17 Best Vitamin C Serums for Oily Skin And Its Sheer Rejuvenation

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 20, 2024
Vitamin C Serums for Oily Skin And Its Sheer Rejuvenation
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Vitamin C is one of the potent ingredients found in a majority of skincare products, especially serums (1). And to help you indulge in its magnificent skin-nourishing properties, we’ve got you a list of the best vitamin C serums for oily skin because when it comes to the mentioned skin type, excessive sebum, greasiness, acne, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation come uninvited. But, you can bid adieu to them all simply by incorporating a phenomenal vitamin C serum into your skincare regime. It helps in stimulating cells and rejuvenating your skin. To know how it helps your skin, check out our article till the end.

How Helpful is a Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin?

Vitamin C serum is a water-soluble antioxidant that aids in protecting your skin from oxidative stress and neutralizing free radicals. Furthermore, it influences collagen growth and synthesis while stimulating qualitative changes in the collagen molecule. On the other hand, it is colorless and can be mixed with other skincare products like creams and moisturizers. To note more, vitamin C serums are of great help in dealing with hyperpigmentation, tissue inflammation, and the promotion of tissue healing(1).

The reasons to love a vitamin C serum are plenty. And if you wish to experience a few, then ahead is our fanciful list of the best facial serums for oily skin that you should think of investing in.

17 Best Vitamin C Serums for Oily Skin

Adding vitamin C to your daily AM routine is non-negotiable. This serum by Sunday Riley is your one-stop destination! Whether you're struggling with pigmentation, dark spots, dullness, or textured skin, this serum transforms your skin overnight. Suitable for all skin types, it has a soothing orange scent that leaves you feeling fresh. Get even skin tone, youthful skin, and firmer texture with this high-concentrated facial serum. Whether you're a beginner or a skincare connoisseur, adding this vitamin C serum by Sunday Riley is the transformation your skin is in desperate need of. 

Pros
  • Instant results
  • Reduces pigmentation
  • Reduces the appearance of pores
  • Soothes random bumps
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • Best for Fine Lines

    StriVectin Multi-Action Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Face Serum

    StriVectin Multi-Action Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Face Serum
  • Those who are trying to target numerous skincare conditions need to add StriVectin's vitamin C and retinol face serum. Enriched with acerola cherry extract, this serum is lightweight and non-greasy. It not only brightens your skin but also adds a natural, and long-lasting glow. The serum aids in combating saggy skin, fine lines, pigmentation, and uneven texture. It further restores radiance to dull, tired skin. Not just that, this serum also accelerates the production of collagen and promotes elasticity. 

    Pros
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Reduces fine lines
    • Reduces dark spots
    • Smoothens uneven texture
    Cons
    • Not travel-friendly
  • Editor’s Choice

    TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum

    TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum
  • Our very first recommendation is Truskin’s vitamin C facial serum that is loaded with the goodness of vitamin E, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid. It is a fail-proof serum for oily skin that helps to even out skin tone and reduce the signs of aging, such as dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Furthermore, it aids in fighting free radicals and seamlessly works to amp up the radiance of your skin. What made it earn more than one lakh ratings on Amazon is the fact that it improves your overall skin quality and texture. The best part — it can be used not only on your face but also on your body.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Available in 3 more sizes
    Cons
    • Might not suit very sensitive skin
  • Amazon’s Choice

    SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum

    SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum
  • The next on our list is an impeccable day glow serum from the renowned Korean beauty brand named SeoulCeuticals. What makes it the best vitamin C for oily acne-prone skin is its luxe blend of potent ingredients, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, citrus stem cells, ferulic acid, Centella (cica), and aloe vera that enhance your skin complexion. Moreover, it features an anti-aging formula that aids in visually reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and dark spots. Also, for anyone who is looking for a skincare product to prevent acne and breakouts, this one has to be the ideal choice.

