The Best Serums For Oily Skin

Oily skin might be slick, but that doesn’t mean you can miss out on hydration. Unlike drier skin types, oily complexions crave moisture without thick, heavy formulas. Whipped, creamy-textured face creams are a big no-go, as the majority of these contain rich ingredients like oils that sit on the skin, exasperating the problem. Instead, opt for super lightweight, oil-free serums that won’t clog pores or leave your face feeling greasy AF. All of the formulas below have been created with oily complexions in mind, so are amazing at soaking up oil and leaving your skin more refined. Shop our pick of the very best below and whilst you’re at it, check out our top makeup tips for oily skin too. 

One of their best sellers, The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% has amassed a long list of 5-star reviews. The concentrated formula harnesses the pore shrinking powers of niacinamide and zinc, both known for their ability to reduce sebum production. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it our serum of choice for calming angry faces.

Often oily skin looks dull due to a build-up of dead skin cells trapped beneath the excess oil. Glow Hub’s Purify & Brighten Super Serum tackles dullness and curbs the overproduction of sebum in one swoop. Clarifying black tea extract works in tandem with salicylic acid and white willow bark to cut through grease, unclog pores and detoxify. 

Not all oily complexions suffer from acne, but there is ample evidence linking an overproduction of sebum to spots. Target two birds with one stone using Mario Badescu’s Anti Acne Serum. Formulated to treat and clear breakouts, the calming gel-like solution stops breakouts at their source: sebum. Salicylic acid mops up grease and impurities, removing any dirt residing in pores. The result? A clearer, healthier complexion. 

Wake up to better skin with Carbon Theory’s Overnight Detox Serum. Clarifying tea tree oil and charcoal soak up excess oil, ridding the skin of grease, grime and bacteria while you sleep. Antioxidant-rich encapsulated cranberry beads deliver a dose of vitamin C to help brighten and even out the skin, while reparative vitamin E protects and nourishes. Use nightly for a clearer complexion.

A formula so good it would be wrong not to get the big bottle, Revolution Skincare’s Supersize 2% Salicylic Acid Targeted Blemish Serum will get your complexion back on track in no time. Efficacious blemish busting ingredient salicylic acid targets blackheads and breakouts, stopping spots in their tracks. The lightweight formula makes light work of mopping up excess oil and refining your complexion, while Witch Hazel calms and soothes.