13 Best Serums For Combination Skin To Enhance Your Natural Glow
Enhance the natural glow of your face with the right skincare essentials.
Dr. Leanne King is a cosmetic chemist and the founder of Beauty Favours. She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and has been in the beauty industry for over 10 years. Dr. King started as a cosmetic chemist working for large global brands and then moved into research and innovation in skin care science and development.
Read full bio of Dr. Leanne King
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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When choosing skin care products, including serums, knowing your skin type is essential. While tons of products are segregated for oily and dry skin types, finding the best serum for combination skin might seem challenging. Combination skin has the boons and bane of both dry and oily skin merged in one. While the T-zone, including the forehead and nose bridge and the chin, might seem oily and more prone to acne, the cheeks and under-eye areas tend to be dry. Finding the serum that balances your skin’s natural oils and moisture content becomes tough. However, we can help you find a suitable serum for your skin.
Serums can help enhance ~your complexion and address specific skin concerns like acne and dryness, leaving your skin looking soft, supple, and radiant. Scroll down to check out the 13 best serums for combination skin and pick the one that suits your skin needs.
In This Article
13 Best Serums For Combination Skin To Boost Your Natural Glow!
1. Best Dermatologist-Tested:L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift
Trust Loreal Paris to restore your skin’s moisture levels and leave a visible glow. Infused with 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid, it leaves the skin plump, hydrated, and moisturized in just one week! This serum can also work as a great primer under makeup as it imparts dewy skin. And while you enjoy its moisturizing benefits, it will also ease fine lines and wrinkles, thus making your complexion look younger and hydrated all day long. Add it to the cart now!
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Lightweight gel serum
- Improves skin’s elasticity
- Ensures relief from dryness
- Tested for allergens
- Non-greasy and leaves no residue behind
- Paraben-free, fragrance-free, mineral oil-free, and more
- Suitable for combination, sensitive, mature, oily, and dry skin
Cons
- Slightly sticky
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 2,528 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best For Hyperpigmentation:Eclat Vitamin C Serum
Like your body, your skin needs vitamins as well to stay supple and glowing. Hence, this cold-pressed, dermatologist-tested vitamin C-rich serumby Eclat would be a great addition to your kit. It is clinically proven and formulated to provide deep nourishment to your skin, this vitamin C (20%) and ascorbic acid blend also contain hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, ferulic acid, retinol, MSM, vitamin E, and aloe vera. This formula is also effective in protecting your skin from sun damage and fading existing sun spots. With 94% of users ensuring their skin looks radiant and healthier (as claimed by the brand), there’s no reason why you should give this gem a miss!
Pros
- Boosts hydration
- Combats fine lines
- Ensures all-day hydration
- Reduces hyperpigmentation and sunspots
- Absorbs quickly and increases collagen production
- Non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested
- Vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free
Cons
- Fragrance maybe a hassle for some
Pro Tip3. Best For Uneven Skin Tone: Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
The Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum is like a booster shot for the skin! It helps smooth out the skin, brighten its tone, and correct the uneven skin texture. Packed with 10% niacinamide, it helps to refine and nourish the skin and significantly improve its overall appearance. It controls excess sebum production, soothes irritated skin, and addresses breakouts, dullness, and enlarged pores. It is gentle enough to be used on the skin daily, delivering visible results such as improved texture and radiant skin. This lightweight serum can be layered with different skin care products and makeup to give you flawless results. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this quick review on YouTube.
