Are you looking for a new drugstore serum to add to your oily skin skincare routine? Below, we’ve crafted a list of the best drugstore serums for oily skin.
Our Recommendations
1. Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule
![Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Cosrx_Hydrium_Centella_Aqua_Soothing_Ampoule.png)
COSRX Serum for Soothing and hydrating
COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule
This soothing and hydrating serum is packed with effective yet gentle ingredients that help soothe the skin. It is even suitable for calming current breakouts.
One of the key ingredients in this gentle serum is centella asiatica extract. This plant extract has been shown to effectively treat wounds and soothe inflammation in the skin. It also contains vitamin B5 (AKA panthenol), an anti-inflammatory ingredient that improves hydration and elasticity while soothing the skin.
Pros
- Lightweight and non-sticky
- Gentle
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- The lighter hydration may not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this Korean serum contains madecassoside, which has antioxidant benefits, and allantoin, which soothes.
Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Octanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Madecassoside, Panthenol
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Centella asiatica in cosmetology"
Accessed Nov. 9, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations"
Accessed Nov. 9, 2021.
2. Resurfacing Retinol Serum
![CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CeraVe_Resurfacing_Retinol_Serum.png)
CeraVe Serum for Fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and minimizing large pores
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
This drugstore retinol serum is specifically formulated to tackle post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and large pores, and helps promote an overall even and clear complexion.
This is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable retinol. This fragrance-free retinol serum not only helps with acne scars and large pores, but it can also help fight signs of aging and brighten the skin.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Developed with dermatologists
Cons
- May cause irritation or dryness
This non-comedogenic retinol serum also contains ceramides and niacinamide, which work to calm and restore the skin while maintaining its barrier. Additionally, this formula contains licorice root extract, which gives a brightening boost. That extra benefit may further help lighten discolored scars.
Aqua/Water, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethiconol, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentylene Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin
-
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne"
Accessed Nov. 8, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"
Accessed Nov. 8, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products"
Accessed Nov. 8, 2021.
3. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
![The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The_Ordinary_Azelaic_Acid_Suspension_10.png)
The Ordinary Serum for Fighting Acne and Evening Skin Tone
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
This product from The Ordinary hosts an impressive variety of benefits. Azelaic acid is a brightening skincare ingredient known for minimizing acne, lightening hyperpigmentation, and reducing redness.
This product contains a 10% concentration of azelaic acid, a gentle exfoliator that has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The lightweight gel-cream helps to improve and brighten skin tone, as well as unclog pores and reduce blemishes for clear, smooth skin.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers note that this product can be drying
In addition to its ability to fight acne, azelaic acid is often used to treat rosacea to promote a more even skin tone.
Aqua (Water), Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Azelaic Acid, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Isohexadecane, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Triethanolamine, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Azelaic acid"
Accessed Aug. 11, 2021.
4. Retinol 1% in Squalane
![The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The_Ordinary_Retinol_1_in_Squalane.png)
The Ordinary Serum for Fighting the Signs of Aging
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
This product is the highest-strength retinoid serum from The Ordinary, and the brand’s answer to more traditional retinol products. It’s excellent for preventing and minimizing the signs of aging.
Retinol is the gold-standard for minimizing wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Those who are experienced with retinoid products may prefer the Retinol 1% in Squalane over the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, as it is more potent. However, with the higher strength comes a higher risk of irritation, so it is best suited for those who’ve used retinoid products in their routine.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- High likelihood of irritation, especially as skin adapts to the product
This serum contains squalane and jojoba oil, two ingredients that hydrate and soothe the skin. They may help minimize the irritation caused by the retinol.
Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, BHT.
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: An overview of clinical efficacy and safety"
Accessed Aug. 11, 2021.
5. Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
![Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The_Ordinary_Caffeine_Solution_5__EGCG.png)
The Ordinary Serum for Treating Dark Circles and Puffiness
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
This eye serum contains a high concentration of caffeine to reduce pigmentation and puffiness around the eyes.
