Skincare

The best exfoliators for oily skin & how to use them

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SkinTalks - August 11, 2026

Introduction

Which exfoliant should you use on oily skin?

Best exfoliators for oily skin

How often to exfoliate oily skin

FAQs

The excess oil your skin produces doesn't just make your skin look greasy. It gets inside your pores, mixes with dead skin cells and debris, and becomes the congestion and blackheads you've been trying to get rid of.

That's exactly where exfoliation comes in and why finding the right one for oily skin is such a game-changer. In this SkinTalks post, we break down which types work, which ingredients to look for, and our favorite Korean exfoliator picks to help you get that clear, shine-free glow you're after!

Which exfoliant should you use on oily skin?

Oily skin can handle more exfoliation than most skin types, but that doesn't mean every product works. The goal is clearing congestion at the source without disrupting the skin barrier or triggering more oil production as a response.

Here are the main types of exfoliators to look at if you have oily skin:

BHAs are the go-to for oily skin. These chemical exfoliators get inside the pore itself to clear out the oil and debris that cause blackheads and congestion, rather than just skimming the surface. Salicylic acid is the main ingredient to know, and you'll find it in most of the best exfoliators for oily skin out there.
Exfoliating scrubs are a great option when you’re not struggling with an active breakout. The buffing action sweeps away excess oil and dead skin, leaving skin feeling instantly cleaner and fresher.
Exfoliating pads pre-soaked in BHA or multi-acid formulas are one of the easiest ways to keep oily skin in check. They fit into a routine with minimal effort and deliver consistent results without the risk of overdoing it.

Ingredients that help balance oily skin

Oily skin also needs supporting ingredients that balance oil rather than just strip it. That’s why it’s good to look for exfoliators with ingredients that help keep this under control while still caring for your skin:

Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production over time and brightens the skin as it works.
Willow bark extract is a natural source of salicylic acid that exfoliates more gently, making it well-suited to formulas designed for daily use.
Centella asiatica keeps the skin calm and supports the barrier so it doesn’t fight back with even more oil.

Want to learn more about how exfoliators work? Check out our complete guide to exfoliators.

Best exfoliators for oily skin

Korean skincare has some of the most targeted, well-formulated options for oily and congested skin. Here are some of our top picks…

NEOGEN Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Green Tea

Ideal if you like the feeling of a physical scrub but want something that’s gentler on your skin, these exfoliating pads are a great pick. They combine exfoliating acids with green tea and tea tree to clear away excess oil and clogged pores, while centella and hyaluronic acid help keep skin calm and hydrated.

Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Green Tea

€23.95

Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel

€10.22

Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel

A great choice if your skin is easily irritated by stronger exfoliants. The soft peeling gel rolls away dead skin cells and excess oil without harsh scrubbing, while apricot, green tea, and allantoin help leave skin feeling smooth, fresh, and comfortable.

Benton PHA Peeling Gel

If stronger acids tend to leave your skin feeling tight or irritated, this gentle PHA formula is worth trying. It helps clear away dead skin cells and excess oil while ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin support the skin barrier, so your skin feels smoother without feeling stripped.

PHA Peeling Gel

€14.95

Looking for more recommendations? Read our guide to the top-rated exfoliators.

How often to exfoliate oily skin

It can be tempting to exfoliate oily skin too often, but two to three times a week is the real sweet spot.

Some gentler formulas like toner pads can be used daily once your skin has adjusted, but the key is starting slower than you think you need to. Even oily skin has a barrier that needs protecting, and over-exfoliating will only push it into producing more oil to compensate.

Consistent exfoliation is what actually keeps oily skin clear over time, Glowies. Pick one product that works for you and stick with it. Explore our full collection of exfoliators to find your match.

FAQs

Is exfoliating good for oily skin?

Definitely! In many ways, oily skin benefits from exfoliation more than any other skin type. Without it, the excess sebum and dead skin cell buildup that oily skin produces stays inside the pores, leading to blackheads, congestion, and breakouts. Regular exfoliation keeps that cycle in check and helps the rest of your skincare absorb and work more effectively.

What type of exfoliator is best for oily skin?

BHAs are the most effective type of exfoliator for oily skin because they can get inside the pore to clear congestion at the source.

An exfoliating scrub for oily skin can also work well, as the physical buffing action sweeps away surface oil and dead skin for an instant refresh. Just make sure you're reaching for a gentle one and avoiding it during active breakouts.

What is the best exfoliator for oily skin?

Finding the best exfoliator comes down to what your skin needs most.

If blackheads and congestion are your main concern, a BHA like the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is hard to beat.

For something you can use more regularly without overdoing it, the ISNTREE Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid or the Needly Daily Toner Pads are both brilliant daily-use options that keep oily skin balanced over time.

And if you prefer a physical exfoliator, the BE THE SKIN BHA+ Pore Zero 30 Second Exfoliator is one of the most satisfying exfoliating scrubs for oily skin, combining the benefits of both chemical and physical exfoliation in one quick step.

Keep reading Our SkinTalks

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Skincare | Aug 11, 2026