# Skincare and make-up for oily skin > Source: https://thecastindex.com/beauty/skin/oily-skin — brand claims checked 2026-10-01 ## What suits oily skin? 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. ## What to look for - **Oil-free and non-comedogenic labels.** 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](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/best/best-foundations-for-oily-skin) - **Lighter textures.** The British Skin Foundation recommends lighter, non-comedogenic oil-free moisturisers — gels or lotions rather than thick creams. - **Salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids.** 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](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/exfoliating-acids) - **Niacinamide.** Several products below list niacinamide. Our ingredient guide sets out what it does and how strong the evidence is before you buy. [Niacinamide, explained](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/niacinamide) - **A light daily sunscreen.** 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](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/sunscreen-filters) ## What to avoid, and when to patch test - **Harsh or oil-based cleansers.** 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. - **Skipping moisturiser.** 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. - **Sleeping in make-up.** Remove make-up before bed and try not to touch your face through the day, as the American Academy of Dermatology advises. - **Patch test new actives.** 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. ## Products whose brands say they suit oily skin Listed only where the brand's own product page (or an authorised UK retailer listing carrying the brand's copy) names this skin type or concern. Suitability is the brand's claim, not a guarantee. - [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/the-ordinary-niacinamide-10-zinc-1) — "target dullness, uneven texture, and excess oil" ([The Ordinary UK](https://theordinary.com/en-gb/niacinamide-10-zinc-1-serum-100436.html)) - [Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/geek-and-gorgeous-a-game-10) — "great for all skin types, including combination, oily skin" ([Geek & Gorgeous](https://geekgorgeous.co.uk/products/a-game-10)) - [Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/beauty-of-joseon-daily-relief-sunscreen) — "suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, and combination" ([Beauty of Joseon (US product information page)](https://beautyofjoseon.com/pages/tab-1-daily-relief-sunscreen-us)) - [Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/maybelline-fit-me-matte-poreless-foundation) — "Ideal for normal to oily skin" ([Maybelline UK](https://www.maybelline.co.uk/all-products/face-makeup/foundation/fit-me-matte-poreless-foundation)) - [Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Natural Matte Foundation](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/fenty-beauty-pro-filtr-fluid-flex-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." ([Fenty Beauty UK](https://fentybeauty.co.uk/products/pro-filtr-fluid-flex-natural-matte-longwear-foundation-386w)) - [Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blurred Matte Oil Free SPF 30](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/laura-mercier-tinted-moisturiser-blurred-matte-oil-free) — "24+ hour comfortable shine control that improves the appearance of pores" ([Laura Mercier UK](https://www.lauramercier.co.uk/products/tinted-moisturizer-blurred-matte-broad-spectrum-spf-30)) - [e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/elf-halo-glow-skin-tint-spf-50) — "designed for oily, normal/combination, dry skin" ([e.l.f. Cosmetics UK](https://www.elfcosmetics.co.uk/products/halo-glow-skin-tint-spf-50)) - [e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/elf-halo-glow-liquid-filter) — "Great for: dry, oily, and combination skin" ([e.l.f. Cosmetics UK](https://www.elfcosmetics.co.uk/products/halo-glow-liquid-filter)) - [e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/elf-hydrating-camo-concealer) — "Great for: Oily, Dry, and Combination Skin" ([e.l.f. Cosmetics UK](https://www.elfcosmetics.co.uk/products/hydrating-camo-concealer)) - [Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Concealer](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/milk-makeup-hydro-grip-gel-concealer) — "it works with all skin types, including oily skin" ([Milk Makeup](https://milkmakeup.com/products/hydro-grip-gel-concealer)) - [e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/elf-camo-liquid-blush) — "Great for: Dry, oily and combination skin" ([e.l.f. Cosmetics UK](https://www.elfcosmetics.co.uk/products/camo-liquid-blush)) - [Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/laura-mercier-translucent-loose-setting-powder) — "Provides extended shine control, great for normal to oily skin types" ([Laura Mercier UK](https://www.lauramercier.co.uk/products/translucent-loose-setting-powder)) ## Questions ### What is the best foundation for oily skin? 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. ### Should oily skin still use a moisturiser? 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. ### How often should I wash oily skin? Up to twice a day and after sweating, using a mild, gentle foaming cleanser without scrubbing, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. ### How do you decide which products suit oily skin? 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. ## Sources - [British Skin Foundation — Identifying your skin type (Dr Jonathan Kentley, 2026)](https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/resources/identifying-your-skin-type-a-guide-by-dr-jonathan-kentley) - [American Academy of Dermatology — How to control oily skin](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin) - [American Academy of Dermatology — How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer) - [American Academy of Dermatology — How to test skin care products](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/prevent-skin-problems/test-skin-care-products) General information, not medical advice.