This is one of the best The Ordinary products for those looking to address two of the most common eye concerns: dark circles and puffiness. Caffeine has been shown to effectively reduce the appearance of dark circles and de-puff the eye area.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about the slightly greasy texture
In addition to caffeine, this eye product contains epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves. EGCG is high in antioxidants and can help increase skin hydration and decrease wrinkle formation.
Aqua (Water), Caffeine, Maltodextrin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Gallyl Glucoside, Hyaluronic Acid, Oxidized Glutathione, Melanin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan gum, Lactic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Propyl Gallate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Infraorbital Dark Circles: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Evaluation and Treatment"
Accessed Aug. 11, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Skin Protective Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate"
Accessed Aug. 11, 2021.
6. Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum
![La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/La_Roche_Posay_Effaclar_Anti-Aging_Pore_Minimizer_Face_Serum.png)
La Roche-Posay Serum for Minimizing Pores and Exfoliating
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum
This serum is packed with chemical exfoliators and additional ingredients that help minimize the appearance of pores, while also smoothing the skin’s texture and reducing fine lines.
This serum is excellent for both minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores and reducing fine lines. Lipo-hydroxy acid (which is a derivative of salicylic acid) helps diminish the appearance of enlarged pores, while also brightening and evening tone and texture. Glycolic acid works on the surface of the skin to smooth texture and minimize lines.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- May irritate more sensitive skin
In addition to the chemical exfoliators mentioned above, this serum contains hyaluronic acid, which keeps the skin hydrated and helps counteract the potentially drying effects of the exfoliators.
Water, Alcohol Denat, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Diisopopyl Adipate, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Peg-30 Glyceryl Cocoate, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, P-anisic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Polyquaternium-10.
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The Use of Lipohydroxy Acid in Skin Care and Acne Treatment"
Accessed Aug. 16, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin"
Accessed Aug. 16, 2021.
7. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
![The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The_Ordinary_Niacinamide_10_Zinc_1.png)
The Ordinary Serum for Minimizing Blemishes and Controlling Sebum Production
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This multi-tasking product helps minimize blemishes and congestion while reducing redness and regulating the production of sebum.
Niacinamide is an excellent skincare ingredient that has been shown to control sebum production, reduce redness and inflammation, minimize fine lines, and even reduce hyperpigmentation. This product also contains zinc, which further balances sebum production and reduces inflammation.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May cause flushing in those sensitive to niacinamide (patch test prior to using)
This product is an excellent choice for acne-prone skin. However, those currently fighting acne will also want to introduce other acne-fighting ingredients into their routine, as niacinamide on its own is not an effective treatment for minimizing breakouts.
Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production"
Accessed Aug. 9, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"
Accessed Aug. 9, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review"
Accessed Aug. 9, 2021.
8. 1% Retinol Treatment
![Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Paulaschoice_1_Retinol_Treatment.png)
Paula's Choice Serum for Hyperpigmentation and Wrinkles
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
This treatment combines retinol, a powerful anti-aging ingredient, with hydrating and brightening ingredients for an even, smooth skin tone.
Retinol is the gold-standard for fighting signs of aging, so this is an excellent choice for those with wrinkles, fine lines, and sun spots. The addition of soothing and hydrating ingredients helps counteract some of the potential irritating side effects of retinol.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May irritate more sensitive skin types
This serum contains vitamin C, which brightens the skin, as well as licorice extract and oat extract, which soothe and calm redness.
