If you struggle with oily skin, chances are you've been fighting an ongoing battle with your complexion since adolescence. But don't worry – there is hope!
Finding the right face moisturizer that helps keep excess shine at bay can be a challenge, so we've rounded up the 20 best face moisturizers for oily skin to help get your complexion back in balance.
Whether you're looking for something lightweight or thick and creamy, simple or packed with active ingredients, these top-rated formulas provide oil control and hydration in equal measure.
Read on for all the details about our top picks and find out which one is best suited to your needs.
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Introducing a new ultra-hydrating moisturizer with a luxurious formula designed to target dry and dull skin.
Improve your complexion with this no-nonsense moisturizer from Blu Atlas which is suitable for all skin types and brings together the power of the following natural ingredients:
Mango butter is packed with vitamins E and C which help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as sunlight and pollution.
Laminaria algae extract works as an antioxidant, exfoliant, and hydrator – helping to regulate oil production while brightening and moisturizing.
Ascorbic acid – a naturally sourced form of vitamin C and the most active component of this moisturizer, it is essential in maintaining skin health and improving its overall appearance.
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Blu Atlas may be a relatively new name in the world of personal grooming, but the quality of their products is understandably getting them a lot of praise from consumers.
We like the fact that the ingredient list is kept to a minimum, the complete absence of any harsh chemicals to avoid unnecessary irritation, and that the product is so easily absorbed into the skin without leaving any greasy residue.
Even more importantly, we also like the fact that what is included in the Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer actually delivers on its promises – not only does the skin feel wonderfully comfortable and relaxed upon application, but after a few weeks of regular use there is a notable improvement in both skin tone and texture.
2. Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
Are you looking for a lightweight, oil-free facial moisturizer with SPF protection? Look no further.
Cetaphil's clinically proven formula provides up to 24 hours of lightweight hydration and is gentle on sensitive skin. It's formulated with MicroPearl mattifying technology that absorbs surface oil to reduce shine and give your skin a matte finish.
Plus, it contains Oleosome technology, which uses a lower concentration of sunscreen filters for less irritation and greater hydration. It also defends against five signs of skin sensitivity, including dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and weakened skin barrier.
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Best of all, it's fragrance-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, and won't clog pores – making it suitable for oily, sensitive skin.
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer
This mattifying moisturizer for oily skin is an effective solution for controlling shine and refining pores.
The unique formulation of micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid hydrates skin while helping to reduce excess oil, leaving your complexion with a matte look and feel.
With visible results, this moisturizer helps to reduce the size of large pores, smoothing out skin texture. Additionally, it makes an excellent base under makeup so you can look your very best all day long!
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Allergy-tested and suitable even for sensitive skin types, these formulations are dermatologist-tested, paraben free, and non-comedogenic - ensuring that your skin stays healthy and hydrated without feeling greasy.
4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15
The perfect addition to your daily skincare regime, this oil-free sheer lotion is clinically proven to provide long-lasting moisturization and sun protection all in one.
This non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into the skin with no drying alcohol – leaving you with a softer, smoother, and clearer complexion. Plus, it's non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, so you can use it without any irritation or worry.
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Enjoy softer and smoother skin while keeping your complexion protected from the sun's damaging rays!
5. Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer
This daily moisturizer is a must-have for anyone looking to clear up blemishes, prevent breakouts and rebalance their skin.
Formulated with salicylic acid – an effective acne-fighting ingredient – plus total soy complex, this gentle, oil-free moisturizer helps even skin tone and texture for balanced, healthy-looking skin, day in and day out.
It's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, perfect for everyday use. With regular application, you can look forward to a clearer complexion and more radiant skin. Get ready to turn heads!
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6. Garnier Green Labs Canna-B Pore Perfecting 3-in-1 Serum Cream with Niacinamide + Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Garnier Green Labs Pore Perfecting Serum Cream is a multi-purpose lightweight formula that provides unbeatable care for combination to oily skin with enlarged pores.
Enriched with cannabis seed oil and niacinamide, this serum cream will instantly reduce the shine of oily skin while reducing the size of your pores over time. In just three days you'll notice an improved texture in your skin; with just one week, imperfections can be significantly reduced!
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All skin types are able to benefit from this non-comedogenic moisturizer, as it's suitable for even sensitive skin.
You won't have to worry about any white residue left behind either – the fast-absorbing formula will keep you hydrated for 24 hours without a trace!
Plus, it's vegan and free from parabens, mineral oils, and dyes.
