Looking for a quick fix to acne and pimples? Tired of using moisturizers that feel heavy and greasy after application? Let me introduce you to a lightweight but effective solution: Face Serums!
The biggest challenge with oily skin is to find products that hydrate the skin and give the exception matte finish. Serums can work by not only reducing acne and pimples but can also regulate oils on your skin!
If you have never used a face serum, let us help you! This article has listed the 10 exceptionally best serums for oily skin that can tackle and address all your skincare essentials.
We would not want you to waste your hard-earned money on a product that does not work; thus, all of the serums mentioned on the list are backed by scientific study and dermatological consultation.
Best Face Serum for Oily Skin in India 2024
Dermtouch 10% Niacinamide Serum, Tyrostat 3%, Zinc 1% Clarifying Face Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Dermatouch serum is a dream come true for oily-skinned beauties. The ingredients present in the formulation tackle almost all the skincare issues. It can help reduce pigmentation and moisturize the skin while fighting any bacterial infection. But that’s not even the best part! It is super affordable and dermatologically tested!
Let’s begin with the ingredients. Niacinamide is available in the serum at a concentration of 10%. It aids in the formation of keratin and restoring the lipid barrier. As a result, it can help in the reduction of acne scars as well as the replenishment of skin moisture.
Another superstar in this serum is Tyrostat. Hyperpigmentation is a problem commonly associated with oily skin due to oil accumulation. Tyrostat can help inhibit melanin synthesis; thus, it can help to even out the skin tone. Furthermore, it can also help reduce red rashes on the skin, giving your skin a radiant glow.
Zinc PCA is an excellent humectant that can help hydrate your skin, thus preventing water loss and tightening skin pores. Zinc can also help control sebocytes and limit the growth of oil-loving bacteria.
The serum is fast-acting and gets absorbed quickly in the skin. It does not leave an oily cast but gives you spot-free, even-toned skin. It has a mild fragrance that does not trigger my sensitive nose; thus, this could work even if you prefer an unscented serum.
Highlights:
- Quick absorption
- No greasy look
- Dermatologically tested
- Clinically proven ingredients
- It suits all skin types
- Paraben-free
- SLS free
- Deeply moisturizing
- Can control sebum production
- Reduce pigmentation
- Mild fragrance
Pilgrim 25% AHA + 2% BHA + 5% PHA Peeling Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Korean skincare is gaining momentum in skincare, and for good reasons. Since everyone wants quick results, this serum can help you achieve that. It is vegan and free from any fragrance; thus, it can be a good buy.
Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the skin. Exfoliating the skin reduces the appearance of wrinkles, eliminates discoloration, and clears breakouts.
Glycolic acid can also attract water molecules to itself chemically. Thus, it feeds moisture to newly exfoliated skin, which moisturizes dry skin and prevents the formation of new fine lines and wrinkles.
Lactic acid is also an AHA that can improve skin turnover and gives soft and supple skin. Another effective ingredient in this magic mix is Salicyclic acid. It can work harmoniously with AHAs to promote deep skin cleansing to tighten pores and reduce imperfections.
Potent moisturizing agents like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid are also added to the mix to ensure proper hydration and prevent skin redness and itching. Aloe vera can soothe the skin, whereas; hyaluronic acid can penetrate the deeper layers to provide hydration.
For all the environmentally conscious people out there, the packaging of this brand, i.e., neutralizes their plastic footprint.
Highlights:
- Lightweight
- Intense hydration
- Quick absorption
- It can be layered up with sunscreen or makeup
- No parabens
- Free from silicones
- Antibacterial properties
- Free from mineral oils
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Free from artificial colors and preservatives
- Dermatologically tested
- FDA approved
- 100% Vegan
- Plastic positive packaging
- Cruelty-free testing
- Budget-friendly
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence with Salicylic Acid
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Overall Rating: 4.4/5
I am sure you are all familiar with this particular product, as it created a rage on social media. If you are looking for something that can penetrate ten layers deep in your skin to nourish it and enhance your texture, this is it!
The main ingredient in this serum is salicylic acid. This acid can exfoliate the skin by breaking bonds between the impurities and dead cells to remove them from the skin cells. It also helps in dissolving excess serum oiled in between pores. Exfoliation gently extracts the top layer of the skin, producing a brighter and healthier layer of the skin.
Centella Asiatica is an exceptional ingredient in this serum. It is also called gotu kola; it is an ayurvedic plant that helps mend wounds and eliminate burn marks; therefore, time to say farewell to blemishes and acne scars!
More oil does not equate to more moisture, and this serum can thoroughly hydrate your skin and load it with water.
