The 14 Very Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin

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Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid |Consistency:Gel-cream |Price:1.7 ounces (Approx. $11/ounce)

Neutrogena HydroBoost is wildly popular, so much so that it’s been recommended for practically every skin type, from dry skin to mature. Its formula is deceptively lightweight. Despite sinking into skin almost immediately, it’s very hydrating and leaves skin feeling supple. It’s heavier than a serum but lighter than CeraVe’s cream and has a uniquely bouncy texture. On the skin it feels lightweight, creating a thin layer of hydration that quickly sinks in. The ingredients are also pretty straight forward. The hero here is hyaluronic acid, which is keeps skin moisturized long after it seems to go away. It also contains glycerin. Both it and hyaluronic acid are humectants, which draw in moisture to the skin. Hydroboost does this without emollients, which make a moisturizer feel richer and ultimately heavier on the skin. For its ingredients, texture, and efficacy—along with its affordable price point — it’s my best overall pick. And dermatologists back it up. Four that I spoke to: CareMount Medical dermatologistMelanie A. Warycha, clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell UniversityHadley King,Tone Dermatology founder Dr. Caroline Robinson, and Dr. Kenneth Howe, a cosmetic dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology are all fans. Howe says it’s also a favorite of his 14-year-old son.

Ingredients:Glycerin, amino acids, imperata cylindrica root, vegan collagen amino acids, meadowestelide |Consistency:Gel-cream |Price:1.7 ounces (Approx. $17/ounce)

While Neutrogena HydroBoost works well for most people, it does contain fragrance which can be sensitizing for anyone with sensitive skin and trigger breakouts and dermatitis. For that, I recommend going with something totally fragrance free, like Dieux’s Air Angel, the lightweight alternative to the plush, rich Instant Angel. Air Angel has become my sole moisturizer over the past few months and I’ve used it during 80 degree days and 37 degree days too, and have been impressed by how it’s nourished my skin in every circumstance. It’s lightweight, plumping, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and not at all heavy. It’s packed with super-hydrating glycerin, a barrier repair complex that helps to repair any skin damage, amino acids that help with wrinkle depth, imperata cylindrica root extract, a hydration complex, vegan collagen peptide, and meadowestelide, an ingredient that functions similarly to ceramides. All together, it has helped my skin to be hydrated and healthy looking. It’s definitely on the lighter side, and on the coldest days I like to layer a thick occlusive on top of my moisturizer but I expect it would be perfect for oily skin types who need lots of moisture without the added weight.

Ingredients:THD ascorbate (vitamin C), vitamin E, hyaluronic acid |Consistency:Lightweight cream |Price:2 ounces (Approx. $27/ounce)

Packed with vitamin E and C (both of which neutralize free radicals in the environment) and hyaluronic acid (an oily skin staple), this moisturizer from dermatologist-beloved SkinMedica is good if you want something that’s super lightweight while still offering some big skin benefits while still being incredibly lightweight. It’s a favorite of Alabama-based dermatologistCorey L. Hartman’spatients. “It’s a crowd favorite, and even though it has been around for years it continues to excel.”

Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5 |Consistency:Serum |Price:1 ounce (Approx. $16/ounce)

Not your traditional moisturizer, but thisserumis another favorite of Howe’s and one he says can be used alone as a light moisturizer. Not only does it containhyaluronic acidand vitamin B5, which he says “has a calming, anti-inflammatory effect on the skin,” but it also contains ceramides — the ingredient that makes this moisturizer-esque. Howe explains that ceramides are the fatty component on the outer layers of our skin, or, the “‘mortar’ in the brick and mortar composition of the epidermis.” All of these ingredients combined allow this to constitute “more of a full-service moisturizer” than a serum in Howe’s eyes.

Ingredients:Omega-3, omega-6, squalane oil, jojoba oil, squalane oil |Consistency:Cream |Price:1.7 ounces (Approx. $38/ounce)

The case for a rich moisturizer regardless of skin type is hydration. “Oily skin can be dehydrated,” says Abrams. “Dehydrated just means it lacks water.” This can also create fine lines, even in oily skin types. To hydrate and plump skin, she recommends this moisturizer from Sofie Pavitt. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, ingredients that support the skin barrier, squalane, a lightweight oil that’s noncomedogenic, and jojoba and argan oil. Together, the ingredients deeply moisturize without clogging pores or feeling heavy on the skin.

