Aside from your favorite makeup, blotting paper is also an essential item that you must always have in your kikay kit. It comes in handy on days when you're on the go or don't have extra time to do a makeup retouch. It provides a quick fix, especially for people with oily skin, by absorbing excess oils and reducing unwanted shine on your face without smudging your makeup.
A blotting paper helps mattify your skin's appearance and prevents the build-up of sebum in areas on your face. Thanks to its compactness, you can also carry a pack with you for quick midday touch-ups. If you're ready to rock that shine-free T-zone, continue reading as we've prepared some guides and recommendations to help you purchase your new anti-hulas essential! We also asked for some comments and insights from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas.
Quick List - Top Blotting Papers
Luxe Organix
A Handy Compact You Can Carry On-the-Go for Quick Touch-Ups
Innisfree
Eco-Friendly Blotting Papers With a Strong Sebum-Absorption Power
Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas is a board-certified dermatologist from the Philippines. She enjoys teaching and gives lectures here and abroad. She is also very active in social media educating the public and correcting misinformation online. Her other special interests include aesthetic and procedural dermatology such as cosmeceuticals, injectables, lasers, and energy-based devices.
Rica is a writer and editor for mybest PH who first joined the team in October 2020. She mostly writes lifestyle titles, especially ones that tap into fashion, beauty, food, arts, and hobbies. Though she's someone who dabbles in whatever sparks her interest, Rica spends most of her free time fangirling, watching races, and playing with her dogs.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
When choosing oil blotting papers, there are several factors to consider, such as the ingredients and material to ensure it will not irritate your skin. Learn more about these key considerations below:
As the name indicates, blotting papers are designed specifically to blot or absorb excess oil on your skin. They may also include ingredients that have added benefits aside from oil absorption. Below are some of the most commonly used ingredients in this beauty tool.
Volcanic scoria or ash is one of the latest trends in skincare because it has been found to have many benefits. Its particles are porous and highly absorbent, making them an ideal ingredient in products for oily skin. In fact, it is often used in facial masks to remove excess oil and impurities. It's a purifying yet gentle ingredient, so it works well when used in blotting papers.
Aside from volcanic scoria, ingredients like kaolin clay, silica, and charcoal are effective oil-busters. Kaolin and charcoal also draw out dirt and impurities, prevent the clogging of pores, and minimize their appearance.
Tea tree is widely known to have antiseptic properties that help combat oily skin and acne. Due to its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, it can help reduce redness and relieve irritated skin. Thus, blotting papers infused with tea tree have an added advantage in terms of oil control and healing.
Aside from oil control, some blotting papers contain plant extracts like green tea and rosemary, which can also help retain your makeup and soothe irritated skin. You may also look for blotting papers with extra moisturizing ingredients like mineral oil and rice starch for even more skin nourishment.
Although blotting papers may look identical, they are usually made of different materials, and these materials also determine their absorption power. When purchasing oil-control sheets, it is important to look for ones made with polypropylene or natural fibers for a soft and non-abrasive texture so that they can glide smoothly on your skin without leaving any discomfort or painful friction.
You might also want to search for materials that absorb excess sebum from your face without drying your skin. Some examples of these are hemp pulp, washi paper, yam paper, and rice paper. The majority of oil blotting papers you'll come across while shopping is made of these materials, as they do not irritate your skin.
The type of material used is very important for proper oil absorption, not too little and not too much, as well as in preventing unwanted discomfort, irritation, or friction on the skin. Personally, blotting papers made of biodegradable material are something I also look for as they are more environment-friendly.
Aside from the usual blotting papers, there are also some that come with a powdered surface. While these blotting papers can be unfavorable for some because of the residue they leave, these powdered blotting papers are ideal if you prefer one with a matte finish that is ideal for retouching.
Some brands typically use a specific kind of powder, for example, rice powder- that is known for its oil-absorbing properties. Moreover, there are blotting papers that come with translucent powders, while some are available in different shades such as warm beige and natural.
