Oily Face Men Skincare Guide: How to Keep Oil Under Control
It’s easy to build a skincare routine for oily skin for men. Follow this guide to find the right products that manage your oily face and prevent acne.

Oily face men often want to flush away as much grease and shine as possible. But not so fast: Contrary to what you might think, face oil is actually a good thing. We need that oil (AKA sebum) to help nourish and moisturize both skin and hair. However, having too much of it can lead to clogged pores, pesky breakouts, or feeling like you have a greasy film over your face. So, you need to find a way to preserve the moisturizing benefits while also controlling excessive buildup.
Here is an easy oily skin routine for men to help with that, as well as the best oily skin products.

Oily Skincare for Men: The 3-Step Regimen
Follow these three key steps to keep oily skin balanced and to prevent things like forehead shine, grime buildup, and acne breakouts.
Step 1: A Gentle Cleanser
The oily skin routine starts like any other skincare routine: with a cleanse. Washing your face of existing grime, skincare products, and oil buildup, it becomes easier to apply the following products in the skin care routine—and it makes those products more effective by allowing them to absorb into the pores and sebaceous glands, where oil production happens.
In order to flush away sebum from the skin’s surface and pores, the best cleanser for oily skin will work smarter—and not necessarily harder—than other options. That’s because something that dries out the skin will only encourage the pores to overproduce more oil, and will perpetuate the cycle. So find a face wash for oily skin that uses similar ingredients to a deep-cleansing face mask (like cleansing clay), since those masks’ job is to extract oil and impurities from pores while also promoting nourishment. Clay is the key ingredient in Cardon’s soothing skin cleanser, which is suitable for all skin types thanks to its gentle formula.
Step 2: A Balancing Toner
Next in the oily skincare regimen is a toner. When applied after a cleanser, toner balances the skin’s pH levels to calm skin. And more importantly for oily face men: Those toners with specific targeted ingredients will also prevent excess sebum production. Witch hazel is the best ingredient to look for.
By balancing pH levels, toner ensures that the skin doesn’t get too dry–in the event that the person has over-cleansed their face. Here’s a quick primer on pH levels: Remember that scale of 1-14 that we learned in high school chemistry, wherein 1 is “extremely acidic” and 14 is “extremely alkaline” (or “basic”)? Well, that same scale exists with your skin’s own chemistry. Most people’s skin is slightly acidic, around 5.5. Excessive oil production can make your skin's pH level more acidic, and when skin isn’t balanced, it becomes irritated, dry, or inflamed. Thus, dry skin has a more alkaline/basic pH level.


Toners can exist as a liquid splash, applied to a cotton swab, or they can come as a wipe—which is the method we chose for Cardon’s exfoliating toning pads.
Step 3: An Oil-Free Moisturizer
The last step in a men's oily skin care regimen is to moisturize. Men with oily skin often have a hard time with thick, heavy moisturizers since these products tend to block pores and lead to excessive sweating. So, stick with a lightweight option that promises breathability. Look for hydrators that are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores and cause pimples. (The best ingredients to avoid here are coconut oil and cocoa butter.)
It’s a common myth that people with oily skin don’t need to moisturize. While naturally oily face men do tend to have well-hydrated skin, they differ from moisturizers in that moisturizers keep harmful toxins and pollutants from taking residence in the pores. The body intuitively responds to moisturizers by better regulating and lowering oil levels, so their presence actually corrects the problem while still preserving nourishment levels. Also, many daytime moisturizers also have SPF to prevent skin-aging and cancer-causing UV rays from damaging the skin.
So, choose a lightweight SPF-packed moisturizer for daytime, and a super hydrating moisturizer (non SPF)for bedtime. Cardon has one for each scenario.


Shop: AM SPF Moisturizer

Daily SPF + Moisturizer
$22.00

What causes oily skin in men?
Usually, oily skin is caused by genetics—and so is dry skin. Your sebaceous glands will function as your body tells them to. With that in mind, there are some things that can make skin more oily than usual, like using heavy skincare products that don’t allow the skin to breathe. (This will induce sweat, too.) Secondly, if you overwash and dry skin too much, this will tell the sebaceous glands/pores to produce even more oil. So, suddenly you are in a cycle of over drying the skin, then having it get too oily again, back and forth again and again.
Is male skin oiler than women’s skin?
Typically, men’s skin is more oily than women’s. It also tends to be thicker than women’s. This is not always the case with every man, however. Some men have naturally dry skin, and some women have naturally oilier skin. But in general terms, yes, there are more oily men than oily women.
How can I control my oily skin?
To keep your oily face balanced, build a smart and simple oily skincare regimen for men: Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser that removes excess oil, followed by a toner that balances oil production in the pores, and end with a lightweight moisturizer. All together, this should balance oil levels and prevent too much oil.
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Breakouts
Oily Skin Set
good for:
Oily and acne-prone skin, you’ve met your match. Our Oily Skin Set was built with your unique skin types in mind, with a protocol focused on balancing oil levels and keeping pores clear in just a few simple steps.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15
Oily Skin Set
good for:
Oily and acne-prone skin, you’ve met your match. Our Oily Skin Set was built with your unique skin types in mind, with a protocol focused on balancing oil levels and keeping pores clear in just a few simple steps.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15


