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.
Best For Fall And Winter: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Why We Like It: Hyaluronic acid is a known hydrator that helps improve the balance of water levels in oily skin, but this pick also contains a blend of five ceramides that support skin barrier health.
Its Worth Noting: It contains silk, so its not vegan-friendly.
What we love about this pick is the impressive lineup of active ingredients. It contains the well-known humectant hyaluronic acid that draws and holds moisture in the skin, which isnt just reserved for dry skin. Sometimes, excessive oiliness is a side effect of dehydrated skin. It also contains the antioxidant vitamin E to combat free radicals and preserve skin moisture.
Additionally, a blend of five ceramides fill in the gaps between skin cells to create a stronger skin barrier. Skin health comes down to skin barrier health, and this is often overlooked in a moisturizer. During the colder seasons when skin is extra vulnerable, your skin will thank you.
Price at time of publication: $54
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Vitamin E
- Size: 1.7 fl oz.
Why We Like It: Formulated with perlite , this cream absorbs excess moisture to mattify shiny, oily skin.
Its Worth Noting: This mousturizer comes in a small tube, so it may be difficult to get all of the product out near the end.
Price at time of publication: $34
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, Salicylic Acid, Perlite
- Size: 1.35 fl oz.
Bolden Spf 30 Brightening Moisturizer
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Helps even out skin tone
Here’s another moisturizer that packs on the SPF without leaving a greasy residue. Not only does it protect against UV damage, but the formula also helps to fade dark spots for a more even skin tone. Users say that after consistent use of this moisturizer, they saw improved texture and a brighter complexion.
Price at time of publish:$27
Active Ingredients: Homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 fl. oz | SPF: 30 | Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you may think that you don’t need to use a moisturizer as part of your daily routine. However, all skin types should be moisturized as often as possible in order to prevent the early signs of aging and to help keep your skin soft and supple. Thankfully, there are moisturizers for oily skin that won’t clog your pores while delivering the level of moisture you need. Read on to learn more about these products so you can determine if this type of moisturizer is right for you.
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Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin Try One Of Our Top 14 Picks
SKIN CARE REVIEWS
Our favorite is Carrot & Stick The Water Moisturizer.
If you have oily skin, youre probably always on the lookout for mattifying products that promise to zap the grease or hide your pores. But while oily skin may have its struggles , you still need to moisturize it best moisturizer for oily skin you ask?
Many people believe theres no need for an oily skin moisturizer because it seemingly provides its own hydration why slather cream on a greasy face, right? Perhaps youve been misled. The truth is every skin with overactive sebaceous glands can benefit from a face moisturizer for oily skin.
What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2022?
What moisturizers like a good moisturizer for oily skin essentially do is help replenish the water and lipids lost through the natural process of aging as well as environmental factors . And since the aging process is inevitable, its a good idea to start protecting our skin from this moisture loss early on. After all, you dont want to deal with pimples and wrinkles, right?
Not sure where to start looking for an oily skin lotion? No worries. Here at the Derm Review, weve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure youre creating a skincare regimen thats safe and effective. Ahead, 14 of the best facial moisturizers for oily skin to help you promote a healthy, balanced complexion.
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
Who its for: People on a budget who want a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Who it isnt for: People who prefer lotion formulas.
Even though this moisturizer is marketed towards those with extra dry skin, it’s surprisingly excellent for those with oily skin, too. Neutrogenas Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is an oil-free, non-comedogenic facial moisturizer that provides the hydrating benefits of humectants, including glycerin and hyaluronic acid, without clogging the pores, says Dr. Chang.
Many dermatologists, including Dr. Chang, are avid fans of this drugstore option that is as affordable as it is effective. Though it has a gel-cream consistency, its lightweight, non-sticky, and free from irritants like dyes and fragrances, so even those with sensitive skin can use it. It doesnt leave any oily or greasy residue and absorbs extra quickly into the skin, hydrating it for up to 48 hours, according to the brand.
Price at time of publish: $20
Product Details:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
This is one of the OG tinted moisturizers, and the fact that it’s still popular today is a testament to its amazing qualities. Its oil-free formula keeps breakouts at bay, while its antioxidant complex of vitamins C and E protects skin from the environment’s harmful effects. It also contains licorice root extract to soothe irritation. We love how lightweight this moisturizer is, offering the benefits of makeup while being comfortable enough to wear all day long. It will give you the fresh, healthy, no-makeup-makeup look you’re after.
Buy It! Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $46
Read Also: Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin
Which Type Of Moisturizer Is Best For Oily Skin
Mamelak recommends looking for moisturizers with humectants, which are ingredients that attract and bind water. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are known for being hydrating AF without leaving behind that thick, greasy feeling.
Also, make sure youre looking for noncomedogenic and oil-free formulas whenever possible.
Skinceuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
Best Brightening Moisturizer for Oily Skin
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Type of moisturizer: Lightweight gel-cream
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Special ingredients: Azelaic acid, alpha arbutin, and a botanical blend
Launched in early 2022, Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment is one of SkinCeuticals latest moisturizers designed to treat oily and acne-prone skin. This daily gel-cream is even identified as a treatment because of the incredible benefits it provides, from visibly reducing excess oil and redness, to minimizing the appearance of pores, to lifting post-blemish marks and clarifying congestion. The oil-free moisturizer features azelaic acid, as well as alpha arbutin and a botanical blend, to address the skins surface and repair imperfections. Check your skin type before purchasing though: Its praised by those with oily and acne-prone skin, but some reviewers that identify as combination or dry, may find the treatment to be too intense.
SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
Best Hydrating Moisturizer for Oily Skin
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Type of moisturizer: Lightweight cream
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Special ingredients: Ceramides, flax seed extract, ferulic acid, and fermented marine compound
The Eighth Day Reparative Moisturizer contains ceramides that help with skin cell to cell cohesion for maximum skin hydration, says Dr. Nakhla. It also contains super antioxidants to combat pollutants in the air and neutralize free radicals. Using moisturizers that contain these ingredients twice daily after cleansing is an effective way of maintaining skin moisture.
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When To See A Derm
Oily skin can be managed in a bunch of ways and isnt something to be too concerned about, but its totally understandable if youre feeling frustrated by it.
If your oily skin is starting to interfere with your day-to-day life, it might be a good idea to make an appointment with a dermatologist to get some pointers for creating your very own skin care routine. A derm might also recommend prescriptions like spironolactone, isotretinoin, oral contraceptives, or topical retinoids especially if youre also dealing with acne.
Garnier Skinactive Balancing 3
Courtesy of Walmart
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Can be a little heavy
Slather this on during the day when you need an effective mattifying moisturizer, use it overnight for a hydrating though non-greasy night cream, or leave on a thin layer for 10 minutes as a nourishing mask. Either way, you get plenty of good-for-your-skin ingredients97 percent of which are naturally derivedand no mineral oil, parabens, silicones, or dyes. Plus, it contains salicylic acid.
Price at time of publish:$8
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter | Skin Type: Balanced | Size: 6.8 fl. oz | SPF: None | Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
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Best For Men: Clinique For Men Oil
Ulta
Why We Like It: It contains dimethicone to mattify shine and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Its Worth Noting: Though the size is larger, its pricier than other picks with similar ingredients, and it contains synthetic dyes to achieve its yellow color.
Men tend to have oilier skin, so this oil-free moisturizer formulated for men will come in handy. The non-acnegenic formulation wont contribute to acne, but it will deliver hydration via hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skins moisture barrier. This pick is suitable for both AM and PM routines, so its versatile and easy to add into the mix.
Price at time of publication: $36
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, Hyaluronic Acid, Caffeine
- Size: 3.6 fl oz.
Skinceuticals Daily Moisture Uses Botanical Ingredients To Hydrate And Restore Moisture To Oily Skin
Lacey is a professional writer living in Southern California. She specializes in fitness, nutrition and various health topics. She not only has a passion for healthy living, but she also practices what she preaches with her longtime vegan diet. Her work has been featured in Health, Simply Recipes, VeryWell Fit, and more. Lacey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is also host of Guide to Vegan, a blog focused on a plant-based lifestyle.
Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Dermstore / Walmart
We spoke with dermatologists and reviewed moisturizers from the top brands for the right ingredients to control sebum, fight acne-causing bacteria, and minimize pores. Moisturizers for oily skin exist at all price points, though they average in the $20-$36 range.
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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.
Covergirl Clean Matte Bb Cream
Stay fresh and oil-free all day with this mattifying tinted moisturizer. Specifically made for oily skin, it’s pigmented enough to cover blemishes and redness while giving the look of makeup-free skin. And at just $7, its drugstore price won’t break the bank.
Buy It! CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream, $5.55 ,
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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
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.
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Which Ingredients Won’t/will Make My Skin Oilier
You should steer clear of oils that are comedogenic, as they clog pores and can potentially lead to even more acne. One oil that doesn’t tend to clog pores is jojoba. “Some oils that have a good balance of linoleic acid over oleic acids help to match or balance our skin’s natural fatty acid composition and can be helpful for oily skin on a case by case basis,” Dr. Wesley adds.
Clinique Acne Solutions Bb Cream
Who says makeup has to be bad for your skin? This weightless cream is designed to mattify oily, acne-prone skin throughout the day while concealing imperfections all without clogging pores! With an impressive SPF 40, it protects from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays as an added bonus.
Buy It! Clinique Acne Solutions BB Cream SPF 40, $39.50
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Best For Rosacea: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
Why We Like It: This gel moisturizer uses oat and centella to soothe skin and speed healing.
Its Worth Noting: In some cases, the moisturizer may ball up or pill.
Although this pick is more of a moisturizer for sensitive skin than oily skin, it benefits both with soothing and nourishing ingredients like oats. Oat baths are commonly used to soothe irritated skin from poison ivy or eczema, so this moisturizer is like an oat bath for your face. Oat kernel flour and extract gently and instantly soothe irritation.
What makes this moisturizer suitable for oily skin is the lightweight, gel texture. It sinks into the skin almost immediately and reduces redness associated with rosacea and acne.
Price at time of publication: $27
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Oat Kernel Flour, Oat Kernel Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract
- Size: 1.7 fl oz.
- Formulation: Gel
How Do I Know If I Have Oily Skin
“As a test, wash your face and then wait three hours,” Dr. Zeichner says. “Then, look back in the mirror, and if you look shiny, you likely have oily skin.” If you suspect your skin is oily, it’s a good idea to chat with your dermatologist before making any major changes to your skin-care routine. They’ll be able to give you pointers on how to manage your oily skin, as well as what types of products to look for .
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Botanics Revive & Protect Postbiotic Moisturizer
Courtesy of Walgreens
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Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics
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Shields skin from pollution
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Contains alcohol
If you crave a little bit more hydration, reach for this creamy option. Granted, its not oil-free, but it is formulated for all skin typesoily included. Packed with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, as well as black tea kombucha, this antioxidant-rich formula aims to shield skin from pollution and environmental stressors while keeping it healthy and vibrant.
Price at time of publish:$14
Active Ingredients: Black tea kombucha | Skin Type: Dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: None | Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes