So many people with oily skin think they can skip moisturising altogether when this can lead to increased oil production.
When the skin becomes dehydrated, it often responds by producing more oil, creating a frustrating cycle of excess sebum production and shine.
Just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean it’s hydrated. On the contrary, it’s very common to have oily dehydrated skin that needs consistent moisturisation to maintain its delicate balance.
So, how exactly do you moisturise oily skin?
The key lies in looking for lightweight moisturisers that provide the right amount of hydration without overwhelming the skin’s natural oil production.
We’ve done the research and rounded up 10 of the most popular moisturisers for oily and very oily skin. These consistently earn high recommendations for their effectiveness.
Note: Skincare is very personal. What works for one person might not work for another.
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
We kick off the list with one of the most popular non-comedogenic hydrating gels: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (not to be confused with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream).
The water-based gel texture absorbs almost instantly and doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue. The quick absorption is ideal if you have excess sebum production or are using drying acne treatments.
The key ingredient, hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), helps maintain optimal skin hydration by attracting and holding moisture. The oil-free provides hydration without overwhelming oily skin types, and its lightweight consistency works well under makeup or sunscreen.
How Others are Finding It
Users report that during harsh winter months, they often layer this gel moisturiser over gentler products like Cetaphil or CeraVe for additional moisture without heaviness or switch to the gel-cream version for enhanced hydration.
Because it absorbs so quickly, many prefer it as a summer moisturiser or daytime moisturiser since it layers well under sunscreen.
| Benefits: Hydrates Throughout the Day, Smooths Skin |
| Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, NMF (Natural Moisturising Factors) |
| Ingredients You May Not Like: Fragrance |
2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturiser for Oily Skin
The Effaclar Mat Moisturiser is designed to mattify skin and refine pores, helping you achieve a less shiny complexion throughout the day. Its oil-free formula ensures that it won’t add extra grease to your already oily skin.
The formulation includes sebum-regulating ingredients and provides a matte finish without causing skin reactions or sensitivity. One of the standout features is the ability to cleanse pores thanks to the presence of Salicylic Acid. By keeping your pores clear, it helps prevent the formation of new blemishes and blackheads.
To avoid pilling, make sure you apply it to a clean face, right after cleansing.
How others are finding it
While this moisturiser helps control oil production, some individuals find better results when using it alongside a niacinamide serum or incorporating it into a broader skin care routine focused on oil management.
| Benefits: Tightens Pores, Controls Shine |
| Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Salicylic Acid |
| Ingredients You May Not Like: Alcohol, Fragrance |
3. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Following its minimalist approach, The Ordinary introduces Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for oily skin hydration. With multiple amino acids and hyaluronic acid, this non-greasy cream absorbs quickly, maintaining skin moisture without adding excess oil.
The texture strikes a balance between being substantial enough to moisturise yet light enough to prevent pore blockage. It performs well under makeup and sunscreen and is suitable for both day and night use.
At a budget-friendly price point, this moisturiser offers similar benefits to more expensive alternatives. The formula includes natural moisturising elements that mimic the skin’s own hydration systems and support the moisture barrier without causing congestion.
How Others are Finding It
Many appreciate how it hydrates while maintaining a shine-free appearance throughout the day.
| Benefits: Moisture Retention, Smooths Skin |
| Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Arginine, Sodium PCA, PCA, Lactates, Lactic Acid, and Minerals |
| Ingredients You May Not Like: – |
4. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel
If you’re looking for a balance between oily and dry skin, Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Moisture Gel is what you need. It combines niacinamide and antioxidants in a lightweight moisturising formula suited for oily and combination skin types.
The gel texture spreads easily and settles to a natural matte appearance, which is ideal for daytime wear. It also works well under sunscreen and makeup products.
It also features an oil-free base and a non-comedogenic formulation that helps maintain clear pores while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
How Others are Finding It
People find that the gel absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky residue, though some find it beneficial to apply it to slightly damp skin for enhanced absorption.
| Benefits: Hydrates Without the Shine, Pore Minimisation |
| Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Oat Extract, Glycerine |
| Ingredients You May Not Like: – |
5. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel
Clinique specifically designed their oil-free moisturiser to be part of your 3-step skincare routine. The gel balances and refreshes oilier skin types and absorbs quickly without leaving residue. Although yellow-tinted, it spreads easily across the skin, settling to a natural finish that works well under sunscreen and cosmetics.
If you’re deciding between the gel and the lotion, know that the gel absorbs faster than the lotion and, because it’s formulated without petrolatum, won’t leave a greasy residue.
How Others are Finding It
Many prefer to apply it to slightly damp skin, as it enhances its effectiveness, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application and managing oil production while maintaining skin comfort. Others prefer to layer it with hyaluronic acid serums during drier seasons for additional moisture without heaviness.
| Benefits: Strengthens Skin’s Moisture Barrier |
| Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Urea, Blend of Barley, Sunflower and Cucumber |
| Ingredients You May Not Like: – |
6. Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturiser SPF 30
Cetaphil’s solution for oily skin ticks all the boxes: a moisturiser and a sunscreen that won’t clog pores. The Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturiser SPF 30 combines broad-spectrum UV protection with oil control properties in a lightweight formulation. The sunscreen used in the formula is chemical, so it shouldn’t leave a cast.
