Best Natural Ingredients & Products for Oily Skin: What Really Works
If you have oily skin, you know the struggle: midday shine, makeup that slides off by lunchtime, and constant blotting. While oily skin has its perks, like fewer wrinkles and a natural glow, it also comes with clogged pores, acne, and a persistent greasy feel.
Fortunately, nature offers a wide range of powerful natural ingredients for oily skin that help regulate oil production without stripping your skin dry.
In this blog, we'll explore the best ingredients for oily skin and clean skincare products, why they work, and how to use them effectively in your routine.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Natural Ingredients for Oily Skin?
Many conventional products for oily skin contain harsh chemicals that strip the skin’s natural oils. While this might give a short-term matte effect, it can actually trigger your skin to produce more oil to compensate.
However, natural ingredients tend to be gentler and can help balance your skin over time.
So, if you’re wondering how to treat oily skin, natural ingredients can help you regulate sebum production and prevent oily skin, not eliminate it, as your skin still needs moisture and nourishment, though just in the right proportions.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that helps fight acne-causing bacteria and reduces redness without over-drying the skin. It also helps reduce itching and irritation, making sure the skin remains plump and glowing.
How to Use:
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Add a few drops to your toner or moisturiser.
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Use a diluted tea tree oil spot treatment for blemishes.
We recommend using atulya’s Tea Tree Essential Oil to treat your oily skin.
2. Witch Hazel
This natural astringent helps to tighten pores and reduce oil production. It's also anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for acne-prone skin. It is a hydrating and moisturising ingredient that helps fight acne and reduces skin inflammation.
How to Use: Apply witch hazel as a toner using a cotton pad after cleansing.
We recommend using a mild toner with aloe vera that’s good for daily use!
3. Clay (Kaolin or Bentonite)
Clays absorb excess oil, unclog pores, and detoxify the skin. Kaolin is milder and good for sensitive oily skin, while bentonite has strong oil-absorbing properties.
How to Use:
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Apply a clay mask 1–2 times a week.
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Avoid letting the clay dry completely to prevent over-drying.
You can purchase clay masks online or just make a homemade paste from clay to use on your face to get the maximum results.
4. Green Tea Extract
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, prevents premature ageing, and has anti-inflammatory properties that keep the skin nourished and hydrated. It also helps reduce sebum production when applied topically.
How to Use:
Look for moisturisers or serums with green tea extract. You can also use chilled brewed green tea as a toner.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera hydrates without clogging pores and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. It soothes irritation and is perfect for calming oily, acne-prone skin.We recommend checking out our aloe vera range of skincare products for oily skin.
How to Use:
You can use pure aloe vera gel as a light moisturiser or spot treatment.
6. Jojoba Oil
Yes, the essential oil works for oily skin. Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum, which can trick your skin into producing less oil. It also helps balance and moisturise the skin.
How to control oily skin with jojoba oil:
Apply a few drops after cleansing or mix with your moisturiser.
7. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide isn’t just a trendy ingredient; it’s science-backed. It reduces oil production, minimises pores, and even strengthens the skin barrier. If you like, you can check out our wide range of face serums to treat your oily skin.
How to Use:
Use a serum with 5–10% niacinamide once daily, ideally after toner and before moisturising.
8. Rose Water
Rose water balances pH, reduces inflammation, and provides light hydration. It’s refreshing and non-comedogenic. Apart from that, it’s a great addition to your skincare regime, offering a variety of benefits to both skin and mind.
How to Use:
Use it as a facial mist or toner throughout the day.
If you want to enjoy the maximum benefits of rose water, we recommend checking out atulya’s rose water facial mist toner.
Tips for Building a Natural Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Here we’ve listed some additional tips and skin products for oily skin that can help you manage oily skin naturally!
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Cleanse Gently, Twice a Day: Avoid harsh foaming cleansers and opt for gel-based, sulphate-free face wash for oily skin with natural ingredients.
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Tone with Purpose: Toners help remove residual oil and balance skin’s pH.So, look for a wide range of face toners with natural ingredients.
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Hydrate, Don’t Skip Moisturizer: Use oil-free, gel-based moisturisers or light oils like jojoba to keep your skin balanced.
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Mask 1–2 Times a Week: Clay, charcoal, and honey masks can control oil while detoxifying the skin.
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Sun Protection is a Must: Look for mineral-based, non-comedogenic sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide. Check out our sunscreen range if you can’t choose one.
Final Thoughts
The key to managing oily skin naturally is consistency and balance. Oily skin care needs hydration just as much as any other skin type.
Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, clay, niacinamide, aloe vera, and green tea have stood the test of time and science. So, if you want to treat your oily skin and achieve the natural glow, you can use these ingredients to find a solution that works the best for you!
FAQs
Q. What causes oily skin?
Ans. Oily skin is primarily caused by overactive sebaceous (oil) glands. Factors like genetics, hormonal changes, humidity, diet, and even harsh skincare products can increase oil production.
Q. Can natural ingredients really help with oily skin?
Ans. Yes! Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, clay, green tea extract, and aloe vera can help regulate oil production, reduce acne, and maintain healthy skin without harsh side effects.
Q. Is it okay to use oils on oily skin?
Ans. Yes, but only certain oils. Non-comedogenic oils like jojoba and grapeseed oil can help balance sebum levels and prevent breakouts.
Q. How often should I use a clay mask if I have oily skin?
Ans. 1–2 times a week is ideal. Using clay masks too frequently can over-dry the skin and cause your glands to produce more oil to compensate.
Q. Can oily skin be dehydrated?
Ans. Absolutely, oily skin can still lack water. Dehydrated oily skin may produce even more oil to compensate, so it’s crucial to hydrate with water-based or gel moisturisers.
