Oily skin, characterized by excess sebum production and a tendency towards shine and congestion, is a common concern for many individuals. While oily skin can be challenging to manage, the right skincare products can make all the difference in achieving a balanced and radiant complexion.
In this article, we delve into the world of serums for oily skin, one of the most crucial steps in any skincare routine, especially for those with oily skin. The best serum for oily skin is a lightweight, potent formulation designed to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin, targeting specific concerns with precision and efficacy.
Navigating the vast array of face serums for oily skin can be overwhelming. That’s why our focus today is on identifying the best serums explicitly tailored for oily skin types and different skin concerns of oily skin.
From hydrating and acne-fighting formulations to pore-refining solutions, we’ll explore the top picks to help you achieve your skincare goals.
Join us as we uncover the transformative power of serums for oily skin, providing insights and recommendations to elevate your skincare routine and unlock the radiant complexion you deserve.
The Best Serum for Oily Skin – Product Recommendations
The best serums for oily skin regulate oil production and target all other skin concerns. So, let’s see what the options are and what they target.
IUNIK Tea Tree 67% Relief Facial Serum
Standard size: 50ml;
Price: $16.99;
It’s super light and soaked up by your skin in no time, minus the greasy feel! It’s packed with Tea Tree Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, and plant extracts that calm, soothe, and nourish your skin. If you’re battling acne or pimples, give it 3-4 weeks—though for more demanding cases, two rounds might do the trick. Not only does it help with redness and repair your skin, but it also boosts elasticity, keeps you hydrated, and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Plus, it’s alcohol-free and made with natural ingredients, making it great for anyone, even if you’ve got sensitive, acne-prone, or aging skin. It’s like all-day moisture that your skin will love.
- Lightweight Formula: Absorbs quickly without greasiness.
- Calming Ingredients: Tea tree leaf water and centella asiatica extract soothe irritation and redness.
- Reduces Acne and Repairs Skin: Effective against pimples and acne scars, leaving skin smooth and healthy.
- Deep Hydration: Hydrates skin throughout the day without clogging pores.
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Ready to try? Buy it here:
BYOMA Clarifying Serum
Standard size: 30ml;
Price: ±$25;
This clarifying serum is a game-changer for anyone with acne-prone skin. It’s packed with a Tri-Ceramide Complex and blue tansy to soothe and clear your skin. It gently exfoliates, balances, and reduces oiliness without messing with your skin barrier, which means you get brighter, healthier skin. Plus, it’s dermatologist-approved, free from alcohol and fragrances, and works for all skin types. What’s remarkable is that it boosts your skin’s barrier for better health. Byoma combines science with active ingredients to give you balanced, brighter skin.
- Strengthens Skin Barrier: Tri-Ceramide Complex and blue tansy soothe and protect the skin’s natural barrier.
- Exfoliates and Clarifies: PHA and zinc unclog pores and reduce blemishes without over-drying.
- Controls Oil and Reduces Redness: Balances sebum production, calms inflammation, and minimizes pore appearance.
- Suitable for All Skin Types: Dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic for sensitive skin.
- Science-Driven Formula: Powered by active ingredients for healthy, radiant skin.
It could be named the best serum for oily skin as it efficiently targets several oily skin concerns.
Ready to try? Buy it here: Amazon
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Standard size: 40ml;
Price: ±$35;
Get ready to hydrate and glow with this top-notch niacinamide serum instantly! It’s a game-changer, a skincare product, and a makeup primer. No mica, glitter, or pearls are here, so you won’t get that weird gray cast. Thanks to hyaluronic acid for moisture and niacinamide for that smooth, even skin look, it’s all about that dewy, lightweight feel.
It works wonders for everyone, even if you’ve got oily skin. Plus, you can use it in many ways – add it to your skincare routine, use it before your makeup, or dab a bit on as a highlighter. It’s all about that natural, glowing skin, so it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free from nasty stuff like Parabens and Sulfates.
- Multitasking Formula: Works as a brightening serum, makeup primer, and liquid highlighter.
- Hydration Boost: Hyaluronic Acid plumps and replenishes skin, leaving it supple and bouncy.
- Minimizes Pores & Smooth Texture: Niacinamide brightens skin, reduces pore appearance, and soothes irritation.
- Lightweight & Buildable: Comfortable gel texture for all skin types, even oily.
- Natural Glow: Creates a radiant look without glitter or mica, leaving no gray cast.
- Clean & Vegan: It is free of parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, and synthetic dyes. It is also cruelty-free.
Ready to try? Buy it here: Amazon
SKIN 1004 – Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Standard size: 30ml, 100ml;
Price: ±$8 for mini version, $25 for 100 ml;
This face serum for oily skin targets oiliness and the size and deepness of the pores.
It’s super light and not sticky, packed with Madagascan Centella Asiatica. That means 7 times the soothing power. It’ll calm and hydrate sensitive skin in no time. What’s in it? Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, and many more goodies.
- Himalayan Pink Salt: Its mineral complex (50 minerals for your skin!) gently removes impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells.
- Hydrating & Anti-Aging: Peptide-9 Complex and Centella Asiatica (Cica) extract boost elasticity and hydration (this helps tighten pores).
- Fast-absorbing & Non-Greasy: Leaves skin feeling supple and refreshed, ideal for oily skin.
- Clinically Tested: Shows pore-minimizing benefits in multiple studies.
- Suitable for Sensitive Skin: Centella Asiatica soothes irritation.
Ready to try? Buy it here:
- YesStyle – full-size version (100ml) and a mini-version (30 ml)
- Amazon
SKINFOOD Peach Sake Pore Serum – Pore Minimizer & Sebum Control
Standard size: 55ml;
Price: ±$15;
This lightweight Korean serum for oily skin minimizes enlarged pores, controls oil, and hydrates the skin.
