Best Serums for Oily Skin: 2024 Recommendations
Most effective serums for oily and acne-prone skin. Niacinamide, BHA, zinc, and vitamin C light formula recommendations and usage guide.
Best Serums for Oily Skin: Comprehensive Guide
Choosing the right serum is critical when oily skin struggles with excess sebum production, enlarged pores, and acne tendency. Wrong formulas can clog pores and increase oiliness; right choices provide sebum control, pore cleansing, and a matte appearance.
In this guide, we'll cover the most effective serum ingredients for oily skin, product recommendations, and correct usage strategies in detail. To confirm your skin type, check out our Skin Type Guide article.
Affiliate Disclosure
Why Is Serum Important for Oily Skin?
"I have oily skin, I don't need to use serum" thinking is one of the most common skincare mistakes. In reality, oily skin also needs active ingredients.
Oil Does Not Equal Moisture
Oily skin produces a lot of oil but this doesn't mean it's hydrated. Oily skin can also be dehydrated. Lack of water can cause skin to produce even more oil - a vicious cycle!
Benefits of Serum for Oily Skin
- Sebum control: Ingredients like niacinamide and zinc regulate oil production
- Pore cleansing: BHA penetrates pores to clear clogs
- Matte appearance: Right formulas provide all-day matteness
- Acne prevention: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Light moisture: Oil-free formulas hydrate skin without weighing it down
- Anti-aging: Oily skin ages too, preventive care is needed
Key Ingredients for Oily Skin
Recommended Ingredients for Oily Skin
Reduces sebum production by 20-40%, minimizes pore appearance.
Oil control, pores, tone evening - oily skin's best friend.
Oil-soluble, penetrates inside pores.
Pore cleansing, blackheads, acne prevention.
Antibacterial, sebum regulating.
Fights acne bacteria, controls oiliness.
Oil-free, light moisturizing.
Provides moisture but doesn't clog pores, light formula.
Antioxidant, brightening.
Fades acne scars, provides radiance, protects against free radicals.
Speeds up cell turnover.
Pores, acne scars, anti-aging - versatile active.
Ingredients to Avoid
Risky Ingredients for Oily Skin
The following ingredients can clog pores or increase oiliness.
- Heavy oils: Coconut oil, cocoa butter (comedogenic)
- Mineral oil: May clog pores on some skin
- Lanolin: Rich, heavy - too much for oily skin
- Isopropyl myristate: Known comedogenic
- Silicone-heavy formulas: May cause clogging on some skin
- Heavy occlusives: Vaseline, petrolatum (not on oily face)
Top 10 Oily Skin Serums
1. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
2% salicylic acid, green tea, and bisabolol. World's best-selling BHA. Cleanses pores, removes blackheads, soothes skin.
✓ World's #1 BHA
Paula's Choice BHA
Pros
- Gold standard BHA formulation
- Antioxidant protection with green tea
- Soothing with bisabolol
- Fragrance-free, non-irritating
- Economical - large size lasts long
Cons
- Premium price
- Pump may sometimes have issues
Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Green Tea Extract, Bisabolol
Who It's For: Blackheads, enlarged pores, all acne-prone skin
For detailed information about this product, check out our Paula's Choice BHA Review article. Also check out our Salicylic Acid (BHA) ingredient analysis for information about salicylic acid benefits.
2. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
10% niacinamide + 1% zinc. For sebum control, pore appearance, and tone evening. The Ordinary's best-selling product.
✓ Best price-performance
The Ordinary Niacinamide
Pros
- Very affordable price
- High niacinamide concentration
- Antibacterial support with zinc
- Easy to access
Cons
- May pill on some skin
- High concentration may irritate sensitive skin
- Minimal additional ingredients
Key Ingredients: 10% Niacinamide, 1% Zinc PCA
Who It's For: Oily skin, those seeking sebum control, those wanting budget-friendly option
Tip
If you experience pilling, move to the next step after the product is completely absorbed (2-3 min). Or avoid silicone-containing products.
3. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Contains 4% Betaine Salicylate. Enriched with willow bark water, cleanses blackheads and purifies pores.
✓ K-Beauty favorite
Key Ingredients: 4% Betaine Salicylate, Willow Bark Water
Who It's For: Sensitive oily skin, K-beauty lovers, those with blackhead concerns
Note: Betaine salicylate is gentler than pure salicylic acid but provides the same BHA effect.
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum
Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and LHA combination. Tightens pores, reduces spots, renews skin.
✓ Dermatology brand assurance
Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, LHA
Who It's For: Those with pores + spots + acne scars concerns, those seeking multi-targeted care
5. Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
10% niacinamide + vitamin C + licorice extract. Reduces pore appearance, brightens skin, improves tone irregularities.
✓ Advanced niacinamide formula
Key Ingredients: 10% Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Licorice Extract, Allantoin
Who It's For: Those wanting to "upgrade" from The Ordinary, those seeking brightening + sebum control
6. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
2% salicylic acid, minimalist formula. Effective for blackheads, pores, and acne. Light, watery texture.
✓ Most affordable BHA
Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid
Who It's For: Those seeking budget-friendly BHA, those preferring minimalist formula
7. SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
Vitamin C serum formulated for oily skin. Antioxidant + pore care with silymarin, ferulic acid, and salicylic acid.
