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If you have oily skin type and want to make it look fresh and hydrated, here’s our list of the best serums for oily skin to help you choose the right one. Face serums help moisturize and nourish your skin to give you a healthy glow from within. Applying results-driven serums before going to bed addresses several skin concerns and allows your skin to repair and absorb the hydration for plump, smooth skin. With various products available, choosing the right serum may be challenging. So, scroll down to learn more.
Top Picks
18 Best Serums For Oily Skin To Keep It Hydrated In 2024
1. Best For Sensitive Skin: TruSkin Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 8,019 fine reviews on Amazon.
This highly concentrated hyaluronic acid serum is infused with active natural ingredients. Best face serum by TruSkin Natural for oily skin type helps reduce the appearance of fine lines by plumping the skin tissues. This dermatologically tested serum doesn’t cause breakouts and doesn’t leave you with a greasy or oily feel.
Pros
- Deeply hydrates the skin cells
- Infused with vitamins C and E
- Absorbs fast without clogging the pores
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Doesn’t leave any residue
- GMP-certified, cruelty-free, FDA-registered
Cons
- The fragrance may not be pleasant.
- The pump could be hard to press.
- The consistency might be thin.
Remember2. Best Non-Greasy: QRxLabs NiacinaMax Serum
QRxLabs NiacinMax Serum is a powerful skincare product that contains 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). Niacinamide is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and tackle uneven skin tone and dull skin. The clinically proven and non-greasy serum has a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and refreshed.
Pros
- Promotes a healthy-looking complexion
- Can improve skin barrier function
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
- Free of harsh chemicals and artificial or synthetic fragrances
Cons
- Some may not like the smell
- Might cause temporary flushing
3. Best Quick-Absorbing: Obagi Professional C Serum
The vitamin C-rich serum by Obagi can make the skin look youthful by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This professional-grade serum has a quick-absorbing formula that suits normal to oily skin. With regular use, the serum can give your skin a silky smooth appearance. In addition, the serum has L ascorbic acid, a skin-brightening agent that helps maintain the skin’s vitamin E levels.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Non-sticky formula
- Highly concentrated formula
- Reduces inflammations
Cons
- May get discolored due to oxidation
- Some may find the smell strong
TruSkin Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum Best For Sensitive Skin | QRxLabs NiacinaMax Serum Best Non-Greasy | Obagi Professional C Serum Best Quick-Absorbing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive | All | - |
| Dimensions | - | 1.38 x 1.41 x 4.92 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 3 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,019 | 190 | - |
| Price | $15.99 | $14.95 | $139 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Non-Comedogenic: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Face Serum
Face Serum with Collagen Peptide by Olay Regenerist for oily skin promises firmer-looking skin in a week. It comes with an anti-aging formula designed to enrich the skin by moisturizing it. This celebrity-endorsed hydrating serum for oily skin is formulated with collagen peptide to give you younger-looking skin.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight serum
- Reduces wrinkles in two weeks
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy
- Works well on all skin types
- Hydrates quickly
Cons
- May cause redness on sensitive skin
- Might feel heavy on the skin
Point to consider5. Best Chemical-Free: Elizabeth Mott Sure Thing! Vitamin C Serum
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 33 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
Elizabeth Mott’s Sure Thing! Vitamin C Serum is a powerful anti-aging product designed to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. This antioxidant serum contains Vitamin C that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and improves skin brightness. Its lightweight and non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and refreshed.
Pros
- Helps boost collagen production
- Suitable for all skin types
- No harsh chemicals or fragrances
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
Cons
- Might cause temporary redness
- Might leave a residue behind
6. Best For Oily Skin: Dr Song Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Face and Skin
This hyaluronic acid serum for oily skin by Dr Song is free of parabens and harmful chemicals and is formulated to give you the youthful skin that you desire. The oil-free serum for oily skin is also free of dyes and fillers and claims to give you radiant, soft, and even-toned skin.
