Best Nighttime Moisturizer For Oily Skin: Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion Pm
Who its for: People who want a hydrating moisturizer to put on before bed.
Who it isnt for: People who prefer the consistency of gel-cream moisturizers.
A great option from cult favorite brand CeraVe, the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion has a slightly thicker consistency that works throughout the night to repair your skin barrier. While the finish isnt matte, you will wake up feeling fresh-faced with soft, hydrated skin.
The PM version also has a controlled-release formula that helps deliver the ingredients slowly as you sleep. The formula includes niacinamide to calm skin , and there are no fragrances or parabens that could cause irritation. The nighttime moisturizer is also non-comedogenic, so you dont have to worry about clogged pores.
Price at time of publish: From $14
Product Details:
Best Cream: 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.
Active Ingredients: Black tea kombucha | Skin Type: Dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: None | Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Best Moisturizer For Combination Skin Is Your Key To Perfect Balance
All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
We all contain multitudes. But if youre looking for the best moisturizer for combination skin, those multitudes can manifest in especially frustrating ways. By now, youve probably perused an article or two that focuses on oily skin or dry skin, and felt completely bewildered by the intel they provided. Because if youre reading this, the skin on your face is bothoily in some spots, dry in othersas opposed to the fourth type, the kind of perfectly balanced dermis the industry calls normal. But you, buddy, youre special. Your skin defies easy categorization, and you straddle both ends of the spectrum. Your oilier spots are likely across the T-zone as well as the chin. Your drier areas are probably the cheeks, hairline, and jaw. But youre not going to use two types of hydrator simultaneously, right? Enter the best moisturizer for combination skin.
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What Is The Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin
When shopping for a moisturizer for oily skin, look for gel or water-based formulas instead of creamy textures. These are often more lightweight and oil-free. It’s also important to cater your search to your skin’s unique needs, such as fragrance-free if you’re sensitive, or non-comedogenic if you’re acne-prone.
Best Splurge Moisturizer For Oily Skin: 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
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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.
Best Brightening: Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer
This refreshing moisturizer is the secret to glowing, radiant skin. The daytime version of the brands fan-favorite Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, this bouncy gelwhich includes watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidantshydrates, soothes irritation and calms redness, as well as protects against environmental stressors. The result: an instantly dewy, radiant complexion thats visibly more hydrated. Its suitable for all skin types, either as a non-greasy moisturizer for oily/combination skin or a hydrating serum for dry skin.
Active Ingredients: Watermelon, hyaluronic acid, jasmine extract, peony extract | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, balanced, oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 2.02 ounces, 0.84 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Yes
Emily Algar
What Our Testers Say
“Glow Recipe is one of those brands that rarely gets it wrong, and the Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer is no exception. Its super fresh, a delight to apply, feels good on the skin, and provides long-lasting hydration without any grease.” Emily Algar, Product Tester
Active Ingredients: Patented Vine Sap-Derived Viniferine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No | Yes
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Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
- Key ingredients: avobenzone , octocrylene , glycerin
- Certifications: oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic
- Pros: absorbs quickly, mattifies, budget friendly
- Cons: not cruelty-free
This affordable moisturizer from Cetaphil does it all. It can help reduce oil and shine while still managing to hydrate and protect the skin with SPF 30.
This lightweight moisturizer is fragrance-free. It works to absorb surface oil and provide a mattifying effect, so it may be good for people with oily and sensitive skin.
Its also been clinically tested and is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, which means it wont irritate the skin or clog pores.
- Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid
- Certifications: National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy-tested, noncomedogenic
- Pros: ultra-hydrating, great value, gentle
- Cons: unhygienic container
This moisturizer will give you the most bang for your buck since it can be used on the face, hands, and body to prevent acne and dryness. Its gentle formula may even help relieve eczema.
Suitable for all skin types, this rich but mild cream is allergy-tested, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. It works to maintain the all-important skins barrier without leaving you greasy.
