Best 5 Skincare Products for Oily/Combination Acne-Prone Skin

When I first began building a skincare routine, I had no idea how to buy products that catered to my skin. It didn't help when a lot of the websites that I went through had most of their recommendations geared towards either dry or oily skin. It wasn't until after a year of trial and error that I discovered my skin type: oily/combination with acne prone skin. Only then was I finally able to select products that catered specifically to my skin's unique needs.

For anyone out there who shares my skin type, I've compiled a list of the top five products that have worked wonders for me. These are tried and tested formulas that have helped to balance my skin's oil production, prevent breakouts, and leave me with a healthy, glowing complexion.

Let's get started!

Please note:

1. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

2. While these skincare products have worked wonders for me, it's important to remember that everyone's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Don't be afraid to try new products when needed as you will always be one step away to achieving the healthy, glowing skin you deserve!

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At a glance:

• Paula's Choice Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment 5% BP, $35

• Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum, $28.08

• Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum, $69.28

• COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule, $24.90

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $28.29

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Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment 5% BP, $35 (15% OFF at Paula's Choice)

S$35 at Amazon

£40.00 at Paula's Choice

S$35 at Shopee

If you're someone who has struggled with stubborn acne with an oily/combination skin, Paula's Choice may be the solution for you just as it did for me!

One of the key ingredients in this treatment is 5% benzoyl peroxide, which has been shown to be effective in treating acne. This lotion has such a smooth, cooling texture and fast absorption into the skin that lets your skin feeling lightweight and refreshing.

Another ingredient worth noting is Bisabolol, a German chamomile essential oil that has been shown to reduce irritation. As someone who has experienced painful breakouts in the past, it helped to calm redness and inflammation. It left my skin feeling more comfortable and less irritated.

Overall, if you're in the market for an effective acne treatment that won't weigh down your skin, Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment 5% BP is worth considering. Its lightweight texture and soothing properties make it a great choice for anyone struggling with acne-prone skin, like me!

​Pros	Cons
Reduces Irritation	May worsen dry skin
Acne Fighting	May cause flaking
Cruelty-Free	A little pricey

Ingredients Overview

Benzoyl Peroxide 5.0% • Water (Aqua) • Propylene Glycol (Hydration/Penetration Enhancer) • Bisabolol, Allantoin (Skin-Soothing) • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (Texture-Enhancing) • Hydroxyethylcellulose (Texture-Enhancing), • Sodium Citrate (Stabilizer) • Laureth-4 (Stabilizer) • Caprylyl Glycol • Hexylene Glycol (Preservatives) • Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster) • Disodium EDTA (Stabilizer) • Phenoxyethanol (Preservative)

How to Use:

1. Prep skin by cleansing and exfoliating

2. Apply and wait until dry

3. Wear other products such as toners/serums

4. Moisturize

If dryness or peeling occurs, reduce frequency of application to once per day/every other day. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.

Apply when needed.

Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum, $28.08 (3% OFF at Shopee)

S$28.08 at Amazon

S$19.45 at Shopee

Is this Tiktok K-beauty product worth it? I say yes. Packed with 77% Centella Asiatic Extract, niacinamide, and camellia sinensis leaf extract, it's specifically formulated to soothe inflamed skin while also providing much-needed hydration and potentially increasing Type I collagen production. One other standout ingredient in this serum is Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, which has been shown to help reduce the secretion of sebum, unclog pores, and shrink their appearance. Not only did it visibly improve the appearance of my skin after just one use, but it's also incredibly lightweight and easily absorbed, making it a great option for those with oily skin. If you're looking for a serum that helps to calm inflammation, hydrate your skin, and potentially improve collagen production, this product is definitely worth a try.

