14 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin in 2024: Dermatologist & Editor-Approved Picks
From lightweight gels to mattifying creams, discover the top-rated moisturizers that hydrate without clogging pores or feeling greasy on oily skin.
14 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin in 2024
Struggling with oily skin often means battling midday shine, clogged pores, and frequent breakouts. But skipping moisturizer isn’t the solution—hydration is still essential, even for the oiliest complexions. The right moisturizer not only keeps skin balanced and soothed but also prevents your skin from overcompensating by producing excess oil. Below, we break down the top moisturizers for oily skin, why they work, and how to choose your perfect match in 2024.
Why Oily Skin Needs Moisturizer
If you think using a moisturizer will make your oily skin worse, think again. Depriving your skin of hydration can actually lead to increased oil production as your skin tries to balance itself. The key is to find formulas that deliver hydration without clogging pores or creating a greasy finish. Look for keywords like oil-free, non-comedogenic, and lightweight gel-cream when choosing a product.
Top Moisturizers for Oily Skin: Editor-Tested & Reviewed
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
- Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
- Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer
- Clinique Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator
- EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
- Shani Darden Skin Care Hydration Peptide Cream
- IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Gel Lotion
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid
- Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer
- Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
- Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
- Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45
- Origins GinZing Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer
What to Look for in a Moisturizer for Oily Skin
- Oil-Free & Non-Comedogenic: Prevents pore clogging and breakouts.
- Lightweight, Gel-Cream Textures: Absorbs quickly and feels breathable.
- Mattifying Ingredients: Helps minimize excess shine (silica, dimethicone).
- Hydrating Components: Uses water-attracting molecules like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane.
- Skin Barrier Support: Ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide repair and strengthen the skin.
- Optional SPF: Some formulas include sun protection, helpful for daytime use.
1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
Pros:
- Fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin
- Travel-friendly tube
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free
Cons:
- Can pill if not given time to absorb fully
This cult favorite moisturizer is beloved for its fast absorption, lightweight feel, and skin barrier-supporting ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, and ceramides. It keeps skin hydrated for hours without triggering breakouts or leaving residue, and its fragrance-free formula is great for travelers and sensitive skin types.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Fragrance-Free? Yes
Oil-Free? Yes
“I won’t use anything else since I got this for the first time. It’s reasonably priced and makes my skin smooth while getting rid of acne.”
2. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
Pros:
- Excellent for sensitive, irritated skin
- Rich and nourishing; a little goes a long way
Cons:
- Might feel too heavy during summer for some
- Contains fragrance and oils
Despite its rich texture, this cream absorbs quickly and deeply comforts oily skin—particularly during weather changes or when your skin barrier is compromised. Powered by five ceramides, glycerin, and panthenol, it hydrates and protects without exacerbating oiliness.
What others are reading
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, panthenol, glycerin
Fragrance-Free? No
Oil-Free? No
“The best!! I’ve tried many different moisturizers and this one is my favorite. I have very sensitive skin and it leaves my skin feeling hydrated, protected and smooth.”
3. Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight, almost emulsion-like texture
- Offers anti-aging benefits via peptides
- Great as a makeup base
Cons:
- Premium price point
This daily moisturizer is designed to be both deeply hydrating and feather-light. Enriched with ceramides, peptides, and silver mushroom (a hydration-boosting extract), it supports collagen production, enhances elasticity, and creates a plumping effect—all without clogging pores.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, silver mushroom
Fragrance-Free? Yes
Oil-Free? Yes
“I have very sensitive skin and this moisturizer is wonderful. It doesn’t irritate my skin and it’s not too heavy. It makes my skin feel hydrated and it has a plumping effect for all those lines and wrinkles. I will always repurchase this product.”
4. Clinique Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator
Pros:
- Includes broad-spectrum sun protection
- Soothing, cooling gel-cream texture
- No white cast—ideal for all skin tones
Cons:
- SPF 28, just below the recommended SPF 30 threshold
If you love a barely-there feel, this moisturizer provides comfortable all-day hydration, thanks to fermented aloe, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin D-antioxidant protection. The gel-like texture is especially refreshing during warmer months and doesn’t leave skin greasy or milky.
Key Ingredients: Biofermented aloe, hyaluronic acid, vitamin D
Fragrance-Free? Yes
Oil-Free? Yes
“This is a nice moisturizer, smooth with a lightweight feel. Love that it has SPF protection.”
5. EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
Renowned by dermatologists, this oil-free moisturizer boasts niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and willow bark extract to calm, hydrate, and refine oily or acne-prone skin. It delivers moisture without shine or heaviness, making it perfect for both solitary use or layering beneath SPF during the day.
- Calms redness, minimizes shine
- Oil-free, lightweight
- Rebalances skin and refines pores
6. Shani Darden Skin Care Hydration Peptide Cream
This celebrity-loved pick features hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, and red algae extract to nourish and soften oily skin. Its featherweight formula absorbs in seconds and hydrates without heavy residue, making it suitable for combination and oily skin types and effective even under makeup.
