01-08-2025
I Swear by These Blotting Sheets to Keep My Oily Skin in Check
As a beauty writer, I love to say that I don't sweat—I shine. However, sometimes that glow can become too much. If you've ever looked in the mirror midday and noticed your forehead gleaming like a disco ball, you know the feeling. Luckily, there's a solution to our problem. For those with oily or combination skin—or anyone dealing with hot, humid weather—oil blotting sheets can be the unsung heroes of your beauty routine. These super-thin papers are made to remove excess oil without messing up your makeup, saving you from frequent touch-ups or the dreaded powder cake-up.
While mattifying primers create a grease-free base and setting powders reduce shine on contact, nothing beats the practicality of an oil blotting sheet. 'They're easy to use, inexpensive, ultra-portable, non-irritating, and can be used multiple times a day,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner.
What separates the good from the great often comes down to texture, ingredients (think charcoal or green tea), packaging, and price point. Some come in sleek, Instagram-worthy cases; others offer over 150 sheets so you're never left unprepared. Whether you prefer fragrance-free, sustainable options or a luxury touch, there's blotting paper for every preference.
For the past month, I've sacrificed my dewy finish to test dozens of options so you don't have to. Ahead, I've rounded up the best oil blotting sheets for every occasion. Keep them stashed in your purse, desk drawer, glove compartment, or anywhere you might need a quick, mess-free refresh.
Although Tatcha is known for delivering a dewy finish, their Aburatorigami Blotting Papers do the exact opposite. Made from natural abaca leaf and gold flakes, these sheets soak up oil and leave behind a soft, matte finish.
Sheet count: 40
Key ingredients: Natural abaca leaf, gold flakes
Sephora rating: 4.4/5
An ELLE editor says: 'The Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers definitely deliver. I love to pat them on my forehead (my most oily area) about halfway through the work day for a quick and easy refresher. Plus, it's much less cakey and drying than reapplying powder.'—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer
The Clean & Clear Oil Control Film was my introduction to oil blotting sheets back in middle school—and I'm happy to report it still holds up today as a top contender. Watching the blue paper turn transparent just never gets old.
Sheet count: 60
Key ingredients: Polypropylene
Amazon rating: 4.7/5An Amazon reviewer says: 'I've been using these oil control papers for years. They work well, generally do not disturb makeup, are sturdy, and do not rip. They have an interesting feel that's soft and sleek on the hands and face. It's satisfying to see all the oil being absorbed from your face as the paper goes from opaque to clear. I appreciate that they do not contain powder, which some blotting papers do. They are the perfect size the throw in a pocket or purse.'
'This budget-friendly option effectively absorbs oil from the skin without stripping the skin barrier,' says Dr. Zeichner. He also notes that each sheet is infused with green tea extract 'for soothing effects.'
Sheet count: 30
Key ingredients: Green tea extract, microcrystalline wax
Amazon rating: 4.1/5
An Amazon reviewer says: 'These work very well. The packet is very small—around the size of a credit card—so they are very easy to take with you. These are perfect for that moment when you go to the restroom, see yourself in the mirror, and see that oily shine that's all over your face. The blotting sheets do an excellent job of absorbing the excess oil while still leaving makeup intact. They are genuinely refreshing to use. I just wish there were more in a pack because they do work well!'
Beautyblender gave blotting papers a much-needed upgrade with their Blotterazzi sponge. The thin cushion quickly sucks up any oil and grease lying on the skin. Just be sure to wash it after each use to prevent breakouts!
Sheet count: Two
Key ingredients: Polyurethane foam
Amazon rating: 4.3/5
An Amazon reviewer says: 'Absolutely love this product. I already cleaned one and they snap right back into shape after they're dry. They soak up excess oil without messing with your makeup.'
Not only do the R.E.M. Beauty Satin Blotting Papers absorb oil, but they're infused with bamboo charcoal, known to purify pores and improve complexion. The texture is soft and smooth, plus the larger size allows you to tackle more surface area with each use.
Sheet count: 100
Key ingredients: Black bamboo charcoal
Ulta rating: 4.8/5
An Ulta reviewer says: 'I bought this recently in-store and I love it! The paper feels like tissue paper and it is a pretty big size compared to my go-to brand. It gets rid of the oil on your face and it doesn't feel greasy on your fingers.'
Chanel blotting papers may sound like quite the splurge, but dare I say they're worth every penny. As if on-the-go application couldn't get any easier, 150(!!) sheets are nestled inside a faux-leather black compact complete with a large mirror.
Sheet count: 150
Key ingredients: Unlisted
Chanel rating: 4.2/5
A Chanel reviewer says: 'It works great, especially for someone with oily skin. It takes the oil away without damaging the makeup, and leaves skin looking healthy. It's very easy to carry in your pocket or purse, and the mirror is a plus. The case is well made too—looks and feels very chic.'
The Hermès Plein Air blotting sheets are an ultra-chic option I couldn't help but share. The papers boast a skin-loving cocktail of hemp fibers, wood pulp, and soft kozo fibers from the Japanese paper mulberry tree. 100 papers are packed inside the brand's iconic orange box and watermarked with the signature "H" logo.
Key ingredients: Hemp fibers, wood pulp, soft kozo fibers
Nordstrom rating: 3.8/5
Okay, although technically a powder, the Fenty Beauty Invisimatte is small but mighty. Made with chia seed fibers, this lightly tinted pink-colored powder reduces shine in just a few pats. Plus, it comes with its own powder puff that you can wash and reuse as many times as you'd like.
Key ingredients: Chia seed extract
Ulta rating:
An ELLE editor says: 'I actually can't leave my house without making sure this is tucked in my bag. I've never been a touch-up kind of girl—once the makeup is on, it's not my problem anymore. However, there are moments when my oily skin gets a bit too unruly, and this is the powder I reach for to bring some matte-ness back to my face. I use the puff for more targeted areas, but will apply the powder with a brush all over my face for a well-rounded soft-matte finish.'—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
The beauty of oil blotting sheets is that they can be used at any point in the day—as many times as you need. 'The T-zone—which includes the forehead, nose, and chin—contains the highest concentration of sebaceous glands,' explains Dr. Zeichner. 'As a result, it's usually the oiliest part of the face.' If you notice your T-zone (or any area of your face) starting to look greasy, simply pat a blotting paper over the skin and watch the oil disappear.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Emma Aerin Becker interviewed a dermatologist and tested different variations to find the best oil blotting sheets.
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