Top Serums for Oily Skin: Expert-Recommended Brands

When it comes to selecting the best serums for oily skin, it's crucial to choose products that not only hydrate but also balance sebum production and address common concerns like acne and enlarged pores. The market offers a diverse range of options tailored to these needs, with several brands standing out for their effective formulations and popularity among skincare enthusiasts. From renowned dermatological lines to emerging natural skincare brands, each offers unique ingredients and technologies designed to cater specifically to oily skin. Interested to find out which brands top the list for quality and results? Read on to discover our comprehensive guide to the best serum brands for oily skin below.

Illustration of serum for oily skin

Best brands of serum for oily skin in 2025

The Ordinary

The Ordinary is renowned for its effective and affordable skincare products, particularly for oily skin. The brand's Salicylic Acid 2% Masque and Salicylic Acid 2% Solution are highly recommended for their ability to deep-clean pores and reduce congestion, while the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum regulates oil production and minimizes pores. These products are part of a broader range that includes the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, which provides hydration without a greasy feel. Launched in 2016, The Ordinary has gained popularity for its transparent ingredient lists and clinical branding. Its products are available at an average price of $10, making high-quality skincare accessible. For more insights into their offerings, check out the best The Ordinary products for acne and oily skin.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay is renowned for its effective skincare solutions, particularly for oily and acne-prone skin, with its Effaclar line offering significant benefits. The Effaclar Salicylic Acid Serum, for instance, reduces pimples by 45% and whiteheads and blackheads by 21% in just four weeks, while also improving post-acne marks by 49% and making pores less visible for 77% of users in two weeks. These products are developed using a strict formulation charter, ensuring a minimal number of ingredients and rigorous clinical testing for efficacy and safety. The brand's commitment to dermatological research and collaboration with dermatologists worldwide enhances the credibility of its products. Tested on multiple skin tones, these serums are non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and allergy-tested. For more information, visit the official press release.

Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice is renowned for its effective skincare products, particularly for oily skin, with the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant being a standout. This exfoliant, containing 2% salicylic acid, gently clears clogged pores, reduces blackheads, and evens skin tone, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The brand's products are backed by research and loved by dermatologists and aestheticians, as evident from its cult following since its inception. The 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant can be used daily or every other day, depending on skin sensitivity, and has been praised for its ability to brighten and smooth the skin without causing irritation. This product has gained viral popularity on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Neutrogena

Neutrogena is a highly regarded brand for producing effective serums, particularly for oily skin, with a brand awareness of 88% among face care users in the United States. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Ultra Hydrating Serum is clinically proven to provide 72 hours of hydration, making it an excellent choice for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. This serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and electrolytes, and is non-comedogenic, non-greasy, fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free. Around 27% of face care users in the U.S. are likely to use Neutrogena again, indicating strong user loyalty. With 31% of U.S. face care users already using Neutrogena, the brand's popularity and effectiveness are well-established.

CeraVe

CeraVe is renowned for its effective and gentle skincare products, particularly for oily skin, thanks to its formulation with three essential ceramides that help restore and maintain the skin's protective barrier. Their serums, such as the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, feature encapsulated retinol to refine the skin's surface and reduce the appearance of large pores and post-acne marks. The CeraVe Acne Control Gel, with 2% salicylic acid, helps clear acne and prevent new breakouts. Developed in partnership with dermatologists since 2005, CeraVe products are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and designed to provide long-lasting hydration through their patented Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology. This technology ensures 24-hour hydration and skin nourishment. For more details on the best products for oily skin, check out their website.

Kiehl's

Kiehl's, a renowned brand since 1851, is highly regarded for its effective serums tailored for oily skin. Their Ultra Pure High-Potency 5.0% Niacinamide Serum, with just 10 ingredients, reduces excess oil by 58% and minimizes redness, as evidenced by a 4-week clinical study where 92% of consumers reported soothed skin. This serum is free of fragrance and colorants, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Kiehl's also offers other products like the Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream and Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, which are favorites among those with oily skin. The brand's commitment to using naturally-derived ingredients and innovative science has made it a trusted name in skincare.

Vichy

Vichy is renowned for producing high-quality serums tailored for oily and acne-prone skin, with products like the Normaderm Phytosolution Anti-Acne Serum, which reduces pimples, blackheads, and oiliness while providing 24-hour hydration through hyaluronic acid. This serum is part of Vichy's comprehensive skincare range that includes cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments specifically designed to address various skin concerns. The Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster, another popular product, contains glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, making it an excellent choice for hydrating and plumping the skin. Vichy's products are often praised for their simplicity and effectiveness, making them a favorite among skincare enthusiasts. With decades of expertise, Vichy continues to innovate and provide solutions for all skin types.

Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant is renowned for its high-quality serums, particularly beneficial for oily skin, with products like the C-Firma Day Serum featuring a 15% potent antioxidant complex of l-ascorbic and ferulic acids, along with vitamin E. This serum helps neutralize environmental stressors and reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles, making it ideal for combination to oily skin types. In 2019, Drunk Elephant achieved significant growth, with global net sales of $120 million and a ranking as the No. 1 or No. 2 skincare brand at all its retail partners, including Sephora.

COSRX

COSRX is a renowned K-Beauty brand, particularly acclaimed for its effective serums tailored for oily skin. The Niacinamide 15 Serum, for instance, offers comprehensive acne care with a 15% niacinamide concentration, reducing blackheads by 42.27%, whiteheads by 50%, and sebum levels by 45.27% after just four weeks. Founded in 2013, COSRX has garnered numerous awards, including Amazon Best Seller and Get It Beauty 2020 View Label. Their products, such as the Niacinamide 15 Serum, are non-comedogenic and suitable for morning and evening use, making them a staple for those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. With its light and refreshing texture, this serum is easy to layer under other skincare products or makeup.

Bioderma

Bioderma is renowned for its innovative and effective serums, particularly for oily skin, with the Sebium serum standing out as a top choice. This serum, driven by ecobiology, combines active ingredients like salicylic acid, acetyl glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid to address imperfections and signs of aging. The Fluidactiv Technology in Sebium serum prevents sebum oxidation, reducing new imperfections and promoting cell renewal. Bioderma, founded in 1977 by Jean-Noel Thorel, has been a leader in dermatological skincare since its official launch in 1992. The brand's commitment to respecting the skin's ecosystem through ecobiology sets it apart.