Acne & Oily Skin? The Best Skincare Routine from The Ordinary

Which products from The Ordinary to use on oily, acne prone skin? Follow our easy skincare routine!

This skincare routine from The Ordinary range will be sure to rid your Oily and Acne prone skin of Congestion and will leave your skin feeling smooth, soft and fresh.

Watch Nkisu takes us through The Ordinary Routine for Oily Skin in the YouTube video below...


What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin happens when your face secretes extra oils known as sebum. Sebum coats the skin and protects it from becoming dry and irritated.

Overproduction, however, clogs your pores and makes you more prone to pimples, breakouts, and acne.

Why Choose The Ordinary Skincare Products?

The Ordinary is known for being simplistic. From the minimal packaging to the lack of fragrance, there is nothing extra involved other then what is absolutely necessary to keep you on track to getting your skin as healthy as it can be.

They deliver result-driven products at an affordable price and are free from parabens, sulphates and a bunch of other nasty stuff. They are also cruelty-free!

What Should I Use in a Skincare Routine to Treat Oily and Acne Prone Skin?

The best way to prevent and manage your oily and acne prone skin is to find a consistent skincare routine that works (like this one), and to make sure you stick to it.

We have done the work for you and have handpicked four miracle products from The Ordinary range for your brand new, butt-kicking, skincare routine.



How Do I Layer The Ordinary Skincare Products How Do I Layer The Ordinary Skincare Products


Morning Routine ☼

Like any great skincare routine, it’s best to start with a cleanser. For oily, congested skin, we recommend the The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. This hydrating, squalane based gel-to-oil cleanser is gentle and won’t strip your skin completely of its natural oils. It will leave your skin feeling clean and healthy and will allow the rest of the steps in your routine to penetrate the skin better.

After cleansing, apply to the entire face. Niacinamide, otherwise known as Vitamin B3, and Zinc are naturally occurring substances in the body. These ingredients are useful in a skincare routine to decongest the skin and balance sebum levels. The combination of these two potent ingredients helps battle blemishes by reducing bacteria on the skin, regulating oil production and minimising the appearance of pores. This healing serum can help reduce the severity and frequency of breakouts whilst balancing oil levels.

Due to the lightweight texture of this serum, this Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 serum are beneficial for those with oily but dehydrated skin. Vitamin B5 is a naturally occurring vitamin that will help increase the hydration levels of the skin. It allows the acid to penetrate and moisturise the deeper layers of the skin, ensuring full hydration, leaving your complexion look plumper and will minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

SPF is one of the most important products to have in your skincare routine and often get neglected.We suggest using the Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF 30. This sunscreen is good for skin concerns like congestion and breakouts. It mattifies, soothes and primes the skin, making it a great choice for those with extra oil secretion.

Remember, SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Frequent re-application or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection. Always read the label. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided

The Ordinary Morning Routine for Oily, Acne Prone Skin
  1. 1. Squalane Cleanser
  2. 2. Niacinamide Serum
  3. 3. Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Add To Bag


Night Routine ☽ 

This first step is exactly the same as your morning routine. You should be cleansing twice a day especially if you have congested skin. Featuring squalane, known for hydration & anti-inflammatory capabilities, this gentle cleanser is free from harsh alcohol & soap. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser removes makeup and stubborn build up and leaves the skin feeling comfortable, never tight.

After cleansing, apply the serum over the entire face. Retinol for acne is a great way to both minimise active breakouts and prevent future breakouts from occurring. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion helps to accelerate skin cell turnover to minimise the longevity of acne whilst promoting healthier skin cell growth for a clearer complexion.

Use this serum at nighttime as well. This will assist in ensuring that the deeper layers of the skin are fully hydrated. Oily and acne prone skin still needs hydration, and the lightweight formulation of hyaluronic acid is perfect as it feels weightless on the skin, whilst still providing the much-needed moisture, making it perfect to use for both in the morning and at night.

This moisturiser uses a blend of hydrating ingredients to help nourish the skin for both instant and long-term hydration. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 100ml Helps support an acne-treatment routine to help boost moisture and repair the skin. It is lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic. Meaning that it is formulated to not cause blocked pores. This moisturiser is the perfect way to end your nighttime routine and will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and uncongested.

The Ordinary Night Routine for Oily, Acne Prone Skin




Want to know more about The Ordinary? Check out our YouTube videos below...

The Ordinary: Best Products For Each Skin Type


How To Layer The Ordinary Skincare Products Based On Your Skin Type




Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.


*SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label.




    Subscribe for beauty sales, free goodies, advice and SO much more!