Pros
- Reduces fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles
- Restores firmness and softness
- Balances the skin tone
- Contains natural ingredients
- Free of harsh or synthetic fragrances
Cons
- Takes time to dry
- May cause irritation to sensitive skin
7. Best To Treat Acne: Ecco Bella Anti Aging Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol Serum
Enriched with organic jojoba oil, green tea, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and various botanical extracts, this is a reliable serum that can take care of oily skin. The results-driven pore-minimizing serum for oily skin claims to give you firmer, fresher, and revitalized skin and fights the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars.
Pros
- Formulated with natural key ingredients
- May help lighten dark spots
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
- Free of alcohol and parabens
- Prevents breakouts by minimizing pores
- Repairs elastin to help fade acne scars
Cons
- May cause skin dryness
8. Best For Moisturization: Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum
Hydrate your skin with this face serum by Ecco Bella Beauty that is enriched with watermelon, apple, and lentil fruit extracts. You may apply it under a moisturizer for added hydration or use it alone to get younger-looking and healthy skin. The vitamin C and pomegranate extracts make it a reliable antioxidant-rich serum for oily skin. You can watch this review video to understand the features and benefits of this serum.
Pros
- Keeps skin hydrated
- Formula for long and short-term moisturization
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Alleviates tightness
- Non-greasy and non-sticky
Cons
- Might cause the skin to dry
- Might be costlier than other similar products
9. Best Vegan: Balancing Blue Tansy Face Oil – Skin Brightening Serum
Revitalize and brighten your skin with this balancing serum with anti-aging properties for oily skin by The Yellow Bird. Known for its proven efficacy, the serum is infused with natural ingredients, including jojoba oil, blue tansy, milk thistle, and camellia, which impart elasticity to the skin.
Pros
- Natural skincare formulation
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Adds glow to the skin
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains anti-glycation properties to slow skin aging
- Free of dyes and synthetic preservatives
Cons
- Smell may be unpleasant for some
- May cause irritation to sensitive skin
10. Best Dermatologist-Certified: Essa Skin Care Vita C Whip Vitamin C Serum Moisturizer
Powered with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, this is a potent face serum formulated for oily skin. It claims to minimize dullness and dark spots by boosting collagen production, making it ideal for dull skin. Get soft and supple skin with this cruelty-free and dermatologist-certified serum-in-cream formulation. Here’s a review video to help you understand the moisturizer better and make an informed choice.
Pros
- Natural, organic formulation
- Absorbs quickly
- Induced with anti-ageing key ingredients
- Hydrating and moisturizing
- Improves skin elasticity
Cons
- Has a greasy texture
- Bottle might run out quickly
11. Best With Green Tea: Ecco Bella Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum With Green Tea And Jojoba Oil
Enriched with Vitamin C, green tea, and jojoba oil, this hydrating serum can help tackle hyper skin pigmentation, wrinkles, and dark spots and is specially formulated for oily skin. Free of toxins, this formulation works on dark spots and acne scars and imparts firmness and smoothness to the skin.
Pros
- Made of botanical extracts and hyaluronic acid
- Anti-aging serum for dark spots
- Improves skin tone
- Makes skin youthful
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- No parabens, no alcohol
Cons
- Smell might be unpleasant for some
12. Best For Collagen Production: Bella Virtu Organics Vitamin C Serum
This is an oily skin serum containing rosehip oil, safflower oil, and chamomile oil. The natural formulation moisturizes skin, promotes skin cell generation, and boosts collagen production for healthier and younger-looking skin.
Pros
- Free of parabens and alcohol
- Anti-aging properties
- Protects the skin from harsh environmental conditions
- Moisturizes and hydrates skin
- Contains antioxidant properties for skin healing
- Enriched with fresh, natural ingredients
Cons
- The dropper may not be very convenient for use
13. Best For Day Wear: Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Pore Refining Treatment 4% BHA Serum
Bid adieu to large and congested pores with this serum for oily skin with 4% BHA and antioxidants for brighter and healthier skin. It comes with powerful but gentle exfoliating key ingredients that take good care of your skin. The clarifying serum also hydrates and moisturizes your skin with ease. Check out this simple review video to understand how the lightweight serum for oily skin works.
