Oily skin in men comes down mainly to male hormones, which stimulate the sebaceous glands, and to genetics. The aim isn't to strip every trace of oil, it's to stop punishing your skin: a gentle cleanse morning and night, a face scrub before shaving once or twice a week and a light moisturiser.
Put another way: oily skin makes more sebum than it needs, especially across the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). You see it as shine, more visible pores and a tendency to blackheads. To hydrate it without weighing it down, FETĒN makes the Men's Face Moisturiser, Matte Finish, with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Written by Edu López-Villalta, co-founder of FETĒN, a men's grooming brand made in Europe · Reviewed in October 2026 · Sources: American Academy of Dermatology and PubMed.
Why do men have oilier skin?
Men have oilier skin because male hormones (androgens) stimulate the sebaceous glands, which make sebum. In a study of 300 people aged 20 to 74, men produced more sebum than women at every age, and their output stayed stable over the years (Luebberding et al., 2013). The main causes:
- Hormones (androgens): testosterone stimulates the sebaceous glands and is key to keeping them working.
- Genetics: in a twin study, identical twins produced almost the same amount of sebum and non-identical twins didn't. So if oily skin runs in your family, you may have it too.
- Habits that make it worse: using products that are too harsh, which irritate your skin and can make it produce more oil (AAD). More on that in the mistakes, further down.
Oily skin is, above all, a very common cosmetic issue. If you're also getting spots, we cover that in spots and blemishes on men's faces.
Is my skin oily, combination or oily and dehydrated?
Oily, dehydrated skin is shiny and tight at the same time: it has too much oil and too little water. To work out your skin type, try a simple test: wash your face with a gentle gel, put nothing on it and look in the mirror an hour or two later.
| What you see | Most likely |
|---|
| Shine all over your face | Oily skin |
| Shine only on your forehead, nose and chin; cheeks normal or dry | Combination skin |
| Shine plus tightness or small flaky patches | Oily, dehydrated skin |
It's a guide, not a diagnosis: if you're unsure, a dermatologist can confirm it. Oil and lack of water aren't the same thing, and they can go together. In the Luebberding study, men's skin hydration started to fall from the age of 40, while their sebum held steady. Oily, dehydrated skin needs light hydration and no harsh products.
If what you notice most is tightness, especially after washing or shaving, your skin may be dehydrated: here's how to tell it apart from dry skin in our guide to dehydrated vs dry skin in men.
Do you need a moisturiser if you have oily skin?
Yes: oily skin needs hydration too, just with a light texture. The American Academy of Dermatology is clear on this: even if your skin is oily, apply moisturiser after cleansing to keep it hydrated (AAD). So skipping it isn't the way to control shine. FETĒN's Men's Face Moisturiser, Matte Finish is made for exactly this: it absorbs quickly, leaves an instant matte finish and contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Its product page describes it as a strong match for oily skin.
How to fix oily skin in men? A 3-step routine
Three steps are enough. You don't need seven products: you need to stop being rough with your skin and be consistent.
- Cleanse, morning and night. Use a gentle gel face wash and lukewarm water, without scrubbing. FETĒN doesn't make an everyday face wash (the Face Scrub for Men also cleanses, but it isn't for daily use): the one you already use is fine if it doesn't leave your skin tight or stinging, ideally alcohol-free.
- Exfoliate, once or twice a week to start with. With the Face Scrub for Men, Anti-Blackhead, a grainy scrub (mineral salts and sugars with naturally derived oils). If your skin tolerates it, go up to two or three times. Always before shaving, never straight after. If your skin is sensitive, once a week and on a day you don't shave. How often and how to do it: how often to use a face scrub.
- Moisturise, morning and night. The Men's Face Moisturiser, Matte Finish. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
If you need it, add a hyaluronic acid serum before the moisturiser (after the scrub on the days you use it): that's the order FETĒN recommends.
How does shaving affect oily skin?
If you shave every day and have oily skin, the order matters: the blade already goes over the same skin you're about to exfoliate. The face scrub goes on before you shave, never straight after: that way you're not hitting the same skin twice in a row. After shaving, if you use aftershave, go for one without alcohol: the AAD advises against alcohol-based cleansers for oily skin because they can irritate your skin. And put your moisturiser on after shaving too, even if you're shiny. If it burns or goes red, see razor burn on your face; if bumps appear a few days later, they may be ingrown hairs.
What mistakes make oily skin worse?
The most common mistake is trying to strip the oil by force. According to the AAD, a face wash that's too harsh irritates your skin and can make it produce more oil. Avoid these:
- Washing too often or with harsh products. Twice a day is enough, plus once after sweating at the gym.
