Korean beauty products are everywhere these days! From Target to Sephora to Amazon, you will see an endless selection of cosmetics hailing from the land of K-Pop. While there are many beauty products from Korea that are available today, our focus will be on serums.
Using a Serum on your Oily Skin
A lot of people who have oily skin dismiss the idea of using a serum, thinking that it is thick and will make the skin look greasy. Truth is, while serums have concentrated ingredients, they are often lightweight and work great, even for those with oily skin.
If you have oily skin, you need to take the time to look at the label to be sure that it has ingredients that will not worsen your problem. Among others, you will need to look for a serum that contains Vitamin C. This is an ingredient that helps in speeding up the process of skin healing, reduces pigmentation, increases the exfoliation rate, and reduces signs of inflammation. It will also make the skin less prone to breakouts.
People with oily skin will also benefit from choosing a serum that contains Vitamin B3, which is also known as niacinamide. It reduces the production of sebum, making it easy to control oiliness. Also, it reduces the likelihood of having acne, which is common for people with oily skin.
If you aren't sure which one to pick, keep on reading to find the best one.
Our Top Picks for K-Beauty Serums for Oily Skin
Seoul Ceuticals Korean Skin Care Serum
With 20% Vitamin C, this is one of the best serums that will work even for people who have super oily skin. Other ingredients that make it effective in having glowing and radiant skin include hyaluronic acid, citrus stem cells, and ferulic acid. It also contains jojoba oil, dandelion extract, and geranium extract, among other natural ingredients. These ingredients work together to create a potent serum that can effectively combat the visible signs of aging. There is no need to be in doubt as this serum comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer.
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum
This serum will be effective in making the skin smoother and in replenishing the moisture that has been lost. This can be done while also controlling the sebum production as it is a skincare product that is suitable even for those who have oily skin. It comes in a moist formula, which will make it easy for the skin to absorb while not clogging the pores. Even if you have sensitive skin, this will also be great as it does not make use of harsh ingredients or chemicals. One of the best things about this serum is the Phyto-Oglio, a patented ingredient that is responsible for nourishing the skin.
Anjou Vitamin C Serum
Soft, smooth, and spotless – these are just some of the things that you can expect when you use this serum. Even if your skin is oily, you can use this product without anything to worry about. Among others, the effectiveness of this product can be attributed to the fact that it contains 20% Vitamin C. It also has antioxidant acids that are basically responsible for improving the ability of the skin cells to repair themselves. It also boosts the production of collagen to make the skin glowing and youthful.
Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum
Among others, the best thing about this serum is perhaps the fact that it contains organic green tea, which allows it to solve most of your skin problems without causing irritation. It is lightweight and non-greasy, making it ideal even for people who have an oily skin. It also keeps the skin cool, which makes it one of the must-haves when it comes to summer skincare routine. It also creates a moisture barrier and provides the hydration that the skin needs so that you will look fresh throughout the day.
Elizavecca Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Your attention will immediately be captivated once you see the super-cute packaging of this serum. More than this, it is effective in restoring the moisture balance of the skin, which will also make it supple. One of the reasons for this is the use of hyaluronic acid. The latter is known not only for its brightening effect but also for its anti-aging benefits. This is the reason why it is a great addition to your anti-aging beauty regimen. It has a formulation that does not feel greasy or sticky, leaving no residue on the face.
The Face Shop White Seed Brightening Serum
Those who have used this serum before swore that it has a lightweight formulation, which is exactly the reason why it is great even if you have oily skin. In terms of the ingredients used, meanwhile, one of the secrets of this serum is the white daisy flower extract, which is known for improving brightness and reduction of the dullness of the skin. It does not contain harsh chemicals, including parabens, tars, and mineral oils, among others. Instead, it makes use of natural extracts that are gentle on the skin.