How Much Moisturizer Should You Use On Your Face
If youre using a moisturizer that works well for your skin type, use only a nickel-sized amount on your entire face. If you overdo your moisturizer, your skin will be shiny and prone to acne. It can also make it more difficult to apply makeup because it feels heavy on your skin. How much moisturizer should I use to my face? As a general rule, you can over use it. It should be noted that facial moisturizers are formulated to be concentrated, and applying more of them does not result in better skin results sometimes, applying more of them may actually do the opposite. According to Dr. Garshick, the amount of moisturizer you should use should not be more than twice a day. Choosing a product formulated for your skin type ensures that you are using the correct amount of it.
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Best Drugstore Moisturizer For Oily Skin: 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:
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Analyzed by Simone Sydel
I am a certified Esthetician as well as a skincare, beauty, and wellness writer, and an expert in oily and acne-prone skin.Having been through the struggles of having acne for a good portion of my life, I understand exactly what needs to be done to achieve an acne-free, flawless complexion and change the perspective through which we see acne.I am a firm believer that acne doesn’t show up on our skin to destroy our lives but to teach us important lessons on stepping back, being patient, and treating our skin with kindness before everything else.This is why I’ve made it my life’s mission to educate people on taking good care of their skin and achieving their skin goals.I am passionate about sharing my professional and personal insights with those struggling with problematic and acne-prone skin, and I have helped hundreds of clients and thousands of readers make better choices with their skincare products through my private practice and my online platforms. Read more of Simone’s articles.
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Cerave Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Spf 30
- CeraVe Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $9.99 –
CeraVe is a great brand for people struggling with acne-prone skin because its products are packed with kind ingredients.
If you are looking for a sunscreen that can give a little bit more, the CeraVe tinted mineral sunscreen has slight coverage to disguise any spots or discoloration as well as SPF 30 protection.
On top of the SPF and coverage, this sunblock also has niacinamide to fight breakouts and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, stopping your skin from breaking or drying out the perfect combination.
How I Reviewed Each Moisturizer
There are a few things that I took into consideration while reviewing each moisturizer on this list, including:
- Does the moisturizer contain any fungal acne triggers?
- How well does each moisturizer hydrate the skin?
- What skin type would benefit from each moisturizer most?
First and foremost, I looked at the ingredients list of each moisturizer to see if it contains any fungal acne triggers.
For those of you who dont know, fungal acne triggers are ingredients that have been shown to cause or exacerbate fungal acne in some cases.
These include but are not limited to:
Next, I took into consideration how well each moisturizer hydrates the skin.
This is important because fungal acne is often caused or exacerbated by a compromised skin barrier, which can be further harmed by over-washing and using harsh, drying, and stripping products.
So, its essential to use a moisturizer that will help restore the skins barrier and prevent further damage.
Finally, I looked at each moisturizer and decided what skin type would benefit from it the most.
For example, some moisturizers are better suited for dry skin, while others are better for oily skin.
Some are better for sensitive skin, while others are better for coarser or more resilient skin.
So, depending on your skin type, you may want to choose a different moisturizer from the ones on this list.
I also made sure to explain my experience with each of the products listed, as well as what I liked or didnt like, respectively.
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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.
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Moisturizer
Best Korean Moisturizer for Oily Skin
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
- Type of moisturizer: Featherlight gel
- Special ingredients: Chamomile flower extract and hyaluronic acid
If your skin is acne-prone, combination, or oily , this is an ideal moisturizer for you. Even more persistent skin issues, like rosacea and eczema, will have great luck using this gentle, lightweight moisturizer. Peach & Lilys probiotic-boosting lotion is inspired by kimchi and is composed of fermented radish, lactobacillus ferment, and fructooligosaccharides to support your skins microbiome. Its like a probiotic, but for your face. The formula also includes calming chamomile, brightening licorice extract, hyaluronic acid, and the patented VoluSmooth for a glass-like finish. So glad I have this for the summer months, wrote a reviewer. Its not greasy and very lightweight, but has all the moisture I need. No breakouts or irritation at all, which is a big plus for my super sensitive acne-prone skin.
