10 Best Korean Skin Care Products for Oily Acne-Prone Skin

Are you still struggling with annoying adult acne like you did in your teenage years? Whether you have white pustules or hormonal cystic acne, this is very frustrating, but the good news is that adult acne can be treated. 

The good news is that with the right skincare routine and products, you can manage oily and acne-prone skin effectively. Korean skincare, renowned for its innovative formulas and gentle yet effective ingredients, offers some of the best solutions for acne-prone skin.

In this article, we will cover the 10 best Korean skincare products for oily, acne-prone skin, how they work, and tips for incorporating them into your daily routine.

What is acne-prone skin? 

Acne-prone skin treatment means you have a skin condition that often has breakouts and is prone to developing comedones and pimples on your face and other parts of your body, such as your chest, and even your back and shoulders.

If you suffer from frequent acne breakouts, your skin is more likely to be oily, which means your pores are easily clogged and more prone to whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules than other skin types. However, all skin types, from dry skin to combination skin, can develop acne.

What is the difference between acne and pimples?

The clearest way to differentiate between acne and pimples is to understand that acne is a skin condition, while pimples are symptoms of that condition.

Acne can occur when the sebum glands are overactive and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles.

When it comes to acne, there are two different types: non-inflammatory acne includes blackheads and whiteheads, and inflammatory acne includes inflamed pimples such as papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

What is the main cause of acne?

Generally, the direct cause of acne is infected, clogged pores. However, there are numerous reasons why acne suddenly appears on the face, such as the forehead, chin, or cheeks.

Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Clear Foam

This fast-absorbing cream is great for exfoliating, soothing, hydrating, cooling, and repairing—exactly what problematic skin needs.

Filled with three different peeling acids along with 10,000 ppm tea tree extract to remove waste, sebum, and dead skin cells that have built up in pores while preventing moisture loss.

This peeling product also contains the powerful healing ingredient 70.78% Centella asiatica, which contains Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid that inhibit inflammation and improve skin hydration.

Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam

I had to mention the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol cleanser at least once in this post. As I said earlier, be wary of exfoliating acid cleansers.

When you’re drowning in new breakouts and can’t get a handle on it, reaching for tonnes of active ingredients can feel like the right thing to do.

I prefer not to use acid cleansers, BUT I know some people swear by them.

KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng 

KSecret Seoul’s 1988 Retinal Liposome uses liposome technology, which can make it feel gentler overall. Liposome means that the active ingredient, retinal, is encapsulated in liposomes. They penetrate the skin and slowly release

See the retinol throughout the skin.

This avoids a more sudden ‘rush’ of activity, which can irritate. Check out my post on the full list of the best retinoids for clogged pores.

Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented 

Centella is a common ingredient in everything from the best Korean toners to sheet masks. It’s a powerful plant that soothes the skin, reduces redness, and promotes glowiness.

Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Serum combines centella and niacinamide to regulate sebum production as well as soothe.

Skin1004 Hyalu Cica Water Fit Sun Serum

It’s a very lightweight, watery serum texture that absorbs super fast. Personally, it’s too lightweight for me—I prefer a heavier, more dewy finish.

As the name suggests, this SPF contains hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica extract for hydration and soothing properties.

Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun Aqua-fresh suits Oily Skin

However, it’s pretty thick and moisturising and can feel too heavy for acne-prone skin.

Luckily, Beauty of Joseon has recently released a much lighter version that feels soothing on the skin, Beauty of Joseon Aqua Fresh. This is a great choice for anyone wanting a little bit of hydration without the tacky sunscreen feeling.

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel 

With water-based cleansers, you don’t want anything too fancy. It can be tempting to create a 10-step skincare routine, each with anti-acne properties.

This can often result in a damaged skin barrier by simply doing too much. I like this Haruharu Black Rice Cleansing Gel because it gently cleanses without exfoliating.

Choosing an exfoliating cleanser that you use daily can mean exfoliating 14x a week—just by cleansing!

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

Skin1004 makes a lot of great products, and this is one of them.

I think some of the best Korean skincare for acne is the products based on centella.

I’ll choose hydrating and soothing over aggressive exfoliants for my acne skin any day!

If you’re using retinoids or salicylic acid, for example, it’s beneficial to use lots of soothing Korean beauty products alongside those.

This Skin1004 Centella Ampoule Foam cleanser will slot into your routine perfectly.

Etude House Soonjung pH5.5 Relief Toner 200ml

Etude Soonjung pH 5.5 Relief Toner is a gentle, hydrating toner that balances the skin’s natural pH levels while providing soothing relief to irritated and sensitive skin.

Formulated with 97% naturally derived ingredients, including panthenol and madecassoside, this toner helps to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Its low pH formula ensures that the skin’s moisture levels are maintained, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and balanced. Ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, this toner preps the skin for better absorption of subsequent skincare products.

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream

This fast-absorbing cream is great for exfoliating, soothing, hydrating, cooling, and repairing—exactly what problematic skin needs.

Filled with three different peeling acids along with 10,000 ppm tea tree extract to remove waste, sebum, and dead skin cells that have built up in pores while preventing moisture loss.

This peeling product also contains the powerful healing ingredient 70.78% Centella asiatica, which contains Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid that inhibit inflammation and improve skin hydration.

Final thoughts

Managing oily, acne-prone skin can feel like a challenge, but the right Korean skincare products make a huge difference. From mild cleansers and soothing serums to lightweight sunscreens and exfoliating creams, these 10 products provide solutions for breakouts, inflammation, and oil control.

Remember: consistency is key. A balanced routine with hydrating, soothing, and acne-targeted products will help your skin stay clean, calm, and healthy. Start small, introduce one product at a time, and watch your skin transform over time.

FAQ

Q1: Can oily skin still benefit from hydration? 

Yes! Proper hydration helps balance oil production and prevents the skin from overproducing sebum.

Q2: How often should I exfoliate acne-prone skin? 

Exfoliate 1–3 times a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance. Over-exfoliation can worsen acne.

Q3: Are retinoids safe for sensitive acne-prone skin?

Yes, but start with low concentrations and use soothing products like centella or hyaluronic acid alongside.

Q4: Can Korean skincare treat hormonal acne?

Korean skincare can help manage symptoms, but hormonal acne may also require professional guidance or education.