With top picks from Naturium, The Inky List, L’Oreal Paris and more
From radiance boosters and exfoliators to plumpers and anti-agers, there’s a serum for virtually every skincare goal and concern. But beyond what you’d like to achieve, your skin type should also factor in when browsing products. If you have oily skin, you probably already know it doesn’t play well with all formulas.
“Oilier skin types should avoid serums packed with oil and other comedogenic (blackhead- and whitehead-forming) ingredients,” says board-certified dermatologist Lian A. Mack, MD. Instead, she recommends products containing hyaluronic acid for plumping and smoothing, antioxidants like vitamin C for radiance-boosting, alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids for light exfoliation, and retinoids for, well, pretty much everything.
We conducted hours of research on the best serums, evaluating them on active ingredients, skin feel, absorption, and overall results. After consulting with an esthetician, a dermatologic surgeon, and a dermatologist, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated 13 serums for oily skin.
Best Overall: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, is a fan of niacinamide (vitamin B3) for oily complexions, and this serum from Naturium serves it with a generous 12%concentration. Not only does the antioxidant help balance oil production, but it can also calm inflammation, prevent breakouts, and provide an all-around more radiant complexion.1
It also contains zinc PCA (short for ??pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) to optimize the benefits of niacinamide while reducing potential irritation.2 Lastly, you’ll get hyaluronic acid, arguably the most popular ingredient found in serums, and for good reason. “Hyaluronic acid is a large molecule that sits on top of the skin,” Dr. Mack says. “It pulls water to the cells, creating a plumping, smoothing effect.”3 We just wish it was easier to tell when we’re running out of serum (the bottle is opaque).
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc PCA, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E | Size: 1 oz | Dosage: Even layer twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget: The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
You can always count on The Inkey List for exceptional formulas at wallet-friendly price points, and this clean serum is no exception. It calls on niacinamide and squalane, a natural moisturizer, to balance your skin’s oil production, then plumps it up with hyaluronic acid.4The downside is that it doesn’t layer well, so if you have an extensive multi-product beauty regimen, this one might not be for you.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 oz | Dosage: Pea-size amount twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge: Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment
Dr. Engelman recommends the fan-favorite Good Genes for those in the market for an exfoliating formula primarily due to one key ingredient. “Lactic acid, derived from dairy, is gentle on the skin and is even safe enough to use during pregnancy,” she tells Byrdie. “It improves discoloration and age spots, and corrects pH imbalances.”
We like that this formula includes licorice and lemongrass to tackle dark spots and prickly pear extract for soothing redness and sensitivity.5 However, exfoliators like lactic acid can aggravate sensitive skin and some reviewers reported that the directions for using the product were unclear.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, prickly pear, licorice extract | Size: 1 oz or 1.7 oz | Dosage: 1 or 2 pumps daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Plumping: Monat Hydration Booster
Monat’s Hydration Booster Serum is ultra-hydrating, but its oil-free formula won’t clog shiny, breakout-prone skin. “Products like Monat’s Hydration Booster serum make the skin look softer, smoother, and more youthful in appearance without increasing oil production or clogging pores,” Dr. Mack says. “Coconut water combined with hyaluronic acid is like a tall glass of water for the skin.”
The product also boasts antimicrobial marine algae to fight breakouts, and vegan collagen for a more youthful complexion.6The only thing we don’t love is that it contains polyethylene glycol (PEGs). Although they are considered safe by the FDA, the process of producing PEGs can create carcinogenic byproducts, which makes some experts wary.7
Key Ingredients: Coconut water, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 oz | Dosage: Small amount twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Vitamin C: Sephora Collection Super Glow Serum with Vitamin C+E
Dr. Mack is a fan of vitamin C for oily skin. The powerful antioxidant protects against free radical damage, evens skin tone, and promotes collagen production, providing a smoother and more radiant appearance.8
We saw noticeable results with Sephora’s Ultra Glow Serum, which combines vitamin C with anti-inflammatory vitamin E and peptides (amino acids known to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen) to deliver a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.910
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, peptides | Size: 1 oz | Dosage: A few drops daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Retinol: Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
Retinol’s ability to increase cell turnover all while clearing clogged pores and debris, make it a particularly useful ingredient for oily skin. Among serums containing the vitamin A derivative, Fusion PM shines above the competition. It uses a time-release version of retinol which works gradually, minimizing irritation and other potential side effects while maximizing the skin-smoothing, retexturizing, and complexion-enhancing results. Be warned that a minority of reviewers complained the product gave them acne, which can be an initial side effect of using retinol, known as a “purge.”
Key Ingredients: Microencapsulated retinol, squalane | Size: 1 oz | Dosage: Small amount nightly | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Gentle: Paula’s Choice Resist Antioxidant Serum
Oily skin can absolutely be sensitive too, and if that applies to you, you’ve likely experienced serums that take care of the oil but also irritate the skin. That’s when you turn to a lightweight serum like this one from Paula’s Choice. It contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C, three of the ingredients recommended by Dr. Mack and Dr. Engelman. The concentrate is gentle enough to use morning and night, offering soothing hydration, plumper skin, and a dewy finish. It does contain PEGs though, so consider that before you purchase.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C | Size: 1 oz | Dosage: 1 or 2 pumps twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Mature Skin: No7 Protect & Perfect Serum
Mature skin that’s prone to being oily can be tricky to maintain since most serums for mature skin are stuffed with moisturizing elements that can also clog pores. Boasting a proprietary complex of retinol, peptides, rice protein (which helps with moisture retention and elasticity), and hyaluronic acid, No7 Protect & Perfect covers all the bases for mature skin without adding oil.11 Apply the product to your face and neck before bedtime and you should wake up with smoother, more even-toned skin. Note some reviewers said they weren’t sure if the serum was penetrating their skin.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, rice protein, hyaluronic acid, retinyl palmitate | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: Small amount daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum
If your oily skin is also pimple-prone, this little pink tube is your best bet. It leans on tranexamic acid and azelaic acid—which are much gentler than they sound—to provide mild chemical exfoliation, smooth uneven texture, and improve the look of acne.1213 The combo also helps prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place. Strangely, for an acne-fighting product, it isn’t oil-free. That doesn’t seem to detract from the results, but if you do break out with oil-based products it might not work for you.