- Rubbing with the towel or while washing. It irritates your skin and can make it look worse (AAD).
- Skipping moisturiser because ‘you're oily already’. It isn't the way to control shine.
- Exfoliating every day or straight after shaving.
- Alcohol-based aftershave on freshly shaved skin.
- Touching your face during the day. You transfer oil and dirt from your hands to your face.
Which ingredients help with oily skin?
Look for ingredients that hydrate without leaving your face feeling heavy. These are the ones you'll see most on labels, and which ones FETĒN's moisturiser contains:
| Ingredient | What it does for your skin | In the Men's Face Moisturiser, Matte Finish? |
|---|
| Niacinamide | Helps reduce surface sebum. In one trial, a moisturiser with 2% niacinamide lowered facial sebum compared with a placebo | Yes |
| Hyaluronic acid | Hydrates without greasiness | Yes |
| Aloe vera | Soothes and hydrates | Yes |
| Salicylic acid | Chemically exfoliates the top layer of skin and helps with clogged pores | No |
Every cream has its own concentration, so the trial can't be applied as is to any of them. And if you use a product with salicylic acid, take it slowly: the AAD warns it can be too harsh for some skin. If it irritates, use it less often or stop.
How do you get rid of shine during the day?
With blotting papers or a tissue, pressed on and not rubbed: hold the paper against your skin for a few seconds and lift it off. If you rub, you spread the oil over the rest of your face (AAD). If you haven't been sweating, there's no need to wash again. And if you'd also like to even out your skin tone, FETĒN's Tinted Moisturiser for Men, Dark Circle Corrector adds a touch of colour and mineral sun protection from titanium dioxide, though it doesn't state a protection level; put it on once your moisturiser has absorbed.
What does oily skin need, from free habits to what's worth buying?
- Free: wash twice a day with lukewarm water, don't rub and keep your hands off your face.
- First buy: the Men's Face Moisturiser, Matte Finish, morning and night, and a sunscreen in the morning.
- Next step: the Face Scrub for Men, Anti-Blackhead, once or twice a week and before shaving.
- The full routine from this article: the Men's Blemish Kit, which brings together the Face Scrub for Men, Anti-Blackhead and the Men's Face Moisturiser, Matte Finish.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my skin oily as a man?
Oily skin in men comes mainly from male hormones, which stimulate the sebaceous glands, and from genetics. Men produce more sebum than women and keep producing it as they age. A face wash that's too harsh can make it worse.
Do I need a moisturiser if I have oily skin?
Yes. Oily skin needs hydration too, with a light texture. The AAD recommends applying moisturiser after cleansing, even if your skin is oily.
How do you look after oily, dehydrated skin?
Cleanse gently with an alcohol-free face wash, without scrubbing, and use a light moisturiser morning and night. Avoid over-washing and exfoliating straight after shaving. If you're unsure about your skin type, a dermatologist can confirm it.
What moisturiser is good for oily skin in men?
For oily skin, men should look for a light moisturiser that absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are good ingredients to check for. FETĒN's Men's Face Moisturiser, Matte Finish has both, plus aloe vera.
How do men fix oily skin?
You don't get rid of oil, you control it: a gentle cleanse twice a day, a face scrub once or twice a week before shaving and a light moisturiser. For shine during the day, blotting papers, pressed on.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to control oily skin. Updated 2024.
- Luebberding S, Krueger N, Kerscher M. Skin physiology in men and women: in vivo evaluation of 300 people including TEWL, SC hydration, sebum content and skin surface pH. Int J Cosmet Sci, 2013.
- Clayton RW et al. Neuroendocrinology and neurobiology of sebaceous glands. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc, 2020.
- Walton S, Wyatt EH, Cunliffe WJ. Genetic control of sebum excretion and acne: a twin study. Br J Dermatol, 1988.
- Sakuma TH, Maibach HI. Oily skin: an overview. Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2012.
- Draelos ZD, Matsubara A, Smiles K. The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production. J Cosmet Laser Ther, 2006.
- Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2015.
Oily skin in men: why your face shines and what to do
Oily skin in men comes down mainly to male hormones, which stimulate the sebaceous glands, and to genetics. The aim isn't to strip every trace of oil, it's to stop punishing your skin: a gentle cleanse morning and night, a face scrub before shaving once or twice a week and a light moisturiser.
Put another way: oily skin makes more sebum than it needs, especially across the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). You see it as shine, more visible pores and a tendency to blackheads. To hydrate it without weighing it down, FETĒN makes the Men's Face Moisturiser, Matte Finish, with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Written by Edu López-Villalta, co-founder of FETĒN, a men's grooming brand made in Europe · Reviewed in October 2026 · Sources: American Academy of Dermatology and PubMed.
Why do men have oilier skin?
Men have oilier skin because male hormones (androgens) stimulate the sebaceous glands, which make sebum. In a study of 300 people aged 20 to 74, men produced more sebum than women at every age, and their output stayed stable over the years (Luebberding et al., 2013). The main causes:
Oily skin is, above all, a very common cosmetic issue. If you're also getting spots, we cover that in spots and blemishes on men's faces.
Is my skin oily, combination or oily and dehydrated?
Oily, dehydrated skin is shiny and tight at the same time: it has too much oil and too little water. To work out your skin type, try a simple test: wash your face with a gentle gel, put nothing on it and look in the mirror an hour or two later.
It's a guide, not a diagnosis: if you're unsure, a dermatologist can confirm it. Oil and lack of water aren't the same thing, and they can go together. In the Luebberding study, men's skin hydration started to fall from the age of 40, while their sebum held steady. Oily, dehydrated skin needs light hydration and no harsh products.
If what you notice most is tightness, especially after washing or shaving, your skin may be dehydrated: here's how to tell it apart from dry skin in our guide to dehydrated vs dry skin in men.
Do you need a moisturiser if you have oily skin?
Yes: oily skin needs hydration too, just with a light texture. The American Academy of Dermatology is clear on this: even if your skin is oily, apply moisturiser after cleansing to keep it hydrated (AAD). So skipping it isn't the way to control shine. FETĒN's Men's Face Moisturiser, Matte Finish is made for exactly this: it absorbs quickly, leaves an instant matte finish and contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Its product page describes it as a strong match for oily skin.
How to fix oily skin in men? A 3-step routine
Three steps are enough. You don't need seven products: you need to stop being rough with your skin and be consistent.
If you need it, add a hyaluronic acid serum before the moisturiser (after the scrub on the days you use it): that's the order FETĒN recommends.
How does shaving affect oily skin?
If you shave every day and have oily skin, the order matters: the blade already goes over the same skin you're about to exfoliate. The face scrub goes on before you shave, never straight after: that way you're not hitting the same skin twice in a row. After shaving, if you use aftershave, go for one without alcohol: the AAD advises against alcohol-based cleansers for oily skin because they can irritate your skin. And put your moisturiser on after shaving too, even if you're shiny. If it burns or goes red, see razor burn on your face; if bumps appear a few days later, they may be ingrown hairs.
What mistakes make oily skin worse?
The most common mistake is trying to strip the oil by force. According to the AAD, a face wash that's too harsh irritates your skin and can make it produce more oil. Avoid these:
Which ingredients help with oily skin?
Look for ingredients that hydrate without leaving your face feeling heavy. These are the ones you'll see most on labels, and which ones FETĒN's moisturiser contains:
Every cream has its own concentration, so the trial can't be applied as is to any of them. And if you use a product with salicylic acid, take it slowly: the AAD warns it can be too harsh for some skin. If it irritates, use it less often or stop.
How do you get rid of shine during the day?
With blotting papers or a tissue, pressed on and not rubbed: hold the paper against your skin for a few seconds and lift it off. If you rub, you spread the oil over the rest of your face (AAD). If you haven't been sweating, there's no need to wash again. And if you'd also like to even out your skin tone, FETĒN's Tinted Moisturiser for Men, Dark Circle Corrector adds a touch of colour and mineral sun protection from titanium dioxide, though it doesn't state a protection level; put it on once your moisturiser has absorbed.
What does oily skin need, from free habits to what's worth buying?
Frequently asked questions
Why is my skin oily as a man?
Oily skin in men comes mainly from male hormones, which stimulate the sebaceous glands, and from genetics. Men produce more sebum than women and keep producing it as they age. A face wash that's too harsh can make it worse.
Do I need a moisturiser if I have oily skin?
Yes. Oily skin needs hydration too, with a light texture. The AAD recommends applying moisturiser after cleansing, even if your skin is oily.
How do you look after oily, dehydrated skin?
Cleanse gently with an alcohol-free face wash, without scrubbing, and use a light moisturiser morning and night. Avoid over-washing and exfoliating straight after shaving. If you're unsure about your skin type, a dermatologist can confirm it.
What moisturiser is good for oily skin in men?
For oily skin, men should look for a light moisturiser that absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are good ingredients to check for. FETĒN's Men's Face Moisturiser, Matte Finish has both, plus aloe vera.
How do men fix oily skin?
You don't get rid of oil, you control it: a gentle cleanse twice a day, a face scrub once or twice a week before shaving and a light moisturiser. For shine during the day, blotting papers, pressed on.
Sources