If you have oily skin, you may be familiar with the glossy T-zone and acne flare-ups that go along with it. Even if you have excessive oil production, adding a moisturizer to your skin care regimen may seem contradictory, but it’s one of the most crucial stages.
Using acne and breakout products frequently might deplete essential oils’ skin. As a result, your face may overcompensate by creating more oil, which may also cause dryness and irritation.
Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin
Although applying a moisturizer when you have oily skin may seem paradoxical, it is an important step that shouldn’t be missed. Oily skin is frequently a major sign that you actually need more hydration. However, choosing a moisturizer designed specifically for oily skin is difficult. A common mistake is picking a moisturizer that doesn’t work for oily skin out of the various creams, gels, and lotions available.
Oily skin is the most bothersome type since it frequently breaks out excessively and has excessive shine. But it’s also true that oily skin can be effectively cared for if the right skincare products are used. You’ve come to the perfect place if you’ve been looking for such excellent skincare product lines that are suitable for oily skin. Explore our list of the best moisturizers that are excellent for oily skin by reading on.
Read to learn more about the best moisturizers to buy for oily skin:
Tatcha the Water Cream, Face Moisturizer
Key Features
- Cream Form
- Hydrating and Anti-Aging
- Good for Oily Skin Type
- Fragrance-Free Scent
Overview
Vicky Tsai established Tatcha with the intention of blending classic Japanese botanicals and scientifically proven skincare products. She did this by drawing inspiration from Japanese geishas and their well-known beauty routines. The Water Cream, one of the brand’s best-selling items and our top moisturizer, is the ideal example of that.
True to its name, the gel-meets-cream lovechild instantly soothes and refreshes skin after touch. It’s perfect for oily skin because it doesn’t leave behind any residue or a shiny-looking film. As opposed to feeling greasy, folks with oily skin should anticipate feeling hydrated. The recipe gives off a soft, non-shiny glow, but it gives skin a suppler appearance. In order to refine skin, lessen oil production, and maintain equilibrium, the formula also includes Japanese wild rose and leopard lily, as well as an exclusive blend of twice-fermented rice, green tea, and algae.
The packaging’s usefulness also won over our tester. The tub has a spatula that fits directly into the top for storage and looks great on any vanity (despite being cumbersome for travel). You will definitely get your money’s worth out of this moisturizer because a small scoop goes a long way.
Basebutter Balancing Gel Facial Moisturizer
Key Features
- Good for Oily Skin
- 24-Hour Hydration
- Acne-Prone Skin
- Doesn’t Clog Pores
Overview
With the use of this gel moisturizer, your skin will glow without any grease. Basebutter Balancing Gel Facial Moisturizer controls oily skin by lowering shine and daily oil production. Our tester remarks, “It increases suppleness and hydrates my skin without making me look shiny. This gel maintains your skin’s balance and smoothness with nutrient-rich ingredients like aloe leaf juice, primrose oil, almond oil, and shea butter.
Our tester continues, “I adore that my skin feels awake and taught upon application.” Additionally, this moisturizer is non-comedogenic, so you won’t have to worry about outbreaks when using it. The only drawback is that it has a faintly medicinal fragrance, but once used, it goes away rather soon.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer
Key Features
- Gel Form
- Good for Oily Skin
- Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- Cleanse & Purifies Skin
Overview
People with oily skin, pay attention: Don’t expose your skin’s barrier by skipping moisturizer from your regimen. This La Roche-Posay gel-cream moisturizer is made to nourish the face without producing extra shine. Despite feeling a little heavy right out of the bottle, the product absorbs into the skin quickly and dries down.
A high concentration of the anti-oxidant-rich La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, three hydrating ceramides, the anti-inflammatory niacin amide, and the moisture-retaining glycerin are all included in the mix. Together, they combine to balance and mattify oily skin while nourishing it. One thing to keep in mind is that if you immediately apply sunscreen on top, it may pill. We advise delaying the application of sunscreen and moisturizer by 10 minutes to prevent pilling.
Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid
Key Features
- Oil Form
- Hydrating
- Good for Oily Skin
- Silicone Free, Sulfate Free, Paraben Free
Overview
There’s a good chance you’ve questioned if a moisturizer is necessary if you have oily, acne-prone skin. It turns out that moisturizer is essential for promoting skin healing. The last thing you want is to further aggravate the problem by slathering a pore-clogging moisturizer all over your face. Enter Caudalie Vinopure Oil-Control Moisturizer for Skin That Is Prone to Acne.
This moisturizer is an all-in-one recipe that acne-prone skin types won’t want to skip because it is packed with silica powder and java tea extract to target sebum, olive squalane to moisturize, and polyphenols to lessen blackheads. The moisturizer was exceedingly lightweight, gel-like, and melted into pores, according to test subjects.
The best part is that it didn’t leave an oily sheen behind; our tester said she walked out with matte skin. However, it is not a miracle worker. Our tester said that her existing redness appeared the same even though it removed additional oil that was still sitting on top of her skin.
Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer
Key Features
- Cream Form
- Hydrating & Smoothing
- Lactic Acid
- Good for All Skin Types
Overview
There are many wonderful things in this work by Tata Harper. For starters, it contains naturally sourced components, such as hyaluronic acid, pomegranate spheres, and orange blossom peptides, which combine to lock in moisture, support a hydrated skin barrier, and leave behind a healthy-looking glow. Lactic acid is another ingredient that helps to gently exfoliate the top layer of skin, gradually enhancing texture and tone.
Second, it functions as a silicone-free primer, allowing you to apply it liberally and continue with the rest of your makeup regimen, knowing that it will stay in place for several hours. It acts as a smooth, silky basis for foundation and concealer rather than pilling beneath makeup. You may replenish your empty jar with a recyclable pod when you eventually run out, benefiting both you and the environment.
Remember that the recipe contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which might make you more sensitive to the sun and increase your risk of getting sunburn. While using this moisturizer, be sure to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and minimize sun exposure.
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel
Key Features
- Gel Form
- Hydrating
- Fragrance Free
- Good for Oily Skin
Overview
The Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel is just what its name implies—invisible. Even though you can’t see it, the moisturizer works nonstop to hydrate the skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and protect it from outside aggressors. Niacinamide, an anti-inflammatory and pore-tightening ingredient, along with antioxidants that fight aging, will make your skin feel silky smooth and make pores and fine wrinkles appear much less noticeable. Our tester was enamored with it and even mentioned how quickly it was absorbed by her skin, leaving behind a glow with no sign of shine.
Use it day or night, but to get the most out of this moisturizer during the day, follow up with an SPF of 30 or higher. Niacinamide is often a relaxing component, but if mixed with other active substances, it might irritate the skin, especially if you have extremely sensitive skin. Just to be cautious, test the moisturizer on a small skin patch to see how your skin responds to it.
Mele Plump it Up Nourishing Facial Cream
Key Features
- Cream Form
- Hydrating, Nourishing, Radiant Skin
- Oil Free Material
- Good for Dry Skin
Overview
No matter what skin type, black patches might develop due to sun exposure, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or both. The American Academy of Dermatology claims that people with melanin-rich skin are more likely to develop black spots and patches because their skin can manufacture additional melanin in response to several triggers, including acne, wounds, hormone changes, and more.
An all-in-one product was developed by Mel, a company that creates skincare products for people of color by dermatologists of color for those who struggle with both oily skin and discoloration. A non-greasy hydration moisturizer called Plump It Up Nourishing Facial Cream levels skin tone without producing any more oil or shine.
To combat discoloration and plump the skin simultaneously, the composition includes skin conditioning ingredients (including plant-based squalane), niacin amide, and vitamin B5. All you have to do is massage the silky cream onto your face. We’d be negligent if we didn’t mention that it has a light floral scent, but our tester said it isn’t overpowering and shouldn’t affect most people. However, you should avoid this one if you have an allergy or are highly affected by smells.