- Maintains plumpness and fights dehydration
- Softens, firms, and leaves skin glowing—not greasy
- Works well for acne-prone skin
7. IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Gel Lotion
This affordable gel moisturizer offers a 72-hour hydration boost while remaining feather-light and shine-free. It leverages serum-like texture and ingredients like glycerin and cactus flower extract for smooth, balanced skin. It’s a favorite for those seeking a quick-to-absorb daily staple.
- Oil-free
- Provides long-lasting hydration
- Suitable for sensitive skin
8. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Often recommended by dermatologists, this crowd-pleaser is celebrated for its lightweight feel and instantly cooling effect. Hyaluronic acid is the star, offering intense hydration while the water-gel texture disappears into the skin, leaving no sticky residue behind.
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Sharp hydration and fast absorption
9. Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid
This French pharmacy favorite targets both hydration and oil control. Grape seed polyphenols reinforce the skin barrier, while silica powder provides a mattifying finish, and squalane moisturizes. Ideal for battling midday shine without over-drying.
- Mattifies instantly
- Light gel cream, not greasy
- Contains natural, clean ingredients
10. Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer
Combining anti-aging care with shine control, this moisturizer uses amino acids, algae derivatives, and adenosine to plump fine lines, boost elasticity, and calm the skin barrier. Its satiny texture makes it a great under-makeup choice for more mature, oily skin.
- Oil-free
- Boosts skin’s elasticity
- Velvety finish, not heavy
11. Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
Billed as a clean beauty staple, this gel-cream leverages aloe leaf juice, sodium hyaluronate, and green tea extract to hydrate and protect. The texture is light, avoids shine, and is excellent for layering in a morning routine.
- Clean, vegan ingredients
- No fragrance or silicones
- Replenishes moisture for oily, combo skin
12. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
This gel moisturizer is a hydration powerhouse. Key ingredients like lady’s mantle and oat extract provide intense moisture while balancing oil, and the fast-absorbing formula doesn’t overload skin. Well-suited for both day and night wear.
- Intense hydration
- Oil-free, lightweight
- Instantly absorbed for soft, non-sticky finish
13. Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45
With broad-spectrum sun protection and powerful oil-control, this multitasking moisturizer helps minimize shine while shielding against UV rays. It uses avobenzone, homosalate, and butylene glycol for a lightweight, smooth, and invisible finish.
- Controls oil and reduces shine for up to 10 hours
- SPF 45 for daytime protection
- Works as a great base for makeup
14. Origins GinZing Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer
This energizing, oil-free gel is powered by ginseng and coffee bean extract to revitalize tired, oily skin. Its weightless formula is perfect for those who want refreshed, glowing skin without a hint of greasiness.
- Boosts radiance and hydration
- Oil-free, quick-absorbing
- Lightweight, non-shiny
Expert Tips: How to Apply Moisturizer on Oily Skin
- Always start with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil or debris.
- Apply moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help lock in hydration.
- Use light, upward strokes and focus on drier areas. You can use a smaller amount on your T-zone if it’s extra oily.
- Choose SPF-infused moisturizers during the day to avoid layering too many products.
- Look for non-comedogenic formulations to avoid breakouts.
Comparison Table: Top Moisturizers for Oily Skin
| Product | Texture | Main Star Ingredients | Oil-Free? | Fragrance-Free? | SPF? | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane | Cream-Gel | Niacinamide, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | Yes | Yes | No | All, Sensitive Skin |
| Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin | Cream | Ceramides, Panthenol, Glycerin | No | No | No | Oily, Sensitive, Dry |
| Alastin Ultra Light | Emulsion | Ceramides, Peptides, Silver Mushroom | Yes | Yes | No | All, Especially Aging Skin |
| Clinique Moisture Surge SPF 28 | Gel | Biofermented Aloe, Hyaluronic Acid | Yes | Yes | Yes | All, Sensitive Skin |
| EltaMD AM Therapy | Gel-Cream | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Yes | Yes | No | Oily, Acne-prone |
| Shani Darden Hydration Peptide | Lotion | Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen | Yes | Yes | No | Oily, Combination, Normal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Moisturizers for Oily Skin
Do I really need to moisturize if I have oily skin?
Yes, hydration is key—even oily skin can become dehydrated, leading to more oil production. The right moisturizer balances moisture without adding greasiness.
What ingredients should I avoid in a moisturizer for oily skin?
Avoid heavy oils (like coconut or mineral oil), comedogenic ingredients (e.g., isopropyl myristate), and rich occlusive agents that may clog pores.
Can a moisturizer help control shine and oil production?
Yes. Look for mattifying or oil-absorbing ingredients like silica, clay, or micro-powders. Niacinamide can also help regulate sebum production.
Is gel moisturizer better than cream for oily skin?
Gel moisturizers are generally better for oily skin as they offer lightweight hydration and absorb quickly without residue. Some lightweight creams formulated for oily skin can also work well.
How often should I use a moisturizer?
Apply moisturizer twice daily: morning and evening, after cleansing. Always follow up with sunscreen in the daytime if your moisturizer does not already include SPF.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin
With so many formulas available in 2024, there’s a non-greasy, shine-controlling option for every oily and acne-prone complexion. Focus on oil-free, non-comedogenic ingredients, and tailored hydration that supports—not suffocates—your skin. Remember, hydration is your friend, and the right moisturizer will keep you comfortably matte, balanced, and radiant all day long.
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