Beginners
Essentials Skincare Set
good for:
Everything you need, nothing you don’t—the Essentials Set is your skincare starter pack. Just cleanse, moisturize, and protect. We took the guesswork out of developing a skincare routine. This is all you need for everyday skin health.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15
Essentials Skincare Set
good for:
Everything you need, nothing you don’t—the Essentials Set is your skincare starter pack. Just cleanse, moisturize, and protect. We took the guesswork out of developing a skincare routine. This is all you need for everyday skin health.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15


Purifying Clay Cleanser
good for:
The Purifying Clay Cleanser dares to answer the question: “what if you combined a detoxifying clay mask with a hydrating face wash?”
Our 2x Ask Men Grooming award-winning cleanser uses Cactus Extract and a Tri-Clay blend to remove excess oil and cleanse skin deeply from the grime of the day, never leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Powerful ingredients, yet gentle enough for daily use.
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15
Purifying Clay Cleanser
good for:
The Purifying Clay Cleanser dares to answer the question: “what if you combined a detoxifying clay mask with a hydrating face wash?”
Our 2x Ask Men Grooming award-winning cleanser uses Cactus Extract and a Tri-Clay blend to remove excess oil and cleanse skin deeply from the grime of the day, never leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Powerful ingredients, yet gentle enough for daily use.
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15


Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes
good for:
After a long, busy day you just want to sit back, relax, and crack open—our biodegradable Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes.
Wipe the stress and grime away with our Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes, which use PHAs and caffeine to unclog pores, balance pH, and soothe the skin all in one easy step. No water needed.
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15
Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes
good for:
After a long, busy day you just want to sit back, relax, and crack open—our biodegradable Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes.
Wipe the stress and grime away with our Exfoliating Facial Toner Wipes, which use PHAs and caffeine to unclog pores, balance pH, and soothe the skin all in one easy step. No water needed.
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15


Daily SPF + Moisturizer
good for:
We’re playing favorites—this is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine. Stave off sun damage for healthy, youthful skin for years to come with our Daily SPF + Moisturizer, acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ!
Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula uses Cactus and Chia Seed Extract to provide all-day hydration, plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays with ZERO residue or white cast.
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15
Daily SPF + Moisturizer
good for:
We’re playing favorites—this is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine. Stave off sun damage for healthy, youthful skin for years to come with our Daily SPF + Moisturizer, acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ!
Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula uses Cactus and Chia Seed Extract to provide all-day hydration, plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays with ZERO residue or white cast.
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15


Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
good for:
Like a night cap for your skin, our Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer is the ideal way to finish your evening.
This 3-in-1 gel moisturizer uses Cactus Extract and Rosehip Oil to put in the work while you snooze—hydrating, soothing, and repairing your skin all night long.
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15
Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
good for:
Like a night cap for your skin, our Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer is the ideal way to finish your evening.
This 3-in-1 gel moisturizer uses Cactus Extract and Rosehip Oil to put in the work while you snooze—hydrating, soothing, and repairing your skin all night long.
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15


