The Best The Ordinary Products for Acne and Oily Skin

If you have oily and/or acne-prone skin, it can be difficult to find skincare products that keep oil and breakouts at bay without experiencing side effects like irritation and dryness.

Luckily The Ordinary, an affordable and budget-friendly skincare brand known for its effective treatments, has some wonderful options for acne and oily skin types.

So today, we’ll discuss the best The Ordinary products for acne and oily skin.

This Best The Ordinary Products for Acne and Oily Skin post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Why Use The Ordinary for Oily & Acne Prone Skin?

I’ve tried so many expensive skin care products over the years that show up on best-seller lists that don’t work for my skin. Unfortunately, our skin is very unique, and what may work for me might not work for you.

That’s why spending a lot of money on a single product is not realistic for me unless I’ve sampled it or know it will work with my skin.

That’s what’s so nice about effective drugstore skincare products from brands like The Ordinary. You can try a few different The Ordinary skincare products and see what works and what doesn’t without breaking the bank.

The Ordinary offers products for all different skin types, including oily and acne-prone, which you can test for compatibility in multiples for less than the price of one $50+ skincare product.

Please note that some The Ordinary products shouldn’t be combined, so please see my The Ordinary Conflicts (With PDF) post for a complete list of The Ordinary conflicts.

Scroll to the bottom of the post for example morning and evening The Ordinary routines for acne and oily skin.

Today let’s take a more detailed look at the best The Ordinary products for acne and oily skin:

The Ordinary Exfoliating Acids

Skincare acids have gained in popularity in recent years, as they are an effective way to clear away dead skin cells and brighten the skin, even skin tone, and increase skin clarity.

Oily and acne-prone skin types can benefit from acids since they clear away dead skin cells that clog pores, causing breakouts.

Please note that the use of alpha and beta-hydroxy acids below makes your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so be sure to wear sunscreen (preferably SPF 30 or higher) while using these products and for seven days after.

Related Post: Best The Ordinary Products for Acne Scars

This toning solution is a chemical exfoliator and will remove dead skin cells to clarify and brighten the skin. With continued use, it will also improve skin texture.

This product will reduce oil and dead skin buildup, which leads to clogged pores. Fewer clogged pores mean fewer breakouts and acne.

Formulated at a pH between 3.5-3.7, this glycolic acid toning solution contains Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce irritation associated with acid use. It also contains ginseng root and aloe vera to soothe the skin and improve skin radiance.

In this 2018 study published in the journal Molecules, glycolic acid has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin. It also minimizes the appearance of pores.

Let’s not forget about its anti-aging benefits. Glycolic acid helps reduce the appearance of the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

You can find the key to glycolic acid’s effectiveness in how much glycolic acid is in the product that you use.

For at-home products, try to limit your glycolic acid use to no more than 10% concentration. Otherwise, you risk irritating, burning, and harming your skin in the process.

Glycolic Acid and Sensitive Skin

There are some drawbacks to glycolic acid if you have sensitive skin.

Glycolic acid contains some of the smallest of all AHA molecules, which is great news for oily and acne-prone skin since it can penetrate deep into your pores to clear them out, but this means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Be sure to do a patch test before using if you have sensitive skin.

When to Use: The Ordinary suggests using their Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution no more than once per day.

Apply ideally in the PM after cleansing (do not rinse off) since acids can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Direct acids, peptides, pure vitamin C, retinol, or EUK 134 0.1% should not be used in the same routine as this product.

Related Post: Can You Use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner With Niacinamide?

Lactic acid is a good choice for sensitive skin or those who cannot tolerate glycolic acid.

The Ordinary has two lactic acid serums: Lactic Acid 5% + HA and Lactic Acid 10% + HA.

While you are getting a stronger product with 10% compared to 5% in terms of lactic acid concentration, both contain Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce irritation associated with acid use.

Lactic acid works to exfoliate, smooth, and even skin texture, resulting in a reduction in acne and breakouts, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

When To Use: The Ordinary recommends using their lactic acid products no more than once per day. Apply after cleansing and toning ideally in the PM since acids can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Since these formulas are in a liquid form, this follows the theory of applying your skincare from thinnest to thickest in texture.

Exfoliating acids, peptides, pure vitamin C, retinol, or EUK 134 0.1% should not be used in the same routine as these products.

Related Post: How To Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid, A Guide to The Ordinary Vitamin C Skincare Products

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid and is derived from grains. It is also produced by the yeast that normally lives on your skin.

This multi-tasking acid gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells that can build up in your pores.

It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that help fend off P. acnes, a bacterium that leads to acne.

Azelaic acid does a particularly good job at evening skin tone.

It not only helps prevent pigmentation by inhibiting activity from the enzyme tyrosinase, but it also helps reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and discoloration.

For more on this product, check out my review of The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.

When To Use: Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a lightweight cream-gel, which makes it ideal as one of the last steps in your skincare routine under a moisturizer (or after if your skincare pills), preferably in the evening.

Exfoliating acids, peptides, pure vitamin C, retinol, or EUK 134 0.1% should not be used in the same routine as this product.

Related Post: The Best The Ordinary Products for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

The Ordinary Exfoliating Acid Treatments – Biweekly/Weekly

It contains 30% alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic/lactic/tartaric/citric) and 2% beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid).

This is a STRONG exfoliating acid treatment that can be used to help clear pore congestion.

Alpha hydroxy acids will brighten your skin and even skin tone, while a beta hydroxy acid will provide a deeper exfoliation to help with visible blemishes.

The unique red shade of the product makes your face look a little strange, but it is a potent treatment for oily and acne-prone skin that is not sensitive.

When To Use: Apply this treatment as a masque for no more than 10 minutes on clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area.

Make sure to rinse after 10 minutes, as it is intended to be used as a masque only. Use once or twice a week at most.

This exfoliating mask is not intended for sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin.

Other exfoliating acids, peptides, pure vitamin C, retinol, or EUK 134 0.1% should not be used in the same routine as this product.

For more details on this peel, please see How To Use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution and What To Use After The Ordinary Peeling Solution.

Vegetable charcoals and Amazonian clays are also included in this masque for their deep cleansing properties, thanks to their porosity and large surface area available for absorption.

Squalane moisturizes and replenishes the skin. This rinse-off masque will also help improve skin tone and dullness.

When To Use: Apply this masque treatment evenly across your face with your fingertips on clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Make sure to rinse after 10 minutes, as it’s intended to be used as a masque only.

Use once or twice a week at most. This mask is not intended for sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin.

Exfoliating acids (such as glycolic acid and lactic acid), peptides, pure vitamin C, retinol, or EUK 134 0.1% should not be used in the same routine as this product. See my complete review here.

Related Post: The Ordinary Anti-Aging Skincare Review

Serums and Treatments

Hyaluronic acid is not an exfoliating acid but a hydrating acid. I included it under serums and treatments because that is the step of your skin routine where it is applied.

Even if you’re skin is oily and acne-prone, you still need to hydrate your skin.

Allowing your skin to become dehydrated will only compromise your skin barrier. This opens the door to irritation and the possibility of more breakouts and acne.

This serum plumps the skin with low-, medium- and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid to hydrate multiple layers of your skin. It also contains Vitamin B5 for enhanced surface hydration.

When To Use: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 works well with other The Ordinary acids. It adds a layer of hydration and soothes the skin to offset the irritation brought on by exfoliating acids.

Apply after cleansing and toning. If using The Ordinary exfoliating acids, apply after Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or after one of their lactic acid products.

Related Post: The Best The Ordinary Products for Dry Skin

This niacinamide serum contains 10% niacinamide and also zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to help balance sebum activity.

Niacinamide is one of my absolute favorite skincare ingredients due to its multiple benefits for the skin.

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B-3, is well-known for its brightening abilities as well as for evening skin tone and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

It supports the skin barrier and provides antioxidant protection.