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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.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Dermstore / Walmart
There are five core skin typesnormal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitivewith dry and oily being common labels people use to describe the balance of moisture and oil in their skin. Dry skin can feel tight and uncomfortable, and it can make fine lines more noticeable or lead to skin conditions like eczema. So, you may think those who lean on the oily side have it better, but thats not always the case. Excessive oiliness comes with its own slew of issues: clogged pores, increased breakouts, increased risk of seborrheic dermatitis, and shiny skin.
Here are the best moisturizers for oily skin.
Moisturizer Myths And Moisturizing Tips For Oily Skin
A common piece of skincare advice you may have received once upon a time is the thought that if you have oily skin and/or acne you should skip moisturizer altogether. This may leave you asking yourself do I actually need to use a facial moisturizer if I have oily skin? The answer is a clear and simple yes. Even if you have oily skin moisturizing is important for your skin . Some products targeted toward oilier skin types that are designed to and can strip and/or be drying which in turn makes moisturizing even more important.
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Tarte Amazonian Clay Bb Tinted Moisturizer
- Key ingredients: water, glycerin, stearic acid
- Pros: 2-in-1 product, vitamin-rich formula
- Cons: limited shade options
If you regularly wear makeup, the thought of layering foundation with a moisturizer probably sounds less than appealing, especially if oily skin is a concern.
Luckily, this tinted moisturizer is a multiuse product: It can cover breakouts, redness, and acne scars, and also works to prevent fine lines and wrinkles . Even better, the formula protects the skin from the sun with SPF 20.
It also contains chamomile, which may help soothe sensitive skin.
The formula is made to be lightweight and is vegan, oil-free, and dermatologist tested. It contains vitamins E, A, and C, along with mineral pigments that help soften the skin.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed silk , pentavitin
- Pros: absorbs quickly, dries clear, suitable for all skin types
- Cons: pricier than similar options
Although this product from Peter Thomas Roth is pricier than other options on this list, this moisturizer had us at cloud cream.
Reviewers say this cream is lightweight while still packing in plenty of hydrating power thanks to its concentration of 30 percent hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that helps lock in moisture and address fine lines and wrinkles.
It can also be a great pro-aging option for treating fine lines and wrinkles. This is thanks to ceramides, which are a type of lipid or fatty acid that is naturally found in skin cells. Ceramides make up about 50 percent of your outer skin layer and work to lock in moisture.
This cream also contains
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How To Tell If A Moisturizer Is Non
Telling if a product or ingredient is comedogenic isnt easy. In fact, it can be extremely frustrating! Sensitivities vary from person to person, comedogenicity ratings are often deceiving, and its also important to remember that its often the dose that makes the poison. Here is our breakdown of everything you need to know to figure out comedogenicity.
Oil-Free Formulas
In general, greasy ingredients and oils are often more likely to cause breakouts, so checking that a formula is oil-free makes for an easy shortcut. Its not a perfect solution. Some oils, like rosehip seed oil and grape seed oil, are considered excellent for acne-prone skin, while non-oil ingredients like lanolin or algae are more likely to be comedogenic. However, if something is advertised as oil-free, chances are it doesnt include other comedogenic ingredients either.
Comedogenicity Ratings
Many skincare ingredients were given comedogenicity ratings through studies conducted on rabbit ears in the 80s. These ratings go from 0 to 5 . When examining a product, you can look up its ingredient list and comedogenicity ratings on a website like CosDNA.
However, these days, most researchers accept that these early studies were too sensitive and that ingredients with high comedogenicity ratings in rabbit ears arent necessarily going to be comedogenic to humans.
The Dose Makes the Poison
Other Users Experiences
Personal Experience