How To Choose A Moisturizer For Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, youre most likely to benefit from using lighter moisturizers that are water-based.
Certain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin are a good choice for oily skin because they are known for being lightweight yet moisturizing. But theres a wide variety of moisturizers to choose from, even when youve nailed down your skin care goals.
When shopping, consider the following:
- Other skin issues you may experience, like acne or redness. You may want to steer clear from ingredients that clog pores or cause breakouts.
- If youre sensitive to certain ingredients. If youre unsure, you can always perform a patch test. You can apply the product to your hand or inner wrist to see how your skin reacts.
- How much you want to spend on a moisturizer. If a specific formula works well for you, youll probably continue buying it, so you may want to consider price point.
Benefits Of Moisturizing The Skin:
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When you apply the right moisturizer, the skin’s sebum levels naturally decrease and it no longer looks greasy.
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Dehydrated skin is more vulnerable to wrinkles, and moisturizers can help prevent the skin from ageing.
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Using a face wash frequently makes your skin dry hence it is essential to moisturize the skin to maintain oil levels.
Virtual and real markets are flooded with face moisturizers for oily skin. To make it easier for you, we have listed down some of the best moisturizers for oily skin:
1.Mamaearth Oil-free moisturizer for Face with Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne-Prone Skin:
Mamaearth’s face moisturizer for oily skin is one of the best-suited moisturizers for acne-prone, combination and oily skin. Enriched with apple cider vinegar, the moisturizer heals damaged skin, thereby maintaining optimum hydration levels. It is an organic, paraben-free product, which makes it safe for the skin.
2.Plum Greentea Mattifying Moisturizer:
Mattifying moisturizers effectively maintain excess sebum produced by the skin. Theyare a good option for people with oily and acne-prone skin. The green tea oil keeps the skin hydrated and fresh, and gives your face a matte-finish look. This luxurious moisturizer also has detoxifying properties.
3. WOW Skin Science Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Oil-Free Face Moisturizer:
4.Neutrogena Oil-free Moisturizer Combination Skin:
5. Good Vibes Oil Control Light Gel Cream- Tea Tree:
6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel:
Why Shop With Us
Amanda Rosenthal is a commerce writer for InStyle. Amanda has experience researching and testing different skincare products and has tried tons of different moisturizers. With additional knowledge and research from Edwin Batista and personally having oily skin, she rounded up the top picks for this story. Amanda has tried out a multitude of moisturizers including ones from this story like the Shani Darden Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer and the Tata Harper Water-Lock.
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What Other Ingredients Or Products Can Be Good For Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you may benefit from adding a retinol into your skin care routine. Retinol can help with oil regulation, acne relief, and wrinkle reduction.
Salicylic acid is another great ingredient for oily skin, especially if youre experiencing breakouts as a result of excess oil.
Clay is another top-notch ingredient for oily skin. Clay works by soaking up excess oil from the surface of your skin and deep inside your pores to give your skin a less shiny, matte appearance. You can typically find clay in masks and cleansers.
Friendly Reminder To Always Patch
Anytime youre using a new-to-you skin care product, its a good idea to do a little patch test first. You can do this by applying a small amount of the product somewhere like the back of your wrist or inner forearm before you apply more to a larger area. If you dont see any irritation after 24 hours. Youre good to go.
This helps you make sure you wont have an allergic reaction. Plus, if your skin simply hates the product, its better to find out on a small area of skin first instead of your entire face.
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Josh Rosebrook Powerful Vital Balm Cream
Best Night Moisturizer for Oily Skin
- Size: 1.5 fl oz
- Type of moisturizer: Whipped mousse texture
- Special ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, glycerin, and evening primrose oil
This moisturizer is an unusual choice for oily skin purposefully. The cause of oily skin can differ and so will the solutions, says Rosebrook. I experience great results neutralizing oily skin by including a facial oil under the moisturizer that contains oils that have a rich linoleic fatty acid profile.
He finds that many of his clients with oily skin have a lot of success with his Vital Balm Cream. A little bit goes a long way and helps balance the oils and waxes found naturally in the skin while effectively reinforcing the delicate acid mantle barrier, he says.
This fragrance-free formula has a whipped, silky texture that hydrates, plumps, and strengthens the skin. Calms my skin down and keeps it happy and pimple free, wrote one reviewer. This cream is the absolute best. I use this night and day for my skin and the ingredients make this cream well worth the price.
Best Balancing Moisturizer for Oily Skin
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
- Type of moisturizer: Sheer gel-cream
- Special ingredients: Patented prebiotic moisture complex and lemon, cucumber, and burdock oils
Best Overall: Skinceuticals Daily Moisture
Why We Like It: Algae and botanical extracts balance oil production to restore hydration and sebum levels without a greasy finish.
