Korean skin care products for oily acne-prone skin are well known for their healing and soothing benefits without being harsh or stripping the skin.
COSRX is a Korean skincare brand known for its effective yet affordable products. They offer many products formulated for oily acne-prone skin that can help control sebum production, clear out clogged pores, and reduce inflammation without causing dryness or irritation.
This list of the best COSRX products for oily acne-prone skin will help keep your skin clear, hydrated, and healthy.
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The Best COSRX Products For Oily Acne-Prone Skin
While you’ll find some COSRX products in this list from COSRX’s AC Collection, which is dedicated to acne-prone skin, you’ll also see other COSRX products in this list that soothe and heal the skin while also providing it with hydration and moisture.
Use these COSRX products to create a skincare routine that addresses your specific concerns, whether that’s controlling sebum production, banishing blackheads, or getting rid of existing blemishes.
Here are 12 of the best COSRX products for oily acne-prone skin:
1. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a gentle gel cleanser with a mildly acidic pH that cleanses the skin with a BHA (betaine salicylate) and tea tree oil to soothe and clarify the skin.
Betaine salicylate is a beta hydroxy acid that combines moisturizing betaine with salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin without causing excessive dryness.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that provides a dose of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to help clear out clogged pores and reduce redness.
Ulmus davidiana root extract contains sugars like glucose, rhamnose, and galactose that moisturize the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin.
This cleanser is perfect for cleansing the skin in the morning but can also be used at night. It’s ideal for congested skin with an uneven skin tone. Those with sensitive skin can even use this Korean cleanser.
2. COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser
COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser is a face wash from the COSRX AC Collection and is designed to treat acne.
This daily cleanser targets breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads, in a formula that treats acne and helps repair the skin.
The cleanser contains COSRX’s Centella AC-RX Complex, which includes three active ingredients: madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid.
These active ingredients come from the Centella Asiatica plant and are known for their ability to calm and soothe the skin while also speeding up the healing process.
It contains another heavy hitter when it comes to acne: salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps to gently exfoliate the skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells. It penetrates the pores to help unclog them and prevent future breakouts.
Perfect for acne-prone skin, oily or combination skin, and dull, textured skin, this COSRX cleanser is also suitable for sensitive skin.
3. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch is an overnight acne treatment in the form of hydrocolloid patches that protect areas of acne and breakouts and prevent them from getting worse and causing scarring.
Each acne patch is made from a hydrocolloid material to remove impurities while creating a moist environment to speed up healing.
The patches protect against bacteria and stay on the skin to maintain humidity and an occlusive barrier.
These COSRX acne patches do an excellent job of shortening the lifecycle of blemishes and are perfect for overnight use.
Just make sure to apply the acne patch to clean skin after cleansing your face.
Each acne patch sheet comes in a variety of sizes to work for different trouble areas on your skin. Ideal for acne-prone skin!
4. COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad
COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad are cotton pads pre-soaked in an acne-fighting essence for a quick and convenient exfoliation.
The pads contain willow bark water and a BHA (betaine salicylate) that work together to deeply cleanse the pores and gently exfoliate the skin.
Betaine salicylate is a gentler alternative to salicylic acid, making the pads helpful in clearing the skin without unwanted irritation.
The BHA pads also contain tea tree oil, which is made up of around 100 compounds, including some actives that offer antibacterial and antifungal benefits for the skin.
This clinical study found that a 5% tea tree oil gel had comparable results to a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion in the treatment of acne. Although it took longer to see results with the tea tree oil, participants experienced fewer side effects.
The peel pads also contain moisturizing glycerin and the amino acid arginine, a moisturizer and building block of proteins like collagen, which keeps our skin firm and youthful.
5. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner uses the power of an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and botanical ingredients to gently exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of pores, skin texture, and radiance.
The AHA in this Korean toner is glycolic acid, which has the smallest molecular structure of the AHA family, which allows it to penetrate deep into the skin and boost collagen production. Allantoin and panthenol soothe the skin.
Betaine salicylate is a BHA in the toner that is a gentle exfoliate and has antibacterial benefits for the skin.
10% white willow bark and 10% of apple water gently exfoliate the skin and help to reduce breakouts and post-acne scars.
6. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is an oily acne-prone skin savior as it targets blackheads and clogged pores with a BHA and niacinamide.
Ideal for mid-level acid users, the liquid contains 4% betaine salicylate (equivalent to about 2% salicylic acid) to reduce excess sebum (oil), dirt, and debris in the pores.
The AHA/BHA toner also contains 2% niacinamide which is anti-inflammatory and brightens the skin. Niacinamide is a favorite of those with oily skin, as it helps regulate sebum production in the skin.
Arginine is an amino acid that helps to reduce the irritation that can come along with AHAs like glycolic acid.
Panthenol, also known as pro-vitamin B5, moisturizes and fortifies the skin barrier. Sodium hyaluronate attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
This COSRX product has a base of 68% white willow bark, which contains an ingredient that gets converted to a BHA. It exfoliates, unclogs pores, and helps fade acne scars.
7. COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum
COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum helps reduce all traces of acne, including acne scars, dark spots, and redness.
The serum uses COSRX’s Centella AC-RX Complex filled with three ingredients that help to heal and soothe the skin.
