9 Best Face Serums for Oily Skin to Mattify & Refine Pores
Let's be real—oily skin gets a bad rap, but it's not all doom and gloom. Yes, dealing with that midday shine and enlarged pores can feel like an uphill battle, but here's the thing: the right face serum for oily skin can be your secret weapon. Unlike heavy creams that might leave you looking like a glazed donut, serums are lightweight powerhouses that dive deep into your skin to tackle excess oil, refine pores, and give you that coveted matte finish. Think of them as your skin's personal trainer—working hard behind the scenes to keep everything balanced and looking fresh.
Oily skin happens when your sebaceous glands go a bit overboard with oil production. This can be down to genetics, hormones, or even using the wrong products that strip your skin, causing it to produce even more oil in defence. The result? That familiar T-zone shine, enlarged pores, and sometimes unwelcome breakouts. Here's where serums come in clutch. Unlike moisturisers that sit on top of your skin, serums have smaller molecules that penetrate deeper. An oil-free face serum delivers active ingredients right where you need them most—balancing oil production, tightening pores, and keeping shine at bay without clogging your pores.
30 mlPore Minimizing Face Serum
When hunting for the perfect serum, keep an eye out for these game-changers: • Niacinamide: Your pore-refining bestie that regulates oil production • Salicylic acid: Unclogs pores and prevents breakouts • Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates without the grease • Zinc: Controls sebum and calms inflammation • Retinol: Smooths texture and keeps pores clear
Ready to discover your next skincare obsession? Here are nine brilliant serums that know exactly how to handle oily skin like a pro.
80 mlDaily Night-Care Routine for Oily & Combination Skin with Face Serum & Barrier Care Cream
A non-comedogenic face serum with niacinamide takes the crown here. Look for formulas that combine 10% niacinamide with zinc—this duo works overtime to minimise pores, control oil, and give you that smooth, refined finish. It's like having a personal oil-control manager for your face.
For those who want their glow to be intentional, not accidental, a mattifying face serum with silica or kaolin clay is your answer. These ingredients absorb excess oil throughout the day whilst keeping your skin comfortable and never tight.
30 ml2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Face Serum
A lightweight face serum with a gel-based formula feels like you're wearing nothing at all. Perfect for layering under makeup or for those humid days when you need hydration without the weight.
Salicylic acid serums are brilliant for this job. A pore-refining face serum with 2% BHA works like a gentle exfoliant, clearing out congestion and making pores appear smaller over time.
30 mlNia-Zelaic Oil Control Face Serum
A balancing face serum with prebiotics and probiotics helps maintain your skin's natural microbiome. These keep the good bacteria happy whilst controlling the overgrowth that can lead to breakouts and excess oil.
Look for a shine-control face serum with mattifying powders and oil-absorbing ingredients. These create an invisible barrier that keeps shine at bay for hours—perfect for long days at work or special occasions.
20mlStrawberry Bright 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
A clarifying face serum with tea tree oil or witch hazel gently purifies without over-drying. These ingredients have natural antibacterial properties that keep your skin clear and balanced.
Serums that create a matte finish often contain dimethicone or other silicones that smooth your skin's surface. They create that perfect canvas for makeup whilst controlling oil production underneath.
30 ml10% Niacinamide & 1% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum
A sebum-regulating face serum with azelaic acid or retinoids works at the source. These ingredients help normalise your skin's oil production over time, giving you long-term results rather than just temporary fixes.
Picking the right serum isn't just about grabbing the first oil-free option you see. Your skin's specific needs matter, and what works for your mate might not work for you. Consider your main concerns first. If enlarged pores are your biggest bugbear, prioritise pore-refining ingredients. Dealing with breakouts? Go for clarifying formulas with BHA. Just want to control that midday shine? A mattifying serum might be your holy grail.
30 ml10% Niacinamide Face Serum for Acne Marks
Friendly ingredients for oily skin include niacinamide, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid. These work without triggering more oil production. Be cautious with heavy oils like coconut oil or products with high alcohol content—they can either clog pores or strip your skin, causing it to produce even more oil in response.
Using a face serum isn't rocket science, but getting the technique right makes all the difference. Here's how to make every drop count. Start with freshly cleansed skin—your serum needs a clean canvas to work its magic. Apply 2-3 drops to your fingertips and gently pat onto your face, avoiding the eye area. Don't rub or massage; just press and pat until absorbed.
30 ml2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum | Treats Active Acne, Controls Excess Oil
Most serums work brilliantly twice daily, but start with once daily if you're new to active ingredients. Morning application works well for mattifying serums, whilst clarifying ones might be better saved for evening use. Always follow with moisturiser (yes, even oily skin needs moisture) and SPF during the day. Your serum does the heavy lifting, but these steps seal in the benefits.
Want to get the most out of your serum investment? Here are some insider secrets that actually work. Consistency beats intensity every time. It's better to use a gentler serum daily than a strong one sporadically. Most serums need 4-6 weeks to show their full potential, so patience is key.
30 ml24K Gold Glass Face Oil
If you're using multiple serums, apply them from thinnest to thickest consistency. Water-based serums go first, followed by oil-based ones if you're using any. Avoid mixing acids with retinol or vitamin C unless you know they're compatible—some combinations can irritate or cancel each other out.
Your skincare routine is only part of the equation. Staying hydrated, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet all impact oil production. Even your pillowcase cleanliness affects your skin—change it regularly to avoid transferring oils and bacteria. Exploring different serums can feel overwhelming, but that's where platforms like Smytten come in handy. With trial-sized versions from trusted brands, you can test products before committing to full sizes. It's brilliant for discovering what actually works for your unique skin without the financial risk.
100 mlStretch Marks Oil
Niacinamide-based serums are often the best starting point for oily skin. They're gentle yet effective at controlling oil production and minimising pores without causing irritation.
Absolutely! Oily skin benefits hugely from serums because they deliver targeted ingredients without heavy textures. They can actually help regulate oil production rather than just managing the symptoms.
Yes, but choose a stable, water-based vitamin C serum rather than oil-based ones. L-ascorbic acid or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate work well for oily skin types.
Most serums are designed for daily use, but start slowly with active ingredients like acids or retinol. Your skin will tell you if you need to reduce frequency.
Look for serums with salicylic acid or niacinamide. These ingredients tackle both excess oil and acne-causing bacteria without over-drying your skin.
Combine hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid with gentle exfoliants like lactic acid. This gives you that healthy glow without the grease.
Finding the right face serum for oily skin might take some trial and error, but it's absolutely worth the journey. Whether you're after a mattifying formula for daily wear or a pore-refining powerhouse for long-term results, there's definitely something out there that'll work for your skin. Remember, oily skin isn't a flaw to fix—it's a skin type to understand and work with. The right serum doesn't just control oil; it helps your skin find its natural balance. With consistent use and the right ingredients, you can achieve that healthy, shine-free complexion you've been after. With Smytten's extensive range of trial-sized skincare products from over 1,500 trusted brands, discovering your perfect serum match has never been easier. You can explore different formulations, test what works for your unique skin needs, and make confident choices without the guesswork. After all, why settle for maybe when you can try it all and find exactly what makes your skin happy?
