There is a serum for every skincare concern. Whether it's acne, early signs of aging, or random scars, there are multiple serums made with different types of vitamins, plant extracts, and fruits. But not everything suits oily skin. Oily skin is prone to pimples, acne, blackheads, scarring, and so much more, especially around the nose and cheeks. There is just one simple solution - the best serum for oily skin. The face serums for oily skin not only nourish the skin and help in skin hydration but allows you to retain the non-greasy look all day long. 

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lian A. Mack, "People with oily skin must avoid serums with excess comedogenic ingredients to avoid skin concerns like whitehead and blackhead formation." These ingredients include substances such as cocoa butter, glycerol, and oils. Instead, they must check out for products having antioxidants like Vitamin C for boosting radiance (1), alpha and beta hydroxy acid for exfoliation (2), hyaluronic acid for smoothening (3), and retinoids for maintaining skin's natural elasticity by increasing collagen production (4). 

With a variety of face serums for oily skin available in the market, it's tough to choose the right product that aligns with your needs So, we tried and tested the best serums available and we love how soft, light, and smooth they feel on the skin. Hence, we've listed our top picks below to help you get the best serum for oily skin.

• 1
  Best Overall

  Lumene Nordic-C [Valo] Glow Boost Essence Serum

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This iconic serum by Lumene is perfect for individuals frustrated with dry skin. It is composed of a plethora of anti-oxidant-rich ingredients, including Vitamin C and wild Arctic cloudberries, to intensely hydrate the skin and boost radiance. As it has three types of hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, the product offers the ultimate glow you can expect. Further, it will make your skin plumper. Based on our observation, this face serum for oily skin suits well on the oily skin and helps combat associated skin problems.

2

Best Anti-aging Serum

TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

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This serum by TruSkin Naturals is what you need to get a clear, glowing, and non-greasy look throughout the day. This product is infused with Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid that not only evens your skin tone but has anti-aging benefits too. It neutralizes free radicals and boosts collagen production, which reduces dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines (4) (5). It's a dual formula that provides anti-aging advantages along with minimizing oil production on the face. Overall, it's one of the best serums for oily skin, made with plant-based ingredients like aloe vera.

3

Best Hydrating Serum

ECLAT Natural Skincare Retinol Serum

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Having double Vitamin C's photoprotective qualities, this serum by ECLAT Skincare promotes cell rejuvenation. You can see effective results 6X faster than using Vitamin C alone. It has the most stable form of Vitamin C, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, that absorbs easily in the skin pores without causing irritation. In addition, the product also has optimum quantities of pure retinol for effective rejuvenation. Its carrier molecules, liposomes, can penetrate 3X deeper to reduce fine lines.

4

Best Anti-Aging Serum for Oily Skin

CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment

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Incorporated with lactic acid, glycolic acid, and ceramides, the formula by CeraVe Skin is best suited for dry, sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. Lactic and glycolic acid act as exfoliates and minimize visible aging signs, dark spots, and pores. The product also has Licorice Root Extract (a perennial legume herb) that brightens skin and reduces inflammation. Additionally, hyaluronic acid locks the skin's natural moisture. Ceramides are naturally occurring fats in skin cells making the skin barrier. Interestingly, the product has essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to maintain barrier potential. You can apply it at night to unlock its maximum benefits.

5

Best Niacinamide Serum

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

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Specifically made for oily skin types, this product by Beauty of Joseon is certified by GMP to ensure its safety. The formula is rich in propolis and niacinamide which help in managing acne and balancing skin tone respectively. Propolis has anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin against infections. Whereas niacinamide reduces melanin production which is the main cause of skin darkening. Additionally, it also has betaine salicylate that removes sebum from pores. This prevents clogging and inflammation. This is among the best serums for oily skin you may check out.

6

Best Vitamin C Serum

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

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Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is suitable for both men and women with oily and dry skin types. With this serum, you can get 20'year old flawless skin at any age. Loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and ferulic acid, this product tightens, brightens, and repairs skin without irritation. It improves skin texture and reduces skin discoloration to provide you with relatively younger skin if you're in your 30s or 40s.

7

Best for Enlarged Pores

SKINFOOD Peach Sake Pore Serum

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If excess sebum production and enlarged pores are the root cause of your skin problems, this serum might help you out. Made with peach extracts, the formula contains Vitamin A and Vitamin C along with silica powder that manages enlarged pores and controls excess sebum. Besides, it reduces acne and leaves clean and beautiful skin behind. You can use it daily for effective results. This might be the best serum for oily skin large pores.

8

Best for Brightening Skin

KLEEM Organics Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

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Formulated with natural ingredients, this serum by KLEEM Organics provides firmer skin in just 4 weeks. It has bioactive components such as jojoba, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamins C and E for deep skin repair and rejuvenation. Also, it contains witch hazel plant extracts that have anti-inflammatory properties and helps with itchy skin (6). The serum remains effective for a minimum of 24 hours, so you can appreciate a smooth and non-greasy look all day.

