If your skin is oily, you might think hydration simply means gasoline in the greasefire. But here’s the skincare truth bomb. Hydrated skin does not mean oily skin–in fact, when skin is lacking hydration, it produces more oil. If you are avoiding hydrating serums because you’re worried about looking like a glazed donut, you’re doing your skin a disservice.
So let’s change that. In this guide, I will give you the 10 best hydrating serums for oily skin that I have selected after considering their lightweight formulas, non-comedogenic ingredients, and real-world results. These gems will give you the moisture your skin craves without leaving you greasy.
Why Hydration is Important For Oily Skin
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin deserves hydration just as much as dry skin does! When skin is dehydrated, it will produce more oil as a compensatory mechanism. This process creates a cycle of breakouts and shine that I imagine no one wants.
“Hydration and oil production are two different things. And even oily skin needs water-based hydration for balance.” — Dr. dermatologist based in New York City.
Signs Your Oily Skin Is Dehydrated:
Your skin feels tight even though it looks shiny
You have flaky patches under your makeup
Your skin feels oily soon after cleansing
Increased acne, blocked pores
What to Look for in a Hydrating Serum for Oily Skin
Before we discuss product suggestions, here is what to look for:
Oil-free or non-comedogenic oils
Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or panthenol in the first three ingredients
Lightweight textures, such as water or gel-based serums
Alcohol-free and fragrance-free (helps reduce irritation)
Best Hydrating Serums For Oily Skin (2025 Update)
1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Best Hydrating Serum for the Price
This well-known serum offers water that penetrates several layers of the skin with 3 types of hyaluronic acid paired with pro-vitamin B5. It is oil-free, vegan, and dermatologist-approved.
Pros:
Absorbs instantly
Adds plumpness to the skin
“The Ordinary’s HA serum is great for oily and acne-prone skin since it hydrates the skin without leaving oily residue.”
2. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
This product is designed by dermatologists and combines pure hyaluronic acid, La Roche thermal spring water, and vitamin B5 to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Why does it work?
Clinically demonstrated to increase hydration by 70% in 4 hours
Fragrance-free and tested clinically for allergies
Real-World Life Hack: Perfect for those with oily and post-acne sensitivity.
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Serum
With purified hyaluronic acid, this gel-serum hydrator lasts and won’t clog anyone’s pores. It’s a stable, oil-free hydrator that absorbs in seconds.
Reasons to love it:
Light-weight and not sticky
Under sunscreen and makeup, both stay great!
Pro Tip: Chilling it in the fridge will give you a great cooling effect for a hot summer in Unity State.
4. COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence
A K-beauty classic! This essence serum provides a blast of hydration. The sodium hyaluronate works because it is a smaller molecule and goes deeper into your skin!
Best for: Oily skin that feels parched after washing.
5. Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Best for your resurfacing, shine, and enlarged pores!
Niacinamide is the multitasker of oilier skin. This hydrating booster serum lets your skin feel hydrated while it helps to tighten your pores and reduce oiliness!
Tip- Apply a few drops to your moisturizer or apply solo.
Case Study:
Paula’s Choice completed an internal study in 2023, and after two weeks of consistent use, it showed a 25% decrease in oil production!
6. CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid serum
Best for Damaged Skin Barriers
If your oily skin also suffers from a compromised skin barrier from over-cleansing or actives like retinoids, the ceramides, vitamin B5 and HA make this a great option.
Why it’s special:
Developed with dermatologists
It will help strengthen your skin’s protective barrier.
7. Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Booster
Best Lightweight Hydrating Serum
This ultra-light serum contains 89% volcanic water and pure hyaluronic acid to hydrate and protect the skin against pollution.
Fun Fact:
Tested for anti-fatigue and anti-pollution effects in cities like Mumbai and Paris.
8. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Best for Glow Without the Grease
These viral “dew drops” are the perfect combination of hydration and glow mixture due to the niacinamide, along with hyaluronic acid. These are great for oily skin that is looking dull or textured!
Instagram Worthy aspect:
It can also be used as a makeup primer!
9. Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best for Minimalist Formula
If you want a serum that is affordable and a few ingredients while also providing deep hydration with multi-molecular HA, this is a perfect option. This product is great for layers in any routine.
Why users love it:
No pilling
Easy to reapply midday in dry environments!
10. Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
Best Luxury Product
This serum contains hyaluronic acid, marine algae, and watermelon extract, which hydrate the skin beyond belief; so if you have oily skin, it won’t leave you looking shiny!
Yes, we agree it’s a little pricey, but it is a good investment if you have oily-combination and dehydrated skin.
Step by Step Guide: Hydrating Serum Application for Oily Skin
Use a gentle oil-free cleanser
(Optional) Toner to prep your skin
Apply 2-3 drops of hydrating serum to damp skin
Seal with a lightweight moisturizer
Use SPF during the day (especially with niacinamide)
Stats That Back This Up
According to a recent study by the International Journal of Dermatology, 48% of people with oily skin also have dehydrated skin (>2024).
According to 2022 consumer research by Neutrogena, 7 out of 10 users found that using a hydrating serum resulted in less oil.
Final comments: The best hydrating serum is the one you will use!
Don’t forget that oily skin and hydration don’t need to be on opposite ends of the skin care spectrum. With the right hydrating serum, you can achieve balanced, shine-free, healthy skin for your oily-combination skin that doesn’t leave any greasy residue behind. It doesn’t matter what you choose; The Ordinary is a great first option, or if you want to splurge, Dr. Dennis Gross! The main takeaway is consistency!
FAQs
1. Can oily skin use a hydrating serum every day?
Yes. In fact, using it every day will help you balance oil production over time.
2. Does hyaluronic acid clog pores?
No—hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic and good for people who are acne-prone.
3. What’s better for oily skin: hyaluronic acid or niacinamide?
Both! Hyaluronic acid will hydrate your skin, and niacinamide will control oil and improve your texture.
4. Should I apply serum to dry or damp skin?
You should always apply serums like hyaluronic acid to damp skin.
5. If I use a serum, do I still need to use a moisturizer?
While it is not recommended, you can skip the moisturizer. Serums hydrate, and moisturizers seal the hydration.
6. What ingredients should oily skin avoid in serums?
Heavy oils like coconut, alcohols, and synthetic fragrances.
7. Can I use a hydrating serum under sunscreen?
Yes! Just apply it first, let it absorb, and then put on sunscreen.
