Oily skin can be a challenge to deal with, especially when it comes to finding the right moisturizer. You may think that you don’t need a moisturizer if you have oily skin, but that’s not true. Moisturizing is an essential step in any skin care routine, as it helps to balance the skin’s natural oil production, prevent dehydration, and protect the skin from environmental damage. However, not all moisturizers are suitable for oily skin. Some may be too heavy, greasy, or pore-clogging, which can worsen your oiliness and cause breakouts.
So how do you choose the best moisturizer for oily skin? Here are some tips and recommendations to help you find the perfect product for your skin type.
What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Oily Skin
When shopping for a moisturizer for oily skin, there are some key factors to consider:
- Ingredients. Look for ingredients that are non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores), oil-free, and acne-fighting. Some of the best ingredients for oily skin are hyaluronic acid, which hydrates without adding oil; salicylic acid, which exfoliates and clears pores; and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which brighten and smooth the skin. Avoid ingredients that are too rich, such as mineral oil, petrolatum, lanolin, or cocoa butter, as they can make your skin feel greasy and cause breakouts.
- Consistency. Opt for a lightweight, gel-like, or serum-like texture that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky or shiny residue. Avoid thick, creamy, or occlusive formulas that can suffocate your skin and trap oil and dirt.
- SPF. Sun protection is important for all skin types, but especially for oily skin, as excess oil can make your skin more prone to sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Look for a moisturizer with at least SPF 30 that is broad-spectrum (meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays) and water-resistant. Avoid moisturizers with alcohol or fragrance, as they can irritate your skin and make it produce more oil.
The Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin
Based on these criteria, here are some of the best moisturizers for oily skin that you can try:
- Best Overall: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ¹². This moisturizer is a favorite among dermatologists and experts for its lightweight, gel-like texture that hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy. It contains hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin and lock in moisture, as well as glycerin and dimethicone to smooth and soften the skin. It is fragrance-free, oil-free, dye-free, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin as well.
- Best Anti-Aging: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer ¹. This moisturizer is ideal for mature oily skin, as it delivers intense hydration with a cloud-like texture that feels weightless on the skin. It contains 30 percent hyaluronic acid to boost the skin’s moisture levels and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains hydrolyzed silk to leave the skin feeling silky smooth and pentavitin to provide long-lasting hydration.
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Origins Clear Improvement Moisturizer ¹. This moisturizer is designed to help clear acne and prevent future breakouts while keeping the skin hydrated and balanced. It contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores, bamboo charcoal to absorb excess oil and impurities, and algae extract to calm and soothe the skin. It has a refreshing minty scent and a matte finish that doesn’t look or feel oily.
- Best Vegan: Yes To Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer ¹. This moisturizer is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, as well as free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, and artificial colors. It contains tomatoes to balance the skin’s pH levels and control oil production, watermelon to hydrate and refresh the skin, and antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental stressors. It has a light lotion texture that absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
- Best Fragrance-Free: BeautyStat Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream ¹. This moisturizer is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive oily skin. It contains ceramides to strengthen the skin’s barrier function and prevent moisture loss, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin, and probiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome and reduce inflammation. It has a whipped cream texture that melts into the skin and provides a dewy glow without looking greasy.
¹: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/best-moisturizer-for-oily-skin
²: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-moisturizers-for-oily-skin.html
Source:
(1) 10 of the Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/best-moisturizer-for-oily-skin.
(2) 16 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin 2023 | The Strategist. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-moisturizers-for-oily-skin.html.
(3) The 8 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin – Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-moisturizers-for-oily-skin-5201074.