The packing is luxurious, and the fragrance can make you feel like you are in a spa. The formula is quick to dry and does not leave any grease behind; hence, it is ideal for oily and combination skin.
The serum contains alcohol and active ingredients; hence I would recommend a patch test before using it on your face. It is not the most cost-friendly option on the list, but it will be worth every penny!
Highlights:
- Three sizes available (You can start with the small bottle and work your way up if you like it)
- It does not trigger breakouts
- Potent exfoliator
- Promotes wound healing
- Skin lightening effects
- Lightweight
- Grease free
- Absorbs quickly
- Deeper penetration
- Moisturizes the skin
- Dermatologically tested
- Pleasant fragrance
Good Vibes Rose Hip Radiant Glow Face Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Good Vibes Rose Hip Radiant Glow Face Serum is an excellent choice if you are looking for something to pamper your oily skin and provide a natural glow.
The formulation has a mixture of three amazing oils-rosehip, almond, and jojoba. Rosehip has exceptional wound healing properties; thus, it can help you eliminate even the most challenging acne scars.
The oil is loaded with Vitamin A; hence, it can also help tackle hyperpigmentation. The omega-3 fatty acid can help in reversing the damage caused due to unprotected sun exposure.
Almond oil can absorb excess sebum; thus, it can reduce the shiny and greasy look characterized by oily skin. The oil can also work in reducing inflammation.
Jojoba oil does not support the growth of microbes; thus, it can help eradicate acne-causing bacteria. This oil can also regulate sebocytes; thus, it can control oil secretions. Since acne and bacteria go hand in hand, this can be a boon to oily acne-prone skin.
Sesame oil can work as an antioxidant that can reduce the radical damage caused due to the production of reactive ions. All the oils work unanimously in strengthening the skin’s lipid barrier, thus preventing moisture from leaving the skin cells.
I love the blue-tinted glass bottle; it makes the product very aesthetically appealing. The serum has a strong scent due to its oils; hence, I would not recommend it for people with sensitive noses.
Highlights:
- Lightweight
- Keeps the skin hydrated
- Builds the lipid barrier
- Quick absorption
- No parabens
- Grease free appearance
- Control sebum production
- Gentle on the skin
- Provides an instant glow
- No alcohol
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Strong floral scent
- Budget-friendly
The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum for Acne & Acne Marks
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Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Looking for a cost-effective serum with Vitamin C, you can invest in Derma Co 2% Salicyclic Acid. It is lightweight and sinks into your skin quickly within minutes of application.
The serum has beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliator like Salicylic acid; thus, it can exfoliate the skin and promote skin turnover, which is excellent for acne-prone oily skin. It can also help shrink enlarged pores, removing the accumulated debris, bacteria, and oil, thus; preventing blackheads and pimples.
The formulation contains Vitamin C as an active ingredient. Vitamin C helps keep the skin lush and firm by accelerating collagen and elastin synthesis when applied topically. It can also reduce uneven pigmentation and give healthy, even, and light skin color.
The serum also contains willow bark extracts that can soothe your skin and thus prevent any reaction due to the exfoliants present in the serum. The active ingredients used in the serum can dry out your skin; the flavanoid and polyphenols in willow bark can provide intense hydration and moisture retention.
Witch hazel in the serum can also work with Vitamin C to refine pores to make the skin more radiant and healthy. It can also calm irritated and sensitive skin while reducing bacterial growth and inflammation.
It is recommended to do a patch test for this product since it has many active ingredients that can cause an effect on sensitive skin.
Highlights:
- Lightweight
- Keeps the skin hydrated
- Quick absorption
- Keeps oil in check
- Skin whitening effects
- No parabens
- Intense hydration
- Reduce acne
- Antibacterial properties
- Free from mineral oils
- Provides an instant glow
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologically tested
- Budget-friendly
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.4/5
If you have oily and sensitive skin, the 2% Salicylic Acid from Minimalist can be the answer for your demanding skin. It is free from paraben, fragrance, and SLS and hence can work very well with your skin type without causing any untoward reaction.
Salicylic acid is a dermatologist-recommended ingredient for oily and pimple-prone skin. 2% is the ideal salicylic acid concentration to begin your exfoliating journey.
The acid can dissolve in oil; thus, it can penetrate the resilient sebum on the skin to clean the pores. Salicylic acid can also suppress sebocyte activity and prevent acne outbreaks in the future!
The serum has an acidic pH similar to the skin; thus, it can also help regulate the skin pH and help reconstruct its lipid barrier.
Exfoliation is often followed by using the best moisturizer to tackle residual dryness. This serum is loaded with moisturizing and cooling agents like Aloe Vera and Propylene Glycol. They are soothing agents that can help cool down your skin and prevent skin dehydration.
