13 Best Serums For Combination Skin To Enhance Your Natural Glow

Enhance the natural glow of your face with the right skincare essentials.

Reviewed by Dr. Leanne King, Cosmetic Chemist
Written by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Medha Deb, Integrated MA
Fact-checked by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

When choosing skin care products, including serums, knowing your skin type is essential. While tons of products are segregated for oily and dry skin types, finding the best serum for combination skin might seem challenging. Combination skin has the boons and bane of both dry and oily skin merged in one. While the T-zone, including the forehead and nose bridge and the chin, might seem oily and more prone to acne, the cheeks and under-eye areas tend to be dry. Finding the serum that balances your skin’s natural oils and moisture content becomes tough. However, we can help you find a suitable serum for your skin.

Serums can help enhance ~your complexion and address specific skin concerns like acne and dryness, leaving your skin looking soft, supple, and radiant. Scroll down to check out the 13 best serums for combination skin and pick the one that suits your skin needs.

13 Best Serums For Combination Skin To Boost Your Natural Glow!

1. Best Dermatologist-Tested:L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift

4.4
L'Oreal Paris 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face with Vitamin C Image: L'oreal Paris Skincare

Trust Loreal Paris to restore your skin’s moisture levels and leave a visible glow. Infused with 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid, it leaves the skin plump, hydrated, and moisturized in just one week! This serum can also work as a great primer under makeup as it imparts dewy skin. And while you enjoy its moisturizing benefits, it will also ease fine lines and wrinkles, thus making your complexion look younger and hydrated all day long. Add it to the cart now!

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.58 x 2.08 x 5.73 inches | Weight: 1.7 Ounces.

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Lightweight gel serum
  • Improves skin’s elasticity
  • Ensures relief from dryness
  • Tested for allergens
  • Non-greasy and leaves no residue behind
  • Paraben-free, fragrance-free, mineral oil-free, and more
  • Suitable for combination, sensitive, mature, oily, and dry skin

Cons

  • Slightly sticky

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 2,528 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

2. Best For Hyperpigmentation:Eclat Vitamin C Serum

4.2
Eclat Skincare 20% Vitamin C Facial Serum Image: Eclat Skincare

Like your body, your skin needs vitamins as well to stay supple and glowing. Hence, this cold-pressed, dermatologist-tested vitamin C-rich serumby Eclat would be a great addition to your kit. It is clinically proven and formulated to provide deep nourishment to your skin, this vitamin C (20%) and ascorbic acid blend also contain hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, ferulic acid, retinol, MSM, vitamin E, and aloe vera. This formula is also effective in protecting your skin from sun damage and fading existing sun spots. With 94% of users ensuring their skin looks radiant and healthier (as claimed by the brand), there’s no reason why you should give this gem a miss!

Skin Type: All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 1.42 x 4.29 inches | Weight: 2.89 Ounces

Pros

  • Boosts hydration
  • Combats fine lines
  • Ensures all-day hydration
  • Reduces hyperpigmentation and sunspots
  • Absorbs quickly and increases collagen production
  • Non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free

Cons

  • Fragrance maybe a hassle for some

protip_icon Pro Tip
Follow the E’clat Vitamin C Serum with the E’clat Superior Double Repair Hydramoist Moisturizer to strengthen your skin barrier and achieve even skin tone.

3. Best For Uneven Skin Tone: Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

4.5
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum Image: Good Molecules

The Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum is like a booster shot for the skin! It helps smooth out the skin, brighten its tone, and correct the uneven skin texture. Packed with 10% niacinamide, it helps to refine and nourish the skin and significantly improve its overall appearance. It controls excess sebum production, soothes irritated skin, and addresses breakouts, dullness, and enlarged pores. It is gentle enough to be used on the skin daily, delivering visible results such as improved texture and radiant skin. This lightweight serum can be layered with different skin care products and makeup to give you flawless results. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this quick review on YouTube.

Skin Type: All Skin Types,Oily Skin.

Pros

  • Minimize appearance of pores
  • Soothing
  • Lightweight
  • Nourishes the skin
  • Fragrance-free
  • Vegan-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Ph-balanced

Cons

  • None

Our Tester's Experience

"This niacinamide serum has worked so well for my rough skin texture. It softens the skin and does not cause any irritation. My skin feels less oily now. The serum has a rich texture but absorbs quickly and feels non-sticky."


