There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with oily skin that feels both greasy and dry at the same time. You try skipping moisturizer to avoid shine, but your skin ends up tight, flaky, and prone to breakouts. Makeup slides off, pores look clogged, and no product seems to work. The truth is, oily skin still needs hydration.
However, in the right form, an oil-free moisturizer can balance oil, soothe stressed areas, and improve texture. It hydrates your skin without adding grease or clogging pores. When the right formula is used, your skin eventually starts feeling comfortable, healthy, and clear.
In this article, we will review the top 9 best moisturizers for oily skin to help you choose confidently.
A toner helps remove extra oil and keeps skin fresh before using a moisturizer. Read Best Toner for Oily Skin—2026 to choose a toner that works well for oily skin.
9 Top-rated Moisturizers for Oily Skin
Moisturizers for oily skin are designed to hydrate without heaviness, helping reduce excess shine and prevent breakouts. Here are a few dermatologist-recommended picks that enable you to make informed decisions.
TULA Acne Moisturizer
Acne moisturizer is designed for oily and acne-prone skin to deal with the active acne on your skin. This moisturizer contains probiotics that strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and reduce inflammation. It also provides anti-aging properties, supporting collagen levels and protection against UV rays.
This combines salicylic acid and niacinamide that gently hydrates your skin. Salicylic acid deeply cleans the pores to clear breakouts and reduce the appearance of pores. While niacinamide controls oil production, calms redness, and improves the texture of skin.
This moisturizer supports a healthy skin barrier, helping to reduce excess oil over time. This balance makes it a smart moisturizer for oily skin in winter, when dryness and oil can coexist. If you are looking for a moisturizer for oily skin Reddit recommendations, then this is a good pick for how it treats acne without stripping the moisture.
PROS:
· Helps reduce breakouts and clogged pores
· Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula
· Soothes redness and irritation
CON:
· May feel slightly rich for extremely oily skin
Amazon Basics Oil-Free Moisturizer
This moisturizer focuses on simplicity, making it ideal for sensitive and oily skin. The oil-free and fragrance-free formula hydrates without clogging pores, which works well as a moisturizer for oily skin in monsoon climates. The texture feels light and calming, even on reactive skin.
It absorbs quickly into your skin and leaves no residue behind, helping skin stay balanced throughout the day. Many users prefer moisturizers for oily skin in the Philippines due to their breathable feel in humid weather. It also suits minimal routines where skin needs comfort, not heavy layers.
Over time, the skin feels softer and less tight without leaving shine. Simple, non-irritating formulation helps maintain moisture balance. It is ideal for those who prefer minimal skin care. A trusted choice for calm, hydrated skin.
PROS:
· Great for sensitive skin types
· Lightweight and non-greasy formula
· Affordable everyday option
CON:
· Does not contain sun protection (SPF)
Minimalist 10% Vitamin Moisturizer
Minimalist moisturizer is built with vitamin C, which helps brighten dull skin while enhancing your natural skin tone. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula makes it comfortable for daily use, especially for those who avoid heaviness. The texture feels clean and breathable, similar to a Korean moisturizer for oily skin.
It eventually absorbs into the sink without clogging pores, helping reduce excess oil through better moisture balance. This makes it suitable for warm, humid regions, including users searching for moisturizers for oily skin in the Philippines. Skin feels fresh, not sticky, even after multiple hours.
With regular use, skin looks clearer and healthier. The formula works well for moisturizers for oily skin who prefer simple, no-nonsense skincare. It layers easily under sunscreen or makeup. A good option for glow without grease.
PROS:
· Vitamin C brightens and improves skin tone.
· Lightweight and absorbs quickly
· Suitable for sensitive or combination skin
CON:
· Some users may need extra hydration in very dry conditions.
CeraVe Moisturizer
CeraVe offers reliable moisture with a skin-tightening focus. The formula is infused with niacinamide and ceramides, which help calm oiliness while repairing the skin barrier. Despite its creamy feel, it remains non-comedogenic, making it suitable for oily skin. Skin feels comfortable, not heavy.
The ceramide technology locks in moisture for long-lasting comfort, which helps reduce excess oil caused by dehydration. It works well in all climates, including humid areas, making it a solid option for moisturizers for oily skin in the Philippines. The formula absorbs evenly and stays comfortable.
If you use it with consistency, your skin will eventually start feeling healthier and less reactive. It works well when layered with moisturizers for oily skin with SPF during the day. This is a good pick as a moisturizer for oily skin in winter if you are dealing with dry skin or rough patches on skin during the winter season.
PROS:
· Ceramides and niacinamide tighten skin.
· Non-comedogenic and gentle formula
· Provide long-lasting hydration
CON:
· Slightly thicker texture may feel heavy in hot weather
Bliss Drench Moisturizer
A hydrating cream that focuses on comfort and moisture without grease. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it pulls water into the skin, helping oily skin feel plump and balanced. The texture feels soft and fresh, similar to a Korean moisturizer for oily skin. It never feels sticky or heavy.
The cruelty-free formula is gentle and calming, making it suitable for daily use. It performs well in warm, humid conditions, which many users in the Philippines who search for moisturizers for oily skin look for. Skin stays hydrated without extra shine. The finish looks natural and healthy.
In some time you’ll see that skin feels smoother and more resilient. It pairs easily with sunscreen, making it ideal to use under moisturizers for oily skin with SPF. This is also a comfortable option for anyone who prefer lightweight hydration. Simple, soothing, and effective.
PROS:
· Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates
· Lightweight and non-greasy
· Cruelty-free formulation
CON:
· Not ideal if you prefer SPF in your moisturizer
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizer
Most moisturizers for oily skin are often in gel or water-based form, and this one provides that balance with additional skin repair. With niacinamide and ceramides, it calms irritation while strengthening the skin barrier. The texture feels light and breathable, making it one of the good moisturizers for oily skin that doesn’t put pressure on pores.
The oil-free, non-comedogenic formula hydrates your skin without clogging pores. It works well as a face moisturizer for oily skin that feels soothing after cleansing. The fast-absorbing formula keeps the shine under control throughout the day.
With daily use, your skin starts looking healthier and less reactive. The barrier support helps reduce excess oil over time. It easily earns its place among the best face moisturizers for oily skin for sensitive and acne-prone users.
PROS:
· Niacinamide and ceramides improve skin barrier.
· Lightweight and soothing formula
· Non-comedogenic for clear pores
CON:
· Slightly pricier than basic daily creams
Cetaphil PRO Moisturizer SPF 30
For those who want hydration and sun protection combined, this formula delivers comfort without grease. Its oil-absorbing technology helps control shine, making it one of the top moisturizers for oily skin for daytime use. It contains SPF 30, which protects skin from daily UV damage.
This formula works especially well for anyone seeking oil-free moisturizers for oily skin that still feel moisturizing. The lightweight texture spreads easily and absorbs quickly. It’s a practical gel moisturizer for oily skin, including SPF.
After consistent use, you’ll notice that your skin looks more balanced and less shiny. The sun protection helps prevent dark spots and uneven tone. A smart choice among the moisturizers with SPF for oily skin for busy routines.
PROS:
· SPF30 for daily sun protection
· Oil-absorbing technology controls shine
· Lightweight formula and easy to wear
CON:
· Matte finish may feel drying to very dry skin
Dr. Althea Moisturizer with Niacinamide
Inspired by gentle barrier care, a cream that reflects the comfort of the best Korean moisturizers for oily skin. Infused with niacinamide to calm redness and improve texture. The soothing formula helps stressed skin feel relaxed and supported. The texture feels soft on skin, not that heavy grease.
The lightweight yet nourishing formula makes it one of the moisturizers to use for oily skin that still needs repair. It absorbs well into the skin without clogging pores. This balance works beautifully for those who want water-based moisturizers for oily skin with calming benefits.
Over time, skin feels smoother and more resilient. Redness and irritation appear less noticeable. It fits easily into both morning and night routines. Also a great choice as a niacinamide moisturizer for oily skin that needs comfort.
PROS:
· Niacinamide and botanicals calm sensitive skin.
