A Korean skincare routine for oily skin, at the cheapest stores

The most common mistake with oily skin is stripping it: harsh foaming cleansers and no moisturiser leave skin tight in the morning and shiny again by lunch. The Korean approach is the opposite. Cleanse gently, use thin watery layers, and keep a light moisturiser even when you feel you don't need one.

Our view: if you only change one thing, swap a squeaky-clean foam for a low pH gel cleanser and add a BHA or niacinamide step a few evenings a week. Start slowly with exfoliating products, and patch test anything new.

Step 1: an oil cleanser at night

It sounds backwards, but an oil cleanser dissolves sunscreen and makeup that a foam alone can leave behind, then emulsifies and rinses off. Many people with oily skin find it leaves their face less tight than a second round of foam. This is our view, not a rule: if a cleansing oil seems to clog your pores, drop it.

Step 2: a gentle gel or low pH cleanser

Look for "low pH", "gel" or "gentle" on the label. If your face feels tight after rinsing, the cleanser is too strong.

Step 3: BHA or niacinamide

BHA (salicylic acid) works inside pores; niacinamide is the gentler everyday option many people use for shine and uneven tone. Pick one to start, not both at once.

Step 4: a light moisturiser and daily sunscreen

Gel creams and "watery" sunscreens are where Korean brands shine for oily skin. Our full sunscreen comparison is in Korean sunscreen: where the favourites are cheapest.