Since BHAs are potent exfoliators, using them can cause purging. If you notice a few zits within the first two weeks, it is an indication that your skin is getting detoxified.
Overall, the serum will be a good buy if you look for a cost-effective formulation. It is transparent and has free-form dyes and silicones.
Highlights:
- BHA exfoliator
- Suppress blackheads and whiteheads
- Diminish acne scars
- Control acne
- Prevents sebum secretion
- Paraben-free
- Moisturizes the skin
- Cruelty-free testing
- Sulfate-free cleansers
- Hypoallergenic
- No fragrance
- Affordable
Mamaearth Skin Correct Face Serum with Niacinamide and Ginger Extract
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Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Mamaearth is a skincare brand trying to cater to the enormous skincare market by designing products that suit most skin types.
Skin pores can be enlarged by the sun or excessive sebum production. The serum ingredients reduce pore size, increase skin elasticity, and fight wrinkles and fine lines.
Niacinamide is an ingredient that works on the skin from multiple fronts. It aids in the reduction of facial imperfections, inconsistent skin tone, acne scars, and clogged pores. It also inhibits aging by minimizing cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Additionally, it can also help reduce oil synthesis by the sebaceous glands and soothe inflammation on the skin.
Ginger Extract also contains antioxidants that calm and soothe acne-irritated skin. Ginger can help suppress collagen-degrading enzymes, thus giving your skin a baby soft texture. It regulates melanin production for well-balanced, even-looking skin.
Two amazing moisturizing humectants present in the formulations are glycerin and zinc PCA. Zinc has antibacterial properties that can hamper the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria and thus reduce the occurrence of oily skin issues.
Glycerin shields the skin from irritation and strengthens moisture barriers. Thus it provides a supple and hydrated glow, unlike the usual greasy look of oily skin.
Highlights:
- Lightweight
- Keeps the skin hydrated
- Quick absorption
- Keeps oil in check
- No parabens
- Intense hydration
- Free from silicones
- Antibacterial properties
- Free from mineral oils
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Free from artificial colors and preservatives
- Dermatologically tested
- Budget-friendly
Urban Botanics Kumkumadi Tailam for Glowing Skin
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5
If you seek a herbal remedy for oily skin, this is another affordable option. The serum is a mixture of some of the most powerful herbal herbs and oils.
Kumkuma tailum is a blend of several ingredients. This oil contains saffron, an ingredient used in many skincare products because of its skin-lightening and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Because the oil has antifungal features, it can help with skin discoloration caused by fungal colonization.
Another excellent ingredient in this formulation is Manjishta Tailum. It can heal wounds and eliminate blemishes and freckles. It can also help reduce dark spots and patches and improve the overall finish of the skin.
Goat milk is a significant constituent of the formula. Lactic acid, present in the milk, is a mild exfoliant that can gently remove dead cells while improving hydration. The fatty acids in milk can also contribute to the healing and rebuilding of the skin’s lipid barrier.
It also has aloe vera extracts that can work with all the other ingredients and help neutralize the skin’s oiliness with its moisturizing qualities.
I recommend a patch test for this one since it contains milk extracts, and if you are allergic to it, you may notice inflammation and redness.
Highlights:
- Ayurvedic ingredient
- Quick absorption
- Moisturization effect
- Improve the skin texture
- Mild exfoliator
- Skin whitening
- Antibacterial properties
- Travel friendly
- Cruelty-free
WOW Skin Science Vitamin C Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.4/5
WOW Skin Science has worked hard to establish itself as a renowned skincare brand, owing to its science-backed compositions. This face serum, for example, includes a unique combination of components that can help combat acne while also refreshing and brightening the skin.
Vitamin C in the serum can gently exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells to provide a luminescent glow. Furthermore, it can also suppress melanin production resulting in the lightening of scars caused due to acne or pimples.
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating drink for the skin; hence it can help the skin cells retain moisture. It also helps build the skin’s collagen and lipid structure to prevent moisture loss.
As an astringent, witch hazel reduces your pores and soothes your skin while relieving inflammation, which may prevent acne-causing bacteria from getting into your skin. Hence time to bid goodbye to that stubborn acne and always present pimples.
The product has a citrusy smell; it’s pretty refreshing. The packaging is sturdy and travel-friendly. It can be used as a base before makeup because it gives a matte finish and a subtle glow.
