Use: salicylic acid
According to Dr. Russak, the most popular acid for oily skin is salicylic acid, and it’s for good reason. “Salicylic acid can break down blackheads and whiteheads and keep acne at bay, which most oily skin types experience,” says Dr. Russak. “Salicylic acid softens and exfoliates the skin, cleans out the pores and reduces inflammation, which will, in turn, help the skin balance itself and reduce the appearance of oily and inflamed skin.”
Charlotte, NC dermatologists Gilly Munavalli, MD and Hayley Leight-Dunn, MD say this beta-hydroxy acid can be found in all forms in skin-care products, including washes, toners, chemical peels, masks, serums and lotions. Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias notes that a cleanser featuring salicylic acid should be a go-to product for someone with oily skin. Some of his favorites include Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash ($7) and SkinBetter Oxygen Infusion Wash ($42).