Best serum for oily skin

Let’s face it. Achieving the perfect skincare routine can be a minefield. From 12-step acts to must-have miracle ingredients, there are so many options out there that promise to deliver excellent results.

There’s one thing we can all agree on, though. Serums. While not necessarily a new phenomenon, more and more of us are choosing to incorporate active ingredients in our skincare routines.¹ Whether you’ve tried acid or you’re thinking about a vitamin product dermatologists tend to agree that adding a serum to your skincare could make a world of difference.²

What are serums?

Time for a quick recap. Serums are highly concentrated products that promise to deliver active ingredients directly into your skin. They tend to target particular areas of concern and contain high levels of certain elements to help you achieve results. They’re available in liquids or gels and have a lightweight texture.³ If you have oily skin, you might be wondering whether a serum is right for your skin type. The good news is that there are plenty of serums that can help care for oily skin, but the trick is choosing the right kind of ingredients.⁴ To help get you started, we’ve put together some more information below.

Why is serum good for oily skin?

Whether you often experience breakouts or feel like your skin looks a little too glowy, oily skin can feel tricky to take care of. Fear not, though. Serums are actually an excellent choice for oily skin, mainly as many products are water-based.⁵ They also tend to contain ingredients that can help to regulate oil and sebum, improve deep hydration, and much more.⁶ When used consistently, you may notice that your skin feels soothed and hydrated, while breakouts and excess oil are reduced.⁷

What oily skin serum ingredients to look out for?

Not all serums are created equal. Like we mentioned above, serums tend to be a targeted treatment. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right ingredients to help support your everyday beauty routine.

Some oily skin serum ingredients include:

• Vitamin C⁸
• Hyaluronic acid⁹
• Salicylic acid¹⁰
• Lactic acid¹¹
• Niacinamide¹²
• Glycerin¹³

How to use serums for oily skin

Usually, you’ll use serums on your skin after cleansing and toning but before moisturising. However, be sure to follow the label on your chosen face serum to be sure you’re getting the best benefit. As always, stop using the product if you notice any unwanted side effects.

It’s also important to remember that even oily skin needs proper hydration. While it might seem counterintuitive, applying moisturiser to oily skin helps to prevent your skin from going into oil-production overdrive.¹⁴ Just be sure to choose the right type of moisturisers that won’t clog your pores (look for ingredients like the list above, or products that say they’re non-comedogenic).

Last updated: 25 March 2021