Looking to balance your oily skin and avoid getting clogged pores that may lead to pimples? You may want to add a serum to your routine. Before you dismiss the idea, know this: there are ones that work great for your skin and won’t leave you feeling and looking like a greaseball after application. And if you’re looking for the best ones for your skin type, I got you covered.
Should you use a serum if you have oily skin?
There seems to be this notion that less is best when it comes to caring for oily skin. While we have collectively discovered that you don’t really need a 10-step skincare routine to achieve the skin health of your dreams, it’s still good to have a targeted solution for your specific skin problems. And that’s exactly what serums do!
Serums carry potent or active ingredients that address specific skin needs. Whether that’s excessive sebum, enlarged pores, acne scars or something else, there’s a serum for that.
What to look for in a serum for oily skin
This will depend on what you want to address. If you want to tone down your skin’s excessive sebum production, you can turn to glycolic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and retinol. If you want to address clogged pores, exfoliants such as AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid and more), BHAs (salicylic acid), and retinol are ones to look for. If you feel like you need more help in the hydration department, go for niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. For acne-prone oily skin, there’s Centella Asiatica — the hero ingredient of the moment — for that. Partner any of these with a moisturizer for your skin type and you’re going to get great results.
Serums for oily skin that are available in the Philippines
Ready to discover your new favorite serum for oily skin? Here are the best ones you can buy right now.
The Inkey List Retinol
Retinol is great for so many things, including keeping the skin clear, bright and wrinkle-free. It is potent, so you want to start with something that’s gentle. This serum from The Inkey List is just what you need for that. Top tip: This is for PM use only!
Some By Mi Miracle AHA BHA PHA Serum
AHA, BHA and PHA? Plus, Centella Asiatica to boot? Yes, this serum has all of those hardworking ingredients to keep your oily skin properly exfoliated and soothed.
The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Serum
Balance your skin’s oils while keeping it blemish-free with the help of this straightforward and no-fuss serum. This is great for both daytime and nighttime.
Gallinee Youthful Serum
Treat your skin to a cocktail of probiotics, prebiotics and lactic acid through this oil-free serum. It’s great for hydrating and anti-aging.
Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate
This is a cult favorite serum for brightening and anti-aging. For those with oily skin, it helps hydrate and even out the skin.
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Serum
Exfoliate and reveal your skin’s radiance (or more accurately, don’t let gunk and dead skin cells stay on top of your skin) with the help of this serum.
Dr. Jart Cicapair Serum
Soothe your oily skin with the help of this serum that’s packed with the goodness of Centella Asiatica.
Olay Retinol 24
Retinol is a superstar ingredient, and you can get it in this lightweight serum.