great primers for oily skin
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Start with a lightweight, gel-based primer if your skin is combination or oily in certain areas. For full-on oiliness, look for primers with a slightly thicker texture that offer long-lasting mattifying effects. Some also include skincare benefits like niacinamide or salicylic acid to help refine texture over time. The key is to pick one that works with your skin type and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.
- Top 10 great primers for oily skin in 2026
- 1. Elizabeth Mott Mattifying Face Primer
- 2. E.l.f. Matte Hydrating Primer
- 3. Touch In Sol Pore Mattifying Primer
- 4. Primer Pro 3-in-1 Mattifying Primer
- 5. Smashbox Oil Control Mattifying Primer
- 6. Maybelline Pore Eraser Primer Clear
- 7. DHC Mattifying Makeup Primer
- 8. Milani Matte Primer Setting Spray
- 9. Bioderma Pore Refiner Primer
- 10. Yunjac Silicone-Free Radiant Primer
Top 10 great primers for oily skin in 2026
1. Elizabeth Mott Mattifying Face Primer
Elizabeth Mott’s mattifying primer is one of the great primers for oily skin, keeping shine at bay while blurring pores. It smooths fine lines and creates a flawless base that lasts all day without feeling heavy.
Lightweight and cruelty-free, it preps skin for makeup without clogging or slipping.
2. E.l.f. Matte Hydrating Primer
A gel-based primer that smooths and grips makeup while keeping oily skin in check. It hydrates without shine, making it one of the great primers for oily skin.
Lightweight yet effective, this vegan formula primes and moisturizes for a flawless matte finish.
3. Touch In Sol Pore Mattifying Primer
A lightweight mattifying primer that smooths large pores and controls shine all day. One of the great primers for oily skin, it blurs imperfections for a flawless, velvety finish.
Perfect for K-beauty routines, it keeps makeup in place without clogging pores.
4. Primer Pro 3-in-1 Mattifying Primer
A lightweight, oil-free formula that smooths pores and evens skin tone while delivering SPF 50 protection. Controls shine and hydrates without clogging, making it ideal for oily skin.
5. Smashbox Oil Control Mattifying Primer
Controls shine for 12 hours while keeping skin balanced. Salicylic acid and witch hazel refine pores, and zinc strengthens without drying—ideal for oily skin.
Lightweight hydration ensures makeup stays put all day. One of the great primers for oily skin that actually works.
6. Maybelline Pore Eraser Primer Clear
Blurs pores and smooths skin instantly, making it one of the great primers for oily skin. Controls shine while creating a flawless base for makeup that lasts all day.
7. DHC Mattifying Makeup Primer
DHC Velvet Skin Coat smooths pores and blurs imperfections with a lightweight powder-gel texture. Ideal for oily skin, it keeps shine in check while prepping skin for flawless makeup.
A fragrance-free, colorant-free formula that works for all skin types.
8. Milani Matte Primer Setting Spray
Milani’s oil-absorbing charcoal formula keeps shine locked down all day. A matte finish primer and setting spray in one, it smooths and sets makeup without clogging pores—ideal for oily skin.
Great primers for oily skin don’t get much more reliable than this.
9. Bioderma Pore Refiner Primer
Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner smooths and refines pores while controlling shine. It’s one of the great primers for oily skin, keeping makeup in place without clogging.
Lightweight and mattifying, it preps skin for flawless application without heaviness or irritation.
10. Yunjac Silicone-Free Radiant Primer
YUNJAC’s silicone-free primer controls shine while prepping oily skin for flawless makeup. Packed with rice ferment, ceramides, and niacinamide, it delivers a radiant, long-lasting glow without clogging pores.
A lightweight serum texture grips foundation for all-day wear, balancing hydration and oil control.
