Most types of acne often go together with oily skin. When excess sebum mixes with dirt and dead skin cells, it clogs the pores and causes a blackhead or a whitehead. If acne-causing bacteria enter the pore, it leads to the formation of inflammatory acne.
Acne lesions most commonly appear on the face but can also occur on the upper back and chest. A proper skincare routine is one of the ways to regulate sebum production and prevent breakouts.
This article explains which skincare ingredients to look for in products if you have oily, acne-prone skin and recommends products that can help you improve your complexion.
Best Products for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Topical skin care takes time to show results, and it can only be effective if performed daily. Daily skin care means applying a set of products every morning and evening. The role of these products is to cleanse, shrink pores, balance oil production, hydrate, and protect the skin.
Note: Read our ultimate skin care guide to learn how to treat your skin properly.
Cleansers
Cleansing is the first step in the morning and evening skin care routine. Cleansers help remove impurities on the skin’s surface to allow active ingredients in the products that follow to enter the skin and do their magic.
The Vibrant Skin Bar team recommends three cleansers for oily, acne-prone skin.
Vibrant Cleanse
Cleanse is a gentle exfoliating cleanser designed to remove dead skin cells without drying the skin. It minimizes inflammation, increases the production of antimicrobial peptides, and reduces the growth of bad bacteria.
Ingredients
Cleanse is infused with microbiome-friendly, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing ingredients. Compounds that help regulate oil, unclog pores, and support the skin barrier include the following:
- Coco-glucoside
- Disodium cocoamphodiacetate
- Glycerin
- Lactic acid
- Willow bark extract
- Probiotics and prebiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus ferment lysate, inulin)
Skin-enhancing, soothing, and brightening ingredients include these botanicals:
- Kumquat
- Kiwi
- Neem
- Papaya extracts
- Raspberry
- Moringa
How to use it
Wet your face with lukewarm water. Rub a small amount of Cleanse on your face and gently massage using circular motions. Rinse. Use the cleanser in the morning and evening.
Cost
Vibrant Cleanse costs $39 at Vibrant Skin and will last you three months.
Osmosis MD Deep Clean Detox Cleanser
Deep Clean is designed for blemish-prone and oily skin. It deeply cleanses the skin, removing excess sebum without stripping the skin of essential oils. It is gentle and doesn’t cause irritation, making it suitable for all skin types.
Ingredients
Deep Clean is a blend of soothing, hydrating, and sebum-regulating ingredients, such as essential citrus fruits and other botanicals. They include:
- Lemon peel oil
- Orange peel oil
- Grapefruit peel oil
- Witch hazel water
- Radish root ferment
- Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
- Sodium cocoamphoacetate
- Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate
- Sodium cocoyl glutamate, etc.
How to use it
Wet the skin and apply one pump onto the face, then gently massage. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, Deep Clean costs $28 for a bottle of 1.69 fl. oz.
SkinMedica’s Purifying Foaming Wash
Purifying Foaming Wash by SkinMedica is an acne treatment cleanser for patients with acne and blemish prone skin.
Ingredients
Purifying Foaming Wash is specifically designed to help clear acne with 2% salicylic acid as its main active ingredient. Other ingredients include a combination of soothing botanicals to maintain optimal moisture levels in the skin, such as the following:
- Tea tree oil
- Willow
- Witch hazel
- Sage
How to use it
Wash your face with warm water and apply two full pumps of the cleanser on the skin. Gently massage and rinse thoroughly. Use it 1-2 times daily.
Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, Purifying Foaming Wash costs $44 for a 5 fl. oz. bottle.
Exfoliators
Exfoliators remove the skin’s top layer of dead cells, dirt, and excess oil to reveal softer, healthier skin. They are typically used in the evening routine to give the skin time to rest and heal from chemical exfoliation. Skin experts recommend exfoliation up to three times a week for the best results.
Cinammon Coffee Scrub
Vibrant Cinnamon Coffee Scrub is a great option for oily, acne-prone skin thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and exfoliant properties. Besides removing dead skin cells and reducing inflammation, it also helps rejuvenate the body.
Ingredients
Key ingredients in Cinnamon Coffee Scrub include:
- Coffee
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla bean
Avocado and jojoba oil ensure a hydrated, smooth, and non-greasy complexion.
How to use it
Apply the scrub on wet skin. Massage for several minutes. Rinse. Use it 1-3 times per week.
Cost
Cinnamon Coffee Scrub by Vibrant costs $42.
Toners
Toning is an optional step in your daily skin care routine. Experts recommend it for people with oily skin to balance moisture, reduce pores, and even out tone before applying a moisturizer.
Vibrant Skin Bar professionals recommend these two toners.
