When it comes to The Ordinary, they’ve mastered the art of affordable, effective skincare that’s worthy of a front row spot on any bathroom shelf. With new launches generating waitlists of over 10,000 and hero products selling out within hours of restocking, it’s no wonder they’ve become a staple in countless skincare routines. But with so many products to choose from, how do you know which are best for your skin type – and specifically, which The Ordinary products for oily skin will give you the best results?
If you’re dealing with enlarged or clogged pores, blackheads, and excess shine, you’re in the right place. We spoke with Joe Basham, The Ordinary’s Scientific Communications Manager and skincare expert, to learn which ingredients and The Ordinary products are most effective for oily skin.
Keep scrolling to discover the ultimate The Ordinary oily skin routine.
What's the best ingredient for oily skin?
When it comes to managing oily skin, niacinamide is a star ingredient. It helps reduce excess oil and visibly minimises the look of enlarged pores, promoting a more balanced complexion. Joe Basham, The Ordinary’s Scientific Communications Manager, explains: “It can be found within Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, which is the perfect solution for those wanting to target excess shine and pore appearance while supporting the skin barrier.”
That said, it’s important to treat oily skin gently. Stripping it with harsh cleansers, high-pH soaps, or over-exfoliating can do more harm than good – often triggering irritation and even more oil production. To maintain healthy, hydrated, and nourished skin, Joe advises to ‘opt for gentle cleansers and avoid over-using direct acids within your routine to minimise disruption to the skin barrier.’
Will moisturiser help oily skin?
It’s a common misconception that if you have oily skin, you should avoid hydrating products. But in fact, oily skin often shows lower hydration levels than other skin types, including dry skin. Joe’s advice, The Ordinary’s skin expert, is: “While our instincts may tell us to skip the moisturiser, it’s in fact an extremely important step in caring for oily skin. Ensure you incorporate hydrating ingredients and moisturisers to your regimen if you are prone to excess oil.”
The Ordinary Oily Skin Routine
Dealing with unwanted shine, stubborn blackheads, or constant congestion? It might be time to call in the reinforcements. Luckily, The Ordinary has everything you need to build a routine that keeps oily skin balanced, clear, and calm. From gentle cleansers to oil-busting serums and lightweight hydrators, here’s your step-by-step guide to an oily skin routine that actually works.
The best The Ordinary cleanser for oily skin
If you have oily skin, using a harsh cleanser can strip away not just excess oil but also essential hydration, which can leave skin feeling tight, dry, and even oilier in the long run. That’s where The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser comes in. Its refreshing gel texture effectively removes oil, dirt, and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier, making it ideal for oily skin types. In fact, it’s so gentle it was formulated and proven safe for babies, so you can trust it to cleanse thoroughly while keeping your skin balanced, calm, and comfortable.
Our favourite 5* review: “I’ve been using this cleanser for about a year, and I really enjoy it. I have sensitive combination skin (oily t-zone and very dry cheeks), and this cleanser doesn’t leave the dry parts of my face feeling stripped or flaky.” – Iris B.
The best The Ordinary toner for oily skin
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is a powerful yet gentle AHA exfoliator that helps oily skin stay clear and balanced. By removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, it targets congestion, smooths texture, and reduces excess oil for a more refined, radiant complexion. With added Tasmanian pepperberry to soothe irritation, it’s a great choice for oily skin in need of regular exfoliation – without the harsh side effects.
Our favourite 5* review: “Perfect toner for oily skin” – Darin D.
The best The Ordinary serums for oily skin
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Everyone knows that chemical exfoliants (also known as exfoliating acids) are great for when you need skincare that works fast. While favourites like glycolic and lactic acid (both AHAs) are great for dry skin and surface issues, they’re not oil-soluble, which means they’re not going to have much impact when it comes to reducing excess oil. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is another story though. Apply this lightweight serum all over or on oily patches.
Our favourite 5* review: “This is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. I’ve got very oily skin and always have acne breakouts but since I’ve been using this it’s minimised my acne and my skin isn’t as oily” – Grace F.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Searching for a powerhouse serum for oily skin? You need The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. It’s infused with niacinamide to help regulate excess oil production, reduce shine, congestion, and the likelihood of blackheads. The added zinc supports this oil-balancing action while helping to calm and clarify the skin. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it’s ideal for daily use, and can be applied morning and night after cleansing for a smoother, more balanced complexion.
Our favourite 5* review: “Great for oily skin, really does minimise oil production and unnecessary little spots due to oily skin” – Lauren
The Ordinary AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Solution
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a powerful treatment that’s not one for daily use (check out our guide for the best ways to use it here), but it does yield impressive results. The high-strength blend of AHAs exfoliates the skin’s surface to smooth rough texture, while BHA (salicylic acid) dives deep into pores to dissolve excess oil and clear out congestion. This exfoliating serum acts like a reset button for oily skin, reducing blackheads, unclogging pores, and leaving your complexion clearer and more balanced with weekly use.
Our favourite 5* review: “My oily acne-prone skin really loves it, I use it once a week and my skin looks amazing afterward” – Ann A.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics
The key to hydrating oily skin is to opt for lightweight formulas that won’t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy. With a formula that acts like hyaluronic acid (drawing moisture into skin and retaining it), this super smooth Marine Hyaluronics serum is perfect for boosting hydration without triggering oiliness. It has a thin (almost watery) texture which absorbs fast and won’t interfere with other products.
Our favourite 5* review: “Great for oily skin.I really like it, very watery texture and absorbs into the skin immediately, where the regular hyaluronic acid would just “sit” on top of my skin, making it feel uncomfortable and sticky.” – Lilac L.
The best The Ordinary moisturiser for oily skin
It’s easy to fall into the trap of avoiding moisturisers if you have oily skin – you might feel that your skin already has enough moisture of your own. But, it’s highly likely that your skin is lacking in hydration. This lightweight The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + BETA Glucan moisturiser will do just that. It contains aloe, glycerin, and lactic acid to hydrate skin without making it look or feel greasy.
Our favourite 5* review: “Perfect for oily skin. The gel formula is great. It is non-sticky, non-oily and absorbs rapidly into the skin. I love how light it is, while still hydrating my extremely oily skin” – Suzanna P.
The best The Ordinary face masks for oily skin
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is a clarifying treatment specially designed for oily, congested skin. Powered by salicylic acid, it penetrates deep into pores to dissolve excess oil and reduce breakouts, while charcoal and kaolin clay draw out impurities and absorb shine. Use it once a week to help control oil, unclog pores, and reveal a smoother, clearer, and more balanced complexion.
Our favourite 5* review: “Amazing for people with oily/combination skin. My favourite mask when I need some exfoliation, my skin feels so clean after” – Lihi R.