Get ready to reveal brighter, smoother, and balanced skin with Garnier Green Labs Pore Perfecting Serum Cream. This product has been allergy-tested & dermatologist tested for safety.
7. L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30
Here we have RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer: a clinically-tested, all-in-one product that helps reveal brighter skin and gives you the protection you need against harmful UV rays.
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A combination of glycolic acid, vitamin C, and pro-retinol help to improve uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in just one week. Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen shields against UVA/UVB rays sensitivity which is often an issue with other products containing glycolic acid. The result? Visibly brighter, softer skin with a smoother texture.
Enjoy hydrated and more radiant-looking skin all day long – start your journey to beautiful skin with L'Oreal RevitaLift Bright Renewal.
8. Nivea Men's Maximum Hydration Deep Cleaning Face Scrub
Nivea Men's Maximum Hydration Deep Cleaning Face Scrub is a gentle and effective cleanser formulated with aloe vera, provitamin B5, and fine scrub particles that deeply cleanse your skin without drying it out.
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Using this product will help to unclog pores, remove impurities and oil from the surface of your skin, and refine and smooth it by removing dead skin cells, leaving you feeling thoroughly clean but also hydrated.
This face scrub will keep your skin healthy and looking great with regular use.
9. Burt's Bees Clear & Balanced Skin Balancing Gel Cream
This lightweight gel moisturizer from the legends of lip care is perfect for oily and breakout-prone skin. Formulated with squalane and inulin, two skin-friendly ingredients, this moisturizer will replenish the essential moisture your skin needs without setting off any breakouts.
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The non-oily gel texture absorbs quickly while still providing long-lasting hydration, meaning you get the very best of both worlds when it comes to moisturizing your face! Not only does this product keep your skin hydrated all day, but it also helps reduce excess oiliness to keep blackheads and acne at bay.
With regular use, you'll notice improved skin clarity as well as a more even complexion that looks healthier and brighter than ever before. Give this powerful formula a try and experience the difference!
10. SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer
SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer is a lightweight yet powerful facial lotion that helps your skin stay hydrated and protected from environmental damage. T
This non-comedogenic moisturizer contains antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E to neutralize free radicals, plus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, tocopheryl acetate, and sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) to help lock in moisture.
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SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer leaves your complexion feeling refreshed and soft all day long without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue behind. This moisturizer is an ideal choice for those with oily or combination skin types; it promotes a healthy glow by delivering intense nourishment that won't weigh your skin down.
11. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 is a brilliant way to start your day and protect your face from both UVA and UVB rays, which over time can cause blemishes and dark spots.
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Their patented MVE technology encapsulates ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and other beneficial ingredients to ensure their efficient delivery within the skin's barrier for lasting hydration. InVisibleZinc technology provides broad spectrum sunscreen protection without leaving behind a chalky white residue. And because this non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores, it's suitable for all skin types.
The three essential ceramides in CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer help lock in moisture while restoring the protective skin barrier, so you can trust that your skin is well taken care of.
Get the protection and hydration your skin needs with CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30
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12. Vanicream Daily Moisturizer
Introducing a luxurious and lightweight moisturizing lotion, perfect for day or night use. Enriched with five key ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it helps to deeply hydrate your skin while still feeling light on the skin.
This powerful combination of ingredients helps to keep your skin's moisture balanced so you can enjoy soft, nourished skin all day long. Plus, this product is suitable for use under makeup for extra comfort and convenience. With regular use, you'll be able to reap the rewards of improved skin health!
Treat yourself to healthier-looking and feeling skin today with this amazing moisturizing lotion.
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13. Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
This oil-free hydrating serum is your secret weapon for achieving a smoother complexion.
A lightweight and powerful serum, this selection combines vitamin B5, which in clinical trials has been shown to decrease sebum production, with hyaluronic acid, one of the body's natural hydrators. This pairing replenishes moisture and restores radiance while remaining oil-free.
Great for all skin types, it can be used alone or in combination with a daily moisturizer to provide extra hydration and bind moisture to the skin. It's ideal for those with acne-prone skin because it won't clog pores and is free of parabens, alcohol, dyes, and fragrances. The result is skin that looks younger and feels supple and smooth.
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This oil-free hydrating serum enhances the benefits of a daily moisturizer and provides optimal hydration for your skin.
14. Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer
If you are suffering with the frustration of having oily skin, Farmacy's Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer could be your perfect match. Its lightweight gel formula is less likely to clog pores while still providing the necessary moisturizing benefits that your skin needs.
