The 13 Best Serums for Oily Skin That Provide a Healthy Complexion

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 be considered when browsing products—and as you probably know, oily skin 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.

Meet the Expert

• Lian A. Mack, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at GlamDerm in NYC. She specializes in skin conditions as they apply to people of color, along with various aesthetic enhancements, including laser treatments and injectables.
• Dr. Dendy Engelman is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologic surgeon and lecturer specializing in dermatology, skincare, skin cancer, Mohs surgery, and injectables.
• Alicia Yoon is an esthetician in the New York City area who specializes in K-beauty and glass skin. She is also the founder and CEO of Peach & Lily.

With this expert insight in mind, here are the best serums for oily skin.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% at Amazon

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Best Budget:
The Inky List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum at Amazon

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Best Drugstore:
L’Oreal Paris Cell Renewal Golden Serum at Amazon

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Best Splurge:
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment at Amazon

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Best Plumping:
Monat Hydration Booster at Monatglobal.com

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Best Vitamin C:
Sephora Collection Glow + Strengthen Vitamin C Serum at Amazon

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Best Retinol:
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum at Amazon

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Best Gentle:
Paula’s Choice Resist Antioxidant Serum at Amazon

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Best for Mature Skin:
No7 Protect & Perfect Serum at Ulta

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Best for Acne-Prone Skin:
Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum at Sephora

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In This Article

Expand

• Our Picks

• Final Verdict

• What to Look For

• Why Trust Review2Coupon

Best Overall:
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

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What We Like

• Helps decongest pores

• Review2Coupon Editor favorite

• Controls oil production

What We Don’t Like

• Contains synthetic fragrance

After trying it out first-hand, three Review2Coupon editors agreed on the hydrating, plumping, skin-enhancing effects of Fenty Fat Water. 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.

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, witch hazel | Size: 5 oz. | Dosage: Palmful once or twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Review2Coupon Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

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, 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? Green tea and CBD, whose anti-inflammatory benefits will help prevent future acne, and niacinamide, which has been proven to help absorb excess oil while also calming the skin.

Exfoliating Ingredients

According to Engelman, those with oily skin that is prone to breakouts can especially benefit from products containing alpha-hydroxy acid. “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 during 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.