The Best Serums For Oily Skin

If you’re looking for the best serum for oily skin, stop right here. Anyone with oily or acne-prone skin knows that finding effective skincare products that suit their skin can be a challenge. Why? Because if the skin is clogged up by a product, it’s likely to increase breakouts rather than help them.   

Oily skin can be caused by genetics, living in a humid or warm climate, or because the body is lacking in its own natural oil and is trying to make up for it with overproduction. Oil can also be stripped from the face when we cleanse or exfoliate too much, which can trigger the skin to overproduce oil – but the right serum could help control oil and nourish the skin at the same time. Beauty Daily spoke to skincare expert Ridah Syed, Senior Medical Aesthetician at  Skinfluencer London, for her advice on finding the best serum for oily skin. 

What is a serum?  

A serum is like an intense beauty shot for your skin. Serums are packed with active ingredients such as antioxidants and they often tackle specific skin issues – for example, salicylic acid serums target oil, vitamin C serums help with brightening the skin and hyaluronic acid serums hydrate the skin. 

Serums are usually thinner in texture, making them easier to absorb for the skin. They’re a great addition to any skincare routine, upgrading it to make it more nourishing and effective.  

What does a serum do for your face? 

As well as delivering active ingredients to your skin, serums can also help to balance oily skin. “Your skin’s oil glands produce a slick, waxy substance called sebum,” explains Syed. “But too much of this can lead to breakouts. By adding a serum to your skincare routine, you can control oil production without clogging the pores,” she continues.  

It is important, however, to ensure the serum you use contains ingredients proven to reduce oil and balance skin that’s prone to acne. 

Read next: Natural Eye Lash Serum To Boost Condition & Growth 

How to choose a face serum  

“Serums that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid, or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid, can be a good choice for oily or acne-prone skin,” says Syed. “These ingredients tend to unclog pores and help to clear acne, as well as prevent new acne and blackheads from forming,” she adds. “Another option is to use a serum with niacinamide, as it can regulate sebum production and decrease redness and inflammation caused by acne.” 

Read: Primers for oily skin: The ultimate buying guide

Best serums for oily skin  

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil – Combination To Oily Skin, £40

So much more than just a facial oil, this clever lightweight product helps to regulate sebum production, balance and tone the skin, provide hydration, improve skin texture, and calm down any irritation. 

Clarins Pore Control Serum, £48

A mattifying, velvet-textured formula that reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and a shiny, oily complexion. 

Acne serum for oily skin  

Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum, £32 

Packed with salicylic acid, essential oils and grape seed polyphenols, this serum gets to work on banishing excess oil and balancing out skin texture and tone. 

myBlend Superserum Blemishes, £60  

Oily skin that’s prone to blemishes? This science-backed formula contains key molecules such as salicylic acid and zinc that work in tandem to fight blemishes and rid the skin of excess oil. 

Anti-ageing serum for oily skin  

Clarins Double Serum Light Texture, £85

Luxurious and light, this formula is undoubtedly one of the best serums for oily skin, especially if you want to protect it from ageing. It contains a blend of plant-based ingredients that helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and an uneven skin tone.   

Anti-wrinkle serum for oily skin 

Clarins Extra-Firming Phyto Serum, £81 

Suitable for all skin types, this serum contains quinoa seed extract, mitracarpus, blue agave, and white lupine to tighten and firm skin without triggering it to produce excess oil. 

Hydrating serum for oily dehydrated skin 

Omorovicza Instant Perfection Serum, £96 

This oil-free serum absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it refreshed with a shine-free radiance. It’s suitable for all skin types, especially oily and acne prone. 

Antioxidant serum for oily skin 

Skinceuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum For Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin, £165 

Enriched with pure vitamin C, ferulic acid, and Silymarin, this nourishing serum is packed with antioxidants. It helps to reinforce the skin’s natural protection against oil oxidisation (that can lead to blemishes) and free radical damage. 

Read: The best foundations for oily skin: For a shine-free finish

Do you apply serum before or after a moisturiser?  

“Always apply serum before moisturiser,” Syed advises. “Serums are usually water-based formulas and are lightweight products that are easily absorbed into the skin. In many instances, moisturisers are oil-based and thicker than serums. Because oil repels water, applying an oil-based moisturiser before a water-based serum might prevent the skin from absorbing the active ingredients in the serum,” she continues. “Furthermore, the active ingredients in serums can penetrate deeply into the skin, ensuring they are optimally effective,” she concludes. 

How often should you use a serum for oily skin?  

Serum can be applied daily and incorporated into your normal skincare regime. Apply serum after a cleanser for oily skin but before a moisturiser suitable for oily skin for best results. 

Read next: What Is Oily Skin And How To Balance It