10 Best Serums For Oily Skin That Help With Excess Sebum, Enlarged Pores & More

Salicylic Acid: With its anti-inflammatory properties, salicylic acid as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) dissolves skin debris that clog pores, aiding in the healing of red, inflamed pimples and pustules. It is usually prescribed for oily skin with mild acne (blackheads and whiteheads) and to keep these pesky friends from recurring, by keeping the pores clean.

Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and the topical application of it is a blessing for people with oily skin and acne-prone skin types as it helps regulate sebum production, which means that it keeps excessive oiliness in check without drying out the skin. 

Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid in the family of ingredients and penetrates deepest into the skin, helping with exfoliation, acne, and hyperpigmentation. It's amazing for folks for folks who are looking for an exfoliating serum that also helps brighten with regular use.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree has antiseptic properties, which have been shown to limit oiliness and increase hydration. It's used in a number of acne-preventing skincare products and is known to help with along with controlling acne, tea trees also helped reduce oiliness, boost hydration, and aid in desquamation (skin-shedding) and minimises pore sizes.

Willow Bark: Willow bark contains tannins, which are responsible for regulating oil production in the skin. Therefore, products containing willow bark are highly recommended for individuals who suffer from excessive oiliness of the skin.

We have heard a lot about this serum from Plum, the popular homegrown brand. This skin-brightening serum is the perfect blend of 5% niacinamide and rice water that helps brighten skin and smoothen the skin texture. One of the best budget-friendly serums for oily skin, it helps minimise pores and control oiliness.

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5

The most-loved serum for oily skin, The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution was our introduction to using actives for treating acne instead of applying toothpaste or other random home remedies. Since oily akin and acne walk hand-in-hand for most of us, it only makes sense that you befriend an effective serum to fight off the blemishes. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a water-based serum that promotes exfoliation to reduce skin congestion, giving way to brighter, clearer skin.

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5

This serum is a unique blend of highly effective ingredients like niacinamide, matmarine, zinc and acetyl glucosamine. The pure 10% Niacinamide promotes protein synthesis, reduce melanin concentration and improve skin complexion. Matmarine is one of the biotechnological extract derive from a marine microorganism, helps regulate oiliness regardless of skin type and reduces sebum and appearance of pores while keeping the skin hydrated. Coupled with zinc that balances sebum activity and reduces inflammation, regular use of this serum claims to leaving smooth textured skin with no sticky residue.

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5

Since oily skin's more prone to acne, we decided to include a lightweight serum that helps reduce acne scarring. The Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is magic in a bottle for fading scars. It's a targeted serum for uneven skin tone which helps in clearing skin and boosts radiance. Formulated with activated C (a stabilized form of vitamin C), buffered salicylic acid, and peony extract, it visibly reduces the appearance of a broad array of discolourations including dark spots, hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks. The texture and feel of it is super lightweight, so you don't have to worry about feeling oily.

Nykaa Rating: 4.2/5

This serum is a mix of skin-loving ingredients for oily and combination skin. 5% Niacinamide present in this serum helps fade hyperpigmentation while also regulating sebum, reducing redness and irritation, along with brightening skin and improving ageing signs. it also has cica, which is clinically proven to reduce sun tan, improve hydration, boost wound healing with its anti-inflammatory properties along with anti-aging benefits. Hyaluronic acid and panthenol in the formula reduce dryness and flakiness keeping your skin hydrated. lsast but not the least, green tea gives anti-oxidant benefits that calm and nourish the skin.

Nykaa Rating: 4.3/4

Dr. Sheth’s Gulab & Glycolic Acid Serum is a great pick for those with oily skin wanting to use a lightweight serum that helps pigmentation and dullness. Glycolic acid penetrates the skin for deep exfoliation and rapidly resurfaces and removes dead skin, stimulating cell turnover that revitalizes uneven complexion. Finally, niacinamide fades dark spots and blemishes effectively, while the gulab (or rose) extract calms and soothes the skin to not strip it of its moisture.

Nykaa Rating: 4.1/5

A tried-and-tested pick of ours! Let your skin 'breathe' with a clarifying serum designed to remove impurities and manage excess pore-clogging sebum. The dynamic trio of willow bark extract, niacinamide, and a zinc works as a holy grail blend to work together to calm inflammation (the root of skin's problems), decongest pores, and soothe redness, keeping skin's little freak-outs (aka breakouts) at bay.

Nykaa Rating: 4.3/5

Pixi's viral Glow Tonic comes in a serum form too! Includes exfoliating glycolic acid that works to purify skin and enhance your natural glow, this one again is great for reducing pigmentation. It energises skin and improves circulation with ginseng while soothing hydration is provided with added aloe extract. All in all, a lightweight multi-tasking serum that does it all!

Nykaa Rating: 4.2/5

LBB Tip: Here's our list of best serums to buy for glowing skin.

Looking for serums for dry skin instead? Don't miss on our list here.