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Intensive Hydrating Cream Face Moisturizer
Key Features
- Cream Form
- Amino Acids
- Normal Skin Type
- 36 SPF Sun Protection
Overview
Finding a suitable moisturizer for sensitive skin may be a nightmare; it can take a lot of trial and error to find a lotion that doesn’t irritate, produce redness, or create breakouts. The Innisfree Green Tea Seed Intensive Hydrating Cream Face Moisturizer is, fortunately, a fantastic choice in every way. The mild recipe, which contains green tea, enhances the skin’s protective barrier and hydrates the skin profoundly. Our tester remarks, “A calming green tea smell immediately enveloped me, and it seeped into my skin.” My skin appears hydrated and dewy, yet it isn’t oily, which is difficult to achieve.
Although some people with sensitive skin may experience negative responses from scents, this one is mild enough that it won’t. The moisturizer will last a very long time because a little bit goes a long way. It also makes applying the cream feel like a sensual spa experience. Our tester wishes it had a pump to make this product more hygienic. However, you should wash your hands first before dipping them into the jar to prevent bacterial contamination.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
Key Features
- Lipids, Vitamin E
- All Skin Types
- Hydrating
- Great for Sandwiching
Overview
A decent moisturizer is your greatest buddy if you’re utilizing a retinoid (such as tretinoin or retinol). Retinoids and moisturizers complement each other like peanut butter and jelly, especially when it comes to preventing skin irritation. Dermatologists typically advise using the sandwich method since retinoids are potent and can result in a variety of problems—like dryness, for example—if they are not used properly. The sandwich technique basically comprises putting on a layer of moisturizer before applying your retinol. After giving the retinol time to penetrate, apply one more layer of moisturizer to seal everything in.
A rich, silky moisturizer is essential for the best outcomes, while any moisturizer is better than none. Testers were astounded by how simple it was to massage SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 all over their skin without feeling oily.
Kopari Moisture Whipped Ceramide Cream
Key Features
- Good for All Skin Types
- Hyaluronic Acid, Seed Oil Milk, Whipped Coconut Milk
- Cruelty-Free
- Smoothing
Overview
Anyone looking for a vegan option should stop looking now. The Kopari Moisture Whipped Ceramide Cream has a rich, whipped butter-like texture and is made with pure, vegan ingredients (its major constituents are glycerin, shea butter, and coconut fruit extract). Our tester was taken aback by how her oily skin didn’t look greasy after she brushed it on her face because it was on the thicker side. It provided her skin with a smooth appearance after a while. Even though it doesn’t exactly mattify, this option is perfect for someone who values a radiant appearance. She really liked how well it matched her Black skin tone with no white shimmer in sight.
You should be wary of this option if you have skin that is prone to acne. Even if the composition is pure, components like shea butter and coconut extract run the risk of clogging pores.
Final Words
Last but not least, we must concede to the crowd-favorite SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. The ceramide-based cream shows that enough hydration is possible without feeling heavy and is perfect for sandwiching active components. Tatcha Water Cream is the best moisturizer for oily skin when it comes to decreasing shine. The combination of green tea, algae, and twice-fermented rice refines skin and helps in lowering oil production. The Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel, a light gel alternative that protects the skin from ageing and environmental aggressors, is another favorite of our testers.
FAQ
Is Aloe Vera Good for Oily Skin?
After bathing, think about switching to aloe instead of your usual moisturizer to assist your skin retain moisture. Because aloe vera gel absorbs quickly, it is perfect for oily skin. But it can also aid in the treatment of dry skin.
How Can I Identify My Skin Type?
You probably have oily skin if it seems glossy all over. You probably have dry skin if it is flaky or scaly, feels tight, or both. If your T-zone is the sole area that shines, you most likely have mixed skin. You probably have normal skin if it feels moisturized, pleasant, and non-oily.
Why is My Forehead So Oily?
It may feel oily and sticky to the touch on your forehead if your sebaceous glands are excessive. Additionally, if you use foundation or sunscreen, you might notice that these items seem to roll off your forehead right after washing your face.