GIFT
Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil
good for:
Often imitated, never duplicated, this innovative sheet mask is the first of its kind and an Ask Men Grooming award winner in the Best Sheet Mask category!
Half mask, half beard treatment, the Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil gives each section of skin (and beard) just what it needs: A detoxifying, hydrating charcoal-infused mask for your skin and a nourishing beard oil blend for the ultimate beard care. Plus, the mask is designed with expandable nose slits to fit any face size and shape.
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15
Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil
good for:
Often imitated, never duplicated, this innovative sheet mask is the first of its kind and an Ask Men Grooming award winner in the Best Sheet Mask category!
Half mask, half beard treatment, the Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil gives each section of skin (and beard) just what it needs: A detoxifying, hydrating charcoal-infused mask for your skin and a nourishing beard oil blend for the ultimate beard care. Plus, the mask is designed with expandable nose slits to fit any face size and shape.
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15
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Edition
Gift Box
Sheet Mask Duo Gift Set
good for:
*Limited Edition of our fan favorite sheet masks for ultimate hydration. Comes gift wrapped and in our signature gift box.
Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil: Half mask, half beard treatment, this 2-in-1 sheet mask gives each section of skin (and beard) just what it needs: A detoxifying, hydrating charcoal-infused mask for your skin and a nourishing beard oil blend to treat your beard.
Cactus Soothing Face Mask: This immediate hydration boost is supercharged with healing ingredients like Cactus Extract and Cica to soothe redness and irritation while reducing fine lines. Perfect for a post-shave treatment or whenever you need a moment for you.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Cactus Soothing Face Mask
- 02 Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil
Black Friday Sale: 20% OFF SITEWIDE! Use code BFSAVE20
Sheet Mask Duo Gift Set
good for:
*Limited Edition of our fan favorite sheet masks for ultimate hydration. Comes gift wrapped and in our signature gift box.
Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil: Half mask, half beard treatment, this 2-in-1 sheet mask gives each section of skin (and beard) just what it needs: A detoxifying, hydrating charcoal-infused mask for your skin and a nourishing beard oil blend to treat your beard.
Cactus Soothing Face Mask: This immediate hydration boost is supercharged with healing ingredients like Cactus Extract and Cica to soothe redness and irritation while reducing fine lines. Perfect for a post-shave treatment or whenever you need a moment for you.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Cactus Soothing Face Mask
- 02 Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil
Black Friday Sale: 20% OFF SITEWIDE! Use code BFSAVE20


NEW
NEW
+ Hair
+ Body
Head-to-Toe Set
good for:
We've got you covered head to toe, literally. This set comes with a complete skin and hair care routine.
Includes our invigorating shampoo and conditioner to prevent hair loss, refreshing body wash to treat body acne, clay-infused face wash to deeply cleanse the face from debris, and lightweight gel moisturizer to soothe, rehydrate and repair skin while you sleep.
It's about time you treated the rest of your body as good as you treat your face.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 03 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 04 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 05 Vital Body Wash
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15
Head-to-Toe Set
good for:
We've got you covered head to toe, literally. This set comes with a complete skin and hair care routine.
Includes our invigorating shampoo and conditioner to prevent hair loss, refreshing body wash to treat body acne, clay-infused face wash to deeply cleanse the face from debris, and lightweight gel moisturizer to soothe, rehydrate and repair skin while you sleep.
It's about time you treated the rest of your body as good as you treat your face.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 03 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 04 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 05 Vital Body Wash
$30 OFF orders $150+: Use code JOLLY30
$15 OFF orders $100+: Use code JOLLY15


Head-to-Head Protection Bundle
good for:
Having fun in the sun?
You need our newest bundle. We teamed up with our friends at P.S. to offer an exclusive kit to keep your guard up on all fronts. First, our revolutionary lightweight Daily SPF + Moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and protected all day long. When the sun goes down, reach for P.S. Vegan Latex Condoms for a reimagined experience paired with trusted protection. Be smart, skin health and sexual health are important.
We’re playing favorites—this is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine. Stave off sun damage for healthy, youthful skin for years to come with our Daily SPF + Moisturizer, acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ!
Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula uses Cactus and Chia Seed Extract to provide all-day hydration, plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays with ZERO residue or white cast.
EXCLUSIVE PARTNER OFFER: Get 10% OFF this protective kit including our Daily SPF + Moisturizer and 12-pack of P.S. Condoms! ($42 value)
Head-to-Head Protection Bundle
good for:
Having fun in the sun?
You need our newest bundle. We teamed up with our friends at P.S. to offer an exclusive kit to keep your guard up on all fronts. First, our revolutionary lightweight Daily SPF + Moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and protected all day long. When the sun goes down, reach for P.S. Vegan Latex Condoms for a reimagined experience paired with trusted protection. Be smart, skin health and sexual health are important.
We’re playing favorites—this is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine. Stave off sun damage for healthy, youthful skin for years to come with our Daily SPF + Moisturizer, acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ!
Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula uses Cactus and Chia Seed Extract to provide all-day hydration, plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays with ZERO residue or white cast.
EXCLUSIVE PARTNER OFFER: Get 10% OFF this protective kit including our Daily SPF + Moisturizer and 12-pack of P.S. Condoms! ($42 value)
Cardon Products Are
Easy to Use
We never create two products when we can achieve the same results with one. Cardon products are designed to be easy to use every day.
Backed By Korean Innovation
Korean R&D is two decades ahead of the rest of the world. Cardon products use the highest quality, most effective ingredients out there.
Non-Toxic
Finally, an ingredient label you can feel good about. Every ingredient in Cardon products is good for your skin, and easy on the mind.