9

Best for Reversing Aging and Exfoliation

180 Cosmetics Beauty Is Timeless Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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Once you hit your 40s, aging signs tend to bother you. Hence, this serum might be worth your attention if you want your younger version in your 40s. Fortified with substances such as peptides, Vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, this product repairs, hydrates, and heals skin follicles. Aloe vera extracts keep the formula lightweight and non-sticky. Our findings show that this serum helps in eliminating dead skin cells and replenishes them to fill wrinkle folds and reduce visible aging signs.

10

Best for Protection Against UV Radiations

Zeal Sea Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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This serum for oily skin acts as a moisturizer and gets deeply absorbed to show results. Embedded with Vitamin B5, this product promotes skin reproduction, soothes existing follicles, and manages mild to moderate acne (7). In addition, the serum contains hyaluronic acid that intact moisture and plumps skin, while trehalose increases hydration effects and protects the skin from UV exposure and pollution (8). It comes in a transparent blue bottle with a unique design so you can check its purity from outside.

11

Bella Beauty Retinol Serum

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Enriched with glycerin, aloe vera, wheat germ oil, retinol, etc., this serum by Bella Beauty is one of the best retinol serums for oily skin. It's best suited for folks looking for anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, and anti-acne properties in a single product. Retinol promotes new cell formation, unclogs pores, and manages wrinkles (9). Other components, such as glycerin, aloe vera, etc., fade stretch marks and dark spots and prevent acne (10) (11).

12

Svr Sebiaclear Serum for Oily Skin

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The skin-friendly components, gluconolactone and niacinamide, are key ingredients to this serum that make it one of the best serums for oily skin and cosmetic lines. Gluconolactone is a mild exfoliator that kickstarts cellular production without causing irritation or drying skin (12). However, niacinamide has anti-oxidant properties and reduces fine lines.  It’s best suited for mature skin prone to acne. The serum efficiently corrects acne-leftover marks and red spots. It smells like aloe which makes you feel fresh all over the day.

13

PYUNKANG YUL Moisture Ampoule

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This serum by Korean beauty brand PYUNKANG YUL has 6 essential ingredients that promise healthy, glowing, and young skin. It has Barberry root as a key ingredient which is a good source of Vitamin C. The root extract unclogs skin pores and cleanses them to boost new cell formation. It also protects the skin from environmental stressors and conditions such as acne (13) and psoriasis. Well suited to oily and combination skin types, this liquid rapidly soothes your skin and reduces irritation.

14

MyCHELLE Dermaceuticals Clear Skin Serum

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Pamper your skin with MyCHELLE skin serum for a matte look. The formula absorbs extra oil and treats large pores by tightening the skin. The process is accompanied by natural ingredients and probiotic stem cell complexes. The serum diminishes fine lines and polishes skin texture. Cleaning agents such as silicones, sulfates, phthalates, petroleums, etc., remove dirt from pores and facilitate healing. To get a matte finish look, all you’ve to do is apply it every day (two pumps) after cleansing.

15

Pacifica Beauty, Kale Yeah! Redness Rehab Serum

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Made with the goodness of nature, this product by Pacifica Beauty is among the best face serums for oily skin. This contains natural stuff like pea proteins and apple extracts that reduce redness and free radicals. Also, it decreases the appearance of pore sizes and nourishes skin while maintaining its natural elasticity. Through our trial and error, we discovered that this product has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin by reducing irritation and redness.

Now that we've covered our product list for the best serum for oily skin, watch out for the buying guide below to choose the most effective product for yourself.

Here's what you need to consider while shopping for the best serum for oily skin. 

• Look for active ingredients: The first step is to look for serums that have bioactive agents, such as hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, retinol, etc., that can improve collagen production and maintain your skin's elasticity. Besides, these ingredients also help to maintain oily skin-associated problems including acne, blackheads, etc. 
• Look for specific concerns: You must choose a serum that solves your specific problem. For instance, if you have acne, you might consider buying serums that have anti-acne and anti-inflammatory properties. 
• Consult your doctor: It's always wise to get a go-ahead from your physician/dermatologist before applying any skincare product. This prevents you from any side effects of using a product. 

Customer reviews: Our research indicates that many customers are satisfied with the results offered by the serums mentioned above. Reading reviews of customers who have tried the products always makes the purchase easier.

There’s so much goodness in serums that it’s hard to resist. So here’s a quick guide on how to use serums for oily skin to reap its benefits:

1. Wash and exfoliate your skin thoroughly. You can double cleanse to make sure there’s no residue.

2. Apply toner if that’s a part of your skin care routine. Let it dry.

3. Now, take 2-3 drops of your serum and apply to damp skin.

4. Do not rub it in. Gently pat it on your skin and use a face roller if you wish to. 

5. Follow with face oil or moisturizer that is lightweight. This helps in better penetration of the serum. 

That’s it, it’s that easy!

Our skincare goals keep changing due to various factors that include weather, stress, work routine, and scalp health. Though there are all sorts of serums aligning with our beauty needs — from Korean serums to dermatologist-recommended expensive serums, it's important to understand that they work differently on different skin types. Managing oily skin type is always a challenge as it's more prone to skin problems like acne and pimples. A serum is all you need to level up your skincare routine while controlling excess oil and unlocking some extra benefits. Hence, the above-mentioned products might sort out your confusion so you can shop for the best serum for oily skin out there.