L'Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift
Best Dermatologist-Tested
Eclat Vitamin C Serum
Best For Hyperpigmentation
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
Best For Uneven Skin Tone
Skin Type All - All Skin Types,Oily Skin.
Dimensions 1.58 x 2.08 x 5.73 inches --
Weight 1.7 Ounces.--
Rating
Reviews2,528--
Price$24.52-$6
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

4. Best Anti-Aging:TruSkin C-Plus Super Serum

4.4
TruSkin Vitamin C-Plus Super Serum Image: Truskin Naturals

Are you wondering how to restore your youthful glow? Add this powerful serum to your skincare routine. Packed with retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, salicylic acid, aloe vera, MSM, rosehip oil, and more, its age-defying power is no joke. Also, the infused grapefruit essential oil makes sure your skin feels soft, smooth, and younger-looking with every use. Who’s ready to fight those stubborn wrinkles and fine lines now?

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 4 inches | Weight: 3 Ounces

Pros

  • Anti-aging advanced formula
  • Improves and uplifts complexion
  • Cruelty-free and Non-GMO
  • Fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and silicone-free

Cons

  • Pricey

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 3,116 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

5. Best For Strengthening Skin Barrier: Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster

4.3
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster Image: Paula’s Choice

Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster contains skin-soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5. It leaves skin soft and supple. Ceramides and panthenol are also present, which penetrate deep into the skin to provide hydration and moisture retention to the dry areas of the skin. This weightless formula absorbs quickly and does not feel tacky on the skin. Furthermore, the science-backed formula helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, dryness, and breakouts, leaving your skin looking and feeling healthy! Its gel-like texture absorbs quickly into the skin, giving you a plumper, more youthful complexion. Several online reviews of this product suggest that this serum is extremely lightweight with no greasy after-effect and provides ample hydration.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal

Pros

  • Combats dull and dehydrated skin
  • Replenishes skin moisture
  • Instant plumping effect
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Recyclable packaging
  • Value for money
  • Clinically proven to be non-irritating

Cons

  • None

6. Best For Skin Brightening:Simplified Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum

4.3
Simplified Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Face & Eyes Image: Simplified Skin
Now 33% Off

Are dark circles making you look more like a raccoon than a human? Try this hyaluronic acid serum ASAP! Providing intense moisture, the hydrating serum also contains jojoba oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin C, and acido hialuronico. Giving your skin the power to fight wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots as well, indulge in this moisturizing serum for combination skin this season to restore the optimal pH of your skin. Multiple reviewers love this product for its ability to keep your skin hydrated while reducing dark spots to add radiance. It is a perfect answer to all your prayers for clear skin and you can also use it as a spot treatment.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal

Pros

  • Improves skin’s texture and tone
  • Ensures a plump and radiating glow
  • Brightens skin and shrinks pores
  • Prevents breakouts and boosts collagen
  • Cruelty-free and fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free, sulfate-free, and gluten-free
  • Suitable for combination, sensitive, oily and dry skin types

Cons

  • Slightly sticky
  • Not suitable to wear under makeup

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 325 reviews claiming its efficacy.

7. Best Paraben-Free:I DEW CARE Juicy Kitten Purifying Power-Green Serum

4.3
I DEW CARE Juicy Kitten Purifying Power-Green Serum Image: I Dew Care

This antioxidant serum for your skin will make you regret not having bought it earlier. Go green with this ultra-nourishing blend of ingredients from the K-beauty universe that guarantees to purify your complexion with every use. Do you have blemish-prone or acne-prone combination skin? Or has your skin been irritated lately? Then you will love this effective formula even more as it claims to clarify and soothe with kale, niacinamide, moringa seed extract, and more. Try it!

Skin Type: All, Oily, Acne Prone, Combination, Sensitive | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.7 x 1.89 x 1.85 inches; 4.16 Ounces

Pros

  • Nourishes intensely
  • Rich in antioxidants and nutrients
  • Cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan
  • Paraben-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free
  • Suitable for combination, normal, oily, and dry skin

Cons

  • Slightly sticky
  • Maybe too concentrated for sensitive skin

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 1,449 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

8. Best For Reducing Fine Lines:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Pore-refining Serum

4.4
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Pore-refining Serum Image: La Roche-

Don’t hide the pores; shrink them! Yep, if you don’t mind loosening your purse strings a little, this premium pore-refining serum would be a great pick. Fighting aging signs head-on and refining your skin texture with its powerful glycolic acidformula, say yes to this serum that guarantees smoother and radiant skin. Trust the reviews and try Effaclar serum if you haven’t already!

Skin Type: Oily, Acne Prone, Combination | Product Dimensions: 1.39 x 2.17 x 4.29 inches | Weight: 3.17 Ounces

Pros

  • Reduces oiliness
  • Eases fine lines
  • Exfoliates clogged pores
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Non-comedogenic and non-greasy
  • Paraben-free and fragrance-free
  • Suitable for oily and combination skin

Cons

  • It may sting slightly on sensitive skin.

protip_icon Did You Know?
La Roche-Posay uses thermal spring water as a key ingredient in many skin care products for its naturally soothing, antioxidant properties. It was discovered in the town of La Roche-Posay, France, centuries ago.

9. Best Hydration Formula:Denese HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum

4.6

Aging skin comes with its own set of challenges. Also, it mostly starts with moisture loss. So, if you are noticing dullness and fine lines lately, then you must grab this hydra boost ASAP! Packed with ceramides, retinol, linolenic acid, and linoleic acid, it claims to lock in moisture and boost hydration too. Yep, watch your skin go from dull to dazzling as it improves elasticity and complexion with every use of this clinically-proven serum. A must-try to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and leave a healthy glow, trust this retinol serum to comfort your skin in just 15 minutes.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal

Pros

  • Cruelty-free product
  • Advanced hydration formula
  • Boost collagen and suppleness
  • Soothe rough and dry spots
  • Improves tone, texture, and appearance
  • Ideal to use around eyes too
  • Suitable for oily and combination skin

Cons

  • The dispensing pump can be a hassle.

Our Tester's Experience

"This face serum is all I need to hydrate my oily-combination skin. It is lightweight and feels non-greasy. It abosrbs quickly and makes the skin soft to touch. It also adds a youthful glow to my skin."


10. Best For Intense Moisture:SNP PREP – Peptaronic Serum

4.3

This skin-quenching combo of peptides and hyaluronic acid will make your skin bloom like a flower. Reviving and refreshing skin with an intense moisture boost, the dermatologist-tested formula is safe for even people with sensitive skin types. It contains 6 types of peptides and 5 hyaluronic acid layers blended in one. Helping your skin boost collagen and elastin to improve complexion and elasticity, get ready to be showered with compliments with this one. Do you think you can handle the glow-up?

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 2.17 x 2.24 x 5.31 inches | Weight: 9.59 Ounces

Pros

  • Heals moisture barrier
  • Protects skin and locks in moisture
  • Reduces pigmentation and wrinkles
  • Boosts regeneration and hydrates intensely
  • Non-oily and leaves a powdery finish
  • Suitable collagen serum for combination skin

Cons

  • May take longer to absorb into the skin

11. Best Skin Refining: Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum

4.4
Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum Image: Naturium

The Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum aids in the reduction of pores and the fading of discoloration. The dermatologist-tested serum contains potent active ingredients like niacinamide, which helps to even out the skin tone, and hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates the skin and makes it appear plumper! Zinc and niacinamide work together to treat common combination skin issues such as excess oil production, fading dark spots, and removing fine lines and wrinkles. This pH-balanced formula promotes skin health by combining superior marine, earth, and botanical ingredients with non-toxic skin alternatives and advanced science.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Acne Prone, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.4 x 1.4 x 5.4 inches | Weight: 4.64 Ounces

Pros

  • Diminishes appearance of large pores
  • Balances oil production
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 1,421 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

12. Best For Smooth Skin:iS CLINICAL Active Serum

4.5
IS CLINICAL Active Serum, Anti-Acne Brightening Face Serum Image: Is Clinical

The icy-cool sensation of the iS CLINICAL Active Serum will leave your skin feeling refreshed and energized. It exfoliates the skin gently by eliminating dead skin cells and brightens the overall skin tone thanks to skin-nourishing ingredients like blueberry extracts, white willow bark, and mushroom extracts. Arbutin in the formula provides blemish-free skin and visibly younger-looking skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and evening out skin tone. This smoothing serum also softens the texture, hides the appearance of smaller pores, and leaves you with firmer skin. It is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation in 12 weeks.

Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 2.88 x 1.63 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces

Pros

  • Smoothes and softens
  • Evens out skin tone
  • Age-defying
  • Minimizes the appearance of pores
  • Reduces hyperpigmentation
  • Brightens skin
  • Long-term results

Cons

  • Expensive

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 573 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

13. Best Translucent Formula:Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum

Go makeup-free confidently with this peptide-infused serum by Peach & Lily. Blended with earth-born and high-tech ingredients, watch your skin radiate luminously with every use. Yep, say no to filters on those selfies when this silky-smooth and lightweight serum can hydrate, brighten and tighten for a picture-perfect glow. Do not skip it!

Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 2.88 x 1.63 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces

Pros

  • Translucent formula
  • Refines and reduces pores
  • Quick-absorbing and non-irritating
  • Suitable hydrating serum for combination skin

Cons

  • Expensive
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

A healthy complexion is now a serum away! Leanne King, a cosmetic chemist, says, “Consistency in application and understanding your skin’s response are key to effectively managing combination skin with serums. Use of any new skincare routine should be continued for at least 28 days before expecting to see full results.” There you go; those are the 13 best serums for combination skin you must try in 2024. Do you need more assistance with choosing the best serum? Or wondering how to use it? We’ve explained it all in the buying guide below.

Buying Guide

How To Choose A Serum For Combination Skin?

Simple! Look out for the following features in the product before buying:

Skin type: Many people confuse combination skin with oily skin type or vice versa. Hence, you must first figure out your skin type before choosing the product. Also, never use an oily skin product on combination skin as you may end up worsening the condition rather than improving it.

Lightweight and non-greasy: Nobody’s goal is to have a greasy and heavy feeling on the skin. So, before you add the product to the cart, check if it is weightless, non-sticky, and non-greasy for the best experience.

Hydration formula: Lack of moisture can turn combination skin dull and lead to fine lines in extreme cases. So, no matter the serum you choose, always make sure it hydrates your skin to help it look plumper and healthier with every use.

Pore-refining solution: Since combination skin is prone to dirt and oil build-ups, it’s ideal to choose a formula that exfoliates pores and prevents breakouts too.

Anti-aging signs: There is never a particular time or age to start using an anti-aging serum. Hence, before the aging signs become too noticeable, it’s preferable to pick a product that boosts hydration and ensures younger-looking skin always.

How to Use Serum for Combination Skin?

Always use a serum before a moisturizer, morning or night cream. Apply a few drops on your face and around the eyes and then, move on to dabbing or massaging until it has absorbed entirely. Post this; you can move on to applying your moisturizer or even makeup.

The Bottom Line

A serum is a must-have product in your skincare regimen. It quickly penetrates the skin, making it smooth, supple, and rejuvenated, promoting healthy skin. In addition, the serums come with a very light texture that nourishes your skin thoroughly. Serums serve multiple purposes, but hydration is the primary one. The best serums for combination skin listed above are lightweight and packed with powerful active ingredients. They also help reduce the fine lines and other aging signs. You can try the L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift which restores moisture and lends a youthful complexion, the TruSkin C-Plus Super Serum which is packed with skin-loving ingredients that enhance the skin’s natural texture and shine, or the Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster which replenishes dehydrated skin and reverses aging signs. However, those with combination skin should restrain from using serums with thick consistency as they might turn your skin greasy. So, go ahead and choose your favorite serum from our list and upgrade your skin care routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Serums Good for Combination Skin?

Absolutely! A serum will boost hydration, repair the moisture barrier, fight aging signs, reduce pores, and improve complexion. So, if you have combination skin and are dealing with dryness or dullness lately, you must try a serum.

Is Vitamin C Serum Good for Combination Skin?

Yes, vitamin C serum is ideal for combination skin as it brightens, hydrates, and reduces pigmentation in one go. So, if you are looking for a vitamin C-rich serum, then you must try Eclat vitamin C Serum and Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum as they are infused with 20% vitamin C.

Can Vitamin C Serum Cause Pimples?

Yes, it can cause breakouts or zits if the serum is concentrated or if you have blemish-prone or ultra-sensitive skin. Hence, figure out your skin type before using a vitamin C serum.

How often should you use a serum on combination skin?

You can add serum to your daily skin routine and apply it twice daily.

Is hyaluronic acid serum good for combination skin?

Hyaluronic acid serum works perfectly well for combination skin. It hydrates the
dry patches and soothes the oily portion.

What ingredients should I avoid for combination skin?

If you have combination skin, look for products made without pomade, fragrances, oleic acid, and other irritants.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Krati Darak, is a skin care enthusiast. She has done in-depth research before recommending these top facial serums for combination skin. She has gone through various beauty and skin care forums to make sure you get to select from only the best! These serums are specially formulated for combination skin to help improve the texture and appearance of your skin while keeping it nourished and hydrated with their moisturizing ingredients.

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