Pros
- Minimizes and clears congested pores
- Helps fight aging signs
- Cleans, tones, and moisturizes skin
- Comes with SPF for daywear
- Improves uneven skin texture
Cons
- Costlier than most other products
14. Best Advanced Formulation: Simplified Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals, this blemish control serum for oily skin is enriched with vitamins, aloe vera, green tea, and jojoba oil. It is an advanced formulation that reduces fine lines and wrinkles, prevents breakouts, and brightens the skin tone.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Cruelty-free, paraben-free
- Prevents breakouts
- Improves skin tone
- Hydrates skin
- Makes skin soft and supple
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Thick texture
- Feels heavy on the skin
15 Best For All Skin Types: Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum Vitamin C+
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 46,569 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum is packed with antioxidant properties. It reduces the redness of scars and softens them. It protects the skin against UV rays. Hyaluronic acid in the serum provides incredible hydration. This professional-grade acne-prone skin serum soothes troubled skin and reduces inflammation, giving it a natural glow. The exfoliating effect of salicylic acid fights blemishes and makes the skin look even.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types, including combination skin
- Includes organic ingredients
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Not suitable for broken skin
"Although skeptical about this product, the results have me convinced. It reduced my stubborn dark spots in a short period and even improved the overall texture and firmness. The scent seemed overpowering, but it faded after a while. Overall, it's been a great addition to my AM and PM routine."
16. Best Anti-Ageing: Simplified Skin Vitamin C Serum
This is a plant-based serum formulated with aloe vera, witch hazel, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid to treat wrinkles. It also treats hyperpigmentation and acne scars to give you a uniform skin tone.
Pros
- Anti-ageing formula
- Improves natural collagen production
- Repairs skin damage caused by UV rays
- Non-toxic and cruelty-free
- Shrinks pores
- Prevents breakouts
Cons
- May cause the skin to dry
- A little sticky
17. Best For Microcirculation: Raya Fruit Enzyme Serum
Infused with aloe vera, papaya enzymes, pineapple enzymes, and calendula extracts, this tried-and-tested serum for oily skin is effective in exfoliating dead cells and clogged pores. It leaves the skin feeling rejuvenated and facilitates a gentle biological peeling cycle.
Pros
- Contains exfoliating fruit enzymes
- Cruelty and paraben free
- Exfoliates clogged pores
- Loosens blackheads
- Improves microcirculation
- Increases cell turnover
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
- Could be harsh on mucous membranes
18. Best For Hydrating: Obupul Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin Care with Vitamin C & E
This 100% pure hyaluronic acid serum formula with natural key ingredients plumps the skin and helps reduce fine lines. It offers long-lasting hydration and improves overall skin texture. It is a completely vegan and cruelty-free composition for oily skin.
Pros
- Contains natural, organic ingredients
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Free of parabens, dyes etc.
- Forms a hydrating layer on the skin
- Firms and smoothens the skin
Cons
- Not recommended for sensitive skin
- Has a greasy, sticky texture
How To Apply Serum On Oily Skin?
Serums are infused with active ingredients and are highly concentrated. Therefore, apply it on clean skin. Active ingredients get absorbed when the skin is moist, warm, and clean.
Apply small dots of serum all over the face and then blend it with short but firm strokes. Tap your face gently with fingers until the serum gets absorbed. This helps the serum penetrate better.
Be gentle while applying it around your eyes, and do not get worried if there is a tingling sensation on your skin because it is normal. Make it a necessary step in your skincare routine to control your sebum production.
How To Choose The Right Serum For Oily Skin?
