Here’s a rundown of our favorite ingredients to combat oily skin. Skincare products containing a combination of these will prove to be highly effective at achieving a balanced complexion free of excess grease and shine.

Hyaluronic Acid

The word “acid” may conjure up images of a skin-stripping agent that would leave skin dry and irritated. But hyaluronic acid is not that at all. It’s actually a natural ingredient that resides in the body already. This potent humectant provides intense hydration and can be highly effective on oily skin by delivering necessary moisture while prohibiting excess sebum. Look for hyaluronic acid in products like Maxatone, a toner that clarifies and purifies while leaving skin soft and radiant.

Salicylic Acid

Oily skin is prone to acne breakouts if not treated properly. Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that cleans and clarifies problematic, acne-prone skin, is a natural exfoliant with oil-soluble properties that help dissolve excess sebum. Found in a product like Zeroblem, salicylic acid will effectively cleanse the skin's surface and leave it smooth and shine-free.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is a derivative of milk. This highly coveted ingredient works by exfoliating the top layer of skin to expose fresh, new skin underneath that is devoid of excess oil. Products like Glowpeel use lactic acid to remove dead skin while purging dirt and oil to leave your complexion bright and rejuvenated.

Glycolic Acid

This plant-derived alpha-hydroxy acid has many uses in skincare. It is water-soluble, which means it easily penetrates the skin, making its properties highly effective and potent. Clarifying facial cleansers such as Rejuvoderm blend glycolic acid with lactic acid to create an ultimate skin-balancing formulation that unclogs pores while keeping skin hydrated but oil-free.

Retinol

Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative and is found in many anti-aging skin products. It works for those with oily skin because it tightens pores, thus inhibiting excess sebum production. Skin creams like Suvoderm include retinol to control moisture balance and reduce shine.

Written by Melissa Feldman

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