Its Worth Noting: It may leave the skin with a white cast, so its best used under makeup as a primer.
We named this SkinCeuticals our best overall because it targets oil control without neglecting to hydrate oily skin. Hydration is important for all skin types, says board-certified dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD, who recommends this moisturizer for oily skin. Its a daily moisturizer that hydrates without leaving a greasy residue, she explains, and notes that the lightweight consistency can be layered under makeup and sunscreen.
While many moisturizers for oily skin include niacinamide and exfoliators like salicylic acid, this one takes a more botanical approach. Red and brown sea algae hydrates skin while botanical extracts like cinnamon, ginger, and licorice reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Price at time of publication: $66
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Sea Algae, Botanical Extracts
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Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil
Even drugstore products can get pricy, but this pick is a great price and still high in quality. Oily skin and breakouts often go hand-in-handbut thats not an issue when you use this. First and foremost, its oil-free and non-comedogenic, both non-negotiables when youre battling blemishes. Aside from that, though, it has the added benefit of containing a small amount of salicylic acid, an oil-dissolving ingredient that can both help treat existing pimples and keep future ones from forming.
Price at time of publish:$8
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 4 fl. oz | SPF: None | No | Cruelty-Free: No
Skin Authority Daily Defense Moisturizer
Best moisturizer with SPF
The company says that this product leaves the skin hydrated and nourished. It recommends using this moisturizer before sun exposure because it contains SPF 30.
The product also contains marine extracts, vitamins, and aloe.
A 0.7 fluid ounce tube costs $11.00, and a 4.0 fluid ounce tube costs $48.00.
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How We Vet Brands And Products
Healthlineonly shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
- Evaluate ingredients and composition:Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims:Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand:Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
- Best budget buy:CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
If you have oily skin, you may be familiar with the accompanying shiny T-zone and acne breakouts. It might seem as though adding a moisturizer to your skin care routine is counterintuitive, but its actually one of the most important steps even if you have excess oil.
If you frequently use products to manage acne and breakouts, they may actually strip the skin of necessary oils. This can lead your face to overcompensate by producing more oil possibly also leading to dryness and irritation along the way.
As with other skin types and conditions, not everyones issues with oiliness are created equal. In choosing our picks for the best moisturizers, we considered:
- active ingredients
We also considered common skin conditions that coincide with oily skin, such as acne.
Retinoids And Benzoyl Peroxide
Layering retinoids and benzoyl peroxide may cause excessive dryness and irritation. Some believe that retinoids deactivate benzoyl peroxide, but a 2010 laboratory study did not find this.
The scientists combined 0.05% tretinoin gel and a 5% benzoyl peroxide formulation. After 7 hours, 100% of the tretinoin was still active.
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Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer
Who its for: People who want a high-quality moisturizer that fights oil and acne.
Who it isnt for: People who are on a tight budget.
Tons of celebrities are fans of Tata Harpers skincare products, and for good reason: Though expensive, this high-end brand makes luxurious products that work well. This delectable clarifying moisturizer has a silky smooth texture that goes on like a dream, and the result is a dewy, grease-free complexion with a slightly matte finish.
This product is ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin because it hydrates without congesting the skin. Salicylic acid targets blemish-causing oils, saw palmetto provides a matte finish, and Tasmin pepper berry reduces redness. This lightweight lotion has no artificial ingredients and is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Price at time of publish: $130
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, saw palmetto, Tasmin pepper berry
- Size: 1.7 ounces
The 15 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Oily Skin Of 2022
Our best overall pick is the Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
Look, we totally get itif you happen to be dealing with the plight that is perpetually oily skin, moisturizing is likely the last thing you want to do. After all, your goal is to remove excess oil, not add more, right? Breaking news, though: Oily skin still needs moisture, and if you skip moisturizer, it’s believed that your oil glands may potentially go into overdrive, producing more oil. As Alanis so eloquently said, isnt it ironic?
“Many of those with oily skin do not realize that they still need to moisturize to help with the overall health, texture, and appearance of their skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein. “Not to mention that many moisturizers contain sunscreen, antioxidants, and anti-pollutants for an extra-protective barrier. For oily skin, and especially those who are acne-prone, its important to look for moisturizers labeled as oil-free or non-comedogenic. The bottom line: You need to use a moisturizer regularly, no matter your skin type. The nuance lies in finding the right formula for you, particularly if you have an oily complexion.
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How To Apply Moisturizer
One of the most important steps to your routine, both morning and night, is your moisturizer, Mamelak explains.
Got it. So, twice daily. Plus, he says facial moisturizers should be applied immediately after cleansing, to replenish the natural oils that are stripped during the cleansing process. Apply your moisturizer to slightly damp skin both morning and evening.
The 2-or-3-minute rule. Minars points out that showers can really dry us out and if you apply your face and body moisturizers shortly after leaving the bath , youll be able to retain much more of the moisture in your skin.
