7 Skin Care Products for Oily Redhead Skin: Editors’ Picks

Oily skin can be frustrating because it feels like no matter what you do your face becomes shiny and slick in no time. Combating oil isn’t a one-step process, it’s something you have to work at day in and day out to keep the oils at bay. Here are 6 products you can incorporate into your redhead routine to help control oily skin. 

READ: How to Determine Your Redhead Skin Type

Combat oils through skincare

The first step to getting oily skin in check is your skincare routine. You want to avoid products that have excess oils, alcohol, or heavy greasy ingredients like shea butter or vaseline. Three products you should incorporate into your routine are:

Facial Toner: Using a facial toner can help to remove excess oils without stripping your face. As a redhead, you always want to opt for something that’s safe for sensitive skin.

‘Redhead-Friendly’ Toner Recommendation:  Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

“Niacinamide is excellent for oily skin and great for redhead skin too. This is really good and powerful stuff.” — Adrienne Vendetti, Co-Founder & Editorial Director | HowtobeaRedhead.com 

A Cleanser for Oily Skin: Cleansing your skin is an important step in keeping oils at bay. Oils are naturally occurring in the skin, so you don’t want to strip all of them. A cleanser intended for oily skin will help to remove the excess without drying the skin too much.

‘Redhead-Friendly’ Cleanser Recommendation: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 

“I love this cleanser because it doesn’t strip the skin and doesn’t make my cheeks tight. It’s also budget-friendly and always my go-to.” — Stephanie Vendetti, Co-Founder & Partnerships Director | HowtobeaRedhead.com 

Hydrating Oil-Free Moisturizer: All of the washing and toning your skin goes through means it needs moisture and hydration. Opt for a hydrating oil-free moisturizer.

‘Redhead-Friendly’ Moisturizer Recommendation: Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance 

“Oily skin is tricky because a moisturizer can make or break your skin. Some moisturizers truly cause acne or more oil because the ingredients aren’t good. This moisturizer balances, hydrates and has never made me break out.” — Stephanie Vendetti, Co-Founder & Partnerships Director | HowtobeaRedhead.com 

Reduce oils in your makeup routine

Another area where you can reduce oils is your makeup. Always opt for the oil-free choices, and make sure you set your makeup for a longer wear time.  Two must-have oily skin makeup products are: 

Oil-Free Foundation – When you have oily skin, it’s important to find a foundation intended for your skin type.

‘Redhead-Friendly’ Foundation Recommendation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte Poreless Liquid Foundation 

“My go to! It’s very difficult for me to find a foundation that doesn’t make break out but also doesn’t make me look like an oily mess. I love the light shades too.” — Adrienne Vendetti, Co-Founder & Editorial Director | HowtobeaRedhead.com 

Translucent Setting Powder – Keeping your foundation matte all day will require a good setting powder. You want something that’s light and won’t cake up when you start to produce oils.

‘Redhead-Friendly’ Setting Powder Recommendation: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

“Ol’ faithful! I have used this product since I was in eighth grade! It has transitioned with me through puberty, college and now adulthood.” — Stephanie Vendetti, Co-Founder & Partnerships Director | HowtobeaRedhead.com 

Control oil while wearing makeup

The fight against oils doesn’t stop with makeup application. To keep your makeup looking great all day you might need a little help. Reduce oils on the skin by using oil removal products whenever you start to get shiny.  Products that can help to control oil throughout the day are: 

Oil blotting sheets – These handy sheets can help you to blot away some of the excess oils while keeping your makeup looking great. These work wonderfully for those who get oily in small areas like the T zone.

‘Redhead-Friendly’ Oil Blotting Sheets Recommendation: Natural Bamboo Charcoal Oil Absorbing Tissues

Oil roller ball – If you’re struggling with an oily sheen all over the face, consider trying an oil removal roller ball. This product has gone viral online recently for its ability to remove oils from even the oiliest of skin while keeping a perfect finish.

‘Redhead-Friendly’ Oil Roller Recommendations: REVLON Oil-Absorbing Volcanic Face Roller

Rock it like a Redhead!