Key Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid | Size: 1.7 oz | Dosage: Thin layer up to once daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Oil-Balancing: Glossier Super Pure
We also like Glossier Super Pure for skin that’s prone to develop oily zones. Niacinamide and zinc PCA (an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from inflammation) are the heroes of this water-gel formula, helping to balance oil production and decongest pores while enhancing your overall complexion.
Be aware that the bottle isn’t UV protective, meaning the ingredients might spoil or expire if exposed to direct sunlight. So if you go outside on a trip, keep it in a sun-proof bag.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc PCA, vitamin C | Size: 1 oz | Dosage: A few drops daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best K-Beauty: It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VB Effector Cera Guard
We love Korean skincare products for often having much more than one benefit, and this serum is no different. This affordable serum from It’s Skin was a hit when we tested it at home. The super-lightweight formula contains niacinamide and vitamin C to balance oil production, boost radiance, correct discoloration, and offer a grease-free glow.14The ingredients are favorites of our dermatologist experts and work well together. Our one complaint is that this one contains a synthetic fragrance, which might cause discomfort for sensitive-skinned friends.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C | Size: 1 oz | Dosage: 1 or 2 drops daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Hybrid: Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum
After trying it out first-hand, three Byrdie editors agreed the hydrating, plumping, skin-enhancing effects of Fenty Fat Water are top notch. This toner-serum hybrid is especially great for oil-slick complexions as it minimizes the appearance of pores and balances oil production without inadvertently drying you out. We love how simple it is to apply —take some on your palms and gently pat it onto your face until the product is fully absorbed.
Although Sephora considers this to be a clean formula, it does contain synthetic fragrance, which may bother sensitive skin types.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, witch hazel | Size: 5 oz. | Dosage: Palmful once or twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Our number one pick for the oily-skin camp is Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%, which helps balance oil production, calms inflammation, prevents breakouts, and delivers a more radiant complexion. But if you can swing the price and are interested in exploring the benefits of retinoids, you can’t go wrong with Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum.
What to Look for in a Serum for Oily Skin
- Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic, and Lightweight Formulas: If your skin is oily and/or prone to breakouts, Engelman suggests using serums that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. “This indicates that the product will not clog pores or worsen acne,” she says. In general, she recommends products with gel formulas, like Glossier Super Pure, as these tend to be both oil-free and non-comedogenic in addition to those that are lightweight in texture. “These are less likely to sit on the skin and trigger more oil production or clog pores.”
- Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Since acne is caused by inflammation, Engelman recommends products that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients since they’ll help calm down and soothe breakouts. Her picks include green tea and CBD, which will help prevent future acne, and niacinamide, which can help absorb excess oil while also calming the skin.15
- Exfoliating Ingredients: According to Engelman, those with oily skin that is prone to breakouts can especially benefit from products containing alpha-hydroxy acid, like Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment. “A serum containing AHAs like lactic acid, glycolic acid, and malic acid can help exfoliate to clear skin and minimize future breakouts,” she says. “However, to avoid over-drying the skin, be sure to balance it with hydrating ingredients.” More on those below.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Engelman points out that when your skin is oily, it’s crucial to avoid anything designed to dry up oil that doesn’t also balance it with hydration. Look for serums that include moisture-boosting ingredients that are lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. “Dry skin triggers the body to produce even more oil,” she says. “I see a lot of people stripping their skin with harsh products because they think that drying it out will reduce the oiliness, but it only makes things worse. Making sure oily skin is hydrated can help control excess oil production.” Her favorite lightweight hydrator? Hyaluronic acid, which you’ll find in products like Monat Hydration Booster.
FAQ
Can you use serum on oily skin?
Some serums are purely for moisturizing, but there are plenty that do a lot more than that or have other functions entirely. Serums can work well on oily skin, provided you choose one with the suggestions offered, such as no oils added and hydrating ingredients included.
Is face serum necessary for oily skin?
Because of the wonderful things that serums can do, such as protect your skin from aging, there are plenty of reasons to use serums despite having oily skin. And some experts say that even certain moisturizing serums can work for oily skin because they may provide enough moisture that you don’t need to use a face lotion.
Is vitamin C serum good for oily skin?
Yes, vitamin C is good for all skin types. Skincare expert Alicia Yoon points out that not all vitamin C serums are created equal; in fact, they can differ hugely. Picking a vitamin C serum made for oily skin will ensure your choice is made for you.
How do I choose a serum for oily skin?
The suggestions here offer a selection of serums full of ingredients that oily skin can benefit from. In selecting the right serum for you, keep your goals in mind. Are you looking to minimize oil production and shine? Get rid of pimples? Or give your skin a glowing boost of radiance? Fear not, there’s an excellent option for you.