12 Best Serums For Oily Skin To Look Out For In 2024
Breakouts are a thing of the past with these nourishing serums designed just for you!
Dr. Enrizza Factor is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc. She is also a member of the Philippine Academy of Cutaneous Surgery and an Associate of the Philippine Society of Venerology Inc.
Read full bio of Dr. Enrizza Factor
Experience: 5 yearsSakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her to take up literature and follow that up with creative writing after completing her education.
Read full bio of Sakshi Bahal
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
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.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Serums hydrate your skin and keep your skin nourished. Moreover, these lightweight formulas work wonders to treat specific skin conditions. For example, the best serums for oily skin penetrate your skin and balance the excessive sebum keeping your face conditioned. As a result, they transform your dull-looking skin glowing and radiant. And, for oily skin, a light, water-based serum works well. Oily skin needs serums that regulate the production of skin’s natural oil, and ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid work well.
Dr. Enrizza Factor, a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc., says, “A serum that is full of antioxidants helps improve the appearance of skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents oily skin, skin discoloration, and signs of aging. Serums are a great product recommendation for those who want to even out the skin tone. The addition of hyaluronic acid can also help moisturize and plump up oily skin. The serum is a highly recommended product for people who have oily skin and want to reduce the appearance of blemishes. The serum also works to smoothen and soften the skin for an overall glowy appearance.”
You need to pick the right serum for your skin to get the maximum benefits. In this article, we have compiled a list of the ideal serums that work for your oily skin. We have also rounded up a few tips that can help pick the right serum to match your skin essentials. Keep scrolling to check it out!
In This Article
How To Find The Right Serum For Oily Skin
Sometimes, the right product is all it takes to transform troublesome skin issues. You don’t need to keep holding out for a magical potion, especially if your oily skin is triggered by underlying issues in diet, lifestyle, or makeup.
While those problems cannot be tackled overnight, serums with intensive formulas that can reach deep within your skin can go a long way to helping you achieve a clearer complexion. But how do you know which serum will work best for you? Look at the pointers below, which will help you when you go shopping for a new serum.
- Active Ingredients: Check the list of active ingredients in the serum. A good serum for oily skin should contain ingredients like vitamin C for skin brightening, hyaluronic acid for moisture retention, salicylic acid to kill acne-causing bacteria, glycerin for added moisture, niacinamide for overall skin health, and lactic acid for mild exfoliation. Also, avoid ingredients like artificial preservatives and fragrances that may cause an allergic reaction.
- Skin Concerns: Choose a serum as per the skin concern you are trying to address. If you are looking for a serum for dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or acne spots, go for a vitamin C serum. If you are looking for anti-aging benefits, pick one that contains retinol. If your skin has become dull and rough, choose one that has AHA and BHA.
- Features: Ensure that the serum that you are buying has certain tags like hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, dermatologically approved, or clinically tested. This is particularly important if you have sensitive skin. Additional features like a vegan formula or a cruelty-free product are also important for ethical reasons.
- Price: Keep your budget in mind and remember that you can find quality products at any price point. A higher price does not automatically guarantee better quality.
Note:
Oily skin and acne cannot be dealt with products alone. Consulting a dermatologist will help you tackle the root cause of the problem. They can identify unique factors that may be contributing to your skin troubles.
Now that you know what to watch out for when shopping for a serum for oily skin, let’s get on with the 12 best serums we have rounded up. These are excellent for treating and nourishing oily skin. Check them out below!
Top 12 Serums For Oily Skin
1. Best Clinically Tested Formula:Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
The Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment is a complete AHA treatment for your skin. It contains lactic acid that helps shrink the size of the pores, improves skin texture, reduces dark spots, clarifies your skin, and makes it smooth. The licorice root extracts and prickly pear help brighten and purify your skin, lemongrass boosts radiance, and aloe soothes the skin. Check out this video review for a detailed understanding of the product.
