattifying gel-cream (oily skin 91) with salicylic acid and niacinamide, real matte effect on the T-zone. Slight caution (-1.75), thin layer; not for dry skin. 4.15/5 out of 10 reviews.

A mask once a week

Clay, charcoal, salicylic acid

Once a week, a clay mask (ideally combined with charcoal or salicylic acid) absorbs excess sebum, refines skin texture and improves the appearance of pores. It's a good purifying gesture for oily skin with a dull complexion - but should not be repeated to avoid drying out the skin.

Conseil 05

Assets that regulate seborrhea

Four benchmark active ingredients: niacinamide (seboregulating, pore-tightening, barrier-restoring), azelaic acid (keratolytic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, acts on post-acne blemishes and spots), salicylic acid / PHA (gentle exfoliation and descaling), and retinol (seboregulating and keratolytic, but photosensitizing - SPF essential).

Propolis + niacinamide serum - Beauty of Joseon

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide

★★★★★4,80/5(10 reviews)

Niacinamide front door - glow effect

A gentle, moisturizing serum with propolis and niacinamide that brightens the complexion and regulates imperfections. Blemish Score 81,6. Sensitive skin score +0.15 - adapted, including reactive skin. Glow effect and comfortable skin according to feedback, with no greasy or fluffy finish, at a very good price. A good gateway to niacinamide for combination to oily skin.

Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
91
Oily skin
84
Normal to oily
91
Sensitive skin
0,15
Imperfections
81,6
Stains
42,5
✓ Verdict sensitivity Suitable for sensitive skin (score: +0.15).
User feedback (10 opinions - representative extracts)
★★★★★«Soft, moisturized skin, my imperfections are gradually disappearing from my combination to oily skin.»
★★★★★«Gentle serum that penetrates well, very pleasant, glass effect assured.»
★★★★«Brightens my complexion combined with the brand's other products, at a low price.»
★★★«No irritation but I haven't seen any real improvement either.»
Verdict - Gentle, moisturizing propolis + niacinamide serum (imperfections 81.6), glow effect without greasy finish (+0.15). Good entry-level niacinamide at a low price. 4.80/5 out of 10 reviews.
Niacinamide 5% + HA - Laboratoire SVR

SVR Ampoule Hydra Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide 5%)

★★★★½4,44/5(54 reviews - very solid base)

Sebum-regulating & moisturizing - evening base

Serum with niacinamide 5 % and triple hyaluronic acid, seboregulating and moisturizing, to strengthen the skin barrier. Sensitive skin score -0.5 - slight caution, but very well tolerated. The most commented of the selection (54 reviews). Plumping and protective effect on blemishes according to feedback; texture considered a little sticky by some, perfect as a base before cream or retinol in the evening.

Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
77
Oily skin
84
Normal to oily
84
Sensitive skin
-0,5
Imperfections
59,5
Stains
66,3
⚠ Sensitivity verdict Slight caution (score: -0.5). Very well tolerated in practice.
User feedback (54 reviews - representative extracts)
★★★★★«Great serum that moisturizes, negative point it's a little sticky.»
★★★★«Perfect in the evening before the nourishing cream and retinol.»
★★★★«Plumping effect, protects against pigmentation spots, I like it on my combination skin.»
★★★★«My skin feels less tight after a few days, pleasant and effective.»
Verdict - Niacinamide 5 % + triple HA seboregulator and moisturizer, the most commented of the selection (54 reviews). Slight caution (-0.5) but very well tolerated, ideal evening base. 4.44/5.
Azelaic Acid 10% - Aroma-Zone

Aroma-Zone Azelaic Acid Serum 10%

★★★★☆4,32/5(19 reviews - solid base)

Post-acne blemishes - low price

Serum with azelaic acid 10 %, a keratolytic and anti-inflammatory active ingredient that targets blemishes, blackheads and post-acne spots. Blemish scores 90,1 and stains 68. Sensitive skin score -0.5 - slight caution, to be introduced gradually. Reduces sebum and blackheads, according to feedback, at a good price; it can fluff up, hence the need for a gradual build-up.

Scores BeautyDecoded
Dry skin
42
Oily skin
84
Normal to oily
91
Sensitive skin
-0,5
Imperfections
90,1
Stains
68
⚠ Sensitivity verdict Slight caution (score: -0.5). To be introduced gradually.
User feedback (19 reviews - representative extracts)
★★★★★«Results from the first week: fewer imperfections, brighter skin.»
★★★★★«Limits the appearance of blackheads, I highly recommend it for this problem.»
★★★★«My hormonal acne and blackheads have improved since I've been using it at night.»
★★★«Very good value for money and reduces sebum, but it fluffs up quickly, to be integrated gradually.»
Verdict - Azelaic acid 10 % targets blemishes (90.1), blackheads and post-acne spots, at a low price. Slight caution (-0.5), gentle build-up as it can fluff. 4.32/5 out of 19 reviews.

Mistakes to avoid

01

Washing too often

This deprives the skin of its natural oils and unbalances sebum production. Limit yourself to mornings and evenings.

02

Overly aggressive products

By removing natural sebum, they encourage the skin to produce more. Choose gentle skin care products.

03

Neglecting hydration

Poorly moisturized skin produces more sebum to compensate.

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Your questions about oily skin

Is it necessary to moisturize oily skin?
Yes, it's essential. Poorly moisturized skin produces more sebum to compensate for the lack of water. Choose light textures (gel-cream, micro-emulsion) that moisturize without weighing down or clogging pores.
What's the best active ingredient for oily skin?
There isn't just one. Salicylic acid (BHA) unclogs pores, niacinamide regulates sebum and tightens pores, azelaic acid treats blemishes and spots, and retinol acts deep down. Choose them according to your needs, without combining them all.
How often should you cleanse oily skin?
Morning and evening, no more. Washing your face too often strips the skin of its natural oils and causes it to produce more sebum. A gentle, pH-modifying soap-free cleanser is preferable to a stripping product.
Why does my oily skin sometimes peel?
Oily skin can be dehydrated on the surface: it feels tight and peeling, while remaining shiny. This is often the sign of a skin barrier damaged by overly aggressive products. The solution is to moisturize with humectants and lighten your routine.
Oily skin or dehydrated skin?
Oily skin produces too much sebum (it's a type of skin). Dehydration is a temporary lack of water that can affect oily skin, making it paradoxically shinier. In this case, we rely on humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine.
Dr Sylvain DavidPlastic and aesthetic surgeon - Founder of BeautyDecoded

Information for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical consultation and must be adapted to each individual. The compatibility scores generated by the application do not prejudge the individual tolerance of each skin type. Severe or persistent acne warrants a dermatological opinion. In case of pregnancy, skin pathology or doubt, medical advice is recommended. A tolerance test should be carried out before using the product for the first time.