This moisturizer includes hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids, which work together to keep your skin healthy and vibrant. Papaya and willow herb are also included in this product, which reduce unwanted shine plus clear away dirt and debris from the pores.
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And since it's made with entirely clean ingredients, it won't irritate even sensitive skin types.
15. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
The Peter Thomas Roth Cloud Moisturizer is an effective daily moisturizer. It's formulated with glycerin, ceramides, and vitamin E to provide skin with long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy or oily.
This oil-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free formula features a lightweight texture that feels incredibly soft on the skin, making it ideal for use under makeup or your favorite SPF product. The luxurious feel of this moisturizer makes it worth the higher price tag, as you get intense hydration that doesn't clog pores or leave behind an uncomfortable residue. In fact, the brand claims that its formula will provide increased hydration after being applied for up to 72 hours!
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16. No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream
No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream absorbs quickly and provides an immediate burst of hydration that, like our previous selection, lasts up to 72 hours.
With a HydraDrench Complex powered by naturally-derived plant hydrators, your skin will be instantly infused with fresh moisture. No7's Pollution Shield technology also creates an invisible barrier against damaging pollution particles. At the same time, the protective antioxidant blend of vitamin C, mulberry, and vitamin E helps keep your complexion looking healthy.
This cool, refreshing gel-cream is suitable for all skin types – so you can feel moisturized all day long.
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17. Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Dew Cream
Experience the ultimate in hydration with Mario Badescu's Hyaluronic Dew Cream. This lightweight and oil-free moisturizer offers supreme cooling hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, making it a good choice for combination and oily skin types.
The unique two-molecular weight sodium hyaluronate complex and squalane provide multiple layers of deep hydration to keep your skin dewy all day long. Additionally, the brand have added botanical extracts like green tea, thyme, and cucumber extract to boost the feel of skin hydration further while also helping to clarify your complexion – leaving you with a fresh-faced finish that you'll love.
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With this Hyaluronic Dew Cream you can finally achieve the lasting hydrated skin you've always wanted.
18. First Aid Beauty - Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer
This face cream works wonders for oily skin types. Its ultra-light formula provides optimal hydration without leaving a greasy after-feel, while oil-controlling ingredients mattify and minimize the appearance of pores. Plus, it won't clog your pores or leave you with an unwanted shine!
It's vegan, dermatologist tested, gluten-free, non-comedogenic, nut-free, nano-free, and suitable for sensitive skin.
If your skin is easily prone to irritation, you'll also be pleased to know that First Aid Beauty Oil Control Moisturizer does not contain any drying alcohols, artificial colorants, artificial fragrances, lanolin, mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates propylene glycol, sulfates, talc, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclocarban, or ethanol.
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19. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
This lightweight Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream from established skin care brand Kiehl's is nearly the final selection in our list of the 20 best face moisturizers for oily skin.
This will leave your skin hydrated and shine-free without feeling greasy. Formulated specifically for oily and normal skin types, the non-comedogenic formula helps to instantly cool and refresh skin while providing 24-hour hydration.
This moisturizer has been formulated without parabens, mineral oil, oil, alcohol, dyes, and fragrances, so you can be confident it won't clog pores or irritate your skin. Sounds good to us.
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20. Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
Last, but by no means least, is this choice made by Differin. If you start the day with oily skin, you know that finding a daytime moisturizer that doesn't leave it feeling greasy can be a challenge, but with the Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer, you won't have to worry about that anymore!
This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is super for people with oily skin, as it absorbs excess oils and leaves your pores free from dirt and debris. Plus, it has SPF 30 to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays when you're out and about. An added bonus is that it's non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free.
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Try the Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer today and see the mattifying effect it has on your skin, leaving you with a shine-free look all day.
That's it for the best 20 facial moisturizers for oily skin!
Keep reading to learn more about why oily skin happens and some help finding the right ingredients in your facial moisturizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes oily skin?
Oily skin is caused by several factors that can vary from person to person. For instance, hormones play a role in how much oil the body produces and can cause oily skin. Stress and certain medications can also contribute. Genetics, environmental conditions, and age are other factors that may affect the production of oil from the sebaceous glands and lead to an increase in oiliness.
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Additionally, certain lifestyle habits, such as not cleansing your face regularly or using makeup with too many oils in it, can also make your face more prone to becoming greasy or shiny. Oily skin requires special care with gentle yet effective products that won't strip away essential moisture while controlling excess sebum production.
