If you thought there was no point in investing in a serum, here’s a little something to get you on board: Unlike regular creams, serums have a much thinner consistency which makes it easier for them to sink into skin and deliver visible results faster. Additionally, every serum is infused with special active ingredients to target different concerns such as acne, wrinkles etc; plus, it makes your skin look really good.
However, if you think that oily skin has no room for serums, you are gravely mistaken again. In fact, it could be your ultimate answer for turbocharging hydration from within to heal your skin. As per a research study, the consistent usage of a facial serum imbued with dioic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, citric acid, and HEPES significantly curbs sebum overproduction in patients with acne vulgaris within a week. A serum is a supercharged elixir you didn’t know your skin needed. The best part? It’s never too late to hop on the serum bandwagon.
The Ingredients to Look For in an Oily Skin-Appropriate Serum
Ingredients such as niacinamide, retinol, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, and squalene work best on oily skin types. While retinol and salicylic acid address post-acne marks and scarring, niacinamide helps minimise enlarged pores, squalene regulates sebum overproduction, and vitamin C shields the skin against free radicals and boosts collagen production. Since oily skin requires optimal hydration, hyaluronic acid-infused potions work wonders, too. Research findings indicate that topical application of 2% niacinamide can be effective in controlling sebum overproduction. Another study corroborated that hyaluronic acid is vital to human sebaceous gland biology.
Face Serums For Oily Skin
We’ve saved you the effort and rounded up the best serums for oily skin. Go ahead and take your pick for better-looking skin.
1. Nykaa Skin Potion Anti-Acne Facial Oil
An anti-acne goodie that works overtime to heal existing acne scars too? Yes, please. Nykaa Skin Potion Anti-Acne Facial Oil brimming with the goodness of Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Black Cumin Seed Oil and Clove Oil targets acne-causing bacteria (adios pesky acne) while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. Lavender Oil and Aloe Vera Leaf Oil team up to treat acne scars and repair damaged skin cells, while keeping moisture locked in. Be prepared for a less congested and much clearer complexion.
2. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The number one collagen-building and hydrating ingredient you could ever use? Hyaluronic Acid. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 boosts skin renewal to reveal a healthier complexion. Plus, pro-vitamin B5 lends smoother, plumper skin while targeting the appearance of wrinkles and textural irregularities. As per a clinical study, this potion also strengthens the epidermal barrier within 4 weeks, noticeably minimising signs of premature ageing. Loading: The dewiest skin of your life.
3. Conscious Chemist 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum
Nothing better than a potent, hypoallergenic serum that fights acne head-on. The Conscious Chemist 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum contains Salicylic and Lactic Acid, which deeply detox your skin by cleansing pores, eliminating dead skin cells, boosting cell turnover, and fading acne scars. Preventing breakouts and improving overall skin texture, this lightweight formulation also gently exfoliates the skin to curb excess oiliness. Looking for a serum to curb inflammation and acne bumps? This is the one.
4. The Derma Co. 2% Salicylic Acid Serum For Acne & Acne Marks
Acne and oily skin go hand in hand. Luckily, this intensely exfoliating serum – The Derma Co. 2% Salicylic Acid Serum For Acne & Acne Marks – penetrates deep within pores to clear debris and bacteria that cause acne. It also includes potent ingredients (hi, Salicylic Acid and Witch Hazel) that control sebum production to keep greasiness in check. There’s more. Willow Bark extracts work actively along with other ingredients to refine pores and make skin look more radiant with time.
5. Dot & Key 10% Niacinamide + Cica Ultimate Spotless Glow Face Serum
Dull and tired skin can benefit from a rejuvenating, high-performance serum like the Dot & Key 10% Niacinamide + Cica Ultimate Spotless Glow Face Serum, which boasts 10% Niacinamide, 3% Tranexamic Acid, active fusion technology, and super cica technology. Non-comedogenic and quick-absorbing, this potent potion works by fading acne marks, soothing inflammation and redness, curbing excess oiliness, and controlling unwanted breakouts. After recommended usage, 83% of consumers noted a significant reduction in oiliness.