Niacinamide even helps regulate oil production, which is key for oily skin, and makes this an excellent The Ordinary serum for oily skin. Additionally, it has soothing properties to calm redness and irritation. For $5.90, this fan-favorite serum from The Ordinary is worth a try.

When To Use: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% should be used during the treatment step of your skin routine after cleansing and toning.

Since it has somewhat of a running texture, follow it with thicker serums and moisturizers.

The Ordinary notes that this serum may compromise the integrity of topical vitamin C products, so you should not use this serum at the same time as products containing vitamin C.

For more affordable niacinamide serums, please see this post on the best drugstore niacinamide serums.

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is often used to improve the look of your skin by removing dead cells, unclogging pores, and curbing inflammation.

While AHAs like glycolic acid or lactic acid exfoliate the surface of the skin, BHAs such as salicylic acid are oil soluble and exfoliate not only the surface of the skin but also penetrate into your pores to dissolve sebum (oil), dirt, and debris that cause congestion.

The new version of this serum for acne prone skin is formulated to be less irritating and more comfortable on the skin than its predecessor, which was discontinued a few years ago.

This version contains saccharide isomerate, a plant-derived moisturizer that helps to decrease irritation.

This water-based serum has a pH of 3.20 – 4.00 and feels lightweight on the skin, making it convenient to use with other skincare products and under makeup.

Please note that since this serum contains a beta hydroxy acid, it may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure.

Be sure to use sunscreen while using this and for a week after.

While this is one of the best products from The Ordinary for acne and this serum is best for acne-prone and oily skin, it can be used by all skin types all over your face or as a spot treatment.

This is a water-free salicylic acid serum formulated with 2% salicylic acid to decrease pore congestion and exfoliate the skin.

The base of this serum is squalane, a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) emollient that moisturizes the skin without leaving it greasy.

It has a very lightweight and silky feel on the skin and feels more like a dry oil, so it can be used by all skin types.

While The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution will probably be the better choice for most with oily and very oily skin, this serum may appeal to those with dehydrated oily complexions or combination skin.

Like The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, this serum contains a beta hydroxy acid and may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure.

Be sure to use sunscreen while using this and for a week after.

It can’t be used alone but must be mixed with an appropriate non-conflicting water-based treatment with a pH between 5.1 and 7.0.

I think it’s easiest to mix this niacinamide powder with another product from The Ordinary since The Ordinary discloses the pH of their products.

The Ordinary provides a list of their products that will work as a base for the niacinamide powder:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
• The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%
• The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
• The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%

Mix 1/4 scoop (spoon provided) of niacinamide powder with the base product in the palm of your hand.

How much of the base product? The Ordinary provides an example: 1/4 scoop of this niacinamide powder is approximately 0.05g niacinamide, and you mix it with four drops of the base, such as a serum.

The result yields a 10-15% concentration of niacinamide. (I personally like mixing it with the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or Matrixyl 10% + HA.)

You may wonder whether it’s worth all the effort. In my experience, it is.

The DIY serum cocktail makes a noticeable difference in the size of my pores and brightens my skin. It provides all of the oil regulation properties of niacinamide as well.

Additionally, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% slightly irritates my skin, so I am thrilled that The Ordinary has another niacinamide option.

When To Use: Use during the treatment step of your skincare routine. Mixing with a serum gives you the benefits of two products in one application.

Use in the morning and/or evening. Be sure to wash your hands after handling and do not mix with formulations with a pH of 5.0 or lower.

Do not use in the same routine as vitamin C products and exfoliating acids.

The total concentration of these peptides by weight is 25.1%.

This oil-free serum will target dullness, uneven skin tone, and dryness thanks to 11 skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes.

When To Use: Use during the treatment step of your skincare routine following cleansing and toning.

Avoid using in the same routine as direct acids, as direct acids can compromise the effectiveness of peptides in this serum. Also, avoid using pure Vitamin C (LAA/ELAA) in the same routine.

Regardless of your age or skin concerns, this serum will help target dullness and multiple signs of aging and leave your skin plump and smooth. It’s lightweight and works well under makeup.

Related Post: Hylamide SubQ Skin vs The Ordinary “Buffet”

Hydrators

This moisturizer is formulated with 11 amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients that occur naturally in the skin.

Even better, it’s a non-greasy formula, making it an ideal The Ordinary moisturizer for oily skin.

When To Use: Apply after cleansing, toning, and skin care treatment products (such as serums or retinoids) for a dewy and smooth complexion. Apply before sunscreen if used during the day.

It’s non-comedogenic, won’t clog pores, and regulates oil production, making it suitable for all skin types, especially oily and acne-prone skin.

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane will quickly sink into the skin and is similar in structure to the sebum found in our skin, so it won’t leave you with a greasy or oily feeling on your face. It leaves your skin supple and smooth.

Squalane is a stable oil and doesn’t oxidize, giving it a longer shelf life than similar products.

Squalane locks in moisture and protects the skin’s natural moisture barrier, minimizing transepidermal water loss. As a bonus, it can also be used on your hair for added moisture and shine.

I have combination skin, and I can’t believe how lightweight this oil is. I’m not a huge fan of facial oils because they inevitably make my skin feel like an oil slick.

Not The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane. It’s the most lightweight oil I’ve ever tried!

When To Use: Apply as the last step of your skincare routine in the evening and right before sunscreen in the morning. This product can also be used in place of moisturizer for oily skin.

Related Post: A Complete Guide to The Ordinary Retinol and Retinoid Products

This formula uses non-comedogenic silicones, which allows the sunscreen to remain extremely lightweight by optimizing the amount of the blocking agents in the formula.

This is ideal for oily skin because the last thing you want is a heavy sunscreen that causes congestion and ultimately breakouts.

It also contains Tasmanian pepperberry to calm stressed skin, and antioxidants to protect from free radicals and UV radiation. Skin identical lipids support the skin barrier and a bio-sugar complex provides hydration.

When To Use: Apply daily as the last step of your morning skincare routine.

Related Post: How To Layer The Ordinary Products

Example The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Acne and Oily Skin

I wrote a post about building a skincare routine with The Ordinary for all skin types, so this sample routine is based on that post.

Keep in mind that there are many ways to use The Ordinary products for oily and acne-prone skin, so these are just a few examples.

Oily and acne-prone skin that deals with breakouts can benefit from The Ordinary’s best-selling Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to regulate sebum and minimize pores.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and 100% Plant-Derived Squalane offer lightweight hydration.

Morning The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Oily Skin and Acne-Prone Skin

• Squalane Cleanser
• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness)
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
• Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Oily Skin and Acne-Prone Skin

• Squalane Cleanser
• Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”)
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Optional: Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness)
• 100% Plant-Derived Squalane or Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Alternate Evening Routine

You can use salicylic acid to target blemishes and clogged pores instead of a retinol/retinoid product at night:

• Squalane Cleanser
• Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (wait about 30 minutes before applying Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%)
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness)
• 100% Plant-Derived Squalane or Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Weekly

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque sweeps away dead skin cells and other impurities that clog pores and cause breakouts.

Use it once a week at night after cleansing and follow with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA only.

This masque is not intended to be used by those with sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin.

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a 10-minute exfoliating facial. This treatment is only suitable if you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation.

Use it once a week at night after cleansing and follow with Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA only. Avoid using this peeling solution on the same day as the Salicylic Acid 2% Masque.

The masque is not intended to be used by those with sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin.

Final Thoughts on The Ordinary Products for Oily Skin/Acne-Prone Skin

The Ordinary has an extensive range of skincare products, and choosing products for your skin type can be confusing, so I hope this post has helped highlight some of the best The Ordinary products for oily and acne-prone skin.

These products will benefit oily and acne-prone skin thanks to many non-comedogenic ingredients that remove congestion, balance oil production, protect the skin barrier, and hydrate the skin.