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Oily skin is characterized by an overactive sebaceous gland that produces sebum, resulting in a shiny complexion, enlarged pores, and, sometimes, a predisposition for acne and breakouts.
However, the misconception that oily skin doesn’t need to be hydrated can lead to the use of harsh, drying products that can increase oiliness and cause imbalances in the skin.
Because even oily skin requires proper moisturization, in this article, we offer the best face moisturizers for oily skin.
What are the best face moisturizers for oily skin?
1. Cerave Blemish Control Gel
A good Cerave skincare product and one of the best moisturizers for oily skin. It is formulated with salicylic acid, a key ingredient known for its acne-fighting properties, this gel helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent breakouts. In addition to salicylic acid, this gel also contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, offers numerous benefits for the skin, such as regulating oil production, improving the skin’s texture, and minimizing the appearance of pores.
Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, without leaving it greasy.
This lightweight gel absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it fresh and hydrated without any residue. This non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formula is one of the best moisturizers for oily and acne-prone skin.
2. Bioderma’s Hydrabio Gel-Crème Light Moisturizing Care
This lightweight gel-cream texture is perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more breathable moisturizer.
With a complete formula, it is formulated with the Aquagenium® complex for an intense and long-lasting moisturizing action and apple seed extract, which stimulates natural moisturization.
Vitamin PP strengthens and protects the epidermis, Salicylic Acid, which eliminates dead cells, and smoothes and brightens the complexion.
Finally, Vitamin E for an antioxidant action, fighting external aggressions.
Because of this super interesting formula and its lightweight texture, this is an excellent choice of moisturizer for combination and oily skin. It is also non-comedogenic and tested on sensitive skin.
TIP: Enhance your skincare routine with a top sunscreen for combination skin.
3. Avène Cleanance Women Smoothing Night Cream
If you prefer to hydrate your skin during your sleep, this night cream is for you. It is specifically formulated to target oily skin and help regulate sebum production at night.
This moisturizer cream contains SynoveaTM HR, a complex that helps to reduce blemishes and limits sebum oxidation that causes blackheads.
It is enriched with P-Refinyl, glycolic acid, and lactic acid, which reduce the appearance of pores and refine the skin texture.
In addition to its exfoliating properties, this night cream provides long-lasting hydration and helps to restore the skin’s balance.
This lightweight and non-greasy moisturizer absorbs quickly into the skin and was specially created for adult women with skin prone to imperfection.
4. A-Derma Biology AC Hydra Compensating Cream
This moisturizer was formulated to provide hydration to oily and acne-prone skin under acne treatments.
With a natural plant fragrance and a vegan formula, it compensates for the dryness caused by acne treatments, while also calming pimples and redness and reducing the appearance of red and brown spots.
The key ingredient in this moisturizer is aloe vera, known for its soothing and hydrating properties, which help to reduce inflammation and redness, while also providing deep hydration.
It also contains Organic Rhealba® to balance and hydrate sensitive skin and hyaluronic acid, to hydrate and plump the skin.
Finally, it is infused with rice powder, which helps to absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores, providing a matte finish.
Overall, this moisturizer hydrates without causing breakouts. With 99% naturally derived ingredients, it hydrates the skin for 48 hours!
5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
You have definitely heard of Neutrogena’s famous Hydro Boost Moisturizer. We are talking about a best seller of Neutrogena.
This Water Gel is recommended by dermatologists for all skin types, but it is a great option for combination or oily skin.
Not only is it lightweight, but also refreshing and hydrating. A perfect combination for those who want to keep their skin moisturized without feeling greasy or heavy.
It contains hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration to the skin.
Its regular use also helps to reduce and prevent fine lines and improve overall skin texture.
This formula is oil-free, providing hydration without adding any excess oil to the skin, and also non-comedogenic, making it less likely to clog pores and cause acne breakouts, which makes it a perfect moisturizer for black skin.
TIP: If you want to fight the signs of aging, you might be interested in reading the best anti-aging body lotions post.
6. La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Face Moisturizer
Specifically formulated for oily skin with excess shine and enlarged pores, this famous moisturizer provides both hydration and oil control. It has a super complete formula:
- Lipo-Hydroxy Acid
- Perlite
- Silica
- Glycerin
- Dimethicone
- Salicylic Acid
- La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
The LHA and salicylic acid provide effective exfoliating properties to help clear and refine the appearance of pores.