Should I look for anything in particular in a moisturizer if I have oily skin?
Finding the right moisturizer for oily skin can be a difficult process, but it is important to make sure that your skin is properly hydrated and protected.
When shopping for a facial moisturizer, look for products that contain oil-absorbing ingredients such as clay or zinc oxide. Ideally, opt for a lightweight, water-based formula such as a gel or lotion which will hydrate without feeling greasy.
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Non-comedogenic formulas are also helpful in controlling oiliness by avoiding the clogging of pores. Furthermore, look out for moisturizers that include antioxidants and soothing ingredients such as aloe vera to reduce redness and inflammation.
What ingredients to look for in a face moisturizer for oily skin
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in the skin and other connective tissues. It plays an important role in helping to keep skin hydrated and healthy by binding water molecules to the epidermis, allowing it to retain moisture.
Hyaluronic acid is an excellent choice as a moisturizer because it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it incredibly effective at providing long-lasting hydration. This means that using hyaluronic acid regularly can help keep skin soft and supple and reduce the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines.
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It also helps to protect the skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals and UV rays, which can cause premature aging. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant, meaning that it draws moisture from the environment into the skin for extra hydration.
By choosing products that contain hyaluronic acid, you'll be able to reap these benefits and enjoy healthier-looking skin over time.
Squalene
Squalane is an organic compound found in many plant and animal species that helps keep the skin hydrated for longer. It has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it an ideal choice for those with oily or combination skin.
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Squalane is also non-greasy and fragrance-free, so it won't leave your face feeling weighed down or sticky. The molecular structure of squalane is such that it mimics the lipids in our own sebum, helping to replenish and protect the skin's natural barrier against moisture loss.
Furthermore, squalane is known to be an effective antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce redness and inflammation.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential vitamin that helps to nourish and protect the skin. It's a powerful antioxidant that can help to neutralize free radicals in the environment, preventing damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants.
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Vitamin E also helps to support the skin, promoting healthy skin turnover and aiding in the healing of damaged skin cells. This can reduce the appearance of redness, wrinkles, and fine lines, as well as blemishes caused by acne or other skin conditions.
In addition, vitamin E helps to maintain the barrier of your skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and keeping it soft and hydrated for longer periods of time. By using products with vitamin E on a daily basis, you can keep your skin looking healthy and nourished over time.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another essential vitamin that nourishes and protects the skin. It helps to promote collagen production, the protein responsible for the skin's structure, to reduce the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin C also helps to fight damaging free radicals caused by environmental pollutants and UV rays.
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Additionally, vitamin C helps to increase hydration levels in the skin, offering moisturizing benefits without a greasy feel. While it may sound counterintuitive, oily skin will benefit from being hydrated rather than being cleaned by overly drying products, as the body's response to dry skin is to produce more sebum to compensate for it. Not only does vitamin C help nourish the skin, but it also has brightening properties due to its naturally acidic nature.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an excellent all-natural remedy for nourishing and moisturizing the skin. It contains a number of active ingredients that help protect the skin from damage, soothe, and hydrate. This includes aloin, which reduces inflammation, along with vitamins A, C, E, and B12, all of which can help to improve the skin's condition.
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Aloe vera also contains polysaccharides which are known for their hydrating properties. These act as an occlusive agent on the top layer of your skin, maintaining moisture levels and preventing water loss. In addition, the gel-like consistency of aloe vera makes it an ideal choice for people with oily or combination skin, as it again helps to provide hydration without causing any extra oil production or greasiness.
By applying aloe vera directly onto the skin or using skincare products formulated with this ingredient, you can enjoy smoother and more hydrated-looking skin over time.
Non-comedogenic
If you do have oily skin, it's important to choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer as they are specifically designed not to clog pores.
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Non-comedogenic moisturizers usually have lighter formulations and don't contain ingredients like petroleum jelly or heavy oils. Instead, they're often made with water-based ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help to hydrate the skin without causing any additional oiliness.
If you're not sure whether a moisturizer is non-comedogenic, just look for the label on the product before you buy it. By choosing a non-comedogenic moisturizer, you can help keep your free from breakouts.
Final thoughts
No matter what your budget is, there's a moisturizer on this list that will be perfect for you – and your oily skin. Just remember to check the ingredients list before making your purchase so that you know what benefits the product offers and whether it will actually work for you.
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With a little trial and error, you'll find the best facial moisturizer for your needs in no time!
