The Top 10 Best Korean Serums for Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin in 2023 (#3 Will Mattify!)

Discover the best Korean serum for oily skin, a game-changer in managing excess sebum and enhancing skin radiance. Our curated list dives into top-rated serums, renowned for their innovative formulas and natural ingredients, perfectly tailored for oily skin types.

* For an effective skincare routine tailored to oily skin, it’s a wise choice to start with the application of toner for oily skin before using serums. If you’re unsure about which toner is the ideal fit, we encourage you to explore our reference article on the top Korean toners for oily skin, accessible via the link below, for guidance.

1. What Makes Korean Serums Ideal for Oily Skin

Korean serums are renowned for their lightweight formulations, which are perfect for oily skin types. These serums often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil, which hydrate and soothe the skin without adding excess oil. Additionally, they are typically designed to control sebum production, ensuring that your skin stays balanced and less prone to breakouts. Their non-comedogenic nature means they won’t clog pores, a crucial factor for maintaining clear, oil-free skin.

2. Top Korean Serums for Oily Skin

2.1. Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Serum – Hydrating Formula

Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Serum is renowned for its effective formula, especially suitable as the best Korean serum for oily skin. It boasts a gel-like texture that absorbs quickly, ensuring deep hydration without leaving any residue.

The key ingredient in Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Serum, 3-COMPLEX HYALURONIC ACID, is pivotal for moisture retention. It penetrates the skin’s epidermal layers, promoting a smooth, hydrated complexion and reducing wrinkle formation. Additionally, the inclusion of Ceramide NP strengthens the skin’s barrier, aiding in moisture preservation and combating signs of aging.

2.2. Jumiso Super Soothing Cica And Aloe Facial Serum – Soothing & Calming

Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum is a standout choice for those seeking the best Korean serum for oily skin. Its blend of Cica and Aloe Vera offers a soothing, non-greasy formula ideal for daily use.

This serum features Cica, known for its healing and calming properties, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Aloe Vera in Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum enhances skin hydration and repair, aiding in soothing irritation and promoting a healthy, balanced complexion.

2.3. SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum – Brightening

SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum stands out as a top choice in the range of the best Korean serums for oily skin. Its quick-absorbing, gel-like texture and subtle citrus scent offer a refreshing skincare experience.

This serum’s formulation is rich in 20% Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), a powerful antioxidant known for its acne treatment and skin brightening capabilities. SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum works effectively to even out skin tone and counteract signs of aging. Additionally, the presence of Vitamin E in the serum aids in reducing inflammation and smoothing the skin, enhancing overall skin health and appearance.

2.4. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum – Moisturizing Green Tea

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum is a popular choice for its remarkable hydrating properties. Its lightweight, gel-like texture is quickly absorbed, leaving the skin feeling refreshed without any stickiness.

At the heart of Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum is its rich composition of fresh Green Tea Water, sprout, and leaf extracts. This blend is fortified with over 16 types of amino acids, enhancing the skin’s moisture levels. The serum also features a unique combination of five types of Hyaluronic Acid derived from Jeju soy, providing deep and lasting hydration. Innisfree’s advanced water supply technology further strengthens the skin’s barrier, offering enhanced protection and hydration.

* Step up your skincare routine with Bryceoprandi’s in-depth look at the wonders of Korean moisturizers.

2.5. Thelavicos Tea Tree Cica 80% Ampoule – Acne Treatment

Thelavicos Tea Tree Cica 80% Ampoule stands out as a vegan-friendly serum, making it a top pick for those looking for the best Korean serum for oily skin. Its natural composition is particularly effective in reducing skin irritations.

The primary ingredient in Thelavicos Tea Tree Cica 80% Ampoule is tea tree leaf, renowned for its moisturizing, antioxidant properties, and acne prevention benefits. The formula is further enriched with 2% centella asiatica extract, which hydrates and soothes the skin while healing wounds. Additionally, the inclusion of white willow bark extract and the derma-clera compound in the serum provides soothing, protective, and gentle exfoliating effects. This results in a brighter, smoother, and more radiant complexion.

2.6. SkinFood Peach Sake Pore Serum – Pore Minimizing

SkinFood Peach Sake Pore Serum, a popular product from K-Beauty brand SkinFood, skillfully combines Japanese sake and peaches to minimize pores and regulate oil production, making it an excellent Korean serum for oily skin.

The key component, rice ferment filtrate (sake), is rich in vitamins and amino acids, providing essential moisture and reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier. This ingredient also offers antioxidant protection against UV-induced oxidative stress. Prunus persica (peach) fruit extract in the serum works to balance oil production. Additional ingredients like Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract brighten the skin and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, while Centella asiatica extract promotes healing and reduces inflammation.

SkinFood Peach Sake Pore Serum is highly effective for oily and acne-prone skin, absorbing swiftly and leaving a powder-like matte finish. Its luxurious texture is comparable to high-end beauty products, effectively controlling oil throughout the day. For those who enjoy fragrances, its delightful peach scent is a bonus. This serum is highly recommended for anyone seeking a top-quality Korean serum for oily skin management.

2.7. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule – Nourishing Propolis

COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule, with an impressive 83% Black bee propolis extract concentration, is designed to nourish and repair damaged skin, making it a suitable choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin.

