Oxygenetix Original vs Oil Control: which one should you buy?
Choose Oxygenetix Original (Oxygenating Foundation) if your skin is normal to dry, and Oil Control if it is oily or combination. Both come in 15ml bottles with natural-looking, buildable coverage. Oxygenetix describes Original's finish as smooth and skin-like, and Oil Control's as smooth and matte. After a cosmetic treatment, Original is the one made with that in mind.
Below are the differences side by side, which formula suits which skin, and what to do if your skin sits between the two.
What is the difference between Oxygenetix Original and Oil Control?
| Original (Oxygenating Foundation) | Oil Control | |
|---|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal to dry | Oily and combination |
| Finish, in Oxygenetix's words | "Smooth, skin-like finish" | "Smooth, matte finish" |
| Coverage | Natural-looking, buildable | Natural-looking, buildable |
| Bottle size | 15ml | 15ml |
| Shades at Beauty Is Skin Deep | 16 | 13 |
| After a cosmetic treatment | Created with post-procedure skin in mind | Ask your practitioner first |
Which Oxygenetix is better for oily skin?
Oil Control. It is the formula for oily and combination skin, and Oxygenetix describes its finish as matte, with shine control. If your face looks shiny by lunchtime, or your foundation slides off your nose and forehead, start here.
See the Oil Control range, for example Oil Control in Creme.
Which Oxygenetix is better for dry skin?
Original. It is the formula for normal to dry skin, with what Oxygenetix calls a smooth, skin-like finish. If your skin feels tight or flaky by the end of the day, Original is the one to try.
See the Original range, for example Oxygenating Foundation in Creme.
What about combination skin?
Oil Control is made for combination skin as well as oily skin. If your combination skin leans dry, with shine only on the nose, you may still prefer Original. Go by whichever part of your face gives you more trouble.
How do the prices compare?
On 11 November 2026 our list price was £59.99 for 15ml of Original, or £4.00 per ml, and £66.00 for 15ml of Oil Control, or £4.40 per ml. So Oil Control costs £6.01 more per bottle with us. Prices can change, and the product page always shows today's price.
If you buy both formulas, or a foundation with the foundation brush or a concealer, the multi-buy saving below applies to the basket.
What if your skin changes through the year?
Some people notice their skin is oilier in warm months and drier in cold ones. If that is you, there is no rule that says you must pick one formula for good. You can keep Original for the drier months and switch to Oil Control when shine becomes the problem, in the same shade name where both formulas offer it.
Not sure which shade name is yours? Start with the depth and undertone test in our shade guide, linked below, then match the same name across both formulas.
How do the ingredients differ?
Oxygenetix publishes an ingredient list on each product page. Both lists start with aloe vera leaf juice (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice), and Oxygenetix calls Original's base certified-organic aloe vera. When we compared the two lists on 11 November 2026, the only difference was that Oil Control adds salicylic acid. It is listed as an ingredient; we make no claim about what it does.
Which one should you wear after a treatment?
Original. Oxygenetix says Oxygenating Foundation was created with post-procedure skin in mind. Wear it once your practitioner says makeup is OK.
Oil Control lists salicylic acid as an ingredient, so ask your practitioner before using it after a treatment. Our guide to wearing foundation after microneedling, laser or a peel covers the published timings.
What should you wear underneath?
Oxygenetix says to start with clean, moisturised skin. The brand makes two Hydro-Matrix moisturisers we stock:
- Breathable Hydro Matrix, a lightweight moisturiser to wear under the foundation, in 30ml, 50ml and 75ml.
- Pore Clarifying Hydro-Matrix, a lightweight moisturiser for oily skin.
Any moisturiser you already like will do. See the full moisturiser range.
Which one should you buy?
- Normal skin: Original.
- Dry or tight-feeling skin: Original.
- Oily skin, shiny by midday: Oil Control.
- Combination skin with an oily T-zone: Oil Control.
- Deep skin tone needing Coco, Ebony, Mahogany or Cappuccino: Original, as those shades are Original only with us.
- Wearing foundation again after a treatment: Original, once your practitioner says makeup is OK.
Next, find your colour with our Oxygenetix shade guide, or read what reviewers say about Oxygenetix.
Buy two or more and save 14%. UK delivery is free on orders of £50 or more.
Frequently asked questions
What if I pick the wrong formula?
Unopened items with the seal intact can be returned for a refund within 14 days of delivery. Opened makeup can't, unless it is faulty or we sent the wrong item. Our refund policy has the details, so ask us before you break the seal if you are unsure.
Can I switch formulas and keep my shade?
Usually. The two formulas share shade names. With us, Coco, Ebony, Mahogany and Cappuccino come in Original only, and Chakra comes in Oil Control only. Our shade chart shows both.
Is there a kit with both formulas?
Yes. The Original + Oil Control kit gives you one shade in both formulas, which suits skin that changes through the year.
Sources
Each source was opened and checked on 11 November 2026.
- Oxygenetix: Oxygenating Foundation (finish, aloe vera base, created with post-procedure skin in mind, ingredient list).
- Oxygenetix: Oil Control Foundation (finish, shine control, made for oily or combination skin, ingredient list).
- Beauty Is Skin Deep: Shade help (shades by formula).