Caring for SkinMay 5, 2026

Oily vs. Glowy Skin: How to Tell The Difference (And Get the Glow)

In This Article

Summary

While oily skin and glowy skin can seem similar, they are distinctively different.
Oily skin is from an overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands, while glowing skin gives off a natural radiance from a balanced, hydrated, and healthy skin barrier.
There’s nothing wrong with oily skin, and, with a few specific products, you can take excessive oiliness and transform it into glowing, dewy skin.
Utilize balancing cleansers, lightweight moisturizers, and oil-absorbing primers to help look more glowy than oily.

At first glance, oily and glowing skin can look similar, but they are worlds apart. With a few clever products, though, you can make any skin type look radiant and glowing — both immediately and long-term. Here’s how to get glowy skin today.

Glowing, radiant, plump, dewy skin is in. However, greasy skin is not. Frustratingly, there is a fine line between glowy skin and a too-shiny appearance. What is the difference between oily and glowing skin? We’re here to help you master this desirable finish, giving you the tips, tricks, and products to help you get glowing.

Glowy vs. Glowing Skin

Often used interchangeably (even by us!), glowy and glowing skin technically are different. Glowing is usually defined by the radiance within skin, while glowy denotes a radiance enhanced by a product, like a moisturizer, primer, or highlighter. Both are great, but glowing refers to skin health, while glowy can mean a surface-level finish.

Oily vs. Glowy Skin: The Difference

While these two categories can seem similar, they are distinctively different. Oily skin is a skin type, classified as skin that produces excessive sebum, which can give off a shiny appearance. While this is a perfectly normal skin type, it can cause frustrating issues for some, like clogged pores, an overly greasy-feeling complexion, and blemishes. Also, many different types of skin can become oily — whether that’s combination skin that is oily in just parts of the face (usually the T-zone), dry skin that is out of balance and overproducing oil to hydrate the skin, or from external factors (such as extreme weather, hormonal changes, irritating skincare products, or medication). Conversely, glowing skin is characterized by a luminous radiance that looks healthy and hydrated. The difference is that glowing skin is about balance and hydration (which can be achieved no matter your skin type), while oily skin is usually an excess of oil.

Here’s a quick guide to glowy vs. oily skin:

Oily skin

Causes: Overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands.

Appearance: Sometimes overly shiny or the feeling that makeup ‘slides’ off it.
Characteristics: Can be prone to breakouts, clogged pores, and enlarged pores.

Glowy skin

Causes: Balanced, hydrated, healthy skin barrier, and radiance that gives it a naturally glowing look.

Appearance: Radiant skin that can have a glass-like finish.

Characteristics: Skin with this level of healthy glow can have a natural ‘bounce’ to it, which occurs when skin is rich with elastin, collagen, and hydration.

How to Go from Oily to Glowy

While we’re using the verbiage of ‘oily vs. glowy skin’, let us be clear: there is absolutely nothing wrong with oily skin. In fact, many hypothesize that oily skin has slower wrinkle formation (due to the natural moisture in the skin), is likely to heal faster, and has a stronger skin barrier. However, excessively oily skin can feel uncomfortable, and, if you wear makeup, it is more likely to feel like it’s ‘slipping’ off midday. If you want to treat oily skin, some products help reduce excess oil, both immediately and over the long term, and there’s a specific skincare routine aimed at reducing oil as well. With those benefits noted, let’s dive into the targeted steps and smart product choices that can minimize excess shine and unlock a glowy complexion.

Use Blotting Papers

Blotting papers can help instantly absorb excess oil without irritating or absorbing the skin’s natural moisture. Japan has been singing the praises of abaca leaf papers for centuries: For centuries in Kyoto, gold artisans used the soft, strong, and absorbent paper to protect their gold leaf, and then geisha discovered the papers were brilliant at wicking away traces of oil without stripping moisture from the skin or disturbing their intricate makeup. While you might not be a geisha, you can learn from their timeless wisdom and adopt the practice of using blotting papers any time of day to instantly take skin from oily to glowy.

Properly Cleanse

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends washing your face twice a day, morning and night. But rather than relying on a harsh cleanser, they suggest a gentle, foaming face wash. This is because an intense, drying formula will only irritate the skin, triggering it to overproduce oil. Additionally, there are cleansers on the market now that will address the skin’s overproduction of oil, helping to control oil both immediately and over time, so skin looks more balanced.

Moisturize Thoughtfully

It might be tempting to skip moisturizers, thinking that might be a shortcut to glowy skin sans oiliness, but applying a lotion — albeit a lightweight, thoughtful moisturizer designed for oily skin — is absolutely essential. Much like if you use a harsh cleanser, skipping a moisturizer will cause the skin to become unbalanced and will thus trigger even more oil. Look for a moisturizer that is clinically tested and states it’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores or cause acne. (All of Tatcha’s moisturizers are specifically designed to be non-comedogenic.)

Don’t Overlook Primers

A makeup primer can be endlessly beneficial for oily skin, helping to shield skin from pollutants while allowing makeup to apply better and last longer. Along with these other steps, a primer can help curb excessive oil and give skin that natural glow. The trick to finding the right primer for oily skin (or with oily tendencies) is seeking out a formula that is weightless and designed to minimize excessive shine.

Best Products for Glowing Skin

The only thing keeping you from your ideal glowing skin is a few clever products. Here are the best skincare products to get you glowing — both instantly and long-term.

A Balancing Cleanser

Glowing, radiant skin can quickly venture into oily skin as the day progresses, which is where The Matcha Cleanse comes to save the day—and your skin. This clarifying gel cleanser controls oil immediately and also over time* so skin can look healthy but not feel greasy. It also purifies and visibly reduces the appearance of pores over time.** Not only that, it supports the skin barrier with Japanese mugwort to mimic the benefits of ceramides for healthy-looking skin.

