Oily Skin & Large Pores
Managing excess sebum and refining pores
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 20 Aug 2026
How to Identify Oily Skin
Oily skin occurs when sebaceous glands produce excess sebumthe waxy, lipid-based substance that naturally protects and hydrates skin. While often frustrating, oily skin has a significant advantage: it tends to age more slowly, with fewer fine lines and wrinkles compared to drier skin types.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Genetics
Sebaceous gland size and activity are largely inherited. If your parents have oily skin, you likely will too.
Hormones
Androgens stimulate sebum production. Fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause affect oiliness.
Climate & Environment
Hot, humid weather increases sebum production. Pollution can also trigger excess oil as a protective response.
Incorrect Skincare
Over-cleansing or using harsh products strips natural oils, triggering rebound oil production.
Best Ingredients for Oily Skin
Niacinamide
Regulates sebum production, minimises pore appearance, strengthens skin barrier
Clay & Kaolin
Absorbs excess oil without over-drying; excellent in masks
Zinc
Anti-inflammatory, regulates oil production, helps prevent breakouts
- Heavy oils (coconut, mineral oil) - can clog pores
- Thick, occlusive creams - may trap sebum
- Alcohol-based toners - strip skin, causing rebound oiliness
- Comedogenic ingredients - check labels for "non-comedogenic"
Recommended Routine
Morning
- Gel or foam cleanser
- Niacinamide serum
- Oil-free, lightweight moisturiser
- Mattifying SPF 30+
Evening
- Oil cleanser (to remove SPF)
- Gel or foam cleanser
- Salicylic acid or retinoid (alternate nights)
- Lightweight gel moisturiser
Pro Tips for Oily Skin
Explore Oily Skin in Depth
- How to build an oily skin routine (UK)
- Does oily skin need moisturiser?
- How to control oil and minimise large pores
- The best sunscreen for oily and acne-prone skin
- Solutions for oily skin and enlarged pores
Shop for Oily Skin
Oily skin does best with a balanced, non-stripping routine. Browse our oily skin edit, oil-regulating niacinamide and pore-clearing salicylic acid ranges, gentle cleansers, and a lightweight broad-spectrum SPF.
Oily skin guides
- Oily T-zone, forehead & nose — why some areas shine more, and how to manage it.
- Why is my face so oily? — the real causes of excess oil.
- Best ingredients for oily skin — niacinamide, salicylic acid, hydration.
- How to reduce sebum & shine — control oil without stripping.
Sebaceous filaments
- What are sebaceous filaments? — the dots on your nose, explained (and how to keep them less visible).
- Sebaceous filaments vs blackheads — how to tell them apart.
In this guide
Short, practical reads on Oily Skin & Large Pores — tap any topic for the full guide.
Why Is My Face So Oily? Causes and What to Do First
Wondering why your face gets so oily? The real causes, from genetics and hormones to over-cleansing, plus what to change first for a more balanced look.
Read the guide
Sebaceous Filaments vs Blackheads: What's the Difference?
Sebaceous filaments and blackheads look similar but aren't the same. Learn the differences, a quick how-to-tell checklist, and how to manage each.
Read the guide
How to Reduce Sebum and Shine
How sebum and shine work, and gentle everyday ways to help control excess oil and reduce the look of shine without stripping your skin.
Read the guide
What Are Sebaceous Filaments? Causes and How to Manage Them
Sebaceous filaments are normal, oil-filled structures on the nose and central face. Learn what they are, why they refill, and how to keep them less visible.
Read the guide
The Best Ingredients for Oily Skin (and What Each One Does)
Is niacinamide, salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid good for oily skin? A plain-English guide to the ingredients that help control excess oil and shine.
Read the guide
Oily T-Zone: Why Your Forehead, Nose and Chin Shine
Why the T-zone gets oilier than your cheeks, how it links to combination skin, and how to manage forehead, nose and chin shine without stripping your skin.
Read the guideKey Ingredients for Oily Skin & Large Pores
The actives most worth knowing for this concern — tap any to read the full ingredient guide.
Not sure where to start?
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