Byrdie / Amelia Manley
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.
Best Overall
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Amazon
Affordable
Airtight container
Dermatologist-recommended ingredients
Difficult to tell when bottle is empty
What do buyers say? 87% of 10,700+ Amazon reviewers rated it 4 stars or above.
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 percent 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.
It also contains zinc PCA (short for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) to optimize the benefits of niacinamide while reducing potential irritation. 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."
Price at time of publish: $16
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc PCA, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: Even layer twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Budget
The Inky List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
Sephora
Budget-friendly
Controls oil production
Dermatologist-recommended ingredients
Reviewers note it doesn't layer well
You can always count on The Inkey List for exceptional formulas at wallet-friendly price points, and this serum is no exception. It calls on niacinamide and squalane to balance your skin's natural oil production, then plumps it up with hyaluronic acid.
Price at time of publish: $8
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: Pea-size amount twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Drugstore
L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Golden Serum
Walmart
Affordable
Hydrates
Airtight pump
Contains synthetic fragrance
We also like L'Oreal's Golden Serum. The nongreasy, oil-free formula provides weightless hydration with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, plus a mild dose of salicylic acid, which Dr. Mack says "promotes cellular turnover, resulting in a light chemical peel."
Price at time of publish: $15
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, zinc PCA | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: Small amount twice daily | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Splurge
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Sephora
Noticeable results
Airtight pump
Dermatologist-recommended
Expensive
Not ideal for sensitive skin
Dr. Engelman recommends the fan-favorite Good Genes for those in the market for an exfoliating formula. "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 it corrects pH imbalances."
Price at time of publish: $85
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, prickly pear, licorice extract | Size: 1 oz. or 1.7 oz. | Dosage: 1 or 2 pumps daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Plumping
Monat Hydration Booster
Monat
Smoothing
Non-comedogenic
Dermatologist-recommended
Expensive
Contains PEGs
"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. "The coconut water combined with hyaluronic acid is like a tall glass of water for the skin."
Price at time of publish: $77
Key Ingredients: Coconut water, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: Small amount twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Vitamin C
Sephora Collection Ultra Glow Serum: Glow + Strengthen Vitamin C Serum
Sephora
Enhances complexion
Noticeable results
Non-irritating formula
Bottle isn't light-protected
Contains synthetic fragrance
Dr. Mack is a fan of vitamin C for oily skin. We like Sephora's Ultra Glow Serum, which combines the popular antioxidant with vitamin E and peptides to deliver a noticeably more radiant, healthy-looking complexion.
Price at time of publish: $20
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, peptides | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: A few drops daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Retinol
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
Amazon
Non-irritating formula
Noticeable results
Luxurious texture
Expensive
Dr. Mack says retinol can work well with oily skin. When it comes to serums containing the vitamin A derivative, Fusion PM shines above the competition. It uses a time-release (aka encapsulated) version of retinol to minimize irritation and other potential side effects while maximizing the skin-smoothing, retexturizing, and complexion-enhancing results.
Price at time of publish: $65
Key Ingredients: Microencapsulated retinol, squalane | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: Small amount nightly | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Gentle
Paula's Choice Resist Ultra-Light Antioxidant Serum
Amazon
Gentle formula
Dermatologist-recommended ingredients
Airtight pump
Contains PEGs
This lightweight serum from Paula's Choice 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 and plumper skin.
Price at time of publish: $43
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: 1 or 2 pumps twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Mature Skin
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum
Ulta
Reduces fine lines
Plumping
Noticeable results
Contains PEGs
Boasting a proprietary complex of retinol, peptides, rice protein, and hyaluronic acid, No7 Protect & Perfect covers all the bases for mature skin. In the brand's clinical trial, 96 percent of testers noticed fewer wrinkles and fine lines with regular use.
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Peptides, rice protein, hyaluronic acid, retinyl palmitate | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: Small amount daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum
Sephora
Retexturizing
Prevents breakouts
Reduces redness
Not oil-free
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 exfoliation, smooth uneven texture, and improve the look of acne. The combo also helps prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place.
Price at time of publish: $38
Key Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid | Size: 1.7 oz. | Dosage: Thin layer up to once daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Oil-Balancing
Glossier Super Pure
Glossier
Oil-free
Helps decongest pores
Enhances complexion
Bottle isn't light protected
We also like Glossier Super Pure. Niacinamide and zinc PCA are the heroes of this water-gel formula, helping balance oil production and decongest pores while enhancing your overall complexion.
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc PCA, vitamin C | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: A few drops daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best K-Beauty
It's Skin Power 10 Formula VB Effector Cera Guard
Amazon
Affordable
Controls oil production
Dermatologist-recommended ingredients
Contains synthetic fragrance
This affordable Korean serum from It's Skin was a hit with our home tester, and it's easy to see why. The super-lightweight formula contains niacinamide and vitamin C to balance oil production, boost radiance, correct discoloration, and offer a grease-free glow.
Price at time of publish: $23
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C | Size: 1 oz. | Dosage: 1 or 2 drops daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Hybrid
Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum
Sephora
Helps decongest pores
Byrdie Editor favorite
Controls oil production
Contains synthetic fragrance
After trying it out first-hand, three Byrdie 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.
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, witch hazel | Size: 5 oz. | Dosage: Palmful once or twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie 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.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance beauty writer and bona fide skincare nerd with substantial experience researching, testing, and writing about serums. She compiled product suggestions and ingredient recommendations from two board-certified dermatologists for this story, and then looked at reviews from our at-home testers and considered dozens of formulas before making the final selections. From the above list, she has personally tried Naturium, Peter Thomas Roth, Sunday Riley, Sephora, and Fenty Skin. Theresa covers skincare, hair care, makeup, and wellness products at Byrdie.
