Ingredients for oily skin and the look of pores
For oily skin, niacinamide has a small study showing lower facial sebum, and salicylic acid is an oil-soluble exfoliant used for the look of clogged pores. Clays such as kaolin and bentonite absorb surface oil in masks and powders, and witch hazel gives toners a fresher, less oily feel. Expect changes in how your skin looks and feels rather than a permanent change in oil production.
| Ingredient | What it does | Label flag |
|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide | Usually the headline active, added for the look of tone, texture and oiliness. | No specific flag recorded |
| Salicylic Acid (BHA) | Salicylic acid helps exfoliating products loosen dead surface cells and improve the look of clogged pores. | Context matters |
| Witch Hazel | Witch hazel preparations add an astringent botanical component to toners and other skincare formulas. | Context matters |
| Bentonite | Absorbs oil and helps give masks, cleansers, or powders body and structure. | No specific flag recorded |
| Kaolin | It absorbs some surface oil and gives masks, powders, and makeup body and texture. | No specific flag recorded |