*Based on a bio-instrumentation study of 40 panelists.

**Based on a clinical study of 40 panelists.

Exfoliate for Radiance

Clogged pores, dead skin cells, and dullness are likely getting in the way of your naturally glowing skin. Wash away all of these woes with the right exfoliator for your skin type. First, determine whether you prefer physical exfoliation or chemical exfoliation—both are great, it’s a matter of the skin’s needs and your personal preference. Then, exfoliate as frequently as your skin enjoys (or the product packaging recommends)—as with all things skincare, consistency is key.

If you prefer a chemical exfoliant, try The Texture Tonic after cleansing. The liquid exfoliating treatment resurfaces dull skin with fruit AHAs, niacinamide, and Japanese mugwort. After just a single use, skin is softer, more radiant, supple*, and moisturized**. Also, The Texture Tonic simultaneously minimizes excessive oil and visibly tightens the appearance of pores.

*Based on a clinical study of 40 panelists.

**Based on a bio-instrumentation study of 33 panelists over 8 hours.

For those who prefer a physical exfoliant over a chemical exfoliant, consider The Rice Polish, a water-activated powder that comes alive into a delightful cloudy foam with just a few drops of water. The formula is unlike anything else—gently exfoliating for smoother skin, restoring the look of radiance, and nourishing for silky soft skin. The other wonderful thing about The Rice Polish is there’s a formula just for you, thanks to the many different types of Rice Polishes – including Gentle, Calming, and Deep – so you can find the polish that best suits your skin type.

A Dewy Skin Moisturizer

Looking for the ultimate shortcut to glowing, dewy skin? A dewy hydrator: either The Dewy Skin Cream or The Dewy Milk Moisturizer. The Dewy Milk Moisturizer is your secret weapon if you prefer something more lightweight. This milky moisturizer deeply hydrates while balancing excess oil and boosting radiance for bouncy, supple skin with a lasting dewy glow. The Dewy Milk Moisturizer contains a blend of tried-and-true Japanese botanicals, including zinc hyaluronate, prebiotic green tea, and Japanese purple rice, for a glow-inducing moisturizer that supports the skin barrier and balances oil while still enhancing the skin’s natural radiance.

A Radiance-Enhancing Sunscreen

Finding a sunscreen you enjoy is important, but a sunscreen that gives a radiant finish, provides superior protection, and is boosted with ingredients that improve your skin over time? Well, say hello to The Silk Sunscreen, which features broad-spectrum SPF 50, has a weightless feel, a sheer, radiant finish, and has powerhouse ingredients (including niacinamide and hyaluronic acid). The formula not only will immediately give skin a glow, but it will also help skin look healthier over time. In clinical studies, 90 percent of participants showed an improvement in skin radiance in just two weeks.

*Based on an expert grader study on 40 panelists.

A Radiance-Enhancing Primer

Boost makeup’s longevity and give skin an instant glow with The Liquid Silk Canvas. This fluid formula feels weightless on the skin while also creating a skin-benefiting barrier. The inclusion of silk powder helps to minimize excessive shine, too. It’s a must-have for makeup lovers, those with combination or oily skin, or anyone looking to maintain their skin during a long day out and about.

The Ultimate Oil-Absorbing Tool

Geisha have been singing the praises of abaca leaf papers for centuries, and we completely understand why. Aburatorigami Blotting Papers are wonderfully absorbent, yet won’t irritate, alter the skin’s natural moisture level, or disturb makeup. It’s the ultimate tool in your arsenal to go from oily to glowing in seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lifestyle habits most influence a healthy glow?

They aren't always the most fun to talk about or the easiest elements to incorporate into your daily routine, but the most influential factors that give a natural glow are the proven basics. That means sleeping well, eating a well-balanced diet, drinking enough water, managing stress, and getting daily exercise. These have all been linked with skin health when incorporated consistently.

Can you have shiny skin that isn't oily?

You absolutely can have shiny skin that isn't oily. In fact, that is the conceit of many popular skincare trends right now, from glass to mirror skin. These niche trends are about skin so shiny and healthy looking they almost appear to have a glass or mirror-like sheen to them without looking oily.

How long does it typically take to see glowing results from a modified skincare routine?

The general rule of thumb is about two to four weeks. But some experts believe that it takes at least 30 to 45 days to see a difference in the skin with a new skincare routine. This proves the key to a great skincare ritual is consistency.

What's the difference between glowing skin, dewy skin, and glass skin?

These three skincare movements are very similar, but they do have notable differences. Glowing skin is classified as that lit-from-within look, signifying naturally healthy, radiant skin. Dewy skin has a natural plump appearance, where skin looks especially hydrated and balanced. Glass skin was originated in Korea, where it was identified as skin so luminous and clear that it almost reflects like a pane of glass. All are based on healthy skin, but the finishes and details are slightly different.

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Oily vs. Glowy Skin: How to Tell The Difference (And Get the Glow)

Glowy vs. Glowing Skin

Oily vs. Glowy Skin: The Difference

Oily skin

Glowy skin

How to Go from Oily to Glowy

Use Blotting Papers

Properly Cleanse

Moisturize Thoughtfully

Don’t Overlook Primers

Best Products for Glowing Skin

A Balancing Cleanser

Exfoliate for Radiance

A Dewy Skin Moisturizer

A Radiance-Enhancing Sunscreen

A Radiance-Enhancing Primer

The Ultimate Oil-Absorbing Tool

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent Posts

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