Powders have been used traditionally and still up to now to control oil and moisture as they are very absorbent and provide a mattifying effect on the skin. Choosing this type of blotting paper may serve a dual purpose of controlling excess and giving you a smooth, non-greasy, and non-shiny appearance.
Blotting papers can come in scented and unscented variants. Scented oil-control films are usually available in a diverse selection of fragrances that range from floral, fruity to earthy. However, some of these have added synthetic fragrance ingredients that might not sit well if you have sensitive skin.
Hence, if your skin is leaning more on the sensitive side, it might be best to go for unscented blotting papers to ensure that you won't encounter any irritations derived from these ingredients.
I do not have any issues against fragrance as I personally like my skincare products to smell nice. If you are allergic to fragrance or have sensitive or reactive skin, however, it is advisable to pick those that are fragrance-free.
When buying oil blotting papers, it is equally important to pay attention to how they are packed, too, as these usually determine how convenient they are to use. Check out the points below and decide which one suits your needs better.
If you need a quick retouch, blotting papers that come in envelope-like cardboard packaging are your best pick. They are lightweight and flat, allowing them to fit in your pocket easily, so that you can carry them on the go.
Disposable packaging also comes with sheets that are pre-cut to size. Hence, they are easier to use and ideal when you're in a rush - you just have to take them out of the pack, and you can dab them straight onto your face.
However, since they are pre-cut, using individual films won’t allow you to control the size of blotting paper that you need. Hence, even when you don't need an entire sheet to blot your face with, you still have to take the entirety of it.
Blotting papers are useful for someone who needs to wipe off excess oil throughout the day. Thankfully, most blotting papers come in small square or rectangle sheets and are very handy and convenient to bring anywhere. Some individuals may need to use two or more sheets but in most one sheet is often enough to remove unwanted oil on the face.
Compact cases are also pocket-sized and easy to carry anywhere with you, although they are a little heavier. They resemble compact foundations that come with a mirror and face puff or foam. This packaging allows you to blot your face in a more hygienic way.
Instead of holding the paper strips with your bare hands, you can use the included foam to pick up the sheets and blot your face. However, since they are also pre-cut, you can't control the size and portion of blotting paper that you need.
A blotting paper sheet is made for only one use. I don't recommend reusing it or storing it for later use as dirt, oil, and microbes can build up, which can cause skin issues. When choosing blotting papers, pick one that you think suits your needs best.
Meanwhile, blotting paper rolls come as a continuous sheet stored in a scroll dispenser. This lets you tear out the exact size of blotting paper that you need, which means you can cut down on waste and conserve your blotting paper to make it last longer.
They are also refillable, so you can easily purchase refills and still use the same scroll dispenser once you run out of paper. The only drawback in using blotting paper rolls is that they're less common here and the tearing part can take time.
