Every product here is listed because its own brand says it suits oily skin — each claim is quoted and linked to where we read it. Advice on what to look for and avoid comes from dermatology bodies.
Quick answer · Skin type
Oily skin produces excess sebum and can look shiny by the end of the day, the British Skin Foundation explains. Dermatologists suggest a gentle foaming cleanser up to twice a day, lighter gel or lotion moisturisers, and products labelled oil-free and non-comedogenic. Below are products whose brands say they suit oily skin or target excess oil.
General information, not medical advice. Suitability is each brand’s own claim, not a guarantee for your skin — patch test anything new. Sources.
Dermatologist-sourced
01 / Look for
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests cleansers, moisturisers and make-up labelled oil-free and non-comedogenic, and oil-free, water-based make-up with a matte finish. These are manufacturer labels, not guarantees, but they are a sensible first filter.
Best foundations for oily skin ↗02 / Look for
The British Skin Foundation recommends lighter, non-comedogenic oil-free moisturisers — gels or lotions rather than thick creams.
03 / Look for
The American Academy of Dermatology lists these acids as ingredients that can reduce oiliness, while warning they may irritate sensitive skin.
AHA and BHA acids, explained ↗04 / Look for
Several products below list niacinamide. Our ingredient guide sets out what it does and how strong the evidence is before you buy.
Niacinamide, explained ↗05 / Look for
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and sunscreens without added fragrance or oils for oily skin.
Sunscreen filters, explained ↗Take care
01 / Avoid
The American Academy of Dermatology advises against oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers and against scrubbing, which irritates skin — and irritated skin can produce more oil.
02 / Avoid
Oily skin still needs moisture, the American Academy of Dermatology says. Swap a heavy cream for a lighter gel or lotion rather than leaving it out.
03 / Avoid
Remove make-up before bed and try not to touch your face through the day, as the American Academy of Dermatology advises.
04 / Avoid
Before using a new product all over, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying it to a quarter-sized spot on the underside of the arm or the bend of the elbow twice a day for seven to ten days.
Oily skin · brand-stated
Listed only where the brand says the product suits oily skin; “all skin types” on its own does not qualify. Selection is editorial and desk-researched from published brand information. Product images are brand or retailer packshots, credited on each guide.
The Ordinary · Skin prep
The treat step under Couture glass skin when shine and texture need quieting before light hits the face.
Geek & Gorgeous · Skin prep
The fragrance-free retinal option — a simple evening layer for readers who want the treatment without scent.
Beauty of Joseon · SPF
The US-market counterpart to Relief Sun, which is not sold in the US: protection-first skin prep with a lightweight finish.
Maybelline · Complexion
An accessible matte base that controls shine without a heavy mask — the simple starting point in the oily-skin edit.
Fenty Beauty · Complexion
Fenty’s new natural-matte base, built to flex with expression — shade-match afresh rather than carrying over a Soft Matte number.
Laura Mercier · Complexion
A skin tint that keeps shine down without a heavy base — the matte counterpart to the dewy tints in the edit.
2026 reader-voted award
e.l.f. Cosmetics · Complexion
A light-coverage option for comparing tints by finish and shade availability, with the sunscreen directions kept visible.
e.l.f. Cosmetics · Complexion
Accessible Couture glass skin glow — soft-focus light when the brief wants filter radiance without a heavy base.
e.l.f. Cosmetics · Complexion
Full coverage at a high-street price: pat it only where shadows or marks need it so the satin finish stays thin.
Milk Makeup · Complexion
A concealer stick for readers who prefer targeted coverage and a dewy finish.
e.l.f. Cosmetics · Cheek
One-dot Soft flush cheek — temperature on skin for Milan-coded flush, not a sculpted apple.
Laura Mercier · Setting
The reference loose powder: set only where shine shows, so the rest of the face keeps its light.
The evidence
The brand’s own wording, quoted from its product page or, where the brand page is unavailable in the UK, an authorised UK retailer listing that carries the brand’s copy.
The Ordinary · Skin prep
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%“target dullness, uneven texture, and excess oil”
Source: The Ordinary UK ↗
Geek & Gorgeous · Skin prep
A-Game 10“great for all skin types, including combination, oily skin”
Source: Geek & Gorgeous ↗
Beauty of Joseon · SPF
Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40“suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, and combination”
Maybelline · Complexion
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation“Ideal for normal to oily skin”
Source: Maybelline UK ↗
Fenty Beauty · Complexion
Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Natural Matte Foundation“Is this good for oily skin or acne-prone skin? Yes, Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Foundation is non-comedogenic and reduces surface oil and mattifies skin for up to 12 hours.”
Source: Fenty Beauty UK ↗
Laura Mercier · Complexion
Tinted Moisturizer Blurred Matte Oil Free SPF 30“24+ hour comfortable shine control that improves the appearance of pores”
Source: Laura Mercier UK ↗
e.l.f. Cosmetics · Complexion
Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50“designed for oily, normal/combination, dry skin”
Source: e.l.f. Cosmetics UK ↗
e.l.f. Cosmetics · Complexion
Halo Glow Liquid Filter“Great for: dry, oily, and combination skin”
Source: e.l.f. Cosmetics UK ↗
e.l.f. Cosmetics · Complexion
Hydrating Camo Concealer“Great for: Oily, Dry, and Combination Skin”
Source: e.l.f. Cosmetics UK ↗
Milk Makeup · Complexion
Hydro Grip Gel Concealer“it works with all skin types, including oily skin”
Source: Milk Makeup ↗
e.l.f. Cosmetics · Cheek
Camo Liquid Blush“Great for: Dry, oily and combination skin”
Source: e.l.f. Cosmetics UK ↗
Laura Mercier · Setting
Translucent Loose Setting Powder“Provides extended shine control, great for normal to oily skin types”
Source: Laura Mercier UK ↗
Shortlists
Useful answers
Look for an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula with a matte or natural-matte finish, as the American Academy of Dermatology suggests. Maybelline says Fit Me Matte + Poreless is “ideal for normal to oily skin”; our best foundations for oily skin guide compares five options.
Yes. The American Academy of Dermatology says oily skin still needs moisture, and the British Skin Foundation suggests lighter, oil-free, non-comedogenic gels or lotions rather than thick creams.
Up to twice a day and after sweating, using a mild, gentle foaming cleanser without scrubbing, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
We list a product here only when its brand, on its own page or a UK retailer listing, says it suits oily skin or targets excess oil or shine. Each claim is quoted with a link to where we read it. Suitability is the brand’s own claim, not a verdict from hands-on use.
Read further
General information, not medical advice. For a skin condition, pregnancy or a reaction that does not settle, speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist.
Shop by skin
