Skip to content

5 Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Oily Skin

Having an enviable dewy glow is a long-standing desire for many, but for those with oily skin, it's like having that glow without the ‘up’. Managing oily skin in skincare requires caution, as one wrong ingredient choice can lead to weeks of skin woes. Consider this article your YES or NO ingredient guide that will save your oily skin before things get too greasy. 

In This Article:

What Causes Oily Skin?

The Worst Skincare Ingredients For Oily Skin

What Causes Oily Skin?

Like every other skin type (dry, combination, sensitive) oily skin too is the outcome of genetics and hormones, for the most part. Apart from that, external factors like stress, pollution and enlarged pores can also cause a spike in the skin’s oiliness levels. Either way, by using the right skincare ingredients (and dodging some) you can easily manage oily skin. 

The Worst Skincare Ingredients For Oily Skin

1. Occlusive Ingredients

While they might be God-sent for people with dry skin, occlusive ingredients like petroleum jelly, beeswax, paraffin and mineral oils can spell disaster for oily skin. Often found in moisturisers and sunscreens, these ingredients form a protective barrier to trap oil and water from escaping the skin. While this might come across as a positive, the problem lies in the texture, which might feel too sticky and thus clog your pores. 

2. Oleic Oils

Again, otherwise wonderful ingredients, olive oil and avocado oil are high in oleic acid. They can exacerbate oiliness and potentially lead to breakouts. Swap them out and opt for their lighter, non-comedogenic alternatives like grapeseed or jojoba oil. They deliver the same results without feeling too heavy on oily skin. 

3. Alcohol-Based Products

Alcohol-based toners and cleansers may give you a temporary matte finish, but they're also notorious for dehydrating the skin. People with oily skin often lean towards formulas with alcohol as it gives a ‘squeaky clean’ feel, but that does more harm than good. Because in response, your oil glands go into overdrive to compensate for the loss of moisture, leaving you in an endless loop of oiliness. The way out here is to opt for alcohol-free alternatives to maintain the peace between your skin and hydration. 

4. Silicones

Silicones are like the smooth talkers of the skincare world – they create a silky, pore-filling illusion, but beneath the surface, trouble brews. Apart from being non-eco-friendly, silicone’s occlusive properties trap comedogenic matter—dirt, oil, impurities, grime—in your pores and cause blackheads/breakouts. 

5. Oxybenzone and Octyl Methoxycinnamate

Picture this: your sunscreen that is supposed to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays is secretly inviting trouble. Oxybenzone and Octyl Methoxycinnamate might sound like jargons, but they are common culprits found in sunscreens that can trigger oiliness and irritation. So, when you go hunting for your next sun shield, make sure it is labelled, "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic" to ensure that it is well-suited for oily skin. 

The Best Skincare Ingredients For Oily Skin

Now that you know what roadblocks to avoid, below is the list of ingredients that your oily skin will absolutely love. These will have your skin looking fab and fiercely oil-free. 

1. Niacinamide

Meet Niacinamide, the undisputed superhero for oily skin! This powerhouse ingredient not only regulates oil production but also tackles enlarged pores, blemishes, uneven skin tone and redness. The list doesn’t end there, Niacinamide can also balance your skin’s moisture levels without any greasiness. End your search for the best serum for oily skin with our 10% Niacinamide Booster Serum. It ticks off all the boxes and free from 2000+ baddies and perfume. It has everything your skin needs, and nothing that it doesn’t! 

2. Hyaluronic Acid

Think hydration, but not the oily and greasy skin. Enter: Hyaluronic Acid. This hydration hustler attracts moisture like a magnet without clogging pores and the dreaded shine. Our Simple Booster Serum 3% Hyaluronic Acid + Vit B5 is also infused with 0.5% active Pentavitin and 2.5% Provitamin B5 that maximise and retain hydration. This face serum for oily skin is another must-have to balance the oil and moisture levels for oily skin. You may apply the Niacinamide serum in the AM and this one during bedtime. 

3. Witch Hazel

This ingredient is the equivalent of giving your pores a spa day. It is an astringent that helps refine and detoxify your pores. It also controls excess sebum and reduces the risk of acne. It is also an undefeated champion when it comes to tackling stubborn blackheads and whiteheads.

Use our Clear Pore Facial Scrub and notice Witch Hazel work its magic on your oily skin. This scrub when used 2 to 3 times a week clears your skin out like no other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:1 What should I avoid if my face is oily?

A. You should steer clear from comedogenic ingredients, which includes but not limited to oleic oils, occlusive ingredients, silicones, etc. These ingredients can clog your pores, trigger oiliness and can even lead to breakouts. 

Q:2 Is 10% niacinamide too much for oily skin?

A. No, it is not. Niacinamide when paired with the right soothing and hydrating ingredients can help control sebum levels without causing any skin irritation.

Q:3 Which serum is best for oily skin?

A. Our 10% Niacinamide Booster Serum is hands-down the best serum for oily skin. While Niacinamide helps regulate sebum levels, the goodness of 1% Pro-Vitamin B5 deeply hydrates and enhances softness. The formula is free from 2000+ baddies and non-comedogenic which makes it an ideal pick for people with oily skin. 

Rhea Shah
Written by Rhea Shah on Feb 08, 2024
Rhea has banked on her passion for writing and beauty to be where she is today. When she isn't looking up fancy synonyms for simple words aka working, she is either traveling, making travel plans, or exploring a new restaurant.
Previous article What Is The Difference Between Fragrance-Free And Unscented Skincare Products?
Order details
Your cart is empty
empty cart
Successfully
Successfully Subscribed
We will message you when this product is back in stock.
Coupons & Offers

No Matched Products For Applicable

Coupons

SCRUB25

Get 25% off on all scrubs

Apply
Order details X

Have a coupon ? Apply next step

Coupons & Offers

Apply now and save extra!

Grand Total
Checkout
×