Are you tired of dealing with oily, shiny skin? It can be frustrating to try to find skincare products that address your oily skin concerns without making it worse. That's where serums come in! Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids that are packed with potent ingredients to target specific skin concerns.

But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your skin type and concerns. That's where we come in! You'll be able to read on for our top picks for the best serums for oily skin.

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How We Review Serums for Oily Skin Products

Our editors have carefully chosen the products on this page for your consideration. SmartchoiceList may receive commissions or other compensation for purchases made through this page, but this does not influence our unbiased product reviews. Enjoy finding your next favorite thing!

Our Top Pick

"Clear Complexion" - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment

Why It's Our Top Pick:

It targets acne and provides daily hydration in La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment. Its paraben-free formula won't clog pores, and its light matte finish makes it the perfect base for makeup application. It contains a combination of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide or hyaluronic acid to help clear acne, while lHA helps to tighten pores. It also contains glycerin and shea butter to hydrate dead skin cells without leaving it feeling greasy or shiny. It's dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, so you can trust that your skin is getting the best care.

"Clear Complexion" - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment

Reduce Oil and Minimize Pores, Moisturizing Shine Control for Sensitive Skin.

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"Matte Finish" - Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner

Why We Love It:

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner with salicylic and glycolic acid is the perfect solution for acne-prone or oily skin types. The toner helps to reduce breakouts while leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. It's formulated with MicroClear Technology which has been proven to boost the delivery of acne treatment to the source of breakouts.

With its oil-free, matte finish and gentle exfoliation, your skin will feel hydrated and healthy without any greasy residue. This toner is a must-have for anyone looking to reduce acne breakouts, clear up existing blemishes and maintain soft, healthy skin. Try it today and see the results for yourself!

What You Should Know:

This toner from Neutrogena is a great option for those with oily, acne-prone skin. Its formula is infused with salicylic acid to help unclog pores and control breakouts and oil-absorbing clay to help reduce shine. It's oil-free and lightweight, fast-absorbing texture, making it a great addition to any skincare routine for oily skin. Its matte finish means it won't leave any greasy residue behind. With its lightweight texture, this toner is perfect for quick and easy application that refreshes and invigorates your skin.

"Matte Finish" - Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner

This exfoliating daily face scrub works hard to treat and help prevent acne every day, regardless of whatever stress you have

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"Shine-Free" - The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Why We Love It:

It's a great product for those with oily skin who want to reduce the appearance of their pores and regulate sebum production. It also helps to reduce the look of blemishes on your skin, giving you an even-toned complexion. It's lightweight and easy to apply! This product has no safety seal, which is great for avoiding harsh chemicals and ingredients. It's affordable, so you can get all the benefits without breaking the bank. Thanks to its light aloe scent( having vitamin C ), this product will surely refresh your skin!

What You Should Know:

The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a lightweight, fast-absorbing lightweight serum designed to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture. Its formula is infused with a high concentration of niacinamide, a powerful ingredient that helps to improve the skin's barrier function and reduce the appearance of pores.

It's suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, and is oil-free. The zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid helps to balance visible aspects of sebum activity, resulting in a more even tone and texture. Its lightweight formula is easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed.

"Shine-Free" - The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This face care serum leaves your skin feeling smoother and softer.

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"Clear Skin" - Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Kit

Why We Love It:

The kit includes 2% BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) to unclog, exfoliate and diminish enlarged pores, reduce redness, and improve skin texture for an even-toned complexion. The leave-on exfoliant is gentle enough to be used daily on all skin types and is even suitable for sensitive or delicate skin. With the CLEAR acne kit, you can look forward to improved clarity, a brighter complexion, and reduced fine lines and wrinkles. All Paula's Choice products are free of fragrance, silicone, oil, dye, and alcohol and are never tested on animals.

What You Should Know:

Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Kit is a comprehensive skincare kit designed to help control acne breakouts and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture. The kit includes a cleanser, toner, and treatment serum, all oil-free and suitable for oily skin. The treatment serum contains a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide formula to help kill acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores. The kit also includes a nighttime moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and nourished while you sleep. Regularly using this acne kit allows you to look forward to clearer, smoother, and more radiant-looking skin.

"Clear Skin" - Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Kit

Our unique, non-abrasive, leave-on exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even tone, plus it visibly reduces fine lines & wrinkles.