Pros
- Minimize appearance of pores
- Soothing
- Lightweight
- Nourishes the skin
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan-free
- Cruelty-free
- Ph-balanced
Cons
- None
"This niacinamide serum has worked so well for my rough skin texture. It softens the skin and does not cause any irritation. My skin feels less oily now. The serum has a rich texture but absorbs quickly and feels non-sticky."
| L'Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Best Dermatologist-Tested | Eclat Vitamin C Serum Best For Hyperpigmentation | Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum Best For Uneven Skin Tone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | All Skin Types,Oily Skin. | |
| Dimensions | 1.58 x 2.08 x 5.73 inches | - | |
| Weight | 1.7 Ounces. | - | |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,528 | - | |
| Price | $24.52 | $6 |
4. Best Anti-Aging:TruSkin C-Plus Super Serum
Are you wondering how to restore your youthful glow? Add this powerful serum to your skincare routine. Packed with retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, salicylic acid, aloe vera, MSM, rosehip oil, and more, its age-defying power is no joke. Also, the infused grapefruit essential oil makes sure your skin feels soft, smooth, and younger-looking with every use. Who’s ready to fight those stubborn wrinkles and fine lines now?
Pros
- Anti-aging advanced formula
- Improves and uplifts complexion
- Cruelty-free and Non-GMO
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and silicone-free
Cons
- Pricey
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 3,116 rave reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Strengthening Skin Barrier: Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster contains skin-soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5. It leaves skin soft and supple. Ceramides and panthenol are also present, which penetrate deep into the skin to provide hydration and moisture retention to the dry areas of the skin. This weightless formula absorbs quickly and does not feel tacky on the skin. Furthermore, the science-backed formula helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, dryness, and breakouts, leaving your skin looking and feeling healthy! Its gel-like texture absorbs quickly into the skin, giving you a plumper, more youthful complexion. Several online reviews of this product suggest that this serum is extremely lightweight with no greasy after-effect and provides ample hydration.
Pros
- Combats dull and dehydrated skin
- Replenishes skin moisture
- Instant plumping effect
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Recyclable packaging
- Value for money
- Clinically proven to be non-irritating
Cons
- None
6. Best For Skin Brightening:Simplified Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Are dark circles making you look more like a raccoon than a human? Try this hyaluronic acid serum ASAP! Providing intense moisture, the hydrating serum also contains jojoba oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin C, and acido hialuronico. Giving your skin the power to fight wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots as well, indulge in this moisturizing serum for combination skin this season to restore the optimal pH of your skin. Multiple reviewers love this product for its ability to keep your skin hydrated while reducing dark spots to add radiance. It is a perfect answer to all your prayers for clear skin and you can also use it as a spot treatment.
Pros
- Improves skin’s texture and tone
- Ensures a plump and radiating glow
- Brightens skin and shrinks pores
- Prevents breakouts and boosts collagen
- Cruelty-free and fragrance-free
- Paraben-free, sulfate-free, and gluten-free
- Suitable for combination, sensitive, oily and dry skin types
Cons
- Slightly sticky
- Not suitable to wear under makeup
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 325 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
7. Best Paraben-Free:I DEW CARE Juicy Kitten Purifying Power-Green Serum
This antioxidant serum for your skin will make you regret not having bought it earlier. Go green with this ultra-nourishing blend of ingredients from the K-beauty universe that guarantees to purify your complexion with every use. Do you have blemish-prone or acne-prone combination skin? Or has your skin been irritated lately? Then you will love this effective formula even more as it claims to clarify and soothe with kale, niacinamide, moringa seed extract, and more. Try it!
Pros
- Nourishes intensely
- Rich in antioxidants and nutrients
- Cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan
- Paraben-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free
- Suitable for combination, normal, oily, and dry skin
Cons
- Slightly sticky
- Maybe too concentrated for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 1,449 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
8. Best For Reducing Fine Lines:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Pore-refining Serum
Don’t hide the pores; shrink them! Yep, if you don’t mind loosening your purse strings a little, this premium pore-refining serum would be a great pick. Fighting aging signs head-on and refining your skin texture with its powerful glycolic acidformula, say yes to this serum that guarantees smoother and radiant skin. Trust the reviews and try Effaclar serum if you haven’t already!