Pros	Cons
Reduces Irritation	May be drying
Good for Oily Skin	May be irritating
Smoother Skin Texture	Concerns on worsening rosacea

Ingredients Overview

Water • Centella Asiatica Extract 77% • Cetyl Ethylhexanoate • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Glycerin • Olea Europaea Fruit Oil • Propanediol • Alcohol • Butylene Glycol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Niacinamide • Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract • Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract • Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract • Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Sodium Lactate • Sodium PCA • Citric Acid • Lactic Acid • Malic Acid • Glycolic Acid • Pyruvic Acid • Tartaric Acid • Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract • Lactobionic Acid • Pentylene Glycol • Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract • Lavandula Angustifolia Extract • Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract • Syringa Vulgaris Extract • Houttuynia Cordata Extract • Angelica Keiskei Extract • Althaea Officinalis Root Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract • Madecassoside • Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil • Oryza Sativa Bran Oil • Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil • Rosa Canina Fruit Oil • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil • Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil • Sodium Chloride • Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil • Curcuma Longa Root Extract • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract • Xanthan Gum • Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil • Boswellia Carterii Oil • Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract • Pearl Powder • Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil • Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil • Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract • Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract • Disodium EDTA • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin

How to Use:

1. Shake well before use

2. Prep your skin with toner after cleansing

3. Dispense proper amount from the dropper and apply on cheeks and forehead

4. Gently pat for better absorption

Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum, $69.28

S$69.28 at Amazon

I've tried my fair share of products over the years, but there's one brand that always stands out to me: Glow Recipe. From their unique and refreshing scents to the way their products leave my skin feeling revitalized, it is no surprise that their Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum is in my top 5 list.

This serum is packed with plant-based ingredients like nutrient-rich avocado extract and butter, allantoin, and rice milk which, when applied, it delivers a cooling sensation and has a lovely scent that's both invigorating and calming.

One standout ingredient in this serum is Persea Gratissima Oil, also known as avocado oil. It is an antioxidant that helps to hydrate and soften the skin while also increasing collagen content, leaving your skin looking plump and firm. Accompanied with five different types of ceramides, this serum strengthens the skin barrier, locks in moisture, and prevents water loss. The end result is a skin that feels soft, smooth, and deeply nourished.

All in all, if you're looking for a serum that can help to strengthen and revitalize your skin, I recommend giving the Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum a try.

Ingredients Overview

Water • Glycerin • Jojoba Esters • Persea Gratissima Oil • Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract • Niacinamide • Ceramide NP • Ceramide Ns • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Ceramide Eos • Hydrolyzed Rice Protein • Allantoin • Oryza Sativa Bran Oil • Bisabolol • Zingiber Officinale Root Extract • Curcuma Longa Root Extract • Tocopherol • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 • Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract • Potassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein • Boswellia Serrata Extract • Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Sodium Phytate • Cetyl Alcohol • Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract • Behenic Acid • Cholesterol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract • Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract • Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract • Corallina Officinalis Extract • Sodium Carbonate • Sodium Chloride • Ci 75810 • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Cananga Odorata Flower Extract • Caprooyl Phytosphingosine • Caprooyl Sphingosine • Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract • Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract • Rose Extract • Rubus Idaeus Leaf Extract • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Dextran • Hydroxyacetophenone • Xanthan Gum • Butylene Glycol • Carbomer • Cetearyl Olivate • Sorbitan Olivate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Caprylyl Glycol • Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil • Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract • Santalum Album Wood Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Ceteareth-25 • Sodium Hydroxide • Phenoxyethanol • Sodium Benzoate

How to Use:

1. Dispense 1-2 pumps after cleansing, toning, and applying eye cream and gently pat onto slightly damp face and neck.

2. Apply your favourite moisturizer.

Apply daily, AM and PM.

COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule, $24.90

S$24.90 at Amazon

S$24.90 at Shopee

Propolis extract, also known as bee glue, has been making waves in the skincare world lately - and for good reason. It is a powerful ingredient that boasts a range of benefits as it consists of wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne and accelerate the healing of damaged skin.

