13 Best Serums for Oily Skin in 2024: Dermatologist-Approved Picks
Expert Approved Serums for Oily Skin: Fight Excess Shine, Minimize Pores, and Prevent Breakouts with These Top Picks
If you struggle with excess shine, enlarged pores, or frequent breakouts, your search for the perfect serum ends here. Oily skin requires lightweight, targeted care—with the right formula, serums can help minimize oiliness without stripping your complexion. To help you find your best match, we’ve rounded up 13 best serums for oily skin in 2024, vetted by top dermatologists and supported by real user reviews.
Below you’ll find expert advice, ingredient highlights, pros and cons for each serum, and essential guidance on how to shop for your next oily skin hero.
Quick Overview: Top Serums for Oily Skin
- Best Overall: Fenty Skin Fat Water Niacinamide Pore-Refining Toner Serum
- Best for Texture and Pores: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
- Best Budget: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin
- Best Sensitive: The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
- Best Lightweight: Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
What Makes a Great Serum for Oily Skin?
Oily skin needs formulas that control shine, reduce congestion, and hydrate without heaviness. Look for these benchmarks when shopping:
- Lightweight and Oil-Free: Water-based serums absorb quickly and don’t clog pores.
- Non-Comedogenic: These won’t block pores or contribute to breakouts.
- Key Actives: Niacinamide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, zinc, and hyaluronic acid help manage oil, prevent congestion, and balance skin.
- No Heavy Oils/Butters: Avoid occlusive ingredients that might exacerbate oiliness.
Dermatologist Insight: How to Choose the Best Serum
- Brand Transparency: Dr. Tiffany Clay recommends prioritizing reputable brands with clear ingredient lists.
- Consider Your Specific Concerns: Whether it’s acne, pores, dark spots, or dehydration, target serums that address your main issues—not just your skin type.
- Sensitivity Matters: Don’t overload your skin with aggressive actives; even oily skin can be sensitive. Start slow and patch-test new products.
13 Best Serums for Oily Skin
1. Fenty Skin Fat Water Niacinamide Pore-Refining Toner Serum
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Barbados cherry extract, witch hazel
- Texture: Thicker, dual-purpose ‘toner serum’ for fingertip application
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros:
- Available in a fragrance-free option
- Improves tone and texture with continued use
- Hydrates for a dewy, plump finish
Cons:
- Certain acids may be irritating for sensitive skin types
User Review: “After using this, I can see a difference in the size of my pores. It’s improved my skin tone and feels great under makeup.”
2. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
- Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice extract, lemongrass, arnica
- Texture: Richer, almost moisturizing
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
Pros:
- Can double as a night-time moisturizer
- Refines uneven texture and smooths fine lines
Cons:
- May be too rich for very oily skin
- Higher price point
User Review: “It instantly plumps my fine lines and improves skin clarity and texture. Pricey but worth it.”
What others are reading
3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (10%), Zinc PCA (1%)
- Texture: Lightweight, fast absorbing
- Best For: Sensitive, breakout-prone skin
Pros:
- Improves appearance of pores and texture
- Affordable option
- Suitable for most skin types
Cons:
- May pill with heavy layering
User Review: “Completely changed my skin texture; my forehead bumps and flakes are gone.”
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, salicylic acid, LHA, glycolic acid
- Texture: Water-light
- Best For: Oily, acne-prone skin
Pros:
- Unclogs pores and smooths texture
- Regulates excess oil and minimizes blemishes
- Helps fade post-acne marks
Cons:
- May be too potent for sensitive skin
- Mid-tier price
User Review: “Really helped my blemish-prone skin and leaves it feeling fresh.”
5. The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (10%), Hyaluronic Acid (1%)
- Texture: Silky, easily absorbed
- Best For: Sensitive, dry, or dull skin needing oil control
Pros:
- Simplified formula for sensitive skin
- Affordable and effective for reducing oil/redness
- Hydrates without heaviness
Cons:
- Dispenser may spill
User Review: “Very gentle. When I use it twice a day, I see a real brightening effect.”
6. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
- Key Ingredients: 10% Niacinamide, Resveratrol
- Texture: Lightweight, liquid
- Best For: Oily skin, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation
Pros:
- Soothes while targeting big pores and oil production
- Brightens and balances skin
Cons:
- Pricey
User Review: “Left my skin more even toned, clearer, smoother, brighter & more balanced.”
How to Choose the Best Serum for Oily Skin
- Go for Lightweight, Oil-Free Formulas: Hydrate without clogging pores by favoring serums that list ‘water’ as their base and highlight humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
- Mind Your Sensitivity: Oily skin is not immune to irritation. Introduce new actives gradually, and don’t layer too many exfoliants or retinol at once.
- Target Other Concerns: Opt for ingredients that address your secondary concerns, be it breakouts (salicylic acid), redness (niacinamide), or fine lines (retinol).
Tips for Applying Serums on Oily Skin
- Cleanse thoroughly with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser first.
- Apply serum while skin is slightly damp for better absorption.
- Use only a pea-sized amount—more isn’t better.
- Layer with an oil-free moisturizer for best results.
Understanding Ingredients: What Works for Oily Skin?
- Niacinamide: Regulates oil production, minimizes appearance of pores, and balances tone.
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): Unclogs pores, reduces acne, exfoliates gently.
- Lactic Acid (AHA): Smooths rough texture, brightens dullness without over-drying.
- Zinc: Helps calm inflammation and reduce excess sebum.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Draws moisture into skin; hydrates without heaviness.
- Witch Hazel: Natural astringent, reduces shine and the look of pores (may be irritating for some sensitized skin types).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often should I use a serum for oily skin?
A: Most serums are designed for daily use, morning and/or night. Always follow specific product instructions and monitor your skin for irritation.
Q: Can oily skin benefit from hydrating serums?
A: Yes. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid prevent dehydration that can lead skin to overproduce oil.
Q: Should I avoid all oils in my serum?
A: Not necessarily—some light oils (like squalane) can benefit oily skin, but heavy, occlusive oils and butters are best avoided.
Q: Can serums help shrink pores?
A: Serums containing niacinamide, zinc, and certain acids can help minimize the appearance of pores, but size is largely genetic.
Q: What ingredients should be avoided if I have oily, sensitive skin?
A: Avoid strong fragrances, denatured alcohols, and potent exfoliants in high amounts, as they can trigger inflammation or breakouts.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Tiffany Clay, MD: Atlanta-based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in skin of color, cancer prevention, and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Laurel Naversen Geraghty, MD: Medford, Oregon board-certified dermatologist focused on early detection, pediatric dermatology, and aesthetics.
Serum Comparison Table
| Serum Name | Best For | Key Ingredients | Texture | Price Range | Cruelty-Free? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fenty Skin Fat Water | Oil control, enlarged pores | Niacinamide, witch hazel | Thick, serum-toner | $$ | Yes |
| Sunday Riley Good Genes | Texture, fine lines | Lactic acid, licorice | Creamy | $$$ | Yes |
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Budget, oily & sensitive | Niacinamide, zinc | Light gel | $ | Yes |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar | Blemishes, acne | Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, LHA | Water-light | $$ | No |
| The Inkey List Niacinamide | Sensitive, redness | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Silky gel | $ | Yes |
| Sunday Riley B3 Nice | Oily, texture, brightening | Niacinamide, resveratrol | Liquid | $$$ | Yes |
Choosing a serum tailored to your unique needs can make a significant difference in oil control, skin clarity, and overall radiance. Experiment, patch test, and consult with your dermatologist for best results.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g46283698/best-serums-for-oily-skin/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/skincare/g34271464/niacinamide-serum/
- https://ubeauty.com/blogs/awards/cosmopolitan-1
- https://katiniskin.com/blogs/press/cosmopolitan-the-holy-grail-acne-awards
- https://madhippie.com/pages/press
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/your-skincare-routine-order-explained
- https://www.zinio.com/publications/cosmopolitan-uk/5519/issues/674646/articles
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