6 Best Antioxidant Serums for Oily Skin – Women’s Concepts
Antioxidants are needed to protect the skin against free radical damage that leads to early aging signs, dullness, and uneven tone. Just like sunscreen, you should apply antioxidants daily. For oily skin, however, it’s equally important to keep sebum balanced; otherwise, pores clog, and that’s how breakouts arise. Yes, oily skin is high maintenance, but this doesn’t mean you should use two different serums to protect your skin and regulate sebum. We made this post for those who like to take a simple approach to their beauty regimen and want to get the best of both worlds with one product. Scroll on to find the best antioxidant serums for oily skin that shield against oxidative stress while regulating sebum production.
What to look for in the best antioxidant serum for oily skin?
The ideal serum that gives antioxidant defense and helps regulate excess sebum should pack potent free radicals scavengers like vitamin C, tocopherol, ferulic acid, and green tea. Sebum-balancing ingredients should also be on your radar, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which help unclog pores and gently exfoliate dead cells buildup that leads to congested pores and eventually breakouts.
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum
This one has what it takes to be the best antioxidant serum for oily skin. First, it’s made with 0.75% willow-bark-derived salicylic acid to unclog pores and prevent them from congesting while gently exfoliating dead cells. Additionally, the slew of vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, and green tea extract provide high antioxidant benefits. The base made of organic juices makes the serum nourishing and lightweight and never leaves skin tacky but dewy and healthy, which is great for oily folks.
Paula’s Choice Advanced Pore-Refining Treatment
This treatment was made for oily skin that craves protection against free radicals. It’s made with 4% salicylic acid to keep pores clear and regulate oil production, meaning it refines large pores and helps prevent breakouts. All whilst grape seed, green tea, and allantoin neutralize free radicals, offsetting oxidative stress. As it’s water-based and lacks oils, the texture is fluid and lightweight, leaving skin with a glowy, non-greasy appearance.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is a cult favorite for being made with the trifecta of antioxidants: 15% ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. Meaning it performs top tier at preventing damage caused by free radicals. Moreover, it fusions two of the best humectants — panthenol and sodium hyaluronate — to increase water levels in the skin, which in turn helps regulate sebum production.
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is king for oily skin because its collagen-boosting ability helps regulate sebum by reinforcing the barrier — a weakened barrier can be the reason for your oily skin. And this serum has five forms of vitamin C to defend against free radicals, even tone, and give anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, ideal for oily complexions that often struggle with pimples. The formula has a silky, non-sticky water-gel texture and leaves skin looking glowy and even as applied.
Derma E Acne Blemish Control Treatment Serum
This is the best antioxidant serum for oily skin that’s prone to breakouts. The serum fights excess sebum, blackheads, and pimples with 1.9% salicylic acid, plus willow bark extract and tea tree oil. Plus, it packs niacinamide, green tea, aloe vera, and caffeine for powerful antioxidant benefits. Because this serum tends to dry the skin, you must trap moisture with a non-comedogenic occlusive moisturizer.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
As an oily skin type, I’ve tried a lot of serums, and hands down, this one is the best under $10. The formula is built around niacinamide and zinc, two powerful antioxidants that work hard to regulate sebum production and balance oily skin. This duo also helps fade blemishes and deliver a burst of radiance in the long run — 14,000 Amazon reviewers attest to it.