How to Choose the Right Serum for Oily Skin: A K-Beauty Guide

Finding the right serum for oily skin can be a challenge. While it may seem counterintuitive to add more hydration, the right serum can balance oil production, refine pores, and prevent breakouts. K-beauty is renowned for its lightweight, high-performing formulas, especially for oily and acne-prone skin types.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose the perfect Korean serum for oily skin and what ingredients to look for to keep your skin matte, clear, and healthy.

Understanding Oily Skin: What Causes It?

Oily skin is often the result of overactive sebaceous glands producing excess sebum. This can be triggered by factors such as:

• Genetics
  

• Hormonal changes
  

• Climate (especially humidity)
  

• Over-cleansing or using harsh products
  

• Dehydration (yes, oily skin can still be dehydrated)

When the skin is stripped of moisture, it compensates by producing even more oil. That’s why using a serum, especially one that hydrates without clogging pores, s—is essential for oily skin types.

What to Look for in a Serum for Oily Skin

Choosing a serum tailored to oily skin involves looking for ingredients that balance sebum levels, soothe inflammation, and support skin barrier function.

1. Lightweight, Water-Based Formulas

Avoid heavy or oil-rich serums. Instead, choose products with gel-like or watery textures that absorb quickly and leave no greasy residue.

2. Oil-Controlling Ingredients

Look for ingredients that help regulate sebum production and reduce shine, such as:

• Niacinamide: Minimizes pores, brightens skin, and controls oil
  

• Zinc PCA: Helps reduce excess oil and supports healing
  

• Green Tea Extract: An antioxidant-rich ingredient that also controls oil
  

3. Non-Comedogenic and Fragrance-Free

Serums should be free from pore-clogging ingredients and artificial fragrances, which can irritate sensitive, oily skin.

4. Hydrating but Non-Greasy Actives

Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and centella asiatica hydrate without overwhelming the skin.

5. Exfoliating Acids (in moderation)

Gentle exfoliants like BHA (salicylic acid) or PHA can help keep pores clean and reduce blackheads—just make sure they’re balanced with calming ingredients.

When and How to Use a Serum in Your Skincare Routine

For oily skin types, it’s best to apply serum after toner and before moisturizer:

1. Cleanse with a gentle, low-pH cleanser.
   

2. Tone with a balancing toner to prep the skin.
   

3. Apply Serum with 1–2 drops, gently pressing into the skin.
   

4. Follow with Moisturizer to lock in hydration.
   

5. Finish with Sunscreen (AM) to protect your skin barrier.
   

Use your serum twice daily for best results unless it's an exfoliating serum (those should be used only a few times a week).

Top Korean Serums for Oily Skin Available at Mirai Skin

Here are some expert-recommended picks you can find on Mirai Skin: 

• Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum: Formulated with green tea and panthenol to soothe and hydrate oily skin.
  

• medicube Zero Pore One Day Serum: Designed to visibly tighten pores and balance sebum using patented pore-complex technology and niacinamide. Ideal for oily and textured skin.

• iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum: Combines tea tree and centella asiatica for calming acne-prone, oily skin.

Final Thoughts

Using the right serum can transform how your oily skin looks and feels. K-beauty offers a wide range of innovative, lightweight formulas that cater specifically to oily and combination skin types. By focusing on non-comedogenic, hydrating, and oil-controlling ingredients, you can maintain a balanced, radiant complexion without excess shine.