This is actually a good idea because, in this way, you only get what you need at a particular time. However, they might not be as handy as those that come in smaller packaging.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredient | Material | With Powder | Scented | Packaging | Quantity | |||||
1 | Clean & Clear Unscented Oil Control Film | ![]() | Smooth and Highly-Absorbent Blotting Sheets for Oily Skin | Mineral Oil | Polypropylene | unknown | No | Disposable | 60 Sheets | |
2 | Luxe Organix Charcoal Blotting Paper with Compact Mirror | ![]() | A Handy Compact You Can Carry On-the-Go for Quick Touch-Ups | Charcoal | Not Specified | unknown | No | Compact | 70 Sheets | |
3 | Gatsby Powdered Oil Clear Paper | ![]() | Achieve an Extra Matte Finish With Its Triple Sebum Control Formula | Silica, Glycerin | Natural Paper | unknown | No | Disposable | 70 Sheets | |
4 | Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Oil Control Paper | ![]() | Eco-Friendly Blotting Papers With a Strong Sebum-Absorption Power | Volcanic Scoria / Jeju Volcanic Cluster | Handmade Korean Paper | unknown | No | Disposable | 50 Sheets | |
5 | Palladio Rice Blotting Paper | ![]() | An Oil Control Film and Powder Retouch in One | Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch | Natural Rice Paper | unknown | Yes | Disposable | 40 Sheets | |
6 | Shiseido Oil-Control Blotting Paper | ![]() | Instantly Freshen Up Your Skin With These Powder-Coated Blotting Sheets | Kaolin Clay | Cellulose | unknown | Yes | Disposable | 100 Sheets | |
7 | Muji Oil Blotting Paper | ![]() | Blotting Sheets to Keep Your Makeup Fresh and Intact | Not Specified | 70% Pulp 30% Hemp | unknown | No | Disposable | 100 Sheets | |
8 | Pretty Secret Oil Blotting Paper Tea Tree | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Solution to Reduce Your Face's Shine | Tea Tree Extract | Calcium Carbonate | unknown | No | Disposable | 60 Sheets | |
9 | Pure Basics Oil Control Sheet Charcoal | ![]() | Oil-Control Sheets That Do Not Clog Pores | Charcoal | Not Specified | unknown | No | Disposable | 100 Sheets | |
10 | Bayfree Oil-Absorbent Sheets | ![]() | Look and Feel Fresh With These Scented Blotting Papers | Green Tea Powder | Wood Pulp | unknown | Yes | Disposable | 100 Sheets |
Unlike some sheets that feel rough on the face, these oil-control films from Clean & Clear are made of polypropylene that feels silkier and smoother than "papery." Because of their soft texture, they are more comfortable to blot around the face as they glide smoothly, especially in more sensitive areas like the skin under your eyes.
Reviewers also noted that these sheets are like oil magnets because they are super absorbent. And although they effectively draw out the excess oil on your skin, they don't clog pores and disrupt your makeup, making them perfect for retouching. While this particular variant is unscented, the brand also offers a scented option.
Key Ingredient | Mineral Oil |
---|---|
Material | Polypropylene |
With Powder | unknown |
Scented | No |
Packaging | Disposable |
Quantity | 60 Sheets |
This blotting paper from Luxe Organix is a collaboration with Filipina beauty vlogger Anne Clutz. It comes in a sleek compact with a mirror, making it easier for you to do some retouching even if you're on the go. The hard case also allows you not to worry about the sheets getting crumpled, as it serves as secure storage.
The pack contains 70 sheets of blotting paper that can go a long way because of their big size, providing ample coverage on more areas of your face. These sheets are infused with a non-irritating charcoal formula that leaves a powder finish after blottingーno need for powder retouch! Aside from charcoal, it also comes in other variants, like green tea.
Key Ingredient | Charcoal |
---|---|
Material | Not Specified |
With Powder | unknown |
Scented | No |
Packaging | Compact |
Quantity | 70 Sheets |
If you're looking for blotting papers that will provide an extra matte finish, this is for you. What sets these sheets from Gatsby apart from others is that they are powdered; hence, they leave a smooth translucent base powder on your face as you use it to blot excess oil.
These sheets also possess a triple sebum control formula that allows them to have excellent sebum absorption power. Several reviewers noted that with these, you might only need a single sheet for the entire day as they really leave a super matte finish that lasts longer.
Key Ingredient | Silica, Glycerin |
---|---|
Material | Natural Paper |
With Powder | unknown |
Scented | No |
Packaging | Disposable |
Quantity | 70 Sheets |
Key Ingredient | Volcanic Scoria / Jeju Volcanic Cluster |
---|---|
Material | Handmade Korean Paper |
With Powder | unknown |
Scented | No |
Packaging | Disposable |
Quantity | 50 Sheets |
Key Ingredient | Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch |
---|---|
Material | Natural Rice Paper |
With Powder | unknown |
Scented | Yes |
Packaging | Disposable |
Quantity | 40 Sheets |
If you're willing to splurge more, these blotting papers from Shiseido are a great addition to your makeup kit, ensuring you have no haggard moments when you're out and about. They can be your go-to touch-up essential as they are coated with a powder that provides a matte layer to your skin without looking cakey.