6. The Moms Co. Natural Vita Rich Face Serum
If you are on the lookout for a gentle serum that is suitable for sensitive skin, your search ends here. The Moms Co. Natural Vita Rich Face Serum free of mineral oil, parabens, fragrances, harmful chemicals and toxins makes for a mild, hypoallergenic formula. Here’s the team of natural ingredients that make this serum exceptional: Kakadu Plum (improves skin's radiance), Chia Seed Oil (restores skin's moisture), Hyaluronic Acid (fades fine lines) and Vitamin B3 (evens skin tone). This calming serum should be your definite pick if you’re sceptical about serums.
7. Biotique Dandelion Youth Anti-Ageing Serum
Imagine the touch of a flower magically transforming your skin to make it radiant and soft. The Biotique Dandelion Youth Anti-Ageing Serum infused with the extracts of Dandelion flower clarifies and nourishes skin to fade dark spots and improve complexion. It also contains a blend of Bihidana and Nutmeg that repairs damage caused by free radicals and cures everything from acne scars to sun spots. Oh, and it smells amazing.
8. Pilgrim Vitamin C Night Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & White Lotus
The problem with most serums is that they tend to leave your skin greasy. Here’s an exception: Pilgrim Vitamin C Night Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & White Lotus.Lightweight and non-greasy, it easily sinks into the skin to fight the signs of ageing and reduce pigmentation. Hyaluronic Acid and White Lotus quench the thirst of skin while enhancing elasticity and glow whereas Vitamin C speeds up collagen production. Together these ingredients ensure your skin can fight premature ageing.
9. Aqualogica Clear+ Concentrate Face Serum with Green Tea & Salicylic Acid
Oily and acne-prone skin can be very demanding when it comes to skincare. This is why the Aqualogica Clear+ Concentrate Face Serum with Green Tea & Salicylic Acid delivers action on multiple fronts – controlling sebum production, exfoliating skin, targeting acne, and reducing blemishes – to clarify complexion like no other. Formulated with Green Tea, Salicylic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid, it purifies clogged pores, curbs breakouts, and makes a brighter complexion a reality.
10. Nykaa Skin Potion Anti-Pollution Facial Oil
Fact: Dust and dirt are unavoidable. Looking for a magical potion that can safeguard you from environmental stressors? EnterNykaa Skin Potion Anti-Pollution Facial Oil fortified with natural botanical extracts which keeps premature ageing at bay by combatting external damage. Plus, as a respite for oily skin with overzealous sebum, it helps control oil production. The only caveat? It doesn’t contain any perfume to please your senses but this means it’s perfectly skin-friendly.
FAQs On Best Face Serum For Oily Skin
1. Which vitamin serum is good for oily skin?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps calm acne-prone and oily skin. It helps treat inflammation, minimise large pores, boost collagen production for skin healing and renewal, and improve skin texture. This is why Vitamin C serums are perfect when catering to oily skin.
Nykaa Recommends: WOW Skin Science Vitamin C Skin Face Serum
2. What is the importance of serum?
Antioxidant serums for oily skin work wonders when used regularly. Here is a lowdown on the benefits of face serums:
- Lighter than other skincare products, serums have thinner viscosity which makes it easier for the active ingredients in them to penetrate the skin and deliver the benefits instantly.
- Oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin highly benefits from serum as it’s formulated to target the concerns without leaving a heavy or greasy layer on the face.
- Anti-ageing serums containing hero ingredients like retinol help reduce wrinkles, fine lines and puffiness. This helps delay ageing in the long run.
- Free radical damage triggered by pollution, UV rays and other environmental stressors can be prevented by regular application of serums.
- You can expect faster results with serums as they are saturated with active ingredients and get absorbed easily which means they start acting on skin rapidly.
- Minimised pores are one of the benefits of applying serum. As a result, the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads is also considerably reduced.
- When you apply a layer of serum on your face before retiring for the night, your skin looks dewy and moisturized the morning after.
3. Which is the best serum for oily and acne-prone skin?
The best serums for oily skin prone to acne include:
