Best Antioxidant Serum For Oily Skin – Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Breanna Mona on December 13, 2021
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Best Antioxidant Serum For Oily Skin
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In case you hadn’t noticed, antioxidant serums are very popular right now and it’s not all hype, we swear.
We love gobbling up antioxidants in our food, coffee, and tea because they combat a lot of crap that no one has time for, namely oxidative stress caused by free radicals (aka crap from air pollution, cigarette smoke, disease, and UV rays).
But can antioxidants do the same thing if we spread them on our skin? We’re glad you asked.
We spoke to a couple of board-certified dermatologists to get an idea of what these serums can do (spoiler alert: free radical protection, brightening, fantastic hydration, just to name a few) and then got to work finding the best options available .
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We spoke with Dr. Kellie Reed, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas, and Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, to give you a more scientific explanation of how antioxidant serums work.
“Free radicals can cause skin diseases including rashes and skin cancers, as well as [premature] aging,” Reed says. And according to Hartman, free radicals formed by exposure to UV light degrade collagen, causing dull skin and sagging skin. A breakdown of collagen also leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
To prevent premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer and other problems, we want to neutralize free radicals. This is where antioxidants come in: They help prevent damage from occurring by giving cells a better chance to produce collagen.
This is extremely important because, as Hartman explains, collagen production peaks at age 22 and then declines every decade thereafter (ugh). Therefore, he says, it is important to prevent failure as much as possible.
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Serums in particular can really help you achieve this. Hartman says serums absorb deeper into the part of the skin that produces collagen and elastin. Due to the molecular size of the serum, you will get better penetration and absorption than a lotion or moisturizer.
Plus, he adds, because the active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin, they’re super effective at adding moisture and fighting free radicals.
Tl;dr: Because the skin is constantly threatened by free radical damage — and because antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals — antioxidant serums are often used in skin care products to help heal the skin, says Hartman .
So what should you look for in an antioxidant serum? Hartman suggests starting by defining your biggest skincare goal or concern (like reducing signs of aging, treating acne, hyperpigmentation, etc.).
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Hartman says it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. “When starting a new antioxidant serum, you want to start incorporating it into your routine 2 to 3 times a week to make sure your skin responds well.”
He says if you see redness or your skin feels hot after using a new product, stop using it and talk to your derm if you can.
Reed agrees that some products can be irritating to the skin, possibly causing redness or dryness of the skin. He adds that when it comes to vitamin C, its form called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate may be better tolerated for those who find ascorbic acid irritating, so keep that in mind when grocery shopping.
Additionally, people with sensitive skin may want to avoid retinol (especially in higher concentrations), which can cause severe irritation.
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Reed says the airtight ones (pumps) are the best. “Tubs or jars are not ideal for delicate ingredients. Vitamin C is relatively unstable and degrades more quickly when exposed to light and air. Additionally, he looks for dark, opaque containers that block UV light that can deactivate sensitive ingredients like antioxidants,” he says.
Hartman tells us this is a great place to spend a fortune. “You will get the most out of your investment. But beyond the price, take a look at the active ingredients to make sure they work well together. And if you don’t know, ask your board-certified dermatologist!”
Reed says he tells his patients that this is the one area where he recommends spending a fortune. “You’re paying for the research behind the particular topical product you’re using, as well as the packaging, which plays an important role in the stability of the antioxidant.”
He also suggests choosing one that contains a couple of combined antioxidants, saying these have a stronger effect. Basically, he says to try to select one that contains a combination of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with vitamin E and ferulic acid because this combination has solid evidence behind it.
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Hartman says Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is the gold standard and works well for those with dry skin. Reed also recommends this option, even calling it one of the gold standards in topical vitamin C serums.
“It has the triple combination of 15% L-ascorbic acid, alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) and ferulic acid. There is reliable data to support the synergistic effect of these three ingredients,” says Reed.
Plus, he adds, it brightens skin, helps reduce the look of fine lines, and binds free radicals caused by the sun and pollution.
This serum has over 10,000 reviews on Google, with most saying it’s worth the money and some calling it the “Holy Grail.” Others, less enthusiastic, say they notice pilling when they combine it with other products, or that it simply doesn’t seem to do anything for their skin.
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Hartman says this vitamin C serum is a more affordable option that leaves skin protected and glowing without irritation.
This formula includes salicylic acid, a proven acne-fighting exfoliant and skin smoother that can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, so it’s a good choice for oily skin types. You’ll also find hyaluronic acid and glycerin in this serum, two ingredients that add a serious boost of hydration.
The only downside is that some believe that using salicylic acid together with vitamin C can make it ineffective, but it is unclear how they interact when used together in the same formula. So there is a possibility that the vitamin C contained in this serum may not live up to its full potential.
But the good news is that reviewers are obsessed with these things, saying they’ve helped them achieve their skincare goals at a good price.
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This formula is non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog pores) and is free of oils, parabens, and fragrances, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types. You can use this serum alone or add it to your regular moisturizer to enhance the results.
In addition to helping alleviate dull, uneven skin tone, the brand claims this serum can improve signs of aging and offer hydration to dry, sun-damaged skin.
It features the form of vitamin C that Reed recommends for people who find L-ascorbic acid (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) irritating, so it’s a great choice for people with sensitive skin. It also contains coenzyme Q10, another proven antioxidant that adds an extra layer of defense.
The formula also contains peptides and ceramides, both known to strengthen the skin’s barrier and replenish moisture.
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Reviewers are overall satisfied, saying it soothes, softens and helps eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Others point out that the consistency is too thick or that they have had an allergic reaction or rash. (That’s why we patch test first!!!).
Recommended by Reed, this is a daytime vitamin C serum that is definitely a splurge. SkinCeuticals is on our list a few times and this is due to its reputation and results. This promises to provide advanced environmental protection and also help fade the look of fine lines and discoloration.
This formula has the powers we mentioned: 10% L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) and 0.5% ferulic acid. But it also contains phloretin, which, along with protective benefits, has been shown to target signs of aging and hyperpigmentation.
Plus, another impressive benefit: the company’s website claims that once absorbed, this serum remains effective for 72 hours.
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Reviewers love SkinCeuticals products, saying this serum has worked wonders for hyperpigmentation and acne scars. They also love the way it brightens their skin.
This serum is a good choice for normal, oily, and combination skin types and is free of parabens, fragrances, and dyes.
Reed says: “Very affordable, this is a good product with two great antioxidants: niacinamide and zinc. This is especially helpful for those who are acne-prone, as zinc also helps increase oil and sebum on the skin.
On top of that, it’s also a powerful pore tightener and can also help with texture.
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The price here is incredibly low. This alone is worth our applause, but this choice is also cruelty-free and made without:
The biggest downside is that the high concentration of niacinamide can cause a tingling/burning sensation that some reviewers dislike. Even the highest concentration could
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