Additionally, these sheets are infused with kaolin, making them effective at absorbing excess sebum and reducing unwanted shine. You can also opt for these if your skin is not sensitive to fragrance, as they have a subtle floral scent that adds to the fresh feeling after blotting.
Key Ingredient | Kaolin Clay |
---|---|
Material | Cellulose |
With Powder | unknown |
Scented | Yes |
Packaging | Disposable |
Quantity | 100 Sheets |
Key Ingredient | Not Specified |
---|---|
Material | 70% Pulp 30% Hemp |
With Powder | unknown |
Scented | No |
Packaging | Disposable |
Quantity | 100 Sheets |
Oil blotting doesn't have to be expensive, and Pretty Secret believes in that, too. Whether you're on a budget or trying blotting papers for the first time, it's wise to opt for this affordable pack. Aside from being affordable, it can last a long time because even one sheet is enough to blot your entire face.
The pack contains light green-colored sheets that do an excellent job of controlling shine and removing excess oil on your face. Each sheet is also infused with tea tree essential oil, which is known to have the ability to combat oily skin problems.
Key Ingredient | Tea Tree Extract |
---|---|
Material | Calcium Carbonate |
With Powder | unknown |
Scented | No |
Packaging | Disposable |
Quantity | 60 Sheets |
Key Ingredient | Charcoal |
---|---|
Material | Not Specified |
With Powder | unknown |
Scented | No |
Packaging | Disposable |
Quantity | 100 Sheets |
Key Ingredient | Green Tea Powder |
---|---|
Material | Wood Pulp |
With Powder | unknown |
Scented | Yes |
Packaging | Disposable |
Quantity | 100 Sheets |
Aside from using blotting papers for a quick remedy for midday oiliness, it is best to develop good skincare habits to target the problem's roots.
Oil blotting papers may help remove excess sebum on the face, but it is temporary. Hence, it is advisable to invest in proper skincare products and follow a skincare routine that is best suited for someone with oily skin. Start with a gentle cleanser followed by products containing ingredients that help regulate sebum production.
Examples of oil-regulating ingredients are retinoids and exfoliants, such as AHAs, BHAs, and salicylic acid. Not only are they good in helping regulate sebum production, but they also contribute to anti-aging and exfoliation, giving you smooth, even-toned, and radiant skin.
Diet plays a big role in how the body functions as a whole. It has been said that a diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and dairy can cause some hormonal changes that lead to increased sebum or oil production, but more studies are needed to prove it. In my opinion, as with anything, moderation is key.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas.
Gently or softly pat your blotting paper on areas of the face with excess oil. You may leave it on for a few seconds before lifting it. Do not press too hard to drag/scrape the sheet on your skin. You may do a few passes instead.
Blotting papers do not cause acne, however, blotting papers should not take the place of proper facial cleansing in removing excess oil, dirt, and debris on the skin appropriately. Make sure to remove your makeup and wash your face before going to bed.
I would tend to say as often as you need to, just be careful with those that contain added ingredients that give added oil-regulating properties as they may irritate the skin if used more than needed or recommended.
Having trouble finding the right set of cosmetics and skincare items for your oily skin? Say no more! Check out the articles below featuring products that are specially curated to cater to those with oily skin types.
10 Best Face Moisturizers for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Facial Mists for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Face Powders for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Clean & Clear|Unscented Oil Control Film
No. 2: Luxe Organix|Charcoal Blotting Paper with Compact Mirror
No. 3: Gatsby |Powdered Oil Clear Paper
No. 4: Innisfree|Jeju Volcanic Oil Control Paper
No. 5: Palladio|Rice Blotting Paper
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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