· Lightweight and non-greasy application
· Soothes redness and irritation on skin
CON:
· May not be rich enough for very dry skin
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizer
The Ordinary moisturizer focuses on simple yet effective hydration. It features Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) that mimic the skin’s own hydration system. Hyaluronic acid helps attract and retain moisture without oil. The skin texture feels clean and breathable.
As one of the oil-free moisturizers for oily skin, it hydrates without causing shine or congestion. It absorbs quickly, making it suitable as a face moisturizer for oily skin in layered skin care routines. The formula stays light even with repeated use.
With continued use, skin feels smoother and more comfortable. Hydration improves without heaviness. Many users include it among the best moisturizers for oily skin for daily use. A reliable, simple option for balanced hydration.
PROS:
· Works well with other products
· Natural moisturizing factors for deep hydration
· Lightweight and non-greasy texture
CON:
· No added SPF, so separate protection is needed
Cleaning your face is the first step to healthy skin. See Top 7 Best Natural Cleansers for Every Type of Skin to find gentle cleansers before applying moisturizer.
Key Ingredients to Look for in a Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Below are the key ingredients to look for in moisturizers for oily skin, along with what to consider and what to avoid:
· Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):
Niacinamide is one of the most skin-friendly ingredients for oily skin. It helps control excess oil while improving uneven texture and visible pores. Over time, it also relieves redness and strengthens the skin barrier. This means your skin feels balanced instead of dry. Avoid products with very high percentages if you have sensitive skin.
· Hyaluronic Acid:
Oily skin still needs water, not heavy oil. Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration without adding fat or weight. It helps to even out dry patches and prevents the skin from producing excess oil. Look for formulas with low molecular or multiple weights for better absorption. Avoid thick creams that add heavy blockages.
· Salicylic Acid:
Salicylic acid is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, as it penetrates the pores and removes congestion. It helps reduce blackheads, pimples, and uneven texture. When used in low concentrations, it works gently without overdrying. Avoid mixing it with too many strong exfoliants in the same routine.
· Ceramides:
Ceramides help repair and protect the skin barrier, which oily skin often lacks. When your barrier is healthy, your skin produces less excess oil. They retain moisture without feeling heavy or suffocating. Look for ceramides in light or gel cream formulas. Avoid thick conditioners that feel heavy on the skin.
Glycolic acid cleansers help remove dirt and dead skin from the face. Check Top 7 Best Cleansers With Glycolic Acid for All Skin Types to keep skin clean and smooth.
Disclaimers: These are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. Rest assured, our recommendations are based on thorough research and personal experience to bring you the best products.
FAQs:
Q1. Do people with oily skin really need a moisturizer?
Yes, oily skin still needs moisture to stay balanced. When the skin lacks hydration, it produces even more oil to compensate. A light moisturizer helps reduce excess shine over time. It also keeps the skin barrier healthy and comfortable.
Q2. What type of moisturizer is best for oily skin?
Gel-based or water-based moisturizers work best for oily skin. They are absorbed quickly and feel light on the face. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogged pores. Heavy creams usually feel uncomfortable on oily skin.
Q3. How often should oily skin use a moisturizer?
Oily skin should be moisturized twice a day, morning and evening. Constant hydration helps control oil production. Using too little can lead to dehydration and excess sebum.
Q4. Should oily skin use a moisturizer with SPF?
Yes, SPF is important for all skin types, including oily skin. Exposure to sunlight can worsen acne scars and skin texture. Choose a moisturizer with mild SPF to avoid greasiness. Gel or matte finish SPF formulas work best. Daily protection keeps the skin healthy over time.
CONCLUSION
To sum up, choosing the right moisturizers for Oily skin is essential for maintaining balanced, healthy, and comfortable skin. The correct formula hydrates without adding excess shine, and
controls oil production. It also helps prevent breakouts and improve overall texture.
Avoid Skip moisturizer, as this can worsen dryness and trigger more oil. When applying, never use too much product that is thin; even layers are enough to absorb quickly and work effectively. Consistency matters more than quantity. By selecting a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizer, you can keep oily skin smooth and shine-free every day.
