If you have oliy skin, you know the struggle is real. Shiny looks with enlarged, and clogged pores, makeup slides off, and pimples act like uninvited guests on every occasion.
Many of you try new products, but those products you try feel too greasy, too heavy or cause breakouts. With our humid weather in Nepal, dust, pollution, and long days, taking care of your skin should always come first. This is why you need to stop your search for serum that don’t give results, and start looking for a Korean serum.
Why Korean Serum?
Actually, Korean serums make a real difference for Nepali skin as they are lightweight, fast absorbing, and specially created to balance oil, calm acne, and, importantly hydrate without heaviness. Balancing your skin’s oil-water ratio, it helps improve skin texture over time, and provide a glass skin finish.
But, how do you know which Korean serum is best for oily skin? What ingredients should you look for in a serum? In this blog, you’ll finally get answers to your questions, and find a bottle of magic that actually works for your skin type.
Why Oily Skin Needs a Serum?(Yes, Even Oily Skin)
Many of you might not know, if your skin is super oily, it might actually be thirsty. When you don’t hydrate your skin, it panics, and produces more oil to protect itself. Instead of sitting on top of your skin, Korean serums work deep within the skin to fix the root problems, and help regulate sebum production. By balancing your skin’s oil–water ratio, Korean serums help:
- Control excess oil
- Reduce breakouts and redness
- Minimize the appearance of pores
- Improve skin texture over time
- Give a healthy, natural glow (not greasy shine)
The Secret Ingredients to Look For in a Korean Serum
Before you add to cart, check the label. For our Nepali skin facing heat and dust, these three ingredients are non-negotiable:
1. Niacinamide
A superstar for oily skin! Niacinamide helps control excess oil production, minimize enlarged pores, fade acne marks & dark spots, and give your skin a smoother, more even tone. It’s gentle but powerful, perfect for oily skin for everyday use.
2. Centella Asiatica (Cica)
Nature’s soothing hero.
Centella is great for calming redness, irritation, and inflammation, especially if you deal with breakouts or sensitivity from pollution, weather, or harsh products.
3. Green Tea Extract
A refreshing defense booster. Green tea works as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, helping control sebum (oil) and protect your skin from environmental stress, ideal for Nepal’s dusty, humid cities.
4. Hyaluronic Acid
Hydration without heaviness. You might think oiliness means “don’t hydrate,” but oily skin still gets dehydrated. Hyaluronic acid gives lightweight hydration that sinks in fast and doesn’t clog pores.
5. AHA/BHA (Mild Acids)
Gentle exfoliation magic. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) help clear out clogged pores, reduce blackheads, and smooth texture, without harsh scrubbing. BHA (like salicylic acid) is especially good for oily and acne-prone skin.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Nature’s acne fighter. Tea tree has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm pimples and prevent new ones from forming. Just make sure the serum is formulated properly; Tea Tree should be balancing, not irritating.
Best Korean Serums for Oily Skin Available at Bonjour Nepal
It might be difficult to find the best Korean skincare products for oily, mixed, or sensitive skin, particularly if you want to control sebum production without drying out your face too much. Your regular skincare routine can be greatly enhanced by a lightweight, quickly absorbing serum that balances oil, reduces irritation, and improves the texture of your skin.
We have listed a carefully chosen range of serums that are both gentle enough for sensitive skin types and ideal for oily and combo skin.
1. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum – Propolis + Niacinamide
Brightens dull skin, minimizes visible pores, and hydrates lightly without greasiness.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide – 30ml, 1 fl.oz.
Glow up your skincare routine with Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum. This lightweight serum is packed with propolis and niacinamide to brighten dull skin, reduce pore visibility, and even out your complexion. Propolis nourishes and soothes, while niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier for healthier-looking skin. With regular use, it leaves your face feeling soft, smooth, and naturally radiant.
2. Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum – Ginseng + Snail Mucin
Quickly absorbs to boost hydration, improve skin texture, and leave skin smooth and nourished.
Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin | Anti-Aging & Repairing Serum – 30ml
The Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin is an anti-aging and repairing serum designed to revitalize and nourish the skin. It contains ginseng root water and snail mucus, which helps to repair damage, increase hydration, and improve skin suppleness. This lightweight serum softens fine wrinkles, restores radiance, and leaves the skin feeling youthful. It is ideal for regular usage and helps to maintain a healthy, beautiful complexion.
3. AXIS‑Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
Fades dark spots while providing lightweight hydration suitable for oily skin.
Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum – 50ml
Target dark spots, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation with Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum. Enriched with Niacinamide, plant-derived Squalane, Panthenol, and Adenosine, this serum brightens, hydrates, and restores your skin’s natural radiance. Achieve a smoother, luminous complexion – shop now for healthier, glowing skin.
4. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule
Soothes inflammation, cools irritated skin, and reduces oil and pore congestion.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule 50ml
Experience smooth, calm, and pore-refined skin with the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule (50ml). Enriched with Centella Asiatica for soothing, niacinamide for sebum control, and madecassoside for skin repair, it tackles irritation while balancing your complexion. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this ampoule minimizes pores, reduces redness, and promotes a refreshed, even-textured skin appearance.
5. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu‑Cica First Ampoule
Calms irritated oily skin and strengthens the skin barrier with centella-rich hydration.
SKIN1004 Centella Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule 100ml
Experience deep hydration and soothing care with SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule (100ml). Infused with pure Centella Asiatica extract and Hyaluronic Acid, it calms sensitive skin while restoring moisture balance. Achieve a plump, radiant, and refreshed complexion with every use.
6. Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA Serum
Controls excess oil while reducing dark spots and evening skin tone.
Anua Niacinamide 10+ TXA 4 Dark Spot Correcting Serum – 30ml
The Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum (30ml) is a potent brightening product that targets dark spots, acne marks, and uneven skin tones. It contains 10% niacinamide, 4% tranexamic acid, and arbutin, which helps restore clarity and radiance to dull skin while strengthening the skin barrier. This lightweight serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and when used consistently, it leaves the complexion smooth, even, and radiant.
7. Celimax Retinol Shot Tightening Serum
Combines retinol and peptides to refine pores, improve skin texture, and tighten skin without leaving it greasy.
Celimax Retinal Shot Tightening Serum – 15ml
Elevate your nighttime skincare with Celimax Retinol Shot Tightening Serum 15ml, designed to enhance firmness, smoothness, and brightness. It contains enhanced Retinal, which helps to reduce fine lines, smooth uneven texture, and counteract dullness while maintaining the skin barrier. Regular use also stimulates collagen formation, making the skin appear more robust and youthful. Its lightweight, non-greasy composition offers simple absorption and application every night.
8. Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum
Gently brightens uneven skin tone, hydrates without greasiness, and layers easily under your routine.
Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum – 30 ml
Get a radiant, more even complexion with the Good Molecules Daily Brightening Serum. Formulated with beta arbutin, it helps reduce dark spots and pigmentation, while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and nourishes your skin. Together, these ingredients work to give you a radiant, smooth, and healthy-looking glow, making it suitable for daily use on all skin types.
Out of stock
9. ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Provides lightweight hydration that balances oily yet dehydrated skin.
ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Sun Serum – 50ml
ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Natural Suncream SPF50 PA++++ is a gentle, hydrating sunscreen that provides strong UV protection. This 50ml cream uses natural ingredients and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and protect sensitive skin.
10 COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Controls sebum, refines pores, and improves overall skin texture.
Cosrx The Niacinamide 15 Serum | Pore & Oil Control Serum – 20ml
If enlarged pores and excess oil are your primary problems, COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum is designed to address them efficiently. It is formulated with 15% Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, and calming Allantoin to help regulate oil production and improve overall skin texture. The serum feels light on the skin and blends seamlessly into any routine. With daily application, the skin appears brighter, smoother, and more balanced.
11. Pax Moly Hyaluronic Acid 10% + B5 3% Serum
Delivers gentle hydration that doesn’t leave oily skin greasy.
Pax Moly Hyaluronic Acid 10% + B5 3% Serum – 30ml
The Pax Moly Hyaluronic Acid 10% + B5 3% Serum is a hydrating serum enriched with 10% hyaluronic acid to deeply retain moisture and 3% vitamin B5 to improve skin elasticity and repair. It also contains the patented Seamix DB 16(H) for enhanced hydration and skin barrier support. Lightweight and non-greasy, it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dehydrated skin, leaving the skin plump, smooth, and refreshed.
12. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Exfoliates gently to unclog pores and reduce excess oil.
Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid | Blackhead & Pore Treatment – 100ml
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is an exfoliating solution in the volume of 100ml, which serves to remove blackheads, excess oil, and clogged pores. It contains 4% Betaine Salicylate as the active ingredient that delicately removes impurities without irritating the skin while maintaining its balance. Added Willow Bark Water and Niacinamide calm the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. For oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, it leaves your skin smoother, clearer, and better-textured.
13. COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Essence
Hydrates quickly, repairs skin, and is light enough for oily but dehydrated skin.
Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – 100ml
Repair, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin with COSRX Snail Mucin Power Essence 100ml. Formulated with 96% snail secretion filtrate, it enhances skin repair, restores elasticity, and promotes a glowing, healthy complexion. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and natural botanical extracts, this essence delivers deep moisture while soothing and revitalizing sensitive or damaged skin.
14. Numbuzin No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum (Panthenol + Vitamin C)
Calms irritated skin, prevents breakouts, and brightens uneven skin tone.
Numbuzin No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum (Panthenol+Vitamin C) 50ML/1.69 fl. oz.
Numbuzin No. 5 Goodbye Blemish Serum (50ml) helps to minimize blemishes, acne marks, and dark spots, resulting in clearer, healthier-looking skin. It contains Panthenol and Vitamin C, which help to alleviate inflammation, stimulate skin repair, and brighten uneven skin tone. This serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it suited for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Regular application promotes a smooth, bright, and even complexion.
15. K‑Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng
Refines skin texture and provides anti-aging benefits without heaviness.
K-SECRET Seoul 1988 Serum | Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng – 30ml
Achieve visibly smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin with K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum. Powered by 2% Retinal Liposome and nutrient-rich Black Ginseng, this anti-aging serum targets fine lines, enhances skin elasticity, and revives dull skin. Perfect for those looking to restore a youthful glow and even skin tone.
Common Mistakes Oily-Skin Girls Make
Even if you purchase the most expensive Korean serum, it won’t give your desired results if your habits are fighting against your skin. Many of you might think of oily skin as ‘dirty’ and overwash your face. Similarly there are other mistakes you need to avoid, such as:
1. Skipping Moisturizer
If you think, your face is already oily, and why you would need more moisturizer, then hold on; you are making a big mistake. There is a huge difference between oil, and water. Oliy skin is often dehydrated (it’s lacking water). When you skip moisturizer, your skin remains dehydrated, and produces excess oil.
2. Over-washing Your Face
Once your face produces excess oil, and you wash your face, you strip away the natural oils, which makes your skin think it’s dry. Ultimately your skin produces triple the oil to compensate. Instead of overwashing your face, use a simple blotting paper or a splash of plain water.
3. Using Too Many Products at Once
You see good product results on social media, and try the 10-step Korean skincare routine all at once. And, that’s another mistake you make that can cause your skin to produce too much oil or breakouts. Don’t just throw five serums and three different acids on your face. It will cause unwanted breakouts, and skin issues. Introduce one product at a time & give your skin a week to adjust to new products.
4. Expecting Instant Results
Again, you want instant results, but your skin takes time to recover. Your skin cells take about a month to renew themselves. With a little patience, continue applying your serum for over 4 to 6 weeks to see the results. Don’t stop using a serum after just 5 days if you don’t see changes.
5. Ignoring Sunscreen
Another common mistake is ignoring sunscreen, as it can feel heavy, and sticky. Without sunscreen for oily skin, the UV rays damage your skin barriers, and make acne scars turn darker, and stay longer. Also, heat can actually stimulate your oil glands to produce more grease.
Read our blog to find out the Top 10 best Korean sunscreens in Nepal for your skin type.
6. Choosing the Wrong Products
Just because a product is viral on TikTok doesn’t mean it’s for you. Be careful before you choose the right serum for your skin. Always check the description. If you have oily skin, look for terms like “Sebum Control,” “Non-Comedogenic,” “Pore-Refining,” and “Water-light texture.
Your Path to Clear Skin Starts with Bonjour Nepal
Oily skin doesn’t have to be a constant battle; finding the right serum is the first step toward healthy, glowing skin. Whether it’s the soothing Centella Serum from Skin1004, the oil-controlling Anua Niacinamide Serum, or glow-boosting formulas from Beauty of Joseon and AXIS‑Y, incorporating a lightweight, fast-absorbing Korean serum into your daily skincare routine can help regulate excessive sebum production, calm breakouts, refine pores, and give your skin a natural, non-greasy glow. Stop wasting time on products that don’t work and start your journey to balanced, radiant skin today.
Shop online at Bonjour Nepal and discover the perfect Korean skincare solution for your oily, combination, or sensitive skin! You can also drop by our store located at Durbar Marg, and Jhamsikhel.