If you’ve been scouring the Internet for the perfect serum for oily skin, one that hydrates without adding more grease, minimizes those stubborn pores, and keeps ugly breakouts in check—you’re in the right place.
Oily skin… seems like a blessing, right? Less visible wrinkles, built-in glow. But… the constant shine, clogged pores, and surprise breakouts?? Yeah, it’s frustrating.
Choosing the right serum when your skin is basically a slip-n-slide by noon is not easy. Some dry you out. Others clog your pores.
But when you find that perfect balanced formula? It’s a total game-changer!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what really works—clean, lightweight formulations with actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and retinol.
Plus, we’ll spotlight some tried-and-true picks from Nasola, including the Kojic Acid Serum, Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and Pure Retinol Serum.
Ready to actually manage oily skin?
Let’s get into it!
Nasola Kojic Acid Serum
$19.95
Nasola Pure Retinol Serum
$14.95
Best Serum for Oily Skin
Finding the best serum for oily skin starts with understanding what your skin truly needs. Lightweight. Non-comedogenic. Oil-regulating. And BONUS points if it minimizes pores and evens out tone.
Serums for oily skin should feel like water and absorb just as fast—anything thick or greasy is a NO. Ideally, go for products that include:
- Niacinamide – Helps reduce excess sebum and tightens pores.
- Salicylic Acid – A must for preventing and unclogging pimples.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Sounds counterintuitive, but oily skin NEEDS hydration.
- Retinol – Boosts turnover, reduces shine, clears blemishes.
Now, wanna hear something good?
The Nasola Kojic Acid Serum is legit a powerhouse. Even though it’s best known for brightening, its lightweight texture and melanin-regulating properties make it a multi-use gem.
It doesn’t just fade dark spots—it prevents new ones from scarring up your face after a breakout (we all know the trauma of post-acne spots!).
Use it day or night—just don’t skip sunscreen afterward. It layers beautifully under moisturizer and can be combined with niacinamide or hyaluronic acid for that extra boost.
Seriously… it’s the unseen hero for oily skin types battling pigmentation with zero grease.
Niacinamide Benefits for Oily Skin
Niacinamide helps even more than most people realize. Its ability to shrink pores, regulate oil production, and strengthen the skin barrier makes it a holy grail for many. It also calms inflammation—yes, even that monthly hormonal outburst around your jawline.
To include more niacinamide in your routine:
- Start with a serum that has 5% niacinamide or higher.
- Pair it with retinol at night for best results.
- Use it every morning to combat shine through the day.
- Layer it under sunscreen to reduce environmental inflammation.
Give it 4–8 weeks. You’ll be staring at your brighter, smoother skin in selfies. No filter needed.
Lightweight Ingredients to Look For
If your serum feels heavy or sticky—toss it. Ingredients that are your friends if you’re oily:
- Zinc PCA – Another oil controller
- Green Tea Extract – Soothes and mattifies
- Witch Hazel – A natural astringent (but use with caution)
- Licorice Root – Helps with hyperpigmentation
Choosing a serum isn’t just about what’s in it—but what it lacks. No mineral oil. No alcohols that dry you out (and leave you greasier later). Read the label. Carefully.
Nasola Kojic Acid Serum
$19.95
Nasola Pure Retinol Serum
$14.95
Face Serum for Oily Skin
Incorporating a face serum for oily skin into your skincare routine can be the biggest glow-up you’ll ever experience—if you do it right.
Unlike creams that sit on the skin, serums penetrate deeply with potent ingredients. This is why they work so well for oil control and improving texture.
Oily skin often craves clarity and smoothness, right? You need lightweight actives that can regulate oil without throwing off your skin’s natural balance.
Retinol, in particular, is your MVP here. And if you’re scared of it—you’re not alone.
That’s why the Nasola Pure Retinol Serum is such a gem. It’s gentle on the skin yet powerful enough to tackle acne, texture, AND wrinkles (yes, that too!).
