15 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 treatable.

What is acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone skin 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 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 the clogged pore becomes infected with bacteria, it forms a pimples, which are papules with pus at their tips.

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.

Best ingredients for acne-prone skin

• Salicylic acid (BHA)
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA)
• Vitamin C
• Tea tree oil
• Azelaic acid
• Green tea
• Aloe vera
• Centella asiatica
• Snail mucin
• Bee venom
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
• Sulfur
• Retinol

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.

Here are the most common causes of acne:

• Genetic factors
• Over-active oil (sebum) production
• Dead skin cell accumulation
• Acne-causing bacteria
• Hormonal changes
• Unhealthy diet
• Certain medications
• Polluted environment
• Excessive stress
• Comedogenic ingredients in cosmetics
• Bad lifestyle habits

(A related blog post: 8 Key Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Acne-Prone Skin)

Korean face care products for oily, acne prone skin

Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

Formulated with salicylic acid and tea tree oil, this non-drying foam cleaner contains two star ingredients to exfoliate dead skin cells, impurities and excess sebum while combating pimples, blemishes and blackheads.

This gentle formula soothes troublesome skin, refines the skin tone and texture and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. If you like a vegan and cruelty free product this is for you.

Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

A lightweight exfoliating toner improves skin concerns such as blackheads, uneven skin tone, rough skin texture, dull complexion and pigmentation without drawing moisture away.

This product contains salicylic acid (BHA) to eliminate dead skin cells and pore clogging debris. Snail mucin has anti-aging properties that can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while aloe vera hydrate and soothe dry, sensitive skin.

Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner

This powerful, soothing solution is made from 80% green tea, Centella asiatica, allantoin and hyaluronic acid to restore long-lasting hydration and calm irritated and blemished skin without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

This facial toner features its Anti-Sebum P (HD) formula, which is a blend of plant extracts that controls excess oil and rebalances your skin for a clear, oil-free complexion.

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule harnesses the power of pure Centella Asiatica extract sourced from the pristine island of Madagascar. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is designed to soothe and repair damaged skin while providing deep hydration.

Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, the ampoule helps to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.

Perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin, this ampoule strengthens the skin barrier, enhances skin resilience, and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser

A foaming cleanser specially developed for acne-prone skin types gently removes excess sebum and dirt without irritating the skin.

Filled with white willow bark extract, a natural BHA ingredient for peeling, forsythia suspense fruit and Centella asiatica extract to soothe and soothe inflammation and copper tripeptide to repair damaged skin. Ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream

A concentrated spot treatment relieves irritation and redness, soothe pimples, and prevents future breakouts.

As the name suggests, it contains Centella asiatica leaf extract paired with zinc to fight inflammatory acne and fade blemishes, leaving skin looks clearer and healthy.

This non-greasy formula consists of natural ingredients and is therefore ideal for sensitive, problematic and reddened skin.

Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner

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 has built up in pores while preventing moisture loss.

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

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

A blue tinted spot cream contains Centella Asiatica's anti-inflammatory properties that are effective in relieving tenderness, irritation, redness and inflamed skin.

Enriched with guaiazulena extract from chamomile oil, rich in antioxidants that form a thin protective layer over the skin that moisturizes and protects against environmental stress.

Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel is a refreshing, lightweight gel moisturizer infused with the goodness of red bean extract. Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, red bean extract helps to detoxify the skin, control sebum production, and improve skin texture.

This water-based gel provides an instant cooling effect, soothing the skin while delivering deep hydration. Suitable for oily and combination skin types, the Red Bean Water Gel absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue, leaving your skin feeling refreshed, hydrated, and smooth.

Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner

This is an all-in-one exfoliating toner hydrate and clears the skin, restores skin pH and refines the uneven texture of the skin while brightening skin tone.

BHA plays the role of loosening the bonds between the dead skin on the surface, clearing the pores, thus eliminating blackheads and whiteheads and preventing acne.

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream is a soothing and hydrating gel cream formulated with Centella Asiatica extract and tea tree leaf water. This gentle, non-greasy formula is designed to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and provide long-lasting moisture.

Rich in natural ingredients, this gel cream also contains niacinamide and adenosine, which help to brighten the skin and improve its elasticity. Perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin, the iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream strengthens the skin barrier and promotes a healthy, clear complexion.

Purito Defence Barrier pH Cleanser

This mild and slightly acidic cleansing foam helps to restore the skin to its ideal pH value of 5.5 in order to protect and moisturize the skin.

Enriched with botanical extracts of grapefruit, tea tree oil, centella asiatica and royal jelly to cleanse the skin, soothe redness and nourish skin.

This facial cleanser has a gel-like consistency and is made up of healthy and safe ingredients without harmful chemical additives.

Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Clear Spot Patch

Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Clear Spot Patch is a set of hydrocolloid patches designed to protect and heal acne spots.

These transparent patches effectively absorb impurities and excess oil from blemishes, speeding up the healing process and preventing secondary infections. Infused with tea tree oil and salicylic acid, they also help to reduce inflammation and redness while promoting clearer skin.

The thin, discreet patches adhere well to the skin, making them suitable for use during the day or night. Ideal for all skin types, these spot patches provide targeted treatment for acne-prone skin.

I'm From Mugwort Essence

I'm From Mugwort Essence is a hydrating and soothing essence made with 100% pure mugwort extract. Known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, mugwort helps to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote a healthy, clear complexion.

This lightweight essence absorbs quickly into the skin, delivering intense hydration and nourishment. Ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin, the Mugwort Essence helps to strengthen the skin barrier, improve skin texture, and leave your skin feeling refreshed and revitalized.