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"Clear Complexion" - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment

Why We Love It:

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment is a great choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It helps to reduce breakouts, refine pores, and provide daily hydration. The oil-free formula won't clog pores while providing the necessary moisturization for oily skin. It's paraben-free and oil-free, so you can trust that your skin is getting the best care. It's a great base for makeup application.

What You Should Know:

Its formula is infused with a 5.5% benzoyl peroxide formula to help kill acne-causing bacteria, unclog pores, and micro-exfoliating LHA to help smooth and even out the skin's texture. It's oil-free and suitable for oily, acne-prone skin. It also helps to keep pores tight and reduce shine.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment is a great choice for an effective, oil-free face moisturizer that tackles acne and provides daily hydration. Its light matte finish makes it the perfect base for makeup application. Its paraben-free formula won't clog pores, so you can trust that your skin is getting the best possible care.

"Clear Complexion" - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment

Reduce Oil and Minimize Pores, Moisturizing Shine Control for Sensitive Skin

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"Shine-Free Skin" - Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum

Why We Love It:

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum helps to regenerate volume and shape across the skin’s surface while delivering day-one results. This fast-absorbing, ultra-lightweight formula helps improve your skin renewal rate within two weeks — leading to firmer, smoother-looking skin. With its key anti-aging ingredients, like amino-peptide complex II and carob extract, it helps to correct the look of aging skin. Get ready to see younger-looking skin faster with Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum!

What You Should Know:

Its formula is infused with a blend of antioxidants and other skin-loving ingredients that nourish and protect the skin while giving it a healthy, radiant glow. It's suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, and is oil-free.  Use it twice daily for the best results. Pair it with the rest of your skincare regimen for even better results.

It is also dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic so that it won't cause any adverse reactions. It is free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes. This product has not been tested on animals. Therefore, it is cruelty-free.

"Shine-Free Skin" - Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum

Regenerate volume and shape across skin's surface

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"Clear and Balanced" - Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment

Why We Love It:

Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment is designed to help clear and balance skin while controlling breakouts. The formula contains glycerin and squalane, known for their hydrating properties, so it won't leave skin feeling dry or tight. And since it's free from artificial colors, it's gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.

So you can get clearer, more balanced skin without irritation or discomfort. It's really easy to use! Just apply a small amount directly to affected areas and let it do its thing. It's an effective and reliable way to target breakouts and maintain healthy-looking skin.

What You Should Know:

Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment is a lightweight and non-greasy cream that helps to clear and balance skin. It contains glycerin and squalane to hydrate, strengthen, and restore the skin's moisture barrier. This product is free from artificial colors, so it won't irritate sensitive skin and is easy to apply.

You must apply a small amount directly to affected areas and let it work its magic. Its formula is infused with a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide formula to help kill acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores and glycerin to help hydrate and soothe the skin. It's suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, and is oil-free.

"Clear and Balanced" - Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment

Ultra Facial Cream 24-Hour Daily Moisturizer - 4.2oz

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Conclusion

If you're struggling with oily, shiny skin, incorporating a serum into your skincare routine is a great way to address your concerns without adding more oil. Our top picks for the best serums for oily skin include various options for all budgets and concerns, from acne-fighting formulas to mattifying and hydrating options. Don't let oily skin get you down - try one of these top-rated serums and see the difference for yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Do I really need to use a serum?

While serums are not essential for everyone, they can benefit people with oily skin. Serums are usually lighter in texture than creams or lotions, and they often contain high concentrations of active ingredients that can target specific skin concerns. If you're struggling with excess oil and shine, a good serum can help to control these issues and give your skin a more matte appearance.

What ingredients should I look for in a serum for oily skin?

Some of the best ingredients for oily skin include niacinamide, salicylic acid, retinoids, and clay-based actives. These ingredients can help to control sebum production, reduce the appearance of pores, and absorb excess oil. Look for serums containing these ingredients if you want to benefit your oily skin type the most.

Can I use a serum if I have sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, it's important to choose a gentle serum that won't irritate your skin. Look for formulas free of irritants like artificial fragrances and colors.

Is serum suitable for oily skin?

Unfortunately, finding the right serum for oily skin is a trial-and-error process. When it comes to serums for oily skin, you'll want to look for something oil-free and non-comedogenic. These formulas will help to reduce excess shine and prevent clogged pores. Additionally, serums that contain ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide can help control sebum production and keep the skin clear.

What is the No 1 face serum?

The No one face serum is a unique, powerful, and effective facial serum specifically designed for oily skin. It contains a blend of natural ingredients that work together to help control oil production, reduce the appearance of pores, and brighten the skin. The No one face serum is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

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