Best Ingredients for Oily Acne-Prone Skin
Discover the top ingredients for managing oily, acne-prone skin including niacinamide, salicylic acid, and the right moisturizers.
Having oily, acne-prone skin requires the right ingredients. Here is your complete guide to what works best.
Top Active Ingredients
1. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Perfect for oily skin because it:
- Reduces sebum production by up to 23%
- Minimizes pore appearance
- Anti-inflammatory
- Comedogenic rating: 0
Best concentration: 4-5%
2. Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Why it works:
- Oil-soluble, penetrates pores
- Dissolves sebum and dead skin
- Prevents clogged pores
Best concentration: 0.5-2%
3. Retinoids
Benefits:
- Increases cell turnover
- Prevents clogged pores
- Fades acne marks
4. Benzoyl Peroxide
For inflammatory acne:
- Kills acne bacteria
- Works quickly
Best concentration: 2.5%
5. Azelaic Acid
Underrated hero:
- Antibacterial
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Good for sensitive skin
Best Hydrating Ingredients
Humectants
| Ingredient | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid | 0 |
| Glycerin | 0 |
| Aloe Vera | 0 |
Lightweight Emollients
| Ingredient | Rating |
|---|---|
| Squalane | 0-1 |
| Dimethicone | 1 |
AVOID
- Coconut Oil (4)
- Cocoa Butter (4)
- Heavy creams
Sample Routine
Morning:
- Gentle cleanser
- Niacinamide serum
- Lightweight moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Evening:
- Cleanser
- Treatment (retinoid or salicylic acid)
- Moisturizer
The Bottom Line
Focus on oil control (niacinamide), pore clearing (salicylic acid), and hydration (hyaluronic acid).
Use SCRNE to check if products contain the right ingredients for oily, acne-prone skin.
Sources
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Zaenglein, A. L., et al. "Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 74, no. 5, 2016, pp. 945-973. PubMed
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Khodaeiani, E., et al. "Topical 4% nicotinamide vs. 1% clindamycin in moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris." International Journal of Dermatology, vol. 52, no. 8, 2013, pp. 999-1004. PubMed
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Arif, T. "Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review." Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. 8, 2015, pp. 455-461. PubMed
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Ganceviciene, R., et al. "Skin anti-aging strategies." Dermato-Endocrinology, vol. 4, no. 3, 2012, pp. 308-319. PubMed
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American Academy of Dermatology. "Face washing 101." AAD.org