Pros
- Reduces oiliness
- Eases fine lines
- Exfoliates clogged pores
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Non-comedogenic and non-greasy
- Paraben-free and fragrance-free
- Suitable for oily and combination skin
Cons
- It may sting slightly on sensitive skin.
Did You Know?9. Best Hydration Formula:Denese HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum
Aging skin comes with its own set of challenges. Also, it mostly starts with moisture loss. So, if you are noticing dullness and fine lines lately, then you must grab this hydra boost ASAP! Packed with ceramides, retinol, linolenic acid, and linoleic acid, it claims to lock in moisture and boost hydration too. Yep, watch your skin go from dull to dazzling as it improves elasticity and complexion with every use of this clinically-proven serum. A must-try to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and leave a healthy glow, trust this retinol serum to comfort your skin in just 15 minutes.
Pros
- Cruelty-free product
- Advanced hydration formula
- Boost collagen and suppleness
- Soothe rough and dry spots
- Improves tone, texture, and appearance
- Ideal to use around eyes too
- Suitable for oily and combination skin
Cons
- The dispensing pump can be a hassle.
"This face serum is all I need to hydrate my oily-combination skin. It is lightweight and feels non-greasy. It abosrbs quickly and makes the skin soft to touch. It also adds a youthful glow to my skin."
10. Best For Intense Moisture:SNP PREP – Peptaronic Serum
This skin-quenching combo of peptides and hyaluronic acid will make your skin bloom like a flower. Reviving and refreshing skin with an intense moisture boost, the dermatologist-tested formula is safe for even people with sensitive skin types. It contains 6 types of peptides and 5 hyaluronic acid layers blended in one. Helping your skin boost collagen and elastin to improve complexion and elasticity, get ready to be showered with compliments with this one. Do you think you can handle the glow-up?
Pros
- Heals moisture barrier
- Protects skin and locks in moisture
- Reduces pigmentation and wrinkles
- Boosts regeneration and hydrates intensely
- Non-oily and leaves a powdery finish
- Suitable collagen serum for combination skin
Cons
- May take longer to absorb into the skin
11. Best Skin Refining: Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum
The Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum aids in the reduction of pores and the fading of discoloration. The dermatologist-tested serum contains potent active ingredients like niacinamide, which helps to even out the skin tone, and hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates the skin and makes it appear plumper! Zinc and niacinamide work together to treat common combination skin issues such as excess oil production, fading dark spots, and removing fine lines and wrinkles. This pH-balanced formula promotes skin health by combining superior marine, earth, and botanical ingredients with non-toxic skin alternatives and advanced science.
Pros
- Diminishes appearance of large pores
- Balances oil production
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,421 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
12. Best For Smooth Skin:iS CLINICAL Active Serum
The icy-cool sensation of the iS CLINICAL Active Serum will leave your skin feeling refreshed and energized. It exfoliates the skin gently by eliminating dead skin cells and brightens the overall skin tone thanks to skin-nourishing ingredients like blueberry extracts, white willow bark, and mushroom extracts. Arbutin in the formula provides blemish-free skin and visibly younger-looking skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and evening out skin tone. This smoothing serum also softens the texture, hides the appearance of smaller pores, and leaves you with firmer skin. It is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation in 12 weeks.
Pros
- Smoothes and softens
- Evens out skin tone
- Age-defying
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Brightens skin
- Long-term results
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 573 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
13. Best Translucent Formula:Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Go makeup-free confidently with this peptide-infused serum by Peach & Lily. Blended with earth-born and high-tech ingredients, watch your skin radiate luminously with every use. Yep, say no to filters on those selfies when this silky-smooth and lightweight serum can hydrate, brighten and tighten for a picture-perfect glow. Do not skip it!
Pros
- Translucent formula
- Refines and reduces pores
- Quick-absorbing and non-irritating
- Suitable hydrating serum for combination skin
Cons
- Expensive
A healthy complexion is now a serum away! Leanne King, a cosmetic chemist, says, “Consistency in application and understanding your skin’s response are key to effectively managing combination skin with serums. Use of any new skincare routine should be continued for at least 28 days before expecting to see full results.” There you go; those are the 13 best serums for combination skin you must try in 2024. Do you need more assistance with choosing the best serum? Or wondering how to use it? We’ve explained it all in the buying guide below.
