# Tatcha The Silk Serum for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom.

Brand: [Tatcha](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/tatcha)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your oily skin as glycerin and betaine provide essential hydration without exacerbating oiliness, while hydrolyzed silk and sericin work to improve skin texture and elasticity.
- The inclusion of Saccharomyces Rice Ferment Filtrate and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract offers soothing benefits, contributing to overall skin comfort.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of calming components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin): Average (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Squalane, Hydrolyzed Silk, Saccharomyces Rice Ferment Filtrate, Tetrapeptide-4, Glycerin

## What the research says

- A combination of Aloe barbadensis leaf extract and trimethylglycine in a 1:1 mass ratio synergistically increased aquaporin 3 expression by up to 380% in keratinocytes and safely improved skin hydration in healthy volunteers. ([Molecules, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38611819/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- L-ascorbic acid and betaine-based therapeutic deep eutectic system significantly enhanced transdermal delivery through porcine skin compared to ascorbic acid alone or physical mixture, and reduced aging markers while inducing an even skin tone in humans. ([Pharmaceutics, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38794349/))
- An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31239743/))
- Soaps containing betaine caused the least skin irritation compared to other tested soaps in twenty-eight healthy subjects, though irritation did not decrease with increasing concentrations of betaine. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- Bacterial cellulose wound dressing containing silk sericin and PHMB improved wound quality and reduced pain compared to Bactigras in patients with split-thickness skin graft donor-site wounds. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30302557/))
- A bacterial nanocellulose wound dressing incorporating polyhexamethylene biguanide and sericin showed no skin irritation in healthy volunteers and significantly promoted wound healing with lower wound size and higher collagen formation in full-thickness rat wounds compared to controls. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26796543/))
- Topical application of sericin gels increased skin intrinsic moisturization, hydroxyproline content, and epidermal hydration while decreasing transepidermal water loss and skin impedance in healthy human volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17168872/))
- Daily application of a cream containing niosomes loaded with purple glutinous rice extract in 20 human volunteers for 28 days resulted in a significant decrease in melanin index and skin roughness by -14.05% and -9.95%, and increases in skin hydration and elastic recovery by +48.73% and +35.98% compared to initial values. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32812663/))
- The iontophoretic delivery of hyaluronic acid nanogel-loaded Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate significantly reduced advanced glycation end products and mitigated skin stiffening in an ex vivo skin tissue glycation model. ([International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40989892/))
- Red rice extract suppressed UVB-induced inflammation and skin aging in human skin fibroblasts by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway, leading to decreased NF-kappa B and AP-1 activation, reduced ECM degradation, and increased ECM synthesis compared to UVB-irradiated controls. ([Natural Product Communications, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30508356/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with sensitive or reactive skin find this serum to be a gentle, hydrating option that smooths texture and calms redness without causing irritation. Many reviewers, however, feel the high price is not justified by the subtle or slow-to-manifest anti-aging results compared to traditional retinoids.

- Liked: Improves skin texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle retinol alternative (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating and plumping (often mentioned)
- Disliked: High price point (often mentioned)
- Liked: Luxurious experience (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Soothing properties (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Lack of potency (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin reactions (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Tatcha The Silk Serum work for oily skin?

This serum works moderately well for oily skin, as glycerin and betaine provide essential hydration without adding excess oil, while soothing extracts help keep skin comfortable. To work best for oily skin, a product of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to control shine and address enlarged pores.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?

Glycerin and betaine make this serum a good fit for oily skin by providing essential hydration without making it oily, while hydrolyzed silk and sericin help improve skin texture. To work best for oily skin, a product of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, and ferulic acid to control excess oil and shine while keeping pores clear.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Squalane do for oily skin?

Squalane helps keep oily skin soft and smooth without feeling heavy, though oxidized forms may sometimes trigger irritation. To work well for oily skin, this type of product needs lightweight, non-clogging ingredients that balance moisture without adding excess grease.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/)

### What does Hydrolyzed Silk do for oily skin?

Hydrolyzed Silk helps keep oily skin feeling soft and smooth by holding onto moisture without adding heavy oils. This ingredient gives a light, comfortable feel that is unlikely to clog pores.

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Putting it at night keeps things simple and helps avoid extra safety concerns with sun exposure.

### Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this serum alongside retinol by applying the treatment after your retinol product in your evening routine. It helps keep your skin calm and hydrated without adding extra oiliness, though oily skin often does better with a lightweight treatment containing niacinamide or salicylic acid to control shine and keep pores clear.

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum works well in your evening routine, where you can use it every day. To get a better fit for your oily skin, a product of this type needs lightweight hydration without heavy oils and soothing plant extracts.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on oily skin because it has a safe profile with no harsh ingredients, though other products with lighter hydrators and oil-control ingredients may fit this skin type better.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (citral, limonene, and linalool).

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — £36.96 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — £24.20 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/oily-skin) — High fit — £143.35 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — £13.98 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — £14.80 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United Kingdom has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Saccharomyces Rice Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Betaine, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Cranberry Fruit Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Squalane, Sericin, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Tetrapeptide-4, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Lemon Peel Oil, Citrus Latifolia Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Lavender Oil, Ocimum Basilicum Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil Leaf, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Oil Bark, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Disodium Edta, Potassium Hydroxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Citral, Limonene, Linalool, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/tatcha/the-silk-serum/for/oily-skin