Deoproce Snail Repair Brightening Serum
Technically, this is called an ampoule, which means that it is a concentrated form of a serum. Despite this, it is not too thick or heavy, which makes it great even for oily skin. It has two main functions – to brighten your skin tone and to combat wrinkles, making it great for anti-aging. It has innovative ingredients that can refresh the skin and prevent you from looking tired. Two of the best ingredients that you can find in this product are EGF peptide and snail mucus extract.
COSRX Propolis Light Ampule
Similar to the product that has been mentioned above, this is also a concentrated type of serum. It is made by another cult-favorite K-beauty brand, so you can be confident that it will indeed be effective in repairing your skin. It has 83% black bee propolis extract, which is an innovative ingredient that restores the moisture of the skin without making you feel sticky. It gives the skin a natural dewy finish without being too oily.
Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum
While it should be noted that it is not specifically formulated for people with oily skin, you can use it with no problem at all. The main draw of this product is the 8% AHA. This will be great in terms of exfoliation, making it easy to get rid of the dead skin cells on the surface while also activating the production of new cells to reveal a healthier layer of the skin. It also contains ingredients that are gentle even for people who have sensitive skin. To add, it also contains papaya, an ingredient that is known for being a natural whitener.
O’Sum Korean Organic Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face
One of the main ingredients used in this serum is organic lemon balm extract. It also utilizes seven other organic and natural ingredients, providing an assurance that there are no chemicals that will be harsh on the skin. It has hyaluronic acid, which is a natural ingredient that improves the retention of water, providing unrivaled hydration to the face. It also prevents the loss of moisture while preventing the skin from looking oily. More so, it has ECOCERT certification, which can provide you with peace of mind regarding the safety of this serum.
What Exactly is a Serum?
At its most basic, a serum is a skincare product that exists in the form of a lightweight gel or lotion. Despite being light, it has a high concentration of active ingredients, making it supercharged. It has small molecules that can penetrate deep into the skin, making it deliver a high level of effectiveness.
Common Ingredients in a Serum
The ingredients used will differ from one manufacturer to the other. This will also depend on the specific benefit that the serum can deliver.
Generally speaking, however, some of the most common ingredients that you can find in a serum include hyaluronic acid,Vitamin C, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and lactic acid, among others. It is best to choose a serum that contains natural and organic ingredients. Stay away from those with harsh chemicals as they can irritate the skin.
When you are choosing a serum, it is also important that you are familiar with the ingredients that you need to avoid. You should not pick those that contain SD alcohol 40 or denatured alcohol. They can dehydrate the skin, making you suffer from dryness.
Not an Alternative to Moisturizers
Another important thing that you should know about a serum is that it is never to be considered as an alternative to a moisturizer. They do different things to the skin. After cleansing, apply the serum and then a moisturizer.
The main function of the moisturizer is to provide the skin with a protective barrier, which will prevent the evaporation of the moisture. This protective barrier also helps the skin to get rid of environmental pollutants. Serums, on the other hand, will only provide hydration to the skin. It does not have a protective element, so they are never meant to be used on their own.
The Right Way to Use a Serum
To maximize the benefits of the Korean serum that you are using, it is important that you pay attention to its proper use. At all times, read the label and follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Research online and learn from the suggestions of other users.
Here is how to apply a serum correctly to the face:
- Start by cleansing the face using a gentle facial wash of scrub.
- After cleansing, damp the face using a warm moist towel. This will leave the skin moist while also allowing the pores to open up.
- Now that the pores are open, proceed to the application of the serum. Apply tiny dots on the different portions of the face and blend.
- After spreading the serum, tap the face with your fingers for about 60 seconds, which will ensure the optimal absorption.
- Leave the serum for at least a minute and follow it up with an application of your choice of moisturizer.
- Take note that there are times when you will feel a tingling sensation upon applying a serum. Often, this is harmless. This is just a sign that the ingredients are already penetrating the dermis, working deep into the skin.
Wrap Up
While a Korean serum will make a great addition to your skincare regimen, take note that not all products can deliver the same effects. You need to consider your skin type when making a choice. The products mentioned above are specifically made to balance oily skin. It provides the hydration the skin needs without making it look greasy!