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Before applying moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup you may want to consider adding a face serum to your morning routine. Unlike a standard cleanser or moisturizer, face serums typically offer a higher dose of active ingredients, targeting issues ranging from dry skin to skin brightness to fine lines.
Just as there are cleansers and moisturizers that are better suited for oily skin, there are also serums that better acclimate to this skin type.
Read on to learn about five of the best serums for oily skin, as well as some ways to control oily skin so you can get the most out of your skin’s natural oil production.
Top Face Serum Picks for Oily Skin Type
There are a variety of reasons why you may have oily or oily prone skin, including hormones, stress, genetics, and external factors like humidity.
Luckily for folks with oily skin, serums typically are lightweight and water-based (as opposed to oil-based) so you won’t have to deal with any uncomfortable residue clinging to your face post-skincare routine.
When choosing the best serum for oily skin, be on the lookout for mattifying serums, which work to make the skin less oily or shiny, as well as ingredients like clay extracts, ginger root, and meadowsweet.
Many face serums will contain salicylic or lactic acids, which are ideal for exfoliating, but may irritate sensitive skin. If your skin is a combination of sensitive and oily, you may want to opt for serums with a lower level of these acids.
Ready to find the perfect serum for you?
Here, we’ve lined up our top five face serums for oily skin.
1. Avene Eau Thermale Mattifying Fluid
This hybrid moisturizer and serum is not quite as lightweight as a traditional serum, but it will help individuals with oily skin moisturize. Gentle and non-greasy, Avene’s serum is ideal for combination skin, working to mattify all day long so you never break out in a face-sweat.
Key ingredients include patented glutamic acid, absorbent microcapsules, and thermal spring water. Glutamic acid, which helps to control oil, is an amino acid used to form proteins. The serum’s microcapsules absorb excess oil and the thermal water soothes and calms skin.
2. Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum
This salicylic acid-based serum is ideal for eradicating the face’s excess oil. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that has been proven to exfoliate skin and keep pores clear, helping with mild acne and preventing future breakouts.
Key ingredients in Caudalie’s serum include grape seed polyphenols, which are rich in antioxidants, plus niacinamide, a B3 vitamin which helps build protein in the skin. Complex essential oils and grape water help to soothe skin.
It’s worth noting, dermatologists recommend that salicylic acid serums are best used as part of your nighttime routine.
3. BeTheSkin Botanical Pore Serum
This silky smooth serum absorbs quickly and features botanical ingredients and Alaskan glacier water.
Key ingredients include this glacial water, which can help even out a skin’s pH, plus antioxidant rich-thyme extract and ginger root, which helps slow the loss of collagen.
Using this serum will help make your pores look smaller, while refreshing and nourishing your skin.
4. The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
You can snag this super affordable serum for less than $15. Earning 4.4 out of 5 stars by customers, INKEY’s oil control serum helps control excess oil, reduces the appearance of blemishes, reduces redness, and is safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Key ingredients include hyaluronic acid and niaminicide. The former is a popular addition to many skincare products as it helps retain and attract water, giving your skin a sought-after dewy look.
The 10% niacinamide works to reduce redness and excess oil, but your skin won’t feel parched thanks to the hyaluronic acid.
5. Arcona Youth Serum
Made with 20% vitamin C, this anti-aging serum is ideal for oily skin. In addition to vitamin C, key ingredients include grape seed extract and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
The antioxidant-rich grape seed extract helps to protect the skin as powerful vitamin C improves the appearance of skin, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and increasing skin’s firmness.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable derivative of vitamin C, and has been proven to be effective in improving inflammatory reactions in acne. The astringent witch hazel works to remove excess oil and dirt on the skin.
Getting the Most Out of Your Oily Skin
The term “oily skin” has negative connotations, but did you know that natural oils can actually help preserve your skin and produce fewer wrinkles?
You can safely and effectively incorporate serums into your daily routine when you have oily skin by keeping a few dermatologist-recommended tips in mind.
Help control—and appreciate!—your oily skin by:
- Washing your face every morning and evening and after you exercise
- Making sure to use oil free and noncomedogenic products
- Using a gentle face wash and avoid super stringent cleansers—this will dry out your skin
- Avoiding oil-based products (many face serums are water-based)
- Applying moisturizer daily and sunscreen, too, if you go outside
- Avoiding sleeping in your makeup
- Avoiding touching your face
As far as when to apply your serum, most experts recommend this application after washing your face and before moisturizing your face.
RebateKey: Find the Best Serum for Oily Skin
Shopping for skincare products that are best suited for oily skin can be tricky, as many products are oil-based or thick in texture.
Luckily, face serums are typically lightweight, and can be easily incorporated into the skincare routine of those with oily skin. If you have oily or combination skin, you’ll want to scan serum labels for ingredients like clay extract and ginger root, plus mattifying features and salicylic or lactic acids.
Skincare products aren’t always lightweight on your wallet. With RebateKey, you can complete your skincare routine in minutes, and on the cheap. This helpful online resource allows you to peruse thousands of deals on everything you’ll need to get your face glowing, from serums to moisturizers to sunscreen.
Ready to enhance your skin? Check out all the deals on face serums for oily skin at RebateKey today.
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology. How to Control Oily Skin.
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
Bustle. The 9 Best Serums For Oily Skin.
https://www.bustle.com/p/the-9-best-serums-for-oily-skin-69729
Healthline. 12 Serums for Oily Skin and Acne. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/best-serum-for-oily-skin
Healthine. What Are the Benefits of Using a Face Serum? https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-face-serum#types-of-serums
Healthline. Salicylic Acid for Acne. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/salicylic-acid-for-acne
Healthline. 7 Surprising Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-benefits#:~:text=Hyaluronic%20acid%2C%20also%20known%20as,has%20a%20variety%20of%20uses.
Healthline. What Order Should I Follow When Applying Skin Care Products? https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/order-of-skin-care#quick-guide
National Institutes of Health. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4530145/
Oprah Magazine. 10 Best Serums for Acne-Prone Skin. https://www.oprahmag.com/beauty/skin-makeup/g31080909/best-serums-for-acne/
University of Rochester Medical Center. Glutamic Acid. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=GlutamicAcid