It features micro-pearl technology that provides an instant mattifying effect while maintaining essential skin hydration.
The oil-free base helps maintain a balanced complexion throughout the day, while its SPF 30 protection guards against UV damage. Its non-comedogenic formula is designed to prevent blocked pores, ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
The moisturiser is not greasy, nor does it feel heavy.
How Others are Finding It
Those who use it say that the mattifying effects last several hours. It absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue common to many sunscreen-containing products.
While the moisturiser is suitable for year-round use, some users prefer adding a separate hydrating product during colder months.
| Benefits: Seboregulating, Moisturizing, Mattifying, Sun Protection |
| Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Vitamin E and B5, Ceramides |
| Ingredients You May Not Like: – |
7. Bioderma Sébium Mat Control
This moisturiser is a great choice if you want to control the shine and have some skincare benefits as well.
Bioderma Sébium Mat Control functions as a mattifying moisturiser that addresses excess oil production while keeping your skin hydrated. It features Fluidactiv, a patented technology that helps regulate sebum quality and maintain clearer skin.
As a lightweight moisturizer, it quickly absorbs into the skin, providing a smooth, matte finish that lasts throughout the day.
Zinc gluconate and enoxolone soothe the skin and manage oil production. Moreover, the non-comedogenic formula prevents pore congestion and supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
How Others are Finding It
Users find the non-sticky texture works well under makeup and creates a balanced base that controls shine without drying.
| Benefits: Tightens Pores, Regulates Shine, Refines Skin Texture |
| Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Zinc Gluconate, Enoxolone |
| Ingredients You May Not Like: Fragrance |
8. Caudalie Vinopure Moisturising Mattifying Fluid
Caudaile’s solution for oily and acne-prone skin is the Vinopure Moisturising Mattifying Fluid.
This refreshing moisturiser features organic essential oils and natural plant extracts that regulate sebum production and refine the appearance of visible pores.
It is non-comedogenic and incorporates naturally sourced salicylic acid, which helps keep pores clear. The consistency allows it to absorb quickly, creating a smooth, matte finish.
The addition of grape polyphenols provides antioxidant benefits while niacinamide helps even out the skin tone.
How Others are Finding It
Those who have tried the moisturiser have noticed its ability to balance oil production throughout the day without causing skin dehydration. Additionally, some users prefer applying it to damp skin for optimal absorption.
| Benefits: Anti-blemish, Oil Control, Blackheads |
| Key Ingredients: Polyphenols, Natural Salicylic Acid, Essential oils (Lavender, Lemongrass, Rosemary and Peppermint), Plant Squalane, Glycerin |
| Ingredients You May Not Like: Fragrance, Alcohol |
9. Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 | PA++++
This lightweight SPF moisturiser performs effectively as both a moisturiser and sunscreen, reducing the need for multiple products in morning routines.
It features Avocado and African yellow wood bark extracts that reduce oiliness over time and support the skin’s moisture balance without adding heaviness. The sunscreen used in the formulation is broad spectrum UVA/UVB chemical sunscreen that protects your skin without creating a white cast.
The formula’s mattifying technology contains oil-absorbing microspheres that help minimise shine throughout daily wear, maintaining a shine-free appearance for 10 hours.
How Others are Finding It
Those who have tried it love this moisturiser. Users who wear makeup note that it works best when allowed to settle for a few minutes before application (in some instances, people have experienced pilling under makeup).
Although the moisturiser features a lightweight, oil-free formula, some people report occasional breakouts with prolonged use.
| Benefits: Minimises Pores, Protects against UVA/UVB |
| Key Ingredients: Avocado, African Yellow Wood Bark Extracts |
| Ingredients You May Not Like: Fragrance |
10. Tatcha The Water Cream
Positioned in the luxury skincare segment, Tatcha’s Water Cream offers oil-free hydration through a unique water-based formula.
It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin refreshed thanks to its water-burst technology.
The presence of Japanese botanical extracts allows the cream to balance the moisture levels in the skin without heaviness or adding shine. Nutrients like green tea, rice, and algae work together to maintain skin hydration while managing excess oil production throughout the day.
The Japanese wild rose and leopard lily help tighten pores and smooth skin texture.
Compared to Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream, the water cream is lighter, absorbs quicker and doesn’t pill.
How Others are Finding It
Reviewers say the cream’s oil-free formula dries to a matte finish, creating a smooth base for makeup.
| Benefits: Tightens Pores, Rapid Absorption, Smooths Skin Texture |
| Key Ingredients: Hadasei-3 (Tatcha’s proprietary complex of fermented Japanese superfoods: green tea, rice, and algae), Japanese Wild Rose, Leopard lily, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Humectants (glycerin and hyaluronic acid) |
| Ingredients You May Not Like: Alcohol, Fragrance, Gold |