Oily skin is typically the result of an overproduction of sebum, your skin’s natural oil. Sebum is important for maintaining a healthy-looking complexion, but when too much is produced, it can lead to oily-looking skin. This surge in sebum can happen as result of several factors: hormones, aging, heat, and humidity, or over cleansing.

Yes, oily skin can cause an increase in breakouts. When your sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and lead to clogged pores. This can result in the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, and breakouts.

Some wonderfully effective ingredients for oily and acne-prone skin—and the ones we like best here at Origins—are Salicylic Acid, Bamboo Charcoal and Kaolin Clay. Salicylic Acid helps dislodge dirt, oil, and debris from deep within the pores, while Bamboo Charcoal acts like a ‘magnet’ to draw out impurities from the pores. Kaolin Clay can also help with pores, as well as help with excess oil.

Our best products for oily skin and acne-prone complexions help balance oil and fight breakouts. Here are a few of our favorites.

Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask is one of our most popular face masks. Powered by Bamboo Charcoal and Kaolin Clay, it helps deep clean pores and reduce excess oil.

Super Spot Remover™ Acne Treatment Gel targets breakouts with Salicylic Acid and helps absorb excess oil in spots where it’s applied.

Clear Improvement™ Zero Oil Cleanser is a get-to-foam face wash—made with Bamboo Charcoal, 1% Salicylic Acid—that helps remove impurities (think dirt, oil, and makeup) and improve the look of pores.

Clear Improvement™ Pore Clearing Moisturizer is one of our best moisturizers for oily and acne-prone skin. Infused with Squalane, Salicylic Acid and Bamboo Charcoal, it delivers oil-free hydration while helping clear and prevent breakouts.