Best Face Serums for Oily, Acne-Prone Indian Skin (2026 Guide)

If you struggle with oily, acne-prone skin, choosing the right serum can feel overwhelming. The good news? 2026 is packed with powerful, skin-friendly serums that tackle excess oil, clogged pores, breakouts, and even post-acne marks—without over-drying or irritating your skin barrier.

We’ve curated a dermatologist-inspired list of the best serums in India designed specifically for oily and acne-prone skin types. From niacinamide and bakuchiol to snail mucin and BHA, these ingredients deliver targeted results without the grease.

Let’s dive into the top picks.

Best Face Serums for Oily, Acne-Prone Indian Skin in 2026

1. WildOak 10% Niacinamide Cica Serum

Key Ingredients: 10% Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica (Cica), Zinc PCA

Price: ₹595 (30ml)

Where to Buy: WildOak Store

WildOak 10% Niacinamide Cica Serum

Why It’s Great:

This serum blends high-strength niacinamide (for oil control and pores) with Centella (for calming inflammation) and zinc PCA (to regulate sebum and reduce acne). It’s lightweight, fragrance-free, and perfect for daily AM/PM use.

✅ Non-comedogenic, no purging phase
✅ Balances oily T-zones without drying

Best for: Enlarged pores, active acne, dullness, post-acne marks

2. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Zinc

Price: ₹620 (30ml)

Why It’s Great:

A global cult favorite for oily skin, this serum helps with sebum regulation, redness, and texture. It works best for mild acne and oily zones but may feel sticky in humid Indian weather.

Best for: Beginners with oiliness or mild acne

3. Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (BHA), Oligopeptide-10

Price: ₹549 (30ml)

Why It’s Great:

Ideal for acne-prone skin with clogged pores, this serum deeply exfoliates inside the pores while being gentler than traditional spot treatments.

Best for: Whiteheads, blackheads, textured skin

4. Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Key Ingredients: 96% Snail Mucin

Price: ₹1,350 (100ml)

Why It’s Great:

This Korean favorite is a hydrating superstar with healing properties. While not mattifying, it repairs acne-damaged skin and reduces PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) over time.

Best for: Oily skin with acne scars and inflammation

5. Deconstruct Clearing Serum: 2% Salicylic Acid + 3% Niacinamide

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide

Price: ₹399 (20ml)

Why It’s Great:

A smart blend of oil control + exfoliation, this serum works wonders for breakouts without stinging. It’s beginner-friendly and well-suited to Indian summers.

Best for: Acne, oiliness, blackheads

6. Earth Rhythm Phyto-Repair Bakuchiol Serum

Key Ingredients: 1% Bakuchiol, Plant-based Antioxidants

Price: ₹599 (30ml)

Why It’s Great:

Bakuchiol is a gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol. This serum targets hormonal acne, pigmentation, and uneven texture without irritating oily or sensitive skin.

Best for: Anti-acne + anti-aging care without dryness

7. Dot & Key Cica Niacinamide Spot Corrector

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Green Tea, Tea Tree

Price: ₹495 (15ml spot treatment)

Why It’s Great:

Target active breakouts with this spot treatment designed to calm and heal blemishes. It pairs well with lighter moisturizers and is easy to carry in a routine.

Best for: Spot-fighting on oily, breakout-prone skin

🧴 How to Choose the Right Serum for Oily Skin

Final Thoughts

For oily and acne-prone Indian skin, the best serum is one that’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and packed with calming + sebum-controlling actives. WildOak’s Niacinamide Cica Serum stands out for its smart formula that tackles redness, oil, and breakouts—all while supporting skin repair.

🛍️ Pro Tip: Layer your serum with a gentle moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen for best results.