The glycerin and thermal water provide long-lasting hydration but also calm and soothe the skin.
This lightweight and oil-free facial moisturizer helps regulate sebum production, leaving your skin with a matte finish. It is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and suitable for sensitive skin, making it a top-rated face moisturizer for those with oily skin looking for a moisturizer that addresses multiple concerns.
7. ISDIN Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Moisture Oily Skin
The new Hyaluronic Moisture by ISDIN offers three different options: one for sensitive skin, one for normal to dry skin, and this one for combination to oily skin.
Definitely, one of the best moisturizers for oily skin that provides the perfect balance of hydration and oil control, with a lightweight and non-greasy formula, it absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean.
This is thanks to its formula with two types of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which retain moisture, but also help to plump the skin.
A complex of 2 oligosaccharides – bioecolia and PoreReducer – regulates excess sebum and a combination of vigna aconitifolia (a retinol-like) and vitamin E provides an antioxidant but also anti-aging action.
This non-comedogenic formula with 82% of natural ingredients is perfect for combination to oily skin with signs of aging. And if you love it, there are refills available, so you won’t have to buy multiple jars.
Related content: What are the finest anti-aging moisturizing creams?
8. Skinceuticals Daily Moisture Cream
This luxury product is one of the best face moisturizers and it was specifically formulated for oily skin, designed to hydrate and nourish the skin while providing a mattifying effect.
With a lightweight texture, it contains botanical extracts and vitamin E, which help to protect the skin from environmental damage and provide softness and suppleness.
Its light, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly into the skin. And it does not leave a heavy or sticky residue, making it suitable for daily use and easy to incorporate into your skincare routine.
With regular use, consumers appreciate its ability to reduce the appearance of pores and leave their skin smooth and mattified.
This formula is also non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog your pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
9. SVR Sebiaclear Mattifying Anti-Blemish Cream SPF50+
Looking for one of the greatest face moisturizers with sun protection? Then, this product is for you!
This multi-tasking moisturizer offers broad-spectrum sun protection with SPF50+, which protects the skin from harmful UV rays, crucial for oily skin that is prone to blemishes. Besides SPF, this formula contains:
- salicylic acid, which targets blemishes and helps to refine the skin texture, reducing breakouts.
- niacinamide and zinc are ingredients that work together to regulate sebum production, minimize the appearance of pores, and reduce redness and inflammation.
With a light non-comedogenic, oil-free texture, it provides a matte finish that helps control shine throughout the day and is also suitable under make-up and for sensitive skin.
TIP: Read our blog, if you want to know how long it takes for salicylic acid to work.
10. Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid
Caudalie’s Vinopure range features a mattifying moisturizer that not only provides hydration but also helps refine pores and control oil production.
It contains grape seed polyphenols, which act as antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental damage. By neutralizing harmful molecules, they promote a youthful and radiant complexion.
It also contains salicylic acid, known for its ability to unclog pores and prevent breakouts, by gently exfoliating the skin and removing dead skin cells.
This combination results in a formula that is lightweight and provides a matte finish, perfect for those who struggle to control oiliness throughout the day.
Plus, this moisturizer has a vegan formula with 96% of natural ingredients and 100% recycled packaging.
Read our post, if you want to discover the best tinted moisturizers.
11. Uriage Hyséac Fluid SPF50+
Sun protection is essential for everyone, but especially for those with sensitive or oily skin. This moisturizer combines sun protection with oil control.
With SPF50+, it effectively protects your skin from UV rays, preventing the damage and aging caused by the sun.
Its formula contains Uriage Thermal Water sourced from the French Alps, rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which have soothing, hydrating, and nourishing properties.
It also includes mattifying agents that work by regulating sebum production, preventing your skin from becoming excessively oily throughout the day. This way, your skin stays fresh and shine-free, even in hot and humid weather.
This combination of high SPF, lightweight, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula, and mattifying agents make it a reliable and effective moisturizer for those with oily skin, including acne-prone and sensitive skin.
12. Cetaphil Pro Oil Control Moisturizing SPF30
If your skin is both oily and sensitive, look no further: this moisturizer is perfect for you. Like all Cetaphil products, it protects against the 5 signs of sensitive skin:
- weakened skin barrier
- dryness
- irritation
- roughness
- tightness
With SPF 30, not only does it protect from the UV rays and the damage caused by the sun, but it also hydrates, without leaving the skin greasy.