Water (Aqua), Dimethicone (skin-softening), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), Butylene Glycol (hydrating), Isononyl Isononanoate (emollient), Castor Isostearate Succinate (skin-softening ), Glyceryl Stearate (texture enhancer), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient), Dimethicone Crosspolymer (texture enhancer), PEG-33 (stabilizer), Polysorbate 20 (texture enhancer), Behenyl Alcohol (texture enhancer), PEG-100 Stearate (texture enhancer), Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate (stabilizer), Polymethylsilsesquioxane (texture enhancer), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Retinol (skin-restoring), Ceramide NG (skin-replenishing) , Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (skin-restoring), Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 (skin-restoring), Sodium Hyaluronate (skin-replenishing ), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (antioxidant plant extracts/skin-soothing), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (licorice extract/antioxidant/skin-soothing), Avena Sativa Kernel Extract (oat extract/antioxidant/skin-soothing), Arctium Lappa Root Extract (burdock extract/antioxidant/skin-soothing), Salix Alba Bark Extract (willow bark extract/antioxidant/skin-soothing), Glycine Soja Sterols (antioxidant/skin-softening ), Lecithin (skin-restoring), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (antioxidant/skin-softening), Sorbitan Laurate (texture enhancer), Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester (skin-soothing), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Hydroxyethylcellulose (texture enhancer), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (skin-restoring), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Tribehenin (emollient), Caprylyl Glycol (skin-softening), Ethylhexylglycerin (skin-softening), Pentylene Glycol (hydrating), PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides (emollient), PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer (stabilizer), PEG-10 Phytosterol (fatty acid-based emollient), PEG-8 Dimethicone (skin-softening), PEG-14 (texture enhancer), Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (texture enhancer), Arachidyl Glucoside (texture enhancer), Arachidyl Alcohol (texture enhancer), Sclerotium Gum (texture enhancer), Carbomer (gel-based texture enhancer), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Benzoic Acid (preservative)
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: An overview of clinical efficacy and safety"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
9. 10% Niacinamide Booster
![Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Paulaschoice_10_Niacinamide_Booster.png)
Paula's Choice Serum for Refining Pore Size and Improving Skin Tone
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
This super light niacinamide product is one of the best Paula’s Choice serums. It delivers a multitude of benefits, including minimizing the appearance of pores, controlling sebum production, smoothing fine lines, reducing redness, and brightening.
Niacinamide is a powerful skincare ingredient that offers a wide variety of benefits, which makes this another great multipurpose serum. In addition to minimizing the appearance of pores, it has been shown to control sebum production, smooth fine lines, reduce redness, reduce hyperpigmentation, and brighten the skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- May cause flushing in those sensitive to niacinamide (patch test prior to using)
In addition to the 10% concentration of niacinamide, this booster contains allantoin and licorice extract, which calm the skin. It also contains vitamin C, which brightens. It’s important to note that users should patch test niacinamide first, because some people are sensitive to it, and it may make acne or flushing worse.
Water (Aqua), Niacinamide (vitamin B3, skin-restoring ), Acetyl Glucosamine (skin replenishing/antioxidant), Ascorbyl Glucoside (vitamin C/antioxidant), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Phospholipids (skin replenishing), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration/skin replenishing), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract (skin-soothing), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (skin-soothing), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (licorice extract/skin-soothing), Ubiquinone (antioxidant), Epigallocatechin Gallate (antioxidant), Beta-Glucan (skin-soothing/antioxidant), Panthenol (skin replenishing), Carnosine (antioxidant), Genistein (antioxidant), Citric Acid (pH balancing), Sodium Citrate (pH balancing), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancing), Xanthan Gum (texture-enhancing), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative)
-
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
10. 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
![Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Paulaschoice_10_Azelaic_Acid_Booster.png)
Paula's Choice Serum for Evening Tone and Texture
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
This booster combines azelaic acid with other brightening ingredients that work together to fade post-acne marks, minimize blemishes, brighten, and even out tone and texture.
This is a great multi-purpose serum to have on hand. If you have hyperpigmentation, this is a particularly excellent product for you, as azelaic acid has been shown to help fade dark marks. It’s also great for smoothing the skin for a more even texture.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- May irritate more sensitive skin types
This booster contains salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliator that further minimizes the appearance of blemishes and evens out skin texture and tone. It also contains licorice root, which calms redness and brightens.
Water (Aqua), Azelaic Acid (skin-brightening/tone-improving), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (skin-replenishing), Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate (emollient), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), Cetearyl Alcohol (texture enhancer), Glyceryl Stearate (texture enhancer), Dimethicone (hydration/texture enhancer), Salicylic Acid (exfoliant), Adenosine (skin-restoring), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (skin-soothing), Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract (skin-soothing), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Cyclopentasiloxane (texture enhancer), Xanthan Gum (stabilizer), Sclerotium Gum (stabilizer), Propanediol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Phenoxyethanol (preservative)
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Over-the-counter Acne Treatments"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
11. Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
![Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Derma_E_Vitamin_C_Concentrated_Serum.png)
Derma E Serum for Brightening and Anti-Aging
Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
This affordable vitamin C serum contains a stable and effective form of vitamin C, as well as additional ingredients that help hydrate and soothe the skin.