They’ve mixed traditional Japanese Sake with peach extracts to help shrink pores and keep that oily skin in check. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and silica powder to tighten pores, deal with oily skin, and even fade dark spots and acne. And guess what? It’s a top pick for anyone looking to minimize pores, thanks to the awesome combo of sake and peaches. Just use it daily after you cleanse and tone it – it’s a Korean beauty must-have. SKINFOOD’s been all about quality, food-based skincare since 1957, and this serum totally shows it.
- Peach & Sake Extracts: Tightens pores, regulates sebum production, and brightens skin.
- Rich in Vitamins: Vitamin A and C from peach extract help reduce acne and dark spots.
- Best-Selling Formula: Effectively reduces pore size and controls oil, leaving skin feeling clean and balanced.
- Gentle & Hydrating: Suitable for daily use without drying out the skin.
Ready to try? Buy it here: Amazon
Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Standard size: 30ml;
Price: ±$19;
One of the best serums for oily skin that has retinol?
This awesome face serum with encapsulated retinol that makes your skin smoother and more even-toned. It’s great for shrinking pores and fading those annoying post-acne marks. Plus, it has this light, non-greasy gel vibe going on, and it’s packed with goodies like licorice root extract and niacinamide for a brightening and soothing effect. And don’t worry; it’s fragrance-free and won’t clog your pores. It’s loaded with three essential ceramides to keep your skin barrier happy and healthy. Dermatologists helped develop it, so you know it’s good for all skin types, whether you’re dealing with dry, sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin.
For the PM skincare routine, retinol helps target oiliness and acne and is an anti-aging ingredient. Read more about how to use retinol, as retinoids shall be used mindfully.
- Reduces Post-Acne Marks & Minimizes Pores: Encapsulated retinol refines skin texture and evens tone.
- Soothes & Hydrates: Niacinamide calms irritation, ceramides strengthen the skin barrier, and MVE technology provides long-lasting hydration.
- Lightweight & Fast-Absorbing: Leaves skin feeling comfortable without residue.
- Suitable for Sensitive Skin: Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic.
Ready to try? Buy it here: Amazon
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1
Standard size: 30ml;
Price: ±$54;
Experience faster and smoother anti-aging and overall skin improvement results with Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serum. It has retinal, not retinol, which is milder and more effective than retinol, and has an excellent formulation, making It another great oily skin serum. Still use it wisely and read more in How to use retinol?
- Next-Gen Retinaldehyde: Works 11x faster than retinol to visibly reduce wrinkles and refine texture.
- Hydrating Formula: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Vitamin E provide deep hydration and minimize fine lines.
- Gradual Strength Options: Choose from various strengths to suit your skin’s sensitivity and experience level.
- Brighter, Tighter Skin: Improves overall texture and evens skin tone for a visibly younger appearance.
- Scientifically Backed: Developed by in-house experts for optimal effectiveness and skin health.
One more lightweight yet effective retinal treatment you can find in my review – Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal Review
Ready to try? Buy it here: Amazon
Isntree – Green Tea Fresh Serum
Standard size: 50ml;
Price: ±$25;
If your skin is dry inside and greasy outside, take care of oil and moisture balance with Real Green Tea face serum for oily skin containing 77% green tea extract.
- Anti-Sebum P: It contains Anti-Sebum P to prevent excessive sebum secretion, helping clean pores and improve skin texture.
- It has niacinamide and green tea extract that improve oily skin conditions and are anti-oxidants, preventing premature aging.
Overall, this is a hydrating serum that targets oil production. Recommended for those who
- Have skin greasy outside, dry inside.
- Looking for a light moisturizing serum for oily/combination skin.
- Need a serum that smooths out skin texture.
Ready to try? Buy it here:
Conclusion
Oily skin can be frustrating, but suitable serums can help you achieve a balanced and radiant complexion in your skincare routine. This guide explored a variety of serums specifically formulated for oily skin, targeting concerns like acne, enlarged pores, and dehydration.
Remember, the “best” serum depends on your individual needs. Consider key ingredients and target concerns when choosing a product. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
I mentioned in the article that serums with retinol can provide an extra boost for anti-aging and overall skin improvement. Retinol is a powerful and effective ingredient, and I believe it’s worth considering adding to your skincare routine. (Though there are certain rules on incorporating retinol into the skincare routine, and it’s not allowed to be used while planning to be pregnant or during pregnancy.) With consistent use and the perfect serum for your oily skin, you can unlock the healthy, glowing complexion you deserve.
Keep Exploring
- Unlock the power of K-Beauty with our guide to the 13 Best Korean Eye Creams for a Smoother, Radiant Look in 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of serum is best for oily skin?
For oily skin, consider serums that regulate oil production, target acne, minimize pores, hydrate, and brighten the skin (to remove post-acne marks, if any). Look for green tea extract, centella asiatica, niacinamide, PHA, zinc, hyaluronic acid, and retinoids. The article provides specific product recommendations for different oily skin concerns.
Should you use a serum on oily skin?
Yes, using a serum is crucial for oily skin. Serums are lightweight and deliver potent active ingredients deep into the skin. They can balance oil production, prevent excess sebum, and improve skin health.
Is vitamin C serum OK for oily skin?
Absolutely! Vitamin C serum is suitable for oily skin. It brightens the complexion, reduces hyperpigmentation, and boosts collagen production. Choose a stable formula and patch test before regular use.
Is hyaluronic acid good for oily skin?
Yes, hyaluronic acid is excellent for oily skin. It hydrates, balances the skin’s oil-water ratio, and prevents dehydration. Hyaluronic acid is gentle and suitable for all skin types, including oily and sensitive. 🌟