If you’ve ever skipped moisturiser because you’re scared of looking shiny, it's totally normal. For decades, oily skin care was primarily focused on stripping and mattifying. The problem? That approach misunderstands how oily skin actually works.

Why Oily Skin Still Needs Moisturiser

Oily skin is often dehydrated underneath. When you over-cleanse or avoid hydration, your barrier weakens and loses water, resulting in increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Your sebaceous glands “panic” and pump out more oil to compensate. The more you dry it out, the shinier you get.

The K-beauty shift: don’t battle oil, balance it. Lightweight, water-rich, non-comedogenic moisturisers restore the oil–water ratio, tell your skin it’s safe, and help regulate sebum production. The goal isn’t zero oil (sebum is essential); it’s a calm, supported barrier that looks fresh, not greasy.

From Grease to Glow: Best Ingredients for Oily Skin

Advanced Hydrators (water-givers)

• Low-molecular Hyaluronic Acid – deep hydration with zero heaviness (think Torriden, Laneige).
  
• Birch Sap – mineral-rich base that helps prevent moisture loss.
  
• Glycerin – classic, dependable humectant.
  
• Snail Mucin – feathery hydration + regeneration; great for post-blemish marks.
  

Soothing Saviours (calm the fire)

• Centella Asiatica (Cica) – anti-inflammatory, barrier-supporting.
  

• Green Tea – antioxidant + sebum-modulating tannins.
  

• Heartleaf (Houttuynia) – soothing, purifying, great for acne-prone skin.
  

• Panthenol (B5) – hydrates and reduces redness.
  

Sebum & Pore Perfectors (shine control)

• Niacinamide – regulates oil, refines pores, evens tone.
  

• Red Bean Extract – hanbang favourite helps absorb excess sebum.
  

• Gentle acids (AHA/BHA/PHA/LHA) – keep pores clear; best in mild, daily doses.
  

Barrier Builders (the gatekeepers)

• Ceramides – replenish the lipid barrier to lock in water.
  

• Squalane – lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient that mimics skin’s natural oils.
  

Our Top 10 Korean Moisturisers for Oily Skin

Each pick balances hydration with weightlessness. Choose by finish and skin mood.

1) Dr. G R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Cream

Why it’s great: 5-Cica Complex + niacinamide + panthenol = redness down, oil balanced, barrier soothed.
Texture/finish: Pudding-gel that breaks into water; natural (not matte, not dewy).
Best for: Oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin; post-activity recovery.

Pro tip: Slather a thicker layer as an overnight calming mask on irritated days.

2) Torriden DIVE-IN Low-Molecular HA Soothing Cream

Why it’s great: 5D HA floods skin with water hydration; featherlight feel.
Texture/finish: Cool water-gel; natural/glowy, never sticky.
Best for: “Oily-dehydrated” (tight underneath, shiny on top); humid climates; under SPF.

3) Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

Why it’s great: 44% red bean extract (saponins) to temper midday shine.
Texture/finish: Bouncy jelly → true soft-matte.
Best for: Very oily, shine-prone skin (especially mornings).

4) iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream

Why it’s great: Minimalist, oil-free formula with 72% Centella + 10% Tea Tree Water.
Texture/finish: Ultra-light gel; disappears instantly.
Best for: Sensitive, blemish-prone, fungal-acne-prone routines.

5) SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream

Why it’s great: Centella + ceramide/cholesterol/fatty acids in a gel (rare!).
Texture/finish: Lightweight gel; dewy but non-sticky.
Best for: Oily/combination with a compromised barrier (over-exfoliation, harsh actives).

6) COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturising Lotion (Birch Sap)

Why it’s great: 70% birch sap + a silky, oil-free base; a no-fuss daily driver.
Texture/finish: Milky lotion; satin.
Best for: All-rounder for oily/combination; smooth under makeup.

7) belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Why it’s great: Instant “water burst” plumpness; hyaluronic acid + squalane + niacinamide.
Texture/finish: Cooling gel-cream; dewy.
Best for: Dull, dehydrated oily skin pre-makeup. (Patch test if very reactive to fragrance/alcohol.)

8) LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream

Why it’s great: Micro-sized HA + ceramides + squalane for long-lasting bounce.
Texture/finish: Lightweight cream; healthy glow.
Best for: Oily/combination seeking subtle firming and smoother texture.

9) Pyunkang Yul Balancing Gel

Why it’s great: Minimal INCI; astragalus root base seals hydration without grease.
Texture/finish: Viscous “honey” gel; melts to a breathable seal.
Best for: Nighttime “seal” over hydrating layers; reactive, barrier-damaged skin.

10) SOME BY MI AHA·BHA·PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream

Why it’s great: Light cream that hydrates, soothes (high centella), and gently resurfaces.
Texture/finish: Lightweight; natural finish.
Clogged pores, bumpy texture, blackheads. (Use SPF; don’t stack with strong actives.)

How to Use Moisturiser for Less Shine

AM: Cleanser → Toner/Essence → (Serum) → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
PM: Oil Cleanser → Water Cleanser → (Exfoliant/Mask, 2–3×/week) → Toner/Essence → (Serum) → Moisturizer

Pro routines

• Ultra-oily mornings: Use Red Bean Water Gel for a soft-matte base under SPF.
  

• Night repair: Switch to Dr G or Torriden to deeply hydrate and calm.
  

• Barrier SOS: Use SKIN1004 on nights you skip strong actives.
  

• Texture days: Use SOME BY MI (and keep the rest of the routine gentle).
  
  

FAQs

Do I need moisturiser if I’m already using sunscreen?
Yes. Sunscreen protects; moisturiser hydrates and stabilises your barrier so SPF sits evenly and shine stays in check.

Won’t moisturiser clog my pores?
Choose water-gel, lotion, or light cream textures with non-comedogenic profiles and sebum-friendly actives (niacinamide, centella, hyaluronic acid).

Can I layer two moisturisers?
 If you’re oily-dehydrated, try a water-gel (Torriden) + a tiny amount of barrier gel (Pyunkang Yul) at night. Start minimal.

Bottom Line

Oily skin isn’t a war to win; it’s a system to balance. Feed your skin water-based hydration, soothe inflammation, and quietly rebuild the barrier. When your skin feels supported, it stops overproducing oil, and you get that fresh, shine-controlled finish all day.