Here are some important points to keep in mind while picking a serum for oily skin:
1. Ingredients
Here are some ingredients that are ideal for oily skin:
Vitamin C: It is an essential component that is helpful in collagen building. Therefore, if you are looking for a serum with anti-aging benefits, choose one that contains vitamin C.
Retinol: Retinol is an ingredient that helps in reducing acne and wrinkles and building a uniform skin tone.
Humectant: In order to hold moisture on your skin, you need humectant. It helps maintain the natural water levels of the skin.
Plant-based ingredients: Dark spots, sun-spots, and scars can be treated with plant-based active ingredients that add a natural brightness and ensure an even-toned skin.
Anti-inflammatory ingredients: Look for ingredients like aloe vera and zinc that are added to control inflammation.
Antioxidants: Keep your skin protected from the environmental damages with antioxidants like pomegranate, green tea, or grape seed extracts.
Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, a dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says, “Hydrating your skin, even if it is oily, is crucial. When you have oily skin, hydrating it with hyaluronic acid-based serums can be extremely beneficial as to avoid excess oil while maintaining your skin’s moisture.”
2. Lightweight formulations
Serums have to be absorbed quickly by the skin, and for that, you need lightweight formulations that can penetrate with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is vitamin C serum good for oily skin?
Yes, vitamin C serum is good for oily skin. Excess oil production could be due to the lack of hydration, and vitamin C improves moisture retention of the skin and keeps it hydrated. It also helps in increasing collagen production and ensures faster healing of sunburns, acne scars, and blemishes.
2. Are 24k gold serums good for oily skin?
24K gold serums moisturize and brighten the skin by hydrating it right. Moreover, they add glow to the skin.
3. Can I use face serums on oily skin?
Sometimes the face produces excess oil to combat dryness. In such cases, using hydrating serums rich in oily skin-friendly and clinically proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can prove to be beneficial. However, include them as part of your daily skincare routine.
4. Is a face serum necessary for oily skin?
Hydration is important for good skin health. Most reputed oil-reducing serums provide the necessary moisturization while reducing and controlling oil production to a certain extent, which is crucial to keep pimples at bay. Plus, your skin gets the additional benefits of vitamin-rich formulations.
5. Do serums irritate acne-prone skin?
Serums heavy on oil-based ingredients can irritate oily and acne-prone skin. The ideal serums for acne could be ones containing salicylic acid in a limited amount. You can also look for a dermatologist-recommended serum to prevent breakouts.
6. How often should I apply a serum if I have oily skin?
Most serums for oily skin can be applied twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. However, it depends on the formulation and your skin sensitivity levels.
7. What should I not put on oily skin?
Serums that are based on oily and greasy ingredients such as coconut oil, seed oils, and wax should be avoided by oily skin folks.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag, our experienced product writer and reviewer, does extensive research to recommend great beauty products based on your skin type. Here, she lists some of the best serums for oily skin to help nourish and moisturize your skin for a healthy glow and supple texture. Poulami has also included an informative buying guide that lists the factors you should consider before purchasing the right serum for oily skin.
The Bottom Line
The best serums for oily skin help reduce pores and fine lines, manage acne breakouts, and nourish the skin from deep within. So, lay your hands on one that is moisturizing, like the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Face Serum, or one formulated with natural ingredients and free of harmful ingredients such as paraben and alcohol. You may opt for those that contain vitamin C, like the Obagi Professional C Serum or the TruSkin Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which contains hyaluronic acid. Some other beneficial ingredients you can look for are retinol, jojoba oil, green tea extracts, and botanical extracts. Lastly, opt for a serum based on the skin problem you wish to tackle.
Infographic: Tips For Applying Serum On Oily Face
Unlike normal and dry skin, oily skin can become oilier if you use regular moisturizers and creams. Therefore, oily skin requires unique formulations that can be quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving the skin oily. Serums usually have lightweight formulations for quick absorbance. But, for better results, it is essential to remember some pointers presented in the infographic below.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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