This concentrated serum, or ampoule, excels in calming reddened and irritated skin, often caused by blemishes, acne, post-acne marks, and dryness. The Black bee propolis extract is rich in antioxidants and offers anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Additionally, the ampoule includes minimal yet effective ingredients such as glycerin and betaine for moisturization, along with sodium hyaluronate, which hydrates and plumps the skin.

COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule also contains Cassia obtusifolia seed extract and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) to soothe, and arginine, an amino acid that further moisturizes the skin. The serum’s lightweight, non-greasy formula is particularly beneficial for breakouts and sensitive skin, offering a gentle yet effective hydrating and soothing solution. For a detailed personal experience, one can refer to the COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule review.

2.8. Cos De Baha Niacinamide 10 Serum – Skin Brightening

Cos De Baha Niacinamide 10 Serum, featuring 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc, is a comprehensive solution for those seeking to refine pores, balance oil production, and improve skin tone, particularly for oily skin.

This serum, containing 78% organic ingredients, is designed to strengthen the skin barrier and alleviate irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Niacinamide, a key ingredient, addresses visible aging signs by smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, and reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Dipotassium glycyrrhizate (licorice) and zinc PCA work together to regulate oil production, while zinc PCA also combats acne-causing bacteria. Witch hazel leaf extract adds antibacterial and astringent properties.

Further enhancing the serum’s benefits, allantoin from the comfrey plant repairs and soothes the skin, and sodium hyaluronate ensures hydration. The formula is enriched with organic Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, providing moisturization and reducing inflammation. This non-greasy Korean niacinamide serum is affordable, brightening, and balancing. It’s free from parabens, colorants, alcohol, fragrance, gluten, and is cruelty-free, making it an accessible choice for diverse skincare needs.

2.9. Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule – Snail Mucin Repair

Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule, a concentrated serum enriched with snail secretion filtrate, offers regenerative benefits for the skin. This unique ingredient, also known as snail mucin or snail slime, is a staple in many Korean skincare products for its healing and repairing properties.

The serum not only protects and moisturizes the skin but also aids in reducing the appearance of acne scars and smoothing fine lines, especially in photoaged skin. It includes anti-aging peptides that enhance skin firmness and elasticity. Additionally, adenosine in the formula helps to restore the skin barrier and boosts collagen production, further improving skin elasticity.

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5) in the serum works to reduce inflammation and moisturize, while hyaluronic acid (in the form of sodium hyaluronate) ensures lasting hydration. The serum has a thick, elastic texture that deeply moisturizes. It complements Mizon’s All in One Snail Repair Cream, a lightweight cream ideal for oily skin, also containing snail secretion filtrate to target wrinkles and blemishes.

Free from artificial coloring, fragrance, and parabens, Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule is suitable for sensitive skin, making it a versatile choice for various skincare routines.

2.10. COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum – Blemish Control

COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, effectively reducing acne, dark spots, and scars. It regulates sebum production and balances the skin’s pH with COSRX’s unique centella complex, CentellAC-RX.

This complex is adept at treating acne and providing healing benefits. Ingredients like madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid soothe and repair skin damaged by acne. Niacinamide, present at a 4% concentration, helps balance oil production, diminishes dullness and hyperpigmentation, and reduces visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.

The serum also contains Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil (tea tree oil), known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. A study showed reduced oiliness in participants using sunscreen with tea tree oil and resveratrol. EGF in the serum boosts collagen and elastin production, while Ceramide NP hydrates and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.

Designed for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, the serum absorbs quickly, leaving no tackiness. It also aids in fading post-acne scars and other discolorations. This Korean face serum is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.

3. Understanding Oily Skin and Serum Benefits

Oily skin results from overactive sebaceous glands producing excess sebum. This skin type often struggles with enlarged pores, shininess, and acne. Korean serums, with their targeted formulations, offer multiple benefits. They help regulate sebum production, reducing oiliness, while also delivering essential hydration and nutrients. This balance is crucial: it keeps the skin moisturized but not greasy, and can improve overall skin texture and appearance. Regular use of these serums can lead to a noticeable reduction in oiliness and a clearer, more radiant complexion.

* After applying your serum for Oily Skin, make sure not to miss the chance to acquire valuable knowledge. Discover why it’s crucial to follow up with Moisturizers for Oily Skin by delving into the informative article linked below.

4. How to Choose the Right Korean Serum for Your Oily Skin

• Key Ingredients: Look for serums containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or tea tree oil. These ingredients balance hydration, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
• Non-comedogenic Formula: Choose products specifically labeled as non-comedogenic to prevent pore clogging.
• Antioxidants: Opt for serums with antioxidants like Vitamin C for environmental protection and skin brightening.
• Patch Testing: Always perform a patch test with a new serum to ensure compatibility with your skin and avoid irritation.
• Oil Control: Seek serums that specifically target oil control to manage sebum production effectively.
• Lightweight Texture: Prefer serums with a light, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a residue.
• Skin Soothing Ingredients: Look for additional soothing ingredients like centella asiatica or green tea, which calm the skin and reduce redness.
• Avoid Heavy Oils: Steer clear of serums with heavy oils or rich creams that can exacerbate oiliness.
• Read Reviews: Check reviews and recommendations for products specifically praised for their effectiveness on oily skin.
• Consult with a Dermatologist: If unsure, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice on the best serum for your skin type.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best Korean serum for oily skin is key to achieving a balanced, clear complexion. Our top picks, rich in nurturing ingredients and advanced formulations, stand out as the ultimate choices for enhancing your skincare routine.