Active Ingredient: Lactic acid
Skin Concern: For deep exfoliation to uncover instant glow and radiance
How To Use: Apply 1-3 pumps on clean, dry skin, followed by a moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, use the treatment as a mask and rinse it off after 15 minutes.
Pros
- Clinically tested
- Clarifying formula
- Skin texture improvement
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- 100% vegan
- Gluten-free
- Recyclable packaging
Cons
- None
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 352 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best Skin-Rejuvenating Formula:It’s Skin Power 10 VB Effector
The It’s Skin Power 10 VB Effector is a skincare gem from the world of K-beauty. It offers impressive sebum control and pore-tightening benefits. The oil-free formula leaves your skin with a shine-free finish. It contains vitamin B6 that calms and rejuvenates stressed skin. The refreshing after-effects make it a summer essential for oily skin. If you are looking for something to help you tackle large pores and acne, this is the perfect serum for you. To find out more about this product, check out this video.
Active Ingredient: Vitamin B6
Skin Concern: For acne-prone skin and large pores
How To Use: Apply a few drops on cleansed skin before applying moisturizer.
Pros
- Helps tighten pores
- Controls sebum production
- Hydrating formula
- No artificial colors
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons
- None
Pro Tip3. Best Quick-Absorbing Formula:Kypris Clearing Serum
Have oily skin that is sensitive to specific ingredients? If yes, the Kypris Clearing Serum is your bae. The formula is a harmonious blend of quinoa that nourishes the skin with amino acids, zinc and lilac leaf stem cells that balance oil production, chaparral that soothes and heals the skin, and essential oils of tea tree and lavender that reduce blemishes. If you are still unsure, check out this honest review.
Active Ingredient: Zinc and Lilac leaf stemcells
Skin Concern: For sensitive, oily skin with blemishes
How To Use: Apply to oily areas on the face as well as on blemishes or ingrowns.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Contains plant extracts
- Contains tocopherol
- No synthetic fragrances
- Vegan formula
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
4. Best For Relieving Inflamed Skin:The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is no ordinary serum. It is a cult favorite that offers a ton of benefits for oily skin. This serum’s more significant results include oil and sebum control, reduced scarring, and pores caused by acne. The formula contains vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide, which reduces skin congestion and blemishes. The 1% zinc balances sebum production.
Active Ingredient: Niacinamide and Zinc
Skin Concern: For oily, acne-prone skin with inflammation and scarring
How To Use: Apply a few drops every morning and night before moisturizer.
Pros
- Controls oiliness
- Reduces large pores
- Silicone-free
- Alcohol-free
- Gluten-free
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts while the skin is adjusting to the product.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 14,742 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
5. Best Vegan Formula:OdaciteGr+G Serum Concentrate
If you prefer organic formulas, try this deeply nourishing serum. It contains grapeseed oil, which helps with sebum regulation and keeps your skin clear and vitamin E that nourishes and moisturizes your skin. The astringent properties of grapefruit oil refresh and smoothen your skin. This fast-absorbing serum controls excess shine and helps improve the appearance of pimples and clogged pores.
Active Ingredient: Grapeseed oil and Grapefruit oil
Skin Concern: For stubborn acne
How To Use: Apply 2-3 drops every morning and night.
Pros
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Pore refining formula
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- 100% natural
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Not enough quantity for the price
6. Best Lightweight Formula:The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother
Using vitamin C on oily skin can never go wrong! This light and refreshing serum from The Body Shop is one of the best serums for oily skin. It contains Amazonian CamuCamu berry extracts that protect your skin from the damaging effects of environmental pollution and improve its radiance. This serum evens out your skin tone and keeps it feeling fresh the entire day. However, if you are using it during the day, don’t forget to use sunscreen.
