Best K-Beauty Ingredients for Controlling Sebum and Preventing Shine
Posted by Skinsider Team on 21st Jul 2025
Korean skincare is renowned for its innovative, skin-loving formulas, and if you're dealing with excess oil or persistent shine, K-beauty has the perfect ingredients to keep your skin balanced, matte, and healthy. Let’s explore the best ingredients for oily skin and shine control, and which ones to avoid during summer months.
1. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is a powerhouse multitasker. It helps regulate sebum production, refines the appearance of pores, and improves overall skin texture. Regular use can help reduce breakouts and improve skin clarity without stripping your skin of moisture. It's especially useful in hot and humid weather when oil production tends to spike.
Look for: Lightweight moisturisers or serums containing 2-5% niacinamide.
2. Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic Acid is one of the most effective ingredients for oily and acne-prone skin. This BHA penetrates deep into the pores to unclog them and dissolve excess sebum. It gently exfoliates the skin, preventing breakouts and keeping shine under control.
Pro tip: Use it as part of your evening routine to refine pores overnight.
3. Centella Asiatica
Beloved in K-beauty for its soothing and healing properties, Centella Asiatica helps calm inflammation while gently balancing oil production. It’s perfect for those dealing with both excess sebum and skin sensitivity.
Try: PURITO Wonder Releaf Centella Cream Unscented – a calming, lightweight moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores. A fantastic pick for oily, irritated skin.
4. Green Tea Extract
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea extract helps regulate oil production and reduce redness. It also protects the skin from environmental stressors, making it an ideal daytime ingredient.
Look for: Toners or gel moisturisers with green tea as a key ingredient.
5. Hyaluronic Acid
It might sound counterintuitive, but oily skin needs hydration too! Dehydrated skin can actually produce more sebum to compensate. Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration without any heaviness, keeping skin plump and balanced.
Try pairing with: Dr. Althea Skin Relief Essence for calming hydration that absorbs quickly and supports a healthy skin barrier.
6. Azelaic Acid
Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, azelaic acid helps keep pores clear, fights acne, and evens out skin tone. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin and works well in both day and night routines.
Extra tip: It pairs beautifully with niacinamide to double up on brightening and oil-controlling benefits.
Ingredients to Avoid or Use Sparingly in Summer
While these ingredients can be great in other seasons, they may not suit oily or acne-prone skin in the heat of summer:
- Heavy oils (like coconut oil): These can clog pores and increase breakouts.
- High-percentage AHAs (like glycolic acid): Can make skin more sensitive to the sun, leading to irritation.
- Occlusive ingredients in excess: Thick creams may feel too heavy and trap sweat and oil.
Final Tips
For best results, pair these sebum-controlling ingredients with gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers. The Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm is a fantastic first cleanse – it removes makeup and excess oil while remaining kind to the skin. Finish your routine with a lightweight vegan eye cream, like the AXIS-Y Vegan Collagen Eye Serum, to hydrate without heaviness.
By selecting the right K-beauty ingredients, you can keep your skin feeling fresh, hydrated, and shine-free all season long. Happy summer skincare.