It contains a mattifying technology that absorbs excess oil, leaving your skin with a shine-free finish.
With a simple, but effective non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formula, it is one of the best face moisturizers for oily, acne-prone skin, including the most sensitive skin.
13. Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner
This Bioderma product is a unique moisturizer that not only hydrates the skin but also minimizes the appearance of pores.
This mattifying skincare product works by tightening the pores and refining the skin’s texture, resulting in a smoother and more even complexion.
This is thanks to the Fluidactiv complex that regulates sebum production, helping to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
It also contains antioxidant ingredients, which help to brighten and protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
The lightweight texture, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic formula provides a smooth base for makeup application. If you want to achieve a refined and mattified look, the Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner is an excellent choice for oily skin.
14. Vichy Mineral 89 Serum Booster
If you want to hydrate your skin but prefer a more fluid texture, such as a serum, you must try the cult favorite Mineral 89 Serum Booster.
This unique product combines the benefits of a serum and a moisturizer. This lightweight formula is enriched with 89% Vichy Mineralizing Water, a natural and powerful ingredient extracted directly from nature, rich in 15 pure minerals.
And it also contains hyaluronic acid of natural origin for stronger, hydrated, smooth, and radiant skin.
The serum-like texture of this booster absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a smooth and non-sticky finish.
This formula free from parabens, silicones, perfumes, dyes, or alcohol is a great choice for those with oily skin seeking intense hydration and skin fortification.
TIP: Read our post, if you want to know the greatest alternatives to Vichy Mineral 89.
15. Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
This lightweight and oil-free moisturizer was specifically formulated for oily skin, providing hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
On the one hand, it contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that offers multiple benefits for the skin, helping to regulate oil production and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
On the other hand, it has hyaluronic acid, a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, providing intense hydration without adding any extra oil.
In addition to niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer also contains aloe vera, known for its soothing properties, and green tea extract, another powerful antioxidant.
This vegan, cruelty-Free, non-Comedogenic, pregnancy-safe formula is suitable for all skin types prone to acne and perfect for combination to oily skin.
16. Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF30
The famous Differin gel has helped thousands of people treat their acne. But Differin also provides an oil-absorbing moisturizer, designed to provide hydration and sun protection without adding extra greasiness to the skin.
It contains mattifying ingredients like silica, which helps to absorb excess oil while providing a smooth and shine-free finish.
The SPF30 protects your skin from harmful UV rays, helping to prevent sun damage and premature aging.
The micro pearl technology absorbs surface oil for a matte finish and the Oleosome technology uses a low concentration of sunscreen filters for minimal irritation with significant hydration.
This oil-free lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free formula is a great moisturizer for oily skin, including sensitive skin.
17. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Although this moisturizer was actually designed for normal to dry skin, it is great for all skin types of the face and body, including skin with eczema.
It is perfect for skin that is not so oily during the Winter, for example, or for skin that has both signs of oiliness and dryness.
This rich and nourishing cream is specifically formulated to provide intense hydration to the skin without clogging pores or causing excess oiliness.
It contains ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin, which help to soothe and moisturize the skin. Despite its creamy texture, this moisturizer absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish, making it suitable for oily skin.
With a vegan, cruelty-free formula, free from drying alcohols, artificial colorants, or artificial fragrances, you can hydrate sensitive skin of the face and body at the same time.
How to choose the best moisturizer for oily skin?
As you can see, there are a lot of options in the market for your oily skin. So, when selecting a facial moisturizer, here are a few factors to consider:
- Oil-free: Look for moisturizers labeled as oil-free or non-comedogenic, as they are specifically formulated to prevent clogged pores and excess oil;
- Lightweight texture: Opt for gel, lotions, or fluid moisturizers, as they tend to be lighter and absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue;
- Balance of mattifying and hydrating ingredients: Moisturizers are supposed to hydrate, so look for products with hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help to hydrate the skin without adding extra oiliness. But also with mattifying ingredients like silica or clay, if you do want a matte finish.
Conclusion
Oily skin can be difficult to deal with since it is necessary to maintain a balance between moisture and oil production.
But fortunately, there are numerous moisturizers for oily skin are available, many with mattifying, sun protection, and even anti-acne properties.
However, if you have moderate to severe acne, you may want to look for a dermatologist or other more specific treatments.
In conclusion, if you have oily, combination skin or are unsure which of these you have, we hope we helped you find your next moisturizer in the article.