Active Ingredient: Vitamin C
Skin Concern: For dull and tired skin
How To Use: Apply once a day after moisturizer, before getting on with your makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Antioxidant-rich
- Gets absorbed easily
- Helps prime the skin before makeup
- Evens out the skin tone
- Made using fair price ingredients
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains added fragrance
7. Best Moisturizing Formula:Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum
The Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum ranks high on any list of splurge-worthy serums out there. It has a tested and proven formula that includes natural salicylic acid, organic grape water, and a complex of essential oils. The serum works to unclog and tighten pores and moisturize and soothe your skin while helping tone and purify the skin barrier.
Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid
Skin Concern: For eliminating blackheads
How To Use: Apply every morning and night on cleansed skin before moisturizer. You can also use it as an overnight spot treatment.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- 98% natural
- Visibly tightens pores
- Reduces blemishes and blackheads
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 600 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
8. Best Water-Based Formula:The Inkey List Retinol Face Serum
The Inkey List Retinol Face Serum helps you achieve a smooth and radiant complexion with less irritation for your skin. It contains 1% retinol, a derivative of vitamin A that helps revitalize the surface of your skin, and squalene that hydrates and soothes the skin. It leaves you with an even skin tone and visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles. The formula is water-based and contains glycerin, which helps make your skin even smoother.
Active Ingredient: Retinol
Skin Concern: For even skin tone and reducing signs of aging
How To Use: Apply a pea-sized amount at night, 2-3 times a week. Massage into the face and neck over cleansed skin.Remember to apply a heavy-duty sunscreen as retinol tends to make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Pros
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- No synthetic fragrances
- Paraben-free
- Water-based formula
- Affordable
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause slight irritation.
Pro Tip9. Best For Skin Brightening:Cocokind Vitamin C Serum with Sea Grape Caviar
The Cocokind vitamin C serum controls excess oil production and helps you achieve a brighter-looking skin tone. This vitamin C serum is extremely gentle on the skin and helps to stimulate collagen production, leaving your skin with an enviable, youthful glow! It helps to protect the skin against environmental aggressors, softens and evens out the skin, and makes it supple. Hyaluronic acid in the formula prevents your skin from dying out, while sea grape caviar makes your skin look healthy from within. This lightweight formula targets problematic pores, uneven skin tone, and dark spots to give you blemish-free skin.
Pros
- Anti-aging
- Lightweight
- Effectively fades dark spots
- Vegan
- Sensitive-skin friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- None
10. Best Chemical-Free Formula:First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum
Retinol formulas are good for oily skin. If you are new to retinol, you can start with The First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum that has a relatively low percentage of retinol. It contains vitamin C and other skin-soothing ingredients, such as ceramides, aloe vera, allantoin, and oatmeal extracts, which take care of all your skin concerns.
Active Ingredient: 0.25% Retinol
Skin Concern: Foraging, sensitive skin
How To Use: Start by applying 1-2 pumps at night on cleansed skin up to 3 times a week. Gradually increase usage to every other night, eventually going up to every night if tolerable.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- No artificial color and fragrance
- Mineral oil-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Expensive
- May cause initial redness, flaking, or dryness
11. Best Non-Greasy Serum:Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster
Neutrogena is one of the most reliable skincare brands on the market, and this serum plus primer is just one of their many trusted offerings for oily skin. The Shine Control Matte Booster is enriched with rice protein, which helps absorb excess oil and leaves you with a mattified complexion. It keeps your skin shine-free, blurs pores, and preps the skin for smooth makeup application. This serum also leaves your skin looking and feeling healthier with regular use.
Active Ingredient: Rice protein
Skin Concern: For long-lasting shine control
How To Use: Apply after cleansing and toning, either mixed with moisturizer as a primer or on its own as a serum.
Pros
- Can be used as primer or serum
- Mattifying finish
- Blurs the appearance of pores
- Non-greasy formula
- Paraben-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- No long-lasting effects
12. Best Vitamin-Enriched Formula:TONYMOLY Vital Vita 12 Poresol Ampoule
The TONYMOLY Vital Vita 12 Poresol Ampoule is yet another K-beauty cult favorite, formulated for oily skin. It helps clear and minimize clogged pores and fight excess sebum. The vitamin H in the product nourishes your skin and imparts the glow. The formula contains ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and tea tree oil, all of which soothe, tone, and balance oily skin. It is naturally colored with vitamins and plant extracts, so you won’t have to worry about aggravating sensitive skin.