Vibrant Tone
Tone is a clarifying biome toner formulated with skin-loving botanicals, vitamins, and biotics (prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics), which nourish and revitalize dull, inflamed, and blemish-prone skin.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Tone help shrink pores, fight acne-causing bacteria, reduce redness, and brighten the skin. They include:
- Bio-Fense probiotic
- Lemongrass
- Vitamin C
- Willow herb
- Niacinamide
- Aloe vera
How to use it
Spray on the thoroughly cleansed face in the morning and evening. It helps prepare the skin for the products that follow (serums and moisturizers).
Cost
Vibrant Tone – Clarifying Biome Toner costs $44 and comes in a 6.7 fl. oz bottle that will last you three months.
Copper Firming Mist by iS Clinical
iS Clinical Copper Firming Mist includes copper and botanically sourced PCA that help balance excess oils and improve the skin’s firmness. Botanicals and resveratrol provide powerful antioxidant protection and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Ingredients
Key ingredients in Copper Firming Mist include:
- Copper PCA
- Resveratrol ferment extract
- Nitida seed extract
- Paullinia cupana extract
- Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract
How to use it
Apply Copper Firming Mist after cleansing your skin. Spray the toner holding the bottle 6-8 inches away from the face. Allow the skin to absorb it before applying other products.
Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, Copper Firming Mist costs $40 for a 2.5 fl. oz bottle.
Serums and Moisturizers
Serums are liquid products that contain high concentrations of active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. Moisturizers are lotions or creams that primarily hydrate the skin but also nourish and protect it from damage by free radicals.
Sometimes, people with oily skin only use a serum and avoid a moisturizer if they feel their skin is well hydrated. However, experts recommend both products. Serum and moisturizer formulations serve different purposes, and both products are needed for a holistic approach to skin care.
If you feel that applying both products feels heavy on your skin, use a serum in the evening and a moisturizer during the day. These products help balance and nourish oily, acne-prone skin.
Vibrant Defense
Defense is a lightweight, non-stripping blemish clarifying serum that balances sebum production, minimizes the appearance of pores, and calms irritated skin. It is infused with potent, microbiome-friendly ingredients that increase the skin’s natural resilience.
Ingredients
The following ingredients in Defense help the skin combat oiliness and acne:
- Retinaldehyde
- Bakuchiol
- Bio-Fense probiotic
- L. plantarum
- Niacinamide
- Beta-glucan
- Zinc PCA
- Mandelic acid
- Willow bark
- Black cumin
- Licorice root
How to use it
Apply a few drops to cleansed, toned face and gently massage. Use it in the morning and evening.
Cost
Vibrant Defense costs $47 per 1.69 fl. oz bottle.
Clarify – Blemish Retinal Serum
Clarify by Osmosis MD normalizes oil production, reduces inflammation, and treats blemishes and cystic acne with retinaldehyde. You can also use it as a spot treatment.
Ingredients
The following ingredients help control oily, acneic skin:
- Niacinamide
- Retinal
- Mandelic acid
- Lactic acid
- Chlorella vulgaris extract
- Cucumber fruit extract
- Olive leaf extract
- Grapefruit peel oil
- Tea tree leaf oil
- Beta-glucan
- Rosemary leaf oil
How to use it
Apply 1-2 pumps on the cleansed face or only on specific areas. Use it in the morning and evening.
Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, Clarify costs $69 for a 1 fl. oz bottle.
Active Serum by iS Clinical
iS Clinical Active Serum is a great solution for acne-prone skin. It gently exfoliates the skin and deeply cleanses the pores while providing powerful hydration and brightening the complexion. Though rich, it has a lightweight texture and doesn’t leave a greasy finish.
Ingredients
Active Serum contains a potent blend of plant acids (salicylic, glycolic, and lactic) and other actives that help exfoliate the skin, clear clogged pores, and even out skin tone. These include:
- Arbutin
- Mushroom extract
- White willow bark extract
- Bilberry extract
- Sugar cane extract
How to use
Apply 3-4 drops of the serum on a clean face and neck and gently dab over the skin. Use it once or twice daily. Apply SPF after morning use.
Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, Active Serum costs $142 for a 1 fl. oz bottle. It is one of our best-selling products because of its fast-acting formula and impressive results.
Vibrant Restore
Restore is a rich, hydrating moisturizer with potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It helps control oil secretion, reduce acne, and calm the skin after breakouts.
Ingredients
Restore contains a blend of these potent ingredients:
- Vitamin E
- Beta-glucan
- Niacinamide
- Lichen extract
- Calendula flower extract
- Green tea leaf extract
- Cucumber fruit water
- Honeysuckle flower extract
- Beet root
How to use it
Apply to the face and neck after cleansing, toning, and applying serum. Use it in the morning and evening.