Buying Guide
How To Choose A Serum For Combination Skin?
Simple! Look out for the following features in the product before buying:
Skin type: Many people confuse combination skin with oily skin type or vice versa. Hence, you must first figure out your skin type before choosing the product. Also, never use an oily skin product on combination skin as you may end up worsening the condition rather than improving it.
Lightweight and non-greasy: Nobody’s goal is to have a greasy and heavy feeling on the skin. So, before you add the product to the cart, check if it is weightless, non-sticky, and non-greasy for the best experience.
Hydration formula: Lack of moisture can turn combination skin dull and lead to fine lines in extreme cases. So, no matter the serum you choose, always make sure it hydrates your skin to help it look plumper and healthier with every use.
Pore-refining solution: Since combination skin is prone to dirt and oil build-ups, it’s ideal to choose a formula that exfoliates pores and prevents breakouts too.
Anti-aging signs: There is never a particular time or age to start using an anti-aging serum. Hence, before the aging signs become too noticeable, it’s preferable to pick a product that boosts hydration and ensures younger-looking skin always.
How to Use Serum for Combination Skin?
Always use a serum before a moisturizer, morning or night cream. Apply a few drops on your face and around the eyes and then, move on to dabbing or massaging until it has absorbed entirely. Post this; you can move on to applying your moisturizer or even makeup.
The Bottom Line
A serum is a must-have product in your skincare regimen. It quickly penetrates the skin, making it smooth, supple, and rejuvenated, promoting healthy skin. In addition, the serums come with a very light texture that nourishes your skin thoroughly. Serums serve multiple purposes, but hydration is the primary one. The best serums for combination skin listed above are lightweight and packed with powerful active ingredients. They also help reduce the fine lines and other aging signs. You can try the L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift which restores moisture and lends a youthful complexion, the TruSkin C-Plus Super Serum which is packed with skin-loving ingredients that enhance the skin’s natural texture and shine, or the Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster which replenishes dehydrated skin and reverses aging signs. However, those with combination skin should restrain from using serums with thick consistency as they might turn your skin greasy. So, go ahead and choose your favorite serum from our list and upgrade your skin care routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Serums Good for Combination Skin?
Absolutely! A serum will boost hydration, repair the moisture barrier, fight aging signs, reduce pores, and improve complexion. So, if you have combination skin and are dealing with dryness or dullness lately, you must try a serum.
Is Vitamin C Serum Good for Combination Skin?
Yes, vitamin C serum is ideal for combination skin as it brightens, hydrates, and reduces pigmentation in one go. So, if you are looking for a vitamin C-rich serum, then you must try Eclat vitamin C Serum and Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum as they are infused with 20% vitamin C.
Can Vitamin C Serum Cause Pimples?
Yes, it can cause breakouts or zits if the serum is concentrated or if you have blemish-prone or ultra-sensitive skin. Hence, figure out your skin type before using a vitamin C serum.
How often should you use a serum on combination skin?
You can add serum to your daily skin routine and apply it twice daily.
Is hyaluronic acid serum good for combination skin?
Hyaluronic acid serum works perfectly well for combination skin. It hydrates the
dry patches and soothes the oily portion.
What ingredients should I avoid for combination skin?
If you have combination skin, look for products made without pomade, fragrances, oleic acid, and other irritants.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Krati Darak, is a skin care enthusiast. She has done in-depth research before recommending these top facial serums for combination skin. She has gone through various beauty and skin care forums to make sure you get to select from only the best! These serums are specially formulated for combination skin to help improve the texture and appearance of your skin while keeping it nourished and hydrated with their moisturizing ingredients.
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