These three actives: madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid, come from the Centella asiatica plant, which is highly anti-inflammatory and helps to speed up the healing process of the skin.
It’s also high in antioxidants which help protect the skin from environmental damage.
The most concentrated ingredient in the serum is propolis extract. Propolis is a resin that bees make to protect their hives from bacteria and viruses.
When applied to the skin, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal acne and reduce scarring.
A 4% niacinamide concentration brightens dull skin and reduces the look of hyperpigmentation caused by acne and breakouts.
Hydrating and moisturizing ingredients include panthenol, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, sunflower seed oil, macadamia oil, and Ceramide NP.
The serum is extremely lightweight and hardly thicker than water in consistency, making it comfortable on the skin and easy to layer with other skincare products and makeup. See my complete review of this serum here.
8. COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule
COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule is a best-selling COSRX ampoule (concentrated serum) containing a whopping 83.3% propolis extract and 0.2% hyaluronic acid (sodium) hyaluronate), and 0.2% panthenol.
The formula contains only 11 ingredients that work together to reduce redness and hydrate the skin for a nourished complexion.
Propolis extract is an active ingredient that helps heal the skin and reduce inflammation. Glycerin, betaine, and panthenol moisturize the skin.
Hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate acts like a sponge to hold moisture in the skin. Arginine is an amino acid and natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that helps to keep the skin hydrated.
Get glowing skin with this soothing ampoule that is lightweight and never sticky.
The ampoule has a light, thin, gel-like texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and hydrated.
9. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream uses the power of snail secretion filtrate (also known as snail mucin or snail slime) to nourish and moisturize the skin without oiliness.
The plumping cream contains 92% snail mucin to hydrate, soothe and repair damaged skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
Snail mucin is filled with skin-loving compounds like glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid that attract and hold moisture in the skin.
Snail mucin is also known for its anti-aging properties as it helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Allantoin and panthenol calm and soothe the skin. Betaine helps to keep the skin hydrated. Arginine is an amino acid and a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and has wound-healing benefits.
The cream has a light, gel-like texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Although it has a somewhat slimy texture, once applied to the skin, it does not feel sticky or greasy at all.
This Korean moisturizer is perfect for red and irritated skin due to acne and dehydrated or dry skin types dealing with dark spots and post-acne marks.
COSRX notes that no external force is used to extract the snail mucin, and no snails are harmed in the making of their products.
10. COSRX Centella Blemish Cream
COSRX Centella Blemish Cream is the perfect spot treatment for residual redness, dark spots, and discolored scars from acne.
It contains Centella asiatica extract and water to calm down irritated skin and redness.
Centella asiatica extract is an herbal ingredient that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to heal wounds.
It also is formulated with compounds like madecassoside, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid that help to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and heal wounds.
The blemish cream contains other actives that target acne, like Zinc PCA, which helps control sebum production and prevent breakouts.
Tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, helps to keep the skin clear thanks to its antibacterial properties.
Scutellaria baicalensis (Skullcap) root extract is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
Centella Blemish Cream is perfect for acne-prone skin as it helps to soothe, heal and protect the skin from further breakouts.
The cream has a slightly thick texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue. It has an herbal scent due to the tea tree oil in the cream.
11. COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream
COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream is a lightweight gel-cream that delivers long-lasting hydration to the skin without feeling heavy or greasy while calming and repairing the skin.
The key ingredient of COSRX’s Hydrium line is panthenol. Panthenol is a form of vitamin B5 with excellent moisturizing and skin-protecting properties.
It helps to soothe and heal the skin while also providing long-lasting hydration.
This gel-cream also contains green tea extract, an antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
Green tea extract is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe irritated skin. Green tea has been shown to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne.
Aloe ferox leaf extract calms inflamed, blemished skin. Allantoin from the comfrey plant is another ingredient that promotes healing and repair.
This Korean skincare product has a light, jelly texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin. It feels weightless on the skin, making it ideal for oily skin types.
Related Post: COSRX Derm Serums Review
12. COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion With Birch Sap
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion With Birch Sap is a lightweight moisturizer with a watery texture that improves skin hydration while preventing excess sebum production and breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads.
The lotion contains 70.8% birch sap (Betula platyphylla japonica juice) to hydrate the skin while calming irritation.
It also targets acne and breakouts with tea tree leaf oil, an essential oil with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Betaine, an amino acid derived from sugar beets, balances water and oil levels in the skin to prevent excess sebum production that can lead to breakouts.
Allantoin, derived from the comfrey plant, soothes and calms irritated skin. Sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, and panthenol (provitamin B5) help increase hydration levels.
This moisturizer is ideal for those with sensitive or oily acne-prone skin. It has a super lightweight, watery texture that dries down quickly without leaving any greasy or sticky residue behind.
The lotion has a somewhat medicinal scent due to tea tree oil and lemon peel oil.
Looking for more Korean skincare for acne prone skin? Check out these posts:
Final Thoughts On The Best COSRX Products For Oily Acne-Prone Skin
You can incorporate some of these products in this post into your skincare routine or start from scratch with a few of these skincare treatments.
Just don’t forget to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day in your morning skincare routine.
Sun damage can not only harm your skin in the long term, but it can also exacerbate acne and cause breakouts. So, make sure to use sunscreen every day to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
Thanks for reading, and until next time, here’s to your good skin health!
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