Our Process And Why You Should Trust Us
We consulted with two board certified dermatologists to get tips for choosing the best moisturizers for oily skin and dug into the latest research to pick the products above.
Before writing about those products, we put them all through a thorough vetting process that checks for unsupported health claims, shady business practices, and lawsuits concerning a companys products. We also checked that the main ingredients in each product are evidence-based and actually do what the company says they do.
After wrapping up our recommendations and tips, we sent this entire article to a third medical professional specializing in dermatology .
So basically, you can feel good knowing that we put in WORK to get you these recommendations.
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When To Use Moisturizers In Your Skin Care Routine
If youve got an elaborate skin care routine with toners, exfoliants, and serums galore, the order in which you apply your products matters.
Usually, moisturizer goes on last, Minars says. Especially when you have an active ingredient in a topical med or a serum you dont want the moisturizer to block penetration.
The exception, he explains, is when youre using a serum or topical medication that is slightly irritating, then putting the moisturizer on first might help slow the absorption of the serum or med, letting you use it without irritation.
BUT if your moisturizer doesnt contain SPF, then your SPF should technically go last. SPF always, besties.
Can I Skip Moisturizer And Just Use Sunscreen If I Have Oily Skin
According to Batista, both a moisturizer and sunscreen are necessary steps in your skincare regimen. Moisturizers provide benefits that protect your skins moisture barrier, creating a cocoon that insulates humectants on the skin and prevents the environment from drying your skin out, he explains. Sunscreen, on the other hand, is intended to provide UVA and UVB blockers, preventing harmful rays from penetrating the skin.”
Batista advises that while both are crucial, it is possible to use hybrid products that both moisturize and protect your skin from the sun. But he notes that you shouldnt be using a dual product at night as it can block your pores and lead to breakouts.
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Ingredientes
How We Chose The Moisturizing Mvps
When putting together our roster, we took the following criteria into account:
- Moisturizing ingredients. As promised, we dug into details with derms. Mamelak recommends that people with oily skin look for moisturizers with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin because they attract and bind water without feeling overbearing on the skin. Every product below has a humectant as one of its star ingredients.
- Other ingredients. Were only obsessed with the best of lightweight, oil-free options and we *especially* love noncomedogenic options though not every product on our list is considered noncomedogenic . We also looked for products with other ingredients that can help you reach your #SkinGoals like retinol, vitamin E, vitamin C, niacinamide, and ceramides.
- Reviews. Sure, a brand can say it has amazing products, but only real customers know how well they actually work for their oily skin. We checked reviews and surveyed Team Greatist to make sure we only included G.O.A.T picks.
- Vetted products only.We put all of the products we considered through a thorough vetting process checking for unsupported health claims, shady business practices, and lawsuits involving a companys products. We also made sure the main ingredients in each product actually do what the brand says they do. Only products that passed that vetting process made the list below.
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What Should People With Oily Skin Avoid When Looking For Moisturizers
If you have oily skin, thicker creams and ingredients like mineral oil are big no-nos, says Dr. Potozkin. You might have to check the ingredients label, but most moisturizers these days will say oil-free on the front of the packaging. You might also want to avoid additional vitamin E in your moisturizer. We love vitamin E its an antioxidant thats already found in the skin and helps to protect the skin barrier, but too much of it can clog your pores and worsen acne. If you have sensitive skin, youll always want to avoid fragrances, dyes, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
Ahead, see 19 of the best moisturizers for oily skin that meet our dermatologist criteria. Youll find lightweight water creams from Tatcha, nourishing gel lotions from Neutrogena and Skinfix, night creams from CeraVe, and more options to add to your skin-care routine.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Scroll To View Our Full Edit Of The Best Moisturisers For Oily Skin In 2022
- Native Share
An oil-free version of Kiehls most iconic moisturer, this product floods skin with hydration while working to help balance the complexion, preventing excess oil production. It absorbs quickly, feels silky smooth and leaves skin with a matte finish with zero residue in sight. We’re sold.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for oily skin with theseLookFantastic discount codes.
- Native Share
This luxe gel-like sleeping mask contains skin restoring vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids alongside hyaluronic acid and skin-refining AHAs to gently exfoliate and moisturise while you snooze. Apply it before bed and leave it on all night, or for a speedy hit leave it on for ten minutes before you jump in the shower for an instant glow.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for oily skin with theseCult Beauty discount codes.
- Native Share
One of the first products in Dr Sams carefully curated skincare line, this moisturiser is described as a hug for your skin and there is no better way to put it. Non-comedogenic, it absorbs quickly and contains 5% niacinamide, a true miracle worker for oily skin thanks to its ability to reduce excess sebum protection, and shea butter to nourish without clogging pores.
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