    Pros
    • Promotes youthful complexion
    • Shrinks pores
    • Budget-friendly
    • 72% organic
    Cons
    • Tightens the skin
  • Most Cost-effective

    Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum

    Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum
  • While researching for the best face serum for oily skin, we came across this 10% vitamin C face serum introduced by Minimalist which will help you attain healthy and glowing skin in no time. This serum is what you need in your hands for three reasons. Firstly, it has a soothing, hydrating, and non-irritating formula that works toward brightening and illuminating your skin from within. Secondly, it is infused with Centella water, acetyl glucosamine, and ethyl ascorbic acid that combat dullness and protect your skin from sun damage. Topping it all off, this serum is non-comedogenic, oil-free, hypoallergenic, and free from harsh toxins.

    Pros
    • Gender neutral
    • Cost-effective
    • Unscented
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Sensitive skin-safe
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best Anti-aging Formula

    Radha Beauty Vitamin C Serum

    Radha Beauty Vitamin C Serum
  • Here is another good vitamin C serum for oily skin from Radha Beauty. What we really love is its anti-aging formula and powerful blend of potent ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, botanical extracts, and hyaluronic acid that work toward elevating your skin's radiance and quality. In addition, this serum is non-greasy and non-sticky and doesn’t leave behind any kind of residue. Let us also tell you that it helps you reduce the appearance of your wrinkles and fine lines, and thereby leaves your skin feeling healthy, fresh, and renewed.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Can be applied underneath makeup
    • Cruelty-free
    • Pocket-friendly
    Cons
    • Unpleasant scent
  • Best for All Skin Types

    ZPM 24K Gold Advanced Gold Serum

    ZPM 24K Gold Advanced Gold Serum
  • 24K Gold Advanced Gold Serum is loved for its mysterious formula brought to you straight from ancient Egypt. It is not a mere vitamin C serum for oily skin, rather the serum is an antioxidant that promotes cell regeneration and metabolism. Additionally, this serum accelerates the production and synthesis of collagen and brings back your skin’s lost radiance. Not just that, it improves your skin texture, reduces pores, smoothes wrinkles and fine lines, and helps in bidding adieu to dark spots.

    Pros
    • Calms inflammation
    • Reduces redness
    • Safe for sensitive skin
    • Anti-aging properties
    Cons
    • Little sticky texture
  • Best for Pigmentation

    Insta Skincare Vitamin C Facial Serum

    Insta Skincare Vitamin C Facial Serum
  • Based on our team’s research, Insta Skincare’s vitamin C facial serum visibly lightens dark spots and brightens your skin with its luxurious blend of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe vera. Furthermore, this serum flawlessly aids in reducing hyperpigmentation while promoting a healthy glow. What makes it so unique is the fact that it stimulates collagen production and protects your skin from pollution, sun damage, and environmental aggregators. So for all those who wish to attain hydrated and healthy skin, this serum is what you need to incorporate into your regime.

    Pros
    • Calms inflammation
    • Evens skin tone
    • Reduces acne
    • Ideal for sensitive skin
    Cons
    • Takes time to absorb
  • Best Unisex Formula

    Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

    Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
  • We glanced through the features of this vitamin C serum from Mad Hippie and were surprised to see that it has managed to garner more than two thousand ratings on Amazon for its antioxidant, anti-aging, and hydrating properties. To add on, this best antioxidant serum for oily skin is made from hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to take you a step ahead in achieving the healthy and glowy skin of your dreams. Besides, it is a gentle and non-oxidizing serum ideal for both men and women. The best part — it improves your skin texture and fades away discoloration.

    Pros
    • Tightens skin
    • Best for sun-damaged skin
    • Reduces dark spots
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Little pricey
  • Best Brightening Serum

    Paula's Choice BOOST C15 Super Booster

    Paula's Choice BOOST C15 Super Booster
  • Paula’s Choice has introduced the best vitamin C serum for oily acne skin called Super Booster. It is enriched with 15% vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. With consistent use, you can see a major difference in your skin texture and overall quality. Firstly, it visibly brightens your skin, defends it against free radical damage, and improves its appearance in a very short span of time. To note more, you can also mix this serum with your moisturizer or simply wear it alone for a firmer-feeling skin. The most impressive part — it is fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Science-backed formula
    • Best for everyday use
    • Targets post-acne marks
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Very expensive
  • COSRX The Vitamin C 13 Serum