Use it at night—two to three times a week. Let it settle, follow with moisturizer, and in a few weeks?
Your selfie camera will thank you.
Salicylic Acid & Retinol Synergy
When used right, salicylic acid and retinol are the dream team for oily skin. One clears your pores, and the other prevents new gunk from settling in.
Here’s how to work that combo:
- Use salicylic acid (as a cleanser or toner) in the AM.
- Apply Nasola Retinol Serum at night on dry skin.
- Don’t mix them in the same routine—alternate evenings if needed.
- Always use SPF in the daytime.
With consistent use, you’ll notice fewer pimples, smoother texture, and more balanced oil production.
How Retinol Controls Oil & Breakouts
Retinol sounds scary—but it’s your best shot at transforming oily skin. It:
- Enhances cell turnover (bye clogged pores!)
- Diminishes shine without stripping moisture
- Reduces cystic acne and post-acne spots
- Tightens pores over time
And the Nasola Pure Retinol Serum delivers this without the harsh peeling you may have heard about. Just ease into it, moisturize like crazy, and trust the process.
Nasola Kojic Acid Serum
$19.95
Nasola Pure Retinol Serum
$14.95
Best Serum for Oily Skin Large Pores
You know the deal—oily skin loves spotlighting every single pore. The more oil you produce, the more those pores stretch. And if you’re not exfoliating or producing enough collagen? They just stay… open-for-business all day, every day.
Choosing the best serum for oily skin large pores means looking for ingredients that stimulate collagen, resurface the skin, and balance sebum production.
And retinol wins again (surprised?).
The Nasola Pure Retinol Serum not only evens out tone but also tightens up those pesky pores over long-term use. Say goodbye to the “orange peel” skin look and hello to smoother selfies with less editing.
Niacinamide for Pore Tightening
Niacinamide deserves a standing ovation.
It’s one of the few ingredients that:
- Physically minimizes the appearance of pores
- Repairs the lipid barrier (which stops more oil from leaking out)
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Works with all skin types, even sensitive ones
Pair niacinamide with retinol—you’ll never look back. Just space them out if your skin gets sensitive, and always wear sunscreen.
Exfoliation + Collagen Boost = Smaller Pores
Don’t underestimate the power of gentle exfoliation (ideally 2–3x a week). Try these strategies:
- Use a salicylic or AHA exfoliant to keep pores clean.
- Layer with retinol at night to stimulate collagen.
- Add a peptide serum or moisturizer weekly.
- Stay consistent and hydrate to avoid purging.
Smaller-looking pores require time AND effort—but the reward? Totally worth it.
Nasola Kojic Acid Serum
$19.95
Nasola Pure Retinol Serum
$14.95
Hydrating Serum for Oily Skin
Let’s break a myth… right here, right now: hydrating serum for oily skin is NOT a contradiction.
Dry skin isn’t the opposite of oily—dehydrated skin is. And yes, you can have BOTH at the same time. When oily skin lacks water, it begins to overcompensate by producing—yep—more oil.
The solution? A good hydrator that adds water but no oil.
Say hello to the Nasola Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It’s a featherlight, oil-free serum that sinks in fast while flooding your skin with moisture. Layer it under SPF or nighttime creams without ever feeling sticky.
Now that’s hydration done RIGHT.
Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
Hyaluronic acid is what your thirsty, oily skin has been begging for. And when it combines with glycerin? Even better.
Benefits:
- Draws water deep into the skin (without clogging pores)
- Improves bounce + plumpness
- Prevents dehydration triggers that lead to acne
- Layers beautifully with actives + SPF
Use daily under your usual skincare steps. If you skip this and just try drying out your skin? You’ll trigger more breakouts, not fewer.
Nasola Kojic Acid Serum
$19.95
Nasola Pure Retinol Serum
$14.95
Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Oily Skin
If the words “serum” and “hydration” scare you as an oily-skin havin’ queen or king, let me clear the confusion. A hyaluronic acid serum for oily skin doesn’t make you shinier. It actually balances things out.