Vitamin C – an antioxidant that fights free radicals that can damage the skin – is key for a rounded out skincare routine, and this option is affordable and effective. It contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a stable form of vitamin C that doesn’t deteriorate as easily as other forms. It is able to brighten the skin and fight signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains fragrance
In addition to vitamin C, this serum contains a blend of ingredients that hydrate, soothe, and nourish the skin, including hyaluronic acid, green tea leaf extract, rosehip oil, and aloe vera extract.
Purified Water, Glycerin (Vegetable Derived), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C, Stay-C 50), Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Microcrystalline Cellulose (Plant Derived), Cellulose Gum (Plant Derived), Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide (Vegetable Derived), Polymnia Sonchifolia (Yacon) Root Juice, Maltodextrin, Lactobacillus (Probiotic), Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Extract *, Allantoin, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Plant Derived), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Natural Fragrance Oils
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils"
Accessed Aug. 31, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Pharmacological attribute of Aloe vera: Revalidation through experimental and clinical studies"
Accessed Aug. 31, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Sodium ascorbyl phosphate in topical microemulsions"
Accessed Aug. 31, 2021.
12. C15 Super Booster
![Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster](https://skincarehero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Paulaschoice_C15_Super_Booster.png)
Paula's Choice Serum for Brightening and Fighting Signs of Aging
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
The 15% concentration of pure vitamin C in this serum helps brighten the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This lightweight serum is one of the best Paula’s Choice products, as it contains a powerful concentration of vitamin C, which evens out and brightens the skin tone while also minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains ingredients that hydrate and soothe the skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May irritate more sensitive skin types
In addition to vitamin C, this serum contains ferulic acid and vitamin E. These antioxidants protect the skin, and are also known to increase the efficacy of vitamin C.
Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C/antioxidant), Butylene Glycol (solvent/texture enhancer), Ethoxydiglycol (solvent/texture enhancer), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), PPG-26-Buteth-26 (emulsifier/skin-softening), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (emulsifier/solubility enhancer), Pentylene Glycol (skin-softening slip agent), Tocopherol (vitamin E/stabilizing antioxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration), Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate (skin-restoring peptide), Lecithin (skin-restoring/hydration), Ferulic Acid (stabilizing antioxidant), Panthenol (vitamin B5/skin-softening, skin-soothing), Bisabolol (skin-soothing), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract (skin-softening/chelating agent), Propyl Gallate (antioxidant), Sodium Gluconate (chelating agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative)
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Vitamin C in dermatology"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
FAQs
Are serums bad for oily skin?
No, serums are not bad for oily skin. In fact, they can help address a variety of concerns that people with oily skin may have, from evening skin tone to fighting breakouts to controlling sebum production. If you have oily skin and are looking for a new serum, be sure to look at products that are formulated with your skin type in mind for the best results.
Is hyaluronic acid bad for oily skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a skincare ingredient that helps attract moisture to the skin, but it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy. You’ll find it in plenty of skincare products, including a few of the serums on this list. Hyaluronic acid is typically well-tolerated by all skin types, including oily skin, and it’s excellent for keeping your skin balanced and hydrated (yes – oily skin still needs hydration!). When looking at ingredient labels, you may see the term “hyaluronic acid”, but you may also see “sodium hyaluronate”, which is derived from hyaluronic acid and serves a similar function.
How do I choose a serum?
If you’re considering adding a serum to your skincare routine, you’ll want to think about the skin issues you’re looking to address. Serums contain a high concentration of ingredients that work to target certain skin concerns, so you’ll want to look for a formula that was created with your skin’s needs in mind. For example, if you want to even out skin tone and texture, you’ll want to look for a serum that targets those needs (like the Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster or the The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%).
The Bottom Line
If you have certain skin issues you want to target, consider adding one of the effective drugstore serums listed above to your routine. They’ll address your specific skin concerns to help you achieve a glowing complexion.