4 Serums for Oily Skin

Serums can have a number of skin-boosting benefits, from helping to reduce the visible signs of aging to exfoliating the skin’s surface. When searching for a serum for oily skin, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you want the elixir to be lightweight and non-greasy. You also want it to help target your specific concerns, be it breakouts or excess sebum. Good news! Below, we found four must-have serums for oily skin—so you don’t have to! Keep scrolling to discover which formulation tackles your oily skin’s specific needs.

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator

You normally don’t expect one skin care product to be able to exfoliate your skin’s surface and hydrate it at the same time, but that’s exactly what this oil-free serum sets out to do.  Using patented technology, this unique formula can help promote proper exfoliation—picture: the resurfacing power of a daily glycolic acid treatment—while optimizing the skin’s amino acid supply to reinforce and balance the skin’s moisture barrier for a smooth, radiant complexion.

To Use: Twice daily, apply 4-6 drops of serum to the face, neck, and chest, or use as directed by a skincare professional.

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator, $78

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense

Ideal for acne-prone, oily, combination, and aging skin types, this serum combines  dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation—read: salicylic, glycolic, and citric acids. This formula can help reduce excess sebum production and the and clogged pores, while also helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Pretty neat, huh?

To Use: Once or twice daily, apply four to five drops to dry skin.

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense, $90

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum

Looking for a serum that can help tighten the appearance of pores, visibly smooth skin’s texture, and boost radiance? Look no further than Effaclar Serum. The non-greasy formula—with a glycolic acid complex and LHA—absorbs quickly to help exfoliate skin’s surface, refine the appearance of pores, and brighten dull-looking skin. 

To Use: Use 2-3 drops of serum and gently massage onto the skin. During the first week, apply once every two days in the evening. The following weeks, apply once a day in the evening.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum, $44.99

Decleor Aromessence Ylang Ylang Purifying Oil Serum

Fact: Oil dissolves oil. It sounds wild, but it’s true. So while oil might seem like public enemy #1 for your oily skin, it can actually do it some good. Take this silky elixir formulated with pure essential oils, for instance. The formula can help reduce excess sebum from the surface of skin, while also providing some balance to reveal a radiant complexion.

To Use: Morning and night, apply 2 drops of Aromessence using the brand’s acupressure method over the entire face, pressing in with fingertips and finishing with light sweeping strokes. Follow up with the appropriate cream.

Decleor Aromessence Ylang Ylang Purifying Oil Serum, $73