It’s all about molecular size.
Multi-weight HA (what Nasola uses) penetrates deep and sits atop your skin to lock in moisture without going greasy. That means more water, less oil, and no clogged pores. It’s a magic combo.
The Nasola Hyaluronic Acid Serum is perfect for:
- Post-cleansing hydration
- Pre-makeup prepping
- Daily use (twice if needed!)
- Mixing with other serums
Vitamin C Pairing for Daytime Use
Want to upgrade your morning skincare routine fast? Try this power duo:
- Hyaluronic acid serum first to hydrate + prep skin.
- Follow with Vitamin C to brighten and fight free radicals.
- Finish with sunscreen, always.
- Bonus? Less oil production mid-day.
Basically, it’s the ultimate AM glow-up routine.
Nasola Kojic Acid Serum
$19.95
Nasola Pure Retinol Serum
$14.95
Ingredient Spotlight: Niacinamide
OK, let’s give this ingredient the crown it deserves. Niacinamide is every oily skin’s dream. It handles the oil. The inflammation. The enlarged pores. The texture. It’s that friend you never knew you needed… but are SO glad you have.
Here’s why it belongs in your serum routine:
- Balances sebum production
- Smooths uneven texture
- Reduces redness and sensitivity
- Plays nice with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides
How to Use Niacinamide the Right Way
- Use it in the morning after cleansing
- Pair with hyaluronic acid for added hydration
- Start slow if your skin is ultra sensitive
- Combine with retinol at night (alternate nights or layer if your skin tolerates it)
Remember—consistency is everything. You’ll see results in as little as 2–3 weeks!
Conclusion
Here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all serum for oily skin. But there ARE powerful, lightweight options that actually work when paired with the right actives and routine.
For clarity and pigmentation? The Nasola Kojic Acid Serum. Hydration minus grease? The Nasola Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Long-term pore-tightening and acne benefits? Hands down, the Nasola Pure Retinol Serum.
These aren’t just trendy picks—they’re formulas I trust to perform. Why? Because oily skin doesn’t need more layers or more drama. It needs thoughtful ingredients, balanced hydration, and just the right amount of power.
Explore Nasola’s serums and find the one that fits right into your glow-up story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best serum for oily skin should be lightweight, oil-free, and packed with sebum-balancing ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, or kojic acid. One top option is the Nasola Pure Retinol Serum, which reduces oil production while improving skin tone and minimizing pores.
Yes, and they absolutely should! Hydration is essential even for oily skin types. The Nasola Hyaluronic Acid Serum provides lightweight moisture without clogging pores. It helps balance your skin and can actually reduce sebum production over time.
The Nasola Pure Retinol Serum is a great choice for clearing and preventing acne. Retinol encourages cell turnover, unclogs pores, and reduces post-acne pigmentation. Use it 2–3 times a week at night.
Ingredients like retinol and niacinamide support collagen, tighten pores, and reduce oil production. The Nasola Pure Retinol Serum encourages skin renewal and long-term improvement in pore visibility.
Start with water-based serums like Nasola Hyaluronic Acid Serum for hydration, then follow with actives like retinol. Morning: hydrate + brighten. Night: treat + moisturize.
Yes—just layer from thinnest to thickest. Begin with hydrating serums (HA), then treatment serums (retinol or kojic acid). Always patch test and monitor for irritation.
Yes! Try the Nasola Kojic Acid Serum. This lightweight serum helps fade dark spots and post-acne marks while keeping the skin calm and even-toned.
Not when you choose the right_serum. Water-based, non-comedogenic serums like those from Nasola hydrate without adding oil or clogging pores.
Definitely. In fact, it’s a must. The Nasola Hyaluronic Acid Serum is perfect for summer hydration—light, refreshing, and fast-absorbing.
It varies, but you’ll generally see improvements within 2–4 weeks of daily use. Retinol can reveal major textural improvements within 6–8 weeks, while hydration and brightness from hyaluronic acid and kojic acid may show within days.