I typically only use this ampoule when my skin is in need of some extra TLC as it's a concentrated serum. When I do use it, I like to pair it with my retinol serum - I've found that the two work well together to boost each other's properties and provide even better results.

On the days my skin feels oilier than usual, this ampoule doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy or weighed down due to it being lightweight and has high absorbance.

If you are in need for a propolis product that can help reduce acne, speed up wound healing, and provide a range of other benefits, the Propolist Light Ampoule from COSRX is definitely worth a try!

Pros	Cons
Soothing to Use	Not fungal-acne safe
Reduces blemishes (blackheads, pimples)	Not for sensitive skin
Oil-Free

Ingredients Overview:

Propolis Extract • Butylene Glycol • Glycerin • Betaine • 1,2-Hexanediol • Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract • Sodium Hyaluronate • Hydroxyethylcellulose • Carbomer • Panthenol • Arginine

How to Use:

1. Apply after cleanser, toner and serums

2. Use your favourite moisturizer.

OR

1. Mix ampoule with makeup base to create an instant glow

OR

1. Soak cotton pad with ampoule and place over face to use as an ampoule mask

It is not recommended to use daily as ampoules are highly concentrated. It may cause skin irritation and other skin issues if used incorrectly.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $28.29 (45% OFF at Shopee)

S$28.29 at Amazon

S$27.39 at Shopee

CeraVe's Foaming Facial Cleanser is my favourite cleanser of all time (and I've tried many cleansers) because not only does it suit my oily/combination skin, it also contains ingredients to fight acne, and has anti-aging properties.

As the name suggests, this gel cleanser strikes the perfect balance - it's lightweight, easy to lather, and won't strip away my skin's protective barrier. It also cleanses my skin thoroughly while improving its overall health and appearance.

Another feature that I absolutely love about this product is the packaging. The nozzle can be turned in such a way that it "locks" the product, preventing any unwanted spills or leaks. It's a small but ingenious design that makes me wish other skincare products had the same function!

I do recommend CeraVe's Foaming Facial Cleanser as it is definitely worth a try!

Pros	Cons
Contains ceramides	Not fungal-acne safe
Hydrating	May be drying
Great for oily skin

Ingredients Overview:

Water • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine • Glycerin • Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate • Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate • Niacinamide • Peg-6 Caprylate/Caprate • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate • Propylene Glycol • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Methylparaben • Sodium Chloride • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Cholesterol • Disodium EDTA • Propylparaben • Citric Acid • Tetrasodium EDTA • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Phytosphingosine • Xanthan Gum

How to Use:

1. Wet skin with lukewarm water

2. Dispense once into your hand and and rub until the foam appears

3. Massage the cleanser onto your skin in gentle, circular motions

4. Rinse well and pat dry

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Sources

1. COSRX propolis light ampoule (no date) Review: COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule (Ingredients Explained). Skinsort. Available at: https://skinsort.com/products/cosrx/propolis-light-ampoule (Accessed: April 27, 2023).

2. Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser (no date) Review: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (Ingredients Explained). Available at: https://skinsort.com/products/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser (Accessed: April 27, 2023).

3. Glow recipe avocado ceramide redness relief serum (no date) Review: Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum (Ingredients. Available at: https://skinsort.com/products/glow-recipe/avocado-ceramide-redness-relief-serum (Accessed: April 27, 2023).

4. Some by Mi AHA, BHA, pha 30 days miracle serum (no date) Review: Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum (Ingredients. Available at: https://skinsort.com/products/some-by-mi/aha-bha-pha-30-days-miracle-serum (Accessed: April 27, 2023).

5. Paula's choice clear extra strength daily skin clearing treatment with 5% benzoyl peroxide (no date) Ingredients explained. Available at: https://incidecoder.com/products/paulas-choice-clear-extra-strength-daily-skin-clearing-treatment-with-5-benzoyl-peroxide (Accessed: April 27, 2023).