Best Serums for Oily Skin
Ranked by 91 mentions across Reddit
Reddit’s top serums for Oily Skin

The why
Zinc PCA reduces sebum production and visibly shrinks pores, helping those prone to breakouts control oiliness.
Browse by category
Community take
For oily skin, Redditors most often reach for niacinamide serums like The Ordinary's 10% Niacinamide + Zinc 1% for oil control, pore reduction, and calming breakouts. These serums are affordable and widely used but can cause some irritation in sensitive users.
What works
- Reduces sebum production and controls oiliness effectively
- Helps diminish pores and improves skin texture
- Affordable and commonly recommended starting point for oily skin care
Watch out for
- Can cause stinging and irritation for some sensitive users
- Some users report mild irritation despite calming properties

DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
See alternativesThe why
Water-based formula absorbs quickly and disappears into skin without leaving any residue or oiliness.

Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
See alternativesThe why
Azelaic Acid visibly reduces oiliness and clears pustules, based on months of consistent morning use experience.

Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
See alternativesThe why
Tranexamic acid targets pigmentation concerns in combination with hydration for those managing excess oil.

Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum
See alternativesThe why
Beta-Glucan power helps calm and hydrate skin after overdoing actives, soothing tightness without heaviness.

Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
See alternativesThe why
Centella calms breakout redness and reduces midday shine in T-zone for users with oily breakout-prone skin.

20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
See alternativesThe why
20% Vitamin C concentration reduces shine, visibly shrinks pores, and smooths skin texture with daily morning use.

Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
See alternativesThe why
Centella calming ampoule reduces pore appearance while preventing greasy shine in combination skin with hormonal oil imbalance.

Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule+
See alternativesThe why
Green Tomato Extract visibly shrinks pores and smooths skin texture, calming oilier complexions as a serum alternative.

Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
See alternativesThe why
Propolis extract calms inflammation while regulating T-zone oil, shrinking pores for a glowing yet less shiny complexion.

Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule
See alternativesThe why
Centella extracts calm acne-prone complexions on retinoids without causing milia or comedones.

The why
Tranexamic Acid 10% offers visible fading of PIH while adding hydration and some oil control for daytime use.

Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented
See alternativesThe why
Centella extract in high concentration soothes and controls excess facial oil for combo and sensitive people.

The why
Calming oil production drives twice-daily use to tame shine with 10% niacinamide and zinc PCA.

The why
Zinc PCA targets excess sebum that messes up makeup later, helping reduce shine for long-lasting wear.

The why
Zinc content targets oil control during breakout-prone weeks as a focused spot treatment serum.

The why
Retinol 1% significantly lowers excess oil and breakouts when used every other night without added exfoliants.

The why
Vitamin C serum with Melaleuca alternifolia targets mild sun freckling and PIE from old acne.

The why
Gel-like consistency hydrates without greasy feeling, ideal for nighttime use on combination or oily types.

Pore Balancing & Clarifying Serum
See alternativesThe why
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate tackles pore congestion for 20-year-olds managing combination to heavily oil-producing skin.

Deep Water Surge Hydrating Serum 30
See alternativesThe why
Serum texture lets people use it on face and body easily, according to a user mentioning multiple body spots.

The why
Tamanu oil 10% appeals to acne-prone users noticing less breakouts and light night-time feel.

Real Hyaluronic Blue 100 Ampoule
See alternativesThe why
Hyaluronic acid-based serum hydrates without heaviness for those prone to excess oil.

The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster 0.1% Retinal
See alternativesThe why
Sebaceous filament reduction drives smaller pores on the nose, alongside noticeably less oil production.

The why
Peach extract soothes and smooths texture, making pores less visible for those with texture and shine issues.

The why
Centella extract calms inflammation for acne-prone users who need soothing hydration.

Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum
See alternativesThe why
Green tea seed oil suits combo types well as a straightforward daytime moisturizer with fungal acne safe formula.

The why
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water calms irritation for those who find most vitamin C serums too greasy or harsh.

The why
Retinol leads users in semi-annual use for steady resurfacing and softening effects.

The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
See alternativesThe why
Peptides target pore size and soothe skin texture while aiding oil balance under moisturizer.

The why
Peach extract forms 70% of this serum, supporting users with oily skin and large pores.