Active Ingredient: Vitamin H, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil
Skin Concern: To minimize pores and control excess oil
How To Use: Apply a few drops on cleansed and toned skin before moisturizer.
Pros
- Visibly reduces pores
- Paraben-free
- No artificial fragrances
- No color additives
Cons
- May feel greasy
- May irritate sensitive skin
While all the serums recommended above have specific benefits for oily skin, you must know the right order to apply skin care routine to reap the maximum benefits. Read on for a few helpful tips that will help you gain the most from your serums.
Best Tips For Applying Serum Correctly
- Exfoliating before applying a serum is critical. Removing the top layer of debris, dirt, and dead skin cells from your face through exfoliation will help the serum soak into the dermis and deliver all its goodness more effectively. Start with an exfoliating cleanser or face scrub to get rid of any impurities.
- Based on the instructions on the specific product you are using, apply the serum on cleansed and toned skin. Some serums can be mixed with others or a moisturizer for better results. You can try these methods to find what works best for you.
- Finish off with a moisturizer, and don’t forget sunscreen if your serum contains retinol. Certain ingredients require a trial period where your skin will adjust before settling down to the new product. Discontinue use if you have a severe or stubborn reaction.
Infographic: Ingredients To Look For While Buying The Best Serum For Oily Skin
Choosing the best skin care products for oily skin is always a challenge. Beyond the brand, the correct skin care ingredients and formulation should be prioritized. Knowing which ingredients balance oil levels and prevent acne breakouts will help you pick the right products to prevent greasy and over-shiny skin.
Check out the infographic below to learn about the ingredients to look for and avoid when selecting a serum for oily skin. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Serums work wonders on oily skin! They help in balancing excess sebum production while maintaining skin health. These serums for oily skin contain ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that penetrate the skin layers to transform it into youthful, glowing skin. The water-based formula helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. While the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment is good for exfoliation, the It’s Skin Power 10 VB Effector calms and rejuvenates stressed skin. Try The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to improve the appearance of inflammation or acne-related scars. These serums are gluten-free, vegan, and lightweight. However, some may cause slight irritation. So, always do a small patch test before using to avoid skin irritation. Pick the best serum for oily skin with the help of our buying guide.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Sakshi Bahal, the author of this article, is a skincare enthusiast. Her expertise and knowledge in various products push her to find the right skin care products for her readers. She understands the struggles of having oily skin and has gone through hundreds of reviews on trusted online forums to curate this list of top serums for oily skin. The products included in the list can remove excess sebum and keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which serum is good for acne-prone, oily skin?
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is one of the best serums for acne-prone skin. It balances sebum production and effectively reduces acne. Also, the serum actively eliminates blemishes from the skin.
What is the best serum for oily skin in winter?
The Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum is a great product for the winters. It unclogs the pores and moisturizes the skin. This serum also strengthens the natural barrier of the skin which tends to dry out in the cold season.
For oily skin, would a serum or a moisturizer be best?
Serums are made up of small molecules that get deeply absorbed into the skin and provide intense hydration. On the other hand, a moisturizer is usually thicker and takes more time to penetrate. Therefore, hydrating serums are best for oily skin.
Can I use coconut oil as a face serum at night for oily skin?
No. Applying coconut oil as a face serum is not recommended for oily skin. It is highly comedogenic and can clog your pores, leading to acne breakouts. So, skip using coconut oil as an overnight treatment if you have oily skin.
What is a good organic serum for my oily skin to brighten dull skin?
The Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment is formulated with licorice root extracts and prickly pear that gently exfoliate, purify, and impart radiance to your oily skin.
Read full bio of Dr. Enrizza Factor
Read full bio of Sakshi Bahal
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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