Highlights:
- Made from Natural Ingredients
- Affordable
- Free of parabens and mineral oil
- Quick absorption
- Hypoallergenic
- Gluten-free
- It can be layered up with sunscreen and makeup
- 100% Vegan
- Suitable for dry as well as oily skin
- Skin whitening effect
- Cruelty-Free Testing
- Pleasant citrus smell
Plum Grape Seed & Sea Buckthorn Glow-Restore Face Oils Blend
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Overall Rating: 4.6/5
The Plum Grape Seed & Sea Buckthorn serum is a blend of 10 amazing oils with unique and potent functions that simultaneously provide holistic nutrition to the skin. Even though it is an oil-based serum, it dries out quickly without leaving an oily texture. Some oils help in reducing oil secretions!
Among the oils in the serum is sweet almond oil. Vitamins E and A are added to this oil to nourish and protect your skin against UV damage. Because the oil is an emollient, it can prevent transepidermal water loss.
Sea buckthorn oil in the serum helps improve the skin’s lipid layer to strengthen the first line of defence of the skin.
The formulation also contains Rosehip oil. This oil can help to detoxify the skin and facilitate skin, thus promoting skin regeneration.
The serum also has sunflower oil; it is a non-comedogenic ingredient that can help in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
It gives you a matte look and a polished finish; thus, it can be used as a primer before makeup to provide you with a dewy look.
Highlights:
- The goodness of 10 plant-based oils
- It can be used before makeup
- Non-comedogenic ingredient
- Emollient properties
- Sun protection
- 100% Vegan
- Silicone-free
- SLS free
- Recyclable packaging
- Natural ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Travel friendly
What is a Face Serum?
A serum is a thin, water-based, or oil-based topical agent with a high concentration of active ingredients that can penetrate your skin and sink inside your cells to facilitate skin benefits.
Whether you have a 10-step skincare routine or just have two, one product is a must-have: Face serum, simply because it will show you quick results!
How to Get the Most Out Of a Serum?
Listed below are 5 suggestions that can help you get the desired results with your serum.
- Use it sparingly: Since serums are loaded with potent ingredients, don’t be generous with them and lather on your skin. You only need a few drops!
- Cleanse the pallet: Serums do not work as makeup-removers; hence, make sure to apply them to your face once it is clean and free from any residual skincare or cosmetics, including sunscreen. Using the best face wash for your skin type, gently clean your skin before applying serum.
- Apply serums on damp skin: This will help seal the moisture if the serum contains humectants. It can also make the application easier!
- Use unscented products: If you have sensitive skin, be cautious when picking a serum. The chemicals used to create perfume scent can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. It is safer to purchase a serum with no or a mild fragrance.
- Pay attention to the ingredients: Understanding your skin type and the issue before finalizing your serum. For oily skin, you would want to invest in products that can absorb excess oil and promote the healing of scars and wounds.
Listed below are some ingredients that can benefit oily acne-prone skin:
- Zinc PCA
- Almond Oil
- Salicyclic Acid
- Lactic Acid
- Witch hazel
- Glycolic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Aloe Vera
FAQs
1. Can Salicyclic acid cause breakouts?
When active substances are administered, purging may occur. It’s completely normal. Salicylic acid forces trapped sebum and oil to the surface, causing acne that was scheduled to appear later to appear now. It cleanses and detoxifies your skin.
2. How much serum should I apply to my face?
Apply 2-3 drops of the product to your skin and massage it in gently. When applying it to your skin, don’t apply too much pressure. Pat the product onto your skin and wait for it to dry.
3. Can I apply a moisturizer over a serum?
You can apply a moisturizer but make sure it is not greasy and thick. The best option is to invest in a serum that can hydrate your skin while providing all the other benefits.
Takeaway
The best serum for oily skin is the Dermtouch 10% Niacinamide Serum, Tyrostat 3%, Zinc 1% Clarifying Face Serum.
The serum has a mild fragrance and is relatively safe to start your serum journey. It can help address multiple oily skin issues like hyperpigmentation, bacterial growth, pimples, acne, and oil reduction. It can also hydrate the skin to prevent oil accumulation.
If you are looking for something experimental and more potent, you can take your pick from any other serums mentioned in the list! It is time to bid farewell to that oily T-Zone!
Don’t forget to tell us in the comments below which serum worked for you! If you have any other queries, let us know!
Amina graduated from Mumbai University with a master’s degree in Biotechnology. Since her college days, she been fascinated by the rationale behind anything from cancer cells to cosmetic products. Her friends and family call her ‘The Myth Buster’.
To satiate her curiosity, she chose a profession that allows her to research and discuss interesting topics because she believes that knowledge is liberating. She is currently working as an educator, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Molecular Biology, Cosmeceuticals, and Immunology.
She is a makeup and fitness enthusiast and loves to try new products and techniques. Here at Drugresearch.in, she reviews and recommends products based on her personal experience.