    COSRX The Vitamin C 13 Serum
  • Our findings show that this best face vitamin C serum for oily skin introduced by the Korean beauty brand COSRX is one of the most lightweight serums to rely on a daily basis. It helps in fighting against the signs of aging and improving your complexion. That’s all because of its potent ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe vera that aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines, crow’s feet, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. So to improve your skin condition and even your skin tone, add this serum to your cart without any second thoughts.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Amazon’s Choice
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Free from phthalates
    Cons
    • Smells weird
  • Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

    Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
  • Mario Badescu’s vitamin C Serum is renowned for its lightweight formula that suits all skin types. With vitamin C, collagen, lavender oil, and sodium hyaluronate, this serum supports collagen production, defends against free radical damage, and boosts hydration. Additionally, it plumps your skin and uncovers youthful complexion with consistent use. What we really like is the fact that it helps fade away the signs of aging while retexturizing your skin!

    Pros
    • Fragrance-free
    • Antioxidant-enriched serum
    • Penetrates quickly
    • Ideal for AM and PM use
    Cons
    • Little pricey
  • Beauty By Earth Hyperactive Anti-aging Vitamin C Serum

    Beauty By Earth Hyperactive Anti-aging Vitamin C Serum
  • The next on our list is the best vitamin C serum for oily sensitive skin from the brand Beauty by Earth. This serum is indeed a magical elixir infused with antioxidants to help fight premature signs of aging. In addition, it features a hyperactive anti-aging blend to tighten and brighten your skin. Furthermore, it contains ferulic acid, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to promote cell growth and synthesis. So for anyone who wants to elevate their skincare game, this serum is what you need to invest in.

    Pros
    • Pleasant scent
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Reduces the appearance of dark spots
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Clean Skin Club Vitamin C Brightening Booster Serum

    Clean Skin Club Vitamin C Brightening Booster Serum
  • Clean Skin Club’s vitamin C brightening serum is a must-have for three reasons. First, it is crafted to supercharge your skin with vitamins and elevate your radiance. Secondly, it is an ideal antioxidant that breaks down dead skin cells and blurs dark spots. In addition, this serum protects your skin from sun damage, free radical damage, pollution, and other environmental stressors. Topping it all off, with its natural exfoliating acids, it stimulates collagen production for firmer-looking skin.

    Pros
    • Loaded with anti-microbial properties
    • Amazon’s choice
    • Inexpensive
    • Soothes skin
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum

    Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum
  • While researching for the best vitamin C serum for oily acne-prone skin, we came across this one from Obagi Medical. This serum is loved for its ability to minimize the signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. To note more, it possesses a concentrated and fragrance-free formula which is also suitable for sensitive skin. What left us in awe is the fact that it penetrates into your skin quickly and elevates your natural complexion with consistent usage.

    Pros
    • Softens skin
    • Non-greasy texture
    • A little goes a long way
    • Leaves no residue behind
    Cons
    • Extremely expensive
  • Hims Vitamin C Serum

    Hims Vitamin C Serum
  • Hims vitamin C serum is exclusively crafted for men who wish for a youthful and glowing complexion. This highly concentrated and lightweight serum is also a power-packed antioxidant that helps in reducing skin discoloration and the appearance of wrinkles. Plus, it has a non-greasy texture and doesn’t look blotchy when applied. The reason why we recommend this serum is because it not only suits oily skin but also dry skin, combination skin, and mature skin and possesses a refreshing citrusy fragrance.

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly
    • Sulfate-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Penetrates quickly
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

    Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
  • Lastly, we recommend Glow Recipe’s Guava vitamin C dark spot serum which is made for all skin types. It features a non-sticky texture and comes with an encapsulation technology that prevents and treats dark spots and acne marks over time. Addedly, it is enriched with guava extract and antioxidants that defends your skin against free radical damage. Plus, it contains tranexamic acid which is clinically proven to calm down redness and inflammation.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Free from mineral oils
    • Vegan
    • Brightens skin
    Cons
    • Pricey

    That was our comprehensive list of the best vitamin C serums for oily skin. Now, let us run you through our detailed buying guide.

