8 Best Serums for Oily Skin in Australia for 2024
Oily skin types have named this cult product their “holy grail” serum for giving a totally radiant and balanced complexion.
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Don’t let your oily skin get you down – it’s actually a blessing in disguise.
Oily skin types are usually more adaptable to skincare products, with a reduction in sensitivity and more protection from signs of ageing.
And if you’re yet to be introduced to the world of serums, think of them as a way to pump concentrated actives into your skin to treat specific skin concerns – so think niacinamide, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
We’ve rounded up the best serums for oily skin to incorporate into your routine, including the “holy grail” asap super B complex serum that’s been said to give you “clearer skin in a bottle” by five-star rating customers.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICK: BEST SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
asap super B complex, $90 at Adore Beauty
asap super B complex
Why we love it: This is a hardworking serum that’s packed with loads of active ingredients.
What to consider: May feel too intense for those with sensitive skin types.
Formula: Serum
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
Control your oily skin with the asap Super B complex serum – it contains a blend of potent active ingredients, including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and AHAs.
All of these ingredients work together to hydrate, improve uneven skin tone and exfoliate the skin, all while controlling oil production.
It’s received an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of five on the Adore Beauty website. Happy customers have named it “liquid gold” and their “holy grail” serum for oily skin types.
“Always go back to this serum” said one user, with another noting it gives them “clearer skin in a bottle”.
BEST AFFORDABLE SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Treatment, $9.50 at Myer
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Treatment
Why we love it: Super budget-friendly price point.
What to consider: May not feel as advanced as other serums on the market.
Formula: Serum
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
If you’ve got oily skin, and in particular acne-prone skin, The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% — Zinc 1% Treatment is a great pick. And even better, it’s priced at just under $10.
This is a high-strength formula that works hard to reduce skin blemishes, congestion and helps with controlling oil production.
It also feels super lightweight, thanks to it being a water-based texture, which is especially good for those with oily skin types.
The top-rated serum has an average rating of 4.7 out of five on the Myer website from over 1500 reviews.
BEST K-BEAUTY SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
SOME BY MI, AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum, $29.31 at iHerb
Why we love it: Affordable price tag, ringing in at under $30.
What to consider: Can sometimes be hard to get your hands on.
Formula: Serum
Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
Formulated with tea tree leaf water and centella extract, this K-Beauty serum promises to help soothe irritated skin, all while minimising the appearance of pores and clearing congestion.
The blend of AHAs, BHAs and PHAs helps to get rid of dead skin cells, while also not drying out the skin.
It’s racked up over 8500 five-star ratings on iHerb, with mostly positive reviews from customers.
“I’m astonished by the results”, said one user.
“This is a game changer for achieving radiant, healthy skin”, said another.
BEST SERUM FOR OILY AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum, $63.95 at Adore Beauty
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum
Why we love it: Great for those who suffer with oily and acne-prone skin.
What to consider: May be too concentrated for those with sensitive skin types.
Formula: Serum
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
If you’re suffering with oily and acne-prone skin, you’re going to need something that clears congestion – and there’s nothing better than the Effaclar range from La Roche-Posay.
The serum in particular is super potent, helping to reduce blemishes by micro-exfoliating the skin with AHAs, LHAs and BHAs.
Five-star rating Adore Beauty customers have named it the “best product ever”, noting it “works like magic” and is “so great at reducing breakouts”.
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
Alpha-H vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide, $84.95 at Sephora
Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide
Why we love it: Gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Serum
Size: 25ml
What You Need To Know
A niacinamide, also known as vitamin B, serum is one of the best things you can use for oily skin types, and our top pick is this fun blue coloured one from Alpha-H.
It’s a lightweight formula packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and copper tripeptide to really give you a totally hydrated and radiant complexion.
Five-star rating Sephora customers have called it their “holy grail”, noting it also “sinks in so beautifully”.
BEST VITAMIN C SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
Skinceuticals Silymarin CF, $242 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Specifically formulated for those with oily and acne prone skin types.
What to consider: High price tag and may be too strong for some.