Cost
Vibrant Restore costs $31 per 1.69 fl. oz bottle.
Note: For more moisturizer recommendations, check out our list of the 5 best moisturizers for oily skin.
Facial masks
A facial mask is an optional step in skin care. Oily, acne-prone skin can benefit from facial masks with ingredients that absorb excess oil (e.g., charcoal and clay) and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Clear Hydracell Mask
Vibrant Skin Bar’s own Clear Hydracell Mask is a medical-grade mask designed for acne-prone skin. It effectively reduces swelling and redness and restores the skin’s moisture levels and suppleness.
Ingredients
The hydrating, soothing, and anti-inflammatory ingredients in Hydracell include the following:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Zinc
- Copper
- Aloe vera
- Green tea
- Vitamin E
- Glycerin
How to use it
Apply the mask on clean skin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Remove the mask and gently massage the remaining product into the skin.
Cost
Vibrant’s Clear Hydracell Mask costs $24. If you order two masks, the shipping is free when you use the coupon code: vsbmskfree
Sunscreens
Dermatologists agree that sunscreen is a crucial step in daily skin care. UV radiation is detrimental to the skin’s health and is the main cause of premature aging signs and skin cancer. To protect the skin from UV and ensure active ingredients in serums and moisturizers do their job, use sunscreen every day of the year, even in cloudy weather.
Elta MD UV Clear
Elta MD UV Clear is a broad-spectrum, SPF 46 sun protection product designed to reduce breakouts in acne-prone skin and provide adequate hydration while protecting the skin from UV rays and pollutants. Its lightweight consistency and gentle formula make it suitable for everyday use on all skin types.
Ingredients
Key ingredients in UV Clear include:
- Zinc oxide
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Vitamin E
How to use it
Apply UV Clear every day as the last step of the morning skincare routine. Reapply every two hours if you spend time in direct sunlight.
Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, UV Clear by Elta MD costs $43.
Note: For more tips on how to treat inflammatory acne and other inflammatory skin conditions, check out our guide to anti-inflammatory skin care.
Products for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin FAQ
People with oily, acne-prone skin usually ask these questions when looking for a suitable cosmetic product.
What Ingredients to Look for in Products for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin?
Skin experts have found that certain ingredients help prevent oily skin and acne. However, every person’s skin is unique and reacts differently to skincare products. The best way to learn whether a product is helpful is to use it for a certain period and monitor how the skin reacts.
To find a suitable skin care product, look for these ingredients:
- Niacinamide – This form of vitamin B3 absorbs excess oils and balances moisture levels in the skin, helping to prevent acne breakouts.
- Retinol – A type of retinoid, retinol exfoliates the skin, removing impurities and unclogging pores. Retinol can cause irritation and makes the skin prone to sun damage so sunscreen is essential. Retinaldehyde is a sun-safe OTC alternative that can be used on all skin types and is less irritating.
- Salicylic acid – This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is a potent chemical exfoliator. It removes dead surface skin cells, dissolves sebum, and deeply cleanses the pores, helping to combat inflammation.
- Azelaic acid – Dermatologists recommend it for acne-prone skin because of its remarkable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is suitable for sensitive skin because it is gentler than salicylic acid and retinols.
- Vitamin C – One of the most potent antioxidants, vitamin C protects the skin from environmental pollutants, increases hydration, and minimizes pores, effectively treating oily skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling from acne and can help prevent future breakouts.
- Activated charcoal and clay – These ingredients absorb excess oil and dirt, helping to clear acne and improve the complexion without dehydrating the skin. Charcoal and clay are often found in cleansers and facial masks.
Should You Avoid Any Ingredients in Products for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin?
Avoid heavy ingredients that congest the skin, clog pores, and dry out the skin, stripping it of essential oils. Such ingredients include:
- Mineral oil
- Coconut oil
- Coconut butter
- Lanolin
- Beeswax
- Silicone
Look for labels that say “non-comedogenic” and consult a skincare professional about which ingredients and products to avoid.
How to Choose the Best Product for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin?
The best products for oily, acne-prone skin contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and barrier-strengthening ingredients. They include niacinamide, vitamin C, vitamin E, retinaldehyde, probiotics, prebiotics, and various plant extracts with exfoliating, healing, and antioxidant properties.
Consult our friendly and experienced medical professionals at Vibrant Skin for recommendations on the best skincare product and skincare routine.
Conclusion
People with oily skin who often experience breakouts can alleviate their skin issues with different topical products. Learn which ingredients help balance oil production and prevent acne and follow our recommendation of skin care products to enjoy clear, healthy skin.