✓ Special vitamin C for oily skin
Key Ingredients: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Silymarin, Ferulic Acid, 0.5% Salicylic Acid
Who It's For: Those seeking premium antioxidant, those wanting vitamin C + BHA combination
Expert Opinion
— Formulation ExpertSkinCeuticals Silymarin CF is the brand's vitamin C serum specially developed for oily skin. Unlike the standard CE Ferulic, it contains silymarin (milk thistle) antioxidant and salicylic acid.
8. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
2% alpha arbutin and hyaluronic acid. Brightening serum for acne scars and spots. Light formula for oily skin.
✓ Acne scar brightening
Key Ingredients: 2% Alpha Arbutin, Hyaluronic Acid
Who It's For: Those with post-acne spots (PIH) concerns, those seeking brightening
9. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Pro-Vitamin B5, ceramide, pineapple and watermelon extracts. Ideal light, gel-textured moisturizing serum for oily skin.
✓ Luxury light moisture
Key Ingredients: Pro-Vitamin B5, Watermelon Rind Extract, Pineapple Ceramide, Niacinamide
Who It's For: Those seeking oil-free but intense moisture, "clean beauty" lovers
10. Paula's Choice RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator
Paula's Choice RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator
Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and antioxidants. Anti-aging + pore care combined for oily skin.
✓ Anti-aging + oil control
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Antioxidants
Who It's For: 30+ oily skin, those seeking anti-aging + sebum control
Serum Selection by Skin Concern
Pores and Blackheads
For Pore Concerns
First Choice: Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Alternative: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Budget-Friendly: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%
Usage: Evenings, after cleansing, before moisturizer
Excessive Oiliness
First Choice: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Premium: Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Usage: Morning and evening, after cleansing
Tip
10% niacinamide may irritate some skin. If you experience sensitivity, switch to 5% concentration products or use every other day.
Acne and Pimples
Full Set Recommendation:
- BHA (morning or evening)
- Niacinamide + Zinc (other time)
- Spot treatment (when needed)
Spot Treatment: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
Acne Scars and Spots
First Choice: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% Premium: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum Vitamin C: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF (or budget-friendly alternative)
Usage: Vitamin C in morning, alpha arbutin or AHA in evening
Anti-Aging (Age 30+)
First Choice: Paula's Choice RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator Add Retinol: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (evenings). For detailed information about retinol, check out our Retinol Usage Guide and The Ordinary Retinol Review articles.
Serum Usage Guide for Oily Skin
Morning Routine
- Cleanser: Gentle foam or gel cleanser
- Serum 1: Niacinamide (sebum control)
- Serum 2: Vitamin C (optional, antioxidant)
- Moisturizer: Light, gel-textured
- SPF: Oil-free, matte-finish sunscreen
Evening Routine
- Double cleansing: Oil-based + water-based (if wearing makeup)
- Active serum: BHA or AHA (3-4 times per week)
- Treatment serum: Retinol (on non-BHA nights)
- Moisturizer: Light night cream or gel
Active Combination Warning
Do NOT use BHA + Retinol the same night. Can cause excessive irritation and dryness. Separate to different nights.
Weekly Plan Example
| Day | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Niacinamide | BHA |
| Tuesday | Niacinamide | Retinol |
| Wednesday | Vitamin C | BHA |
| Thursday | Niacinamide | Retinol |
| Friday | Vitamin C | BHA |
| Saturday | Niacinamide | Retinol |
| Sunday | Niacinamide | Rest (moisture only) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is serum necessary for oily skin?
Not necessary but highly recommended. Serums carry higher concentrations of active ingredients than moisturizers. Ingredients like niacinamide and BHA target oily skin's fundamental concerns.
Can oil-based serum be used for oily skin?
Yes, with careful selection. Non-comedogenic oils like squalane and jojoba oil can be used on oily skin. But avoid heavy oils like coconut oil and cocoa butter.
Can serum replace moisturizer?
No. Serum and moisturizer serve different functions. Serums carry active ingredients, moisturizers create a moisture barrier. Even oily skin should use a light moisturizer.
How many serums can be used at the same time?
Generally 2-3 serums is sufficient. More can cause pilling, absorption issues, and irritation risk. Quality > quantity.
Does oily skin need hyaluronic acid?
Yes! Hyaluronic acid provides oil-free moisture. Dehydrated oily skin produces even more oil. Maintaining moisture balance with HA helps regulate sebum production. For detailed information, check out our Hyaluronic Acid Guide article.
What should the serum order be?
General rule: Thin to Thick. Watery serums first, creamy serums after. Actives generally in this order: Acids then Water-based serums then Oil-based serums.
Conclusion
Choosing the right serum for oily skin plays a critical role in sebum control, pore cleansing, and acne prevention. Formulas containing niacinamide, BHA, and zinc meet oily skin's fundamental needs.
Our Recommendations:
- Pores/Blackheads: Paula's Choice 2% BHA
- Sebum Control: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Acne Scars: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2%
- Multi-Purpose: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum
- Anti-Aging: Paula's Choice RESIST Hydrator
Reminder
Oily skin also needs moisture. Keep your skin hydrated with light, gel-based formulas. The more balanced your skin, the less oil it produces.
If this guide was helpful, also check out our Paula's Choice BHA Review, Skin Type Guide, and Vitamin C Serum Guide articles.
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