Formula: Serum
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
A vitamin C serum is essential at brightening your skin, but if you’ve got oily skin, it may be hard to find the right one.
The Skinceuticals Silymarin CF is a high-strength and oil-free formulation that works hard to improve skin clarity, radiance and improve uneven skin tone.
Five-star rating Adore Beauty customers have named it the “best vitamin C serum” and a “game changer for my oily skin”.
BEST HYALURONIC ACID SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $15.90 at Adore Beauty
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Why we love it: Super affordable price tag.
What to consider: Rather basic formulation compared to other hydrating serums on the market.
Formula: Serum
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
One of The Ordinary’s top selling products is the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, and the water-based formulation happens to work fantastic for oily skin types.
It’s packed with five types of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and provitamin B5.
The formula has also recently been updated, so there’s no sticky or tacky residue on your skin – it just feels comfortable and hydrated.
From almost 1500 five-star ratings on the Adore Beauty website, customers report it’s the “best and most affordable hyaluronic acid serum” on the market.
BEST ANTI-AGEING SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum, $43.99 at Adore Beauty
Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Why we love it: It’s a gentle and fragrance free formula that’s great for all skin types.
What to consider: May not be strong enough to treat mature skin types.
Formula: Serum
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
Looking to treat anti-ageing concerns? The CeraVe Blemish Control Resurfacing Retinol Serum is an amazing double-duty product that helps treat congestion, oil control and sebum production, and post-blemish dark spots.
The formula features an expert blend of encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, licorice root extract and ceramides.
We also love that it’s a lightweight, non-greasy and gel-like texture that promises to absorb into your skin super quickly.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING SERUMS FOR OILY SKIN TYPES
When choosing what serums for oily skin to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Your skin type: We’re not just referring to oily skin types here – you may have acne-prone skin, or may be looking for something treat enlarged pores or anti-ageing concerns.
Price: You don’t have to spend big to create a hardworking skincare routine. We’ve found top picks for you to shop under $10 and over $200.
Ingredients: A serum can target lots of different skin concerns, so choosing a hyaluronic serum to hydrate your skin or a vitamin C serum to brighten your complexion.
Formula: Oily skin types should try and steer clear of oil-based serums, and rather opt for water-based serums instead. This will compliment the natural oils on your skin, plus it will feel a lot more comfortable for you too.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best serum for oily skin, we asked Yadira Cauchi, Dermal Therapist & Adore Beauty Journalist for their expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying any sort of skincare product for oily skin types.
In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best serums for oily skin types, from premium to budget.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST SERUM FOR OILY SKIN?
According to Yadira, “oily skin can benefit most from lightweight water-based serum formulas”, but you should also be thinking about any particular skin concerns, like opting for an anti aging serum or an antioxidant serum.
Popular ingredients you can look out for to help with oily skin include niacinamide, salicylic acid, zinc and retinoids.
IS VITAMIN C GOOD FOR OILY SKIN?
Yes although Yadira adds “you need to consider the derivative of vitamin C, the formula and the concentration. Not every skin needs vitamin C and there are alternative antioxidant ingredients that are great for oily skin too.”
IS NIACINAMIDE GOOD FOR OILY SKIN?
Niacinamide is “amazing” for oily skin, as it “can help regulate excess oil production, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture and acne breakouts.”
IS HYALURONIC ACID GOOD FOR OILY SKIN?
Yes it can be beneficial, but there’s no need to overdo it if you have oily skin.
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO APPLY SERUMS IF YOU HAVE OILY SKIN?
Yadira recommends applying serums as you normally would, morning and night, after your cleanser and before your moisturiser.
EXTRA SKINCARE TIPS TO LOOK AFTER OILY SKIN
These are Yadira’s top tips when it comes to looking after oily and combination skin.
- Regular exfoliation to prevent clogged pores
- Always double cleanse at night
- Moisturise morning and night
- You may want to add clay or sulfur masks to your routine as they help manage oil production
- Avoid touching and picking at your skin
- Wear SPF everyday
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