10 Best Serums for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Niacinamide or vitamin B3 is known for shrinking pores and evening out the skin tone. It is an ingredient often used in serums because it can strengthen the skin barrier and protect it from sun damage. 

It also restores skin moisture and prevents it from drying. Moreover, niacinamide is a stable ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can also reduce redness and hyperpigmentation. 

The beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) family is a group of acids that are best for oily and acne-prone skin. They deal with deeper skin concerns and clear up dirt in your pores. As a BHA, salicylic acid can dissolve dead skin cells and exfoliate the skin. 

It's an ingredient that is oil soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the pores and breaks down the excess oil and sebum. It is also a helpful anti-acne ingredient, so if your skin struggles with extra oil and acne, you can use a lower dose of BHA of about 1% to 2% every day as part of your regimen to treat the skin concerns.

Hyaluronic acid is one ingredient that we always hear about. It's an all-around acid that can moisturize, soothe, and protect your skin. It's a great ingredient for oily skin because it maintains the proper balance of your skin's natural oils and water. As it regulates oil production, it also improves skin's texture and fine lines resulting in more hydrated and healthier skin.

Glycolic acid is an ingredient that can exfoliate to renew the skin surface. It is an effective acid that softens the skin and protects it from sun damage. Glycolic acid is also hydrating and comes from the same family as hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It also reduces excess oil and prevents clogging of your pores, which can lead to breakouts. 

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant and one of the beneficial vitamins you can topically apply to your face. In a serum, vitamin C can help brighten your face and even out skin tone. It can also improve your skin texture and help with the signs of aging. For oily skin, it regulates the production of excess sebum because it protects the lipid barrier, which is responsible for controlling the skin's moisture. 

When applied as a serum, it can deeply penetrate the skin for proper moisture without leaving a greasy feeling. You could also look for serums with a blend of vitamins C, E, and ferulic as these ingredients complement each other, increasing stability and anti-oxidant effects.

For thousands of years, people have used propolis as an antimicrobial agent because it contains high flavonoid content, which works both internally and topically on the skin by fighting bacteria and free radicals at a cellular level.

If you experience breakouts due to excess oil, propolis may help. The propolis extract and its key components can help cure scars after the inflammation subsides, improving skin texture and pigmentation. It's also a good moisturizing ingredient for those with oily skin as it can be easily absorbed by the skin.

Anti-aging serums are formulated to prevent premature aging and skin damage. It helps smoothen wrinkles, fine lines, and crows feet. These serums rejuvenate the skin for a youthful glow. Retinol is a common ingredient that you might come across because it stimulates collagen production.

Contrary to popular belief, skin-brightening serums aren't about whitening one's skin color. Mostly, it is about clearing up your complexion and evening out your skin tone. Skin-brightening serums give your face a radiant glow. Some examples of this type of serum are vitamin C and niacinamide serums. 

A lot of people with oily skin can suffer a breakout because of the excess oils on the face. Acne-fighting and clarifying serums contain active ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs, vitamin C, and niacinamide that get absorbed into the skin to fight acne.

They help exfoliate the dirt and oil buildup from your pores to prevent future breakouts. It also rebalances oil production to help reduce excess sebum on your face.

Hydrating serums are serums that contribute extra moisture to your face. It brings back the moisture that could have been stripped off your face during washing and toning. 

Often, these are products that have humectants to effectively hydrate your skin. Some ingredients that you will often see are hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, snail mucin, and more. 

Oil-based serums contain essential oils that moisturize and repair the skin. These are often organic and natural plant-based essences that have skin benefits. They are more potent because it is not mixed or diluted with water. 

However, when it comes to its consistency, oil-based are heavier than other formulations of serums but are highly concentrated. Those with oily skin don't need to worry as long as they find light and non-comedogenic oils like tea tree, argan, and rosehip oils.

Water-based serums are serums that allow water-soluble ingredients to be absorbed by the skin. They are fast-absorbing and are less likely to clog pores. These serums are lightweight and hydrating on the skin. Those with oily skin would generally prefer these because they contain acids like hyaluronic and lactic acid.

A gel serum is light and is absorbed by the skin quickly. This type of serum is formulated to moisturize and nourish the skin. Gel serums are ideal for all skin types, but they are especially beneficial for people with sensitive or aging skin because they can provide long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.