    How to Pick the Best Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best vitamin C serum for oily acne-prone skin - 

    Skin Type: Make sure you analyze your skin type thoroughly before investing in the best brightening serum for oily skin. Some of the serums are crafted especially for acne-prone oily skin, whereas some are perfect for sensitive skin. So to avoid any reaction, inflammation, redness, blemishes, or acne, it is advisable to analyze your skin type.

    Key Ingredients: Ensure that you pick the best vitamin C serum for oily skin that is enriched with skin-nourishing, hydrating, and active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, botanical extracts, and antioxidants that help elevate your skin’s radiance and reduce the signs of aging, uneven skin tone, brown spots, dark circles, and appearance of pores. A hydrating and moisturizing serum will leave your skin rejuvenated, and make you look more youthful. Avoid investing in a serum that is infused with synthetic fragrances, parabens, gluten, phthalates, sulfates, and silicones. 

    Formula: Always invest in a serum that comes with a quick-absorbing and lightweight formula. In addition, it is wise to get your hands on a dermatologically recommended, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free serum that helps in tackling aging signs and discoloration better.

    Texture: Get your hands on a board-certified dermatologist-tested serum that is light on the skin and possesses a non-sticky, and non-greasy texture. Secondly, it neither should make your skin look blotchy nor leave any residue behind.

    After taking note of the above-mentioned aspects, roll your eyes over a few steps to use a vitamin C serum for oily skin accurately.

    How to Apply Vitamin C Serum on Oily Skin?

    Below are the steps that you need to follow while applying the best vitamin C serum for oily skin - 

    Step 1: Cleanse your face with a face wash or cleanser. Damp gently. 

    Step 2: Apply your toner, if any.

    Step 3: Pour a little drop of your vitamin C serum on your palm or use the dropper for direct application. 

    Step 4: Spread it all over your face and neck until absorbed with gentle hands. Do not rub igorously. 

    Step 5: Wait for a minute to let it absorb completely and seal your skin with a moisturizer. 

    Tada, you are done! Now, get to know the benefits of using a good serum for oily skin.

    Benefits of Using a Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin

    The following are a few benefits of using vitamin C serums for oily skin -

    1. A vitamin C serum protects your skin against sun damage. 
    2. It hydrates, nourishes, and moisturizes your skin. 
    3. It calms down inflammation and reduces redness.
    4. It reduces the signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, etc.
    5. It brightens and tightens your skin. 
    6. It shrinks open pores and strengthens your skin barrier.
    7. It defends your skin against free radical damage.
    8. It protects your skin against pollution and environmental aggregators.
    9. It softens and soothes irritated skin.
    10. It amps up your complexion and evens out skin tone.

    That was all about the best vitamin C serums for oily skin that you should think of snagging right away. These serums are not mere skincare products rather they are the real game-changers that take you a step closer to achieving the skin of your dreams. They stimulate cell synthesis and growth to leave your skin rejuvenated and lustrous. Secondly, these serums protect your skin from harmful environmental stressors and help resolve your skin-related woes seamlessly. So to bid farewell to dark spots, acne, hyperpigmentation, and dullness, incorporate the best serum into your skincare routine right away. Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Can vitamin C serum cause pimples?
    Yes, if the vitamin C serum is highly concentrated or not meant for your skin type, it can cause pimples.
    Can we apply vitamin C serum daily?
    Yes, you can apply vitamin C serum twice every day.
    Can a vitamin C serum clog pores?
    Yes, a vitamin C serum can clog pores, however, a non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic serum will help in detoxifying your skin.
    Does a vitamin C serum lighten your skin?
    Not really, but a vitamin C serum can help brighten your skin and enhance its natural radiance.
    How long does it take for vitamin C serum to show off its efficacy?
    A vitamin C serum will show off its efficacy within 3 weeks to up to two months.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified skincare coach, Anoushka, is always looking out for ways to take good care of her skin. And this time, she invested her time and energy in meticulously curating the best vitamin C serums for oily skin. She believes that vitamin C is a powerful ingredient that helps revitalize your skin. Personally, she loves TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum that is dermatologically-tested and works toward brightening the skin. You can also take a look at the rest of her top picks and incorporate the best of the best into your regime.  

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More