If you have oily skin, you know how important it is to find effective products that control excess sebum, protect and renew, and don’t contribute to shine. Unfortunately, actually finding the products that check all those boxes isn’t always easy.
Thankfully, cult-favorite skincare brand Paula’s Choice has a variety of products that are perfectly tailored to oily skin needs. Here are the six best Paula’s Choice products for oily skin.
The Best Paula’s Choice Products for Oily Skin
Best Cleanser
Best Paula’s Choice Cleanser for Oily Skin
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser
This gentle cream-to-foam cleanser effectively cleanses the skin and removes excess oil without drying it out.
Oily skin needs a cleanser that effectively cleans without stripping the skin of its natural oils, because this can actually lead to an overproduction of oil. This cleanser is a great option for oily skin, because it removes excess oil but is still gentle.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle
Cons
- Some reviewers note this cleanser doesn’t remove makeup
This cleanser contains ingredients that hydrate and soothe the skin, including glycerin, sunflower seed oil, and aloe.
Best Exfoliant
Best Paula’s Choice Exfoliant for Oily Skin
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This liquid exfoliant is one of the best Paula’s Choice products for oily skin, because it gets deep into the pores to unclog and remove the build-up of dead skin cells.
This cult-favorite product is the perfect exfoliator for oily skin types, because it contains salicylic acid, a BHA that is oil-soluble. That means it can cut through oil to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, leading to a smooth, clear complexion[1].
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May irritate more sensitive skin types
This product also contains green tea, which soothes irritation and provides anti-aging benefits.
Best Serum
Best Paula’s Choice Serum for Oily Skin
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
This super light booster is great for oily skin, because it contains an effective concentration of niacinamide, which helps control sebum production (among many other skin benefits).
Niacinamide is a great skincare ingredient for oily skin, because it has been shown to help control sebum production[2]. This skincare ingredient also provides a variety of benefits for all skin types. It can decrease redness and inflammation, minimize fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation, and act as an antioxidant[3].
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- May cause flushing in those sensitive to niacinamide (patch test prior to using)
In addition to the 10% concentration of niacinamide, this booster contains allantoin and licorice extract, which calm the skin. It also contains vitamin C, which brightens. It’s important to note that users should patch test niacinamide first, because some people are sensitive to niacinamide, and it may worsen acne or flushing.
Best Moisturizer
Best Paula’s Choice Moisturizer Oily Skin
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel
This super light gel moisturizer is one of the best Paula’s Choice products for oily skin, because it hydrates without making the skin look or feel greasy.
Oilier skin types still need to moisturize daily, as it helps their skin stay hydrated and balanced. This super lightweight gel moisturizer gives oily skin the hydration that it needs without leaving a greasy finish.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
Cons
- No SPF for daytime use
This moisturizer contains niacinamide, which reduces the appearance of pores and helps control excess sebum[2]. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants that protect the skin.
Best Moisturizer with SPF
Best Paula’s Choice Moisturizer with SPF for Oily Skin
Paula’s Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+
This lightweight moisturizer contains SPF that protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. It also leaves a matte finish to eliminate shine often associated with sunscreens.
Many people with oily skin worry about using sunscreens, because they often feel thick and greasy. However, this SPF moisturizer is one of the best Paula’s Choice products for oily skin, because it protects the skin but doesn’t feel greasy or clog pores. It also contains antioxidants and hydrators that calm the skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Matte finish
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin
This lightweight SPF moisturizer contains antioxidants and replenishing ingredients that calm and hydrate the skin without contributing to shine, including vitamin E, grape seed extract, green tea, and oat extract.
Best Mask
Best Paula’s Choice Mask for Oily Skin
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Absorbing Mask
This mask contains clays that absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores for a smooth, shine-free complexion. It also contains soothing plant extracts to minimize drying and to keep the skin balanced.
A clay mask is a great product for people with oily skin to have on hand, because it will help keep oil in check by absorbing excess sebum. This mask contains natural kaolin clay and bentonite clay, which effectively reduces shine and minimizes the appearance of pores without irritating or drying the skin.
Pros
- Oil-absorbing
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May irritate more sensitive skin
In addition to the clay, this mask contains plant extracts that calm and soothe the skin to minimize irritation, including oatmeal, sea whip, willow bark, and aloe.
FAQs
Is Paula’s Choice good for oily skin?
Paula’s Choice has a variety of effective products specifically created for oily skin needs. People with oily skin can easily create a solid skincare routine using products from Paula’s Choice.
Is Paula’s Choice BHA good for oily skin?
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a great product for oily skin. It contains salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble and able to effectively unclog pores and remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
Do you moisturize after Paula’s Choice BHA?
Yes, you should apply a moisturizer after using Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (or any other chemical exfoliant product). A good oily skin moisturizer (like the Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel) will help counteract any dryness from the BHA and soothe the skin without making it feel greasy.
The Bottom Line
People with oily skin can create an effective, shine-reducing skincare routine with products from Paula’s Choice. Add some of the best Paula’s Choice products for oily skin to your routine for skin that is well-hydrated, clear, and shine-free.