Ingredients:Lipho-hydroxy acid |Consistency:Lightweight cream |Price: 2 ounces (Approx. $14/ounce)

Here’s another oil-free and noncomedogenic moisturizer, this one notable for its light matte finish. King says this Effaclar Mat moisturizer from La Roche-Posay uses “sebulyse technology” to target excess oil, “the brand’s proprietary new anti-sebum ingredient.” (Sebum, by the way, is the substance secreted by your body’s oil-producing glands.) She also credits its matte effect to the micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, microspheres, and perlite that “absorb humidity and sebum.”Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, is also a fan: “It gives a nice finish in a lightweight formula that restores the barrier without increasing oiliness,” he says.

Ingredients:Panthenol and madecassoside |Consistency:Lightweight cream |Price:4.37 ounces (Approx.: $3.80/ounce)

All of the products in Etude’s Soon Jung collection are mild and have a low pH, meaning they have a pH between 1 and 6. For reference, most skin has a pH between 4.75 and 5.75. Products with a high pH (above 8) can disrupt the skin’s acid mantle, which can cause inflammation, flakiness, dryness, and redness. In addition to having a low pH, this moisturizer has lots of humectants, which helps skin to retain moisture. “The finish is pretty matte, but without having that clay mask–like feel,” says Utendahl.

Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides |Consistency:Lightweight cream |Price:3 ounces (Approx. $4/ounce)

One of our favorite night creams also happens to be a great option for oily skin. It has skin barrier strengthening ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing niacinamide, which work together to moisturize skin without clogging pores. “A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid tends to provide enough moisture, but if more moisture is needed, a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic lotion is the next step up,” says epi.logic founder and oculofacial surgeon Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton, who recommends this oil-free, PM moisturizer from Cerave, which she says ticks all the boxes. “It’s a great drugstore find,” she says. She likes that it offers hydration without heaviness, noting that oily skin doesn’t need a thick, heavy moisturizer with lots of emollients.

Ingredients:Peptides, enzymes, hyaluronic acid |Consistency:Emulsion |Price:1.7 ounces (Approx. $65/ounce)

Mature skin can be tricky, because creams formulated specifically for older skin tends to be ultrarich to give skin that plump look. This moisturizer is an emulsion, which is lighter weight than a cream but a bit thicker than a serum and contains peptides and antioxidants that support and improve skin. “If you are mature, then you’re gonna want ingredients that help your skin go into collagen-synthesis mode or have antioxidants for added protection,” says Abrams.

Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, mineral water |Consistency:Serum |Price:1.69 ounces (Approx. $14/ounce)

Vichy’s beloved Mineral 89 is a nice alternative to the pricier emulsion. This was one of the first beauty products I ever used consistently and can attest that, despite being a serum, it hydrates like a moisturizer. The gel-like texturecreates a film of moisture that quickly sinks in and gives skin a nourished, hydrated feeling. The main ingredients in this are hyaluronic acid and mineral-rich volcanic water. The hyaluronic is plumping and the volcanic water acts as an antioxidant, giving the skin a dose of added protection and helps to protect from damage.

Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, epidermal growth factor |Consistency:Serum |Price:0.5 ounce (Approx. $358/ounce)

For a lighter-weight option that offers skin benefits, Ställe Studios esthetician Sophia Kraft likes this serum from Bioeffect, which she describes as a weightless, oil-free moisturizer. “Panthenol and hyaluronic acid attract and hold water so the barrier stays strong and balanced, and the added growth factors support repair,” she says. If you’re also concerned about hyperpigmentation, Kraft recommends layering Aunu Essence beneath it, which she says helps to reduce the look of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over time.

Ingredients:SPF 30, micropearls |Consistency:Lightweight lotion |Price:4 ounces (Approx. $2.75/ounce)

If you’re both oily and acneic, you’ll need a moisturizer that offsets the drying effects of whatever actives you have in your routine. This one from Differin pairs nicely with any acids or retinols you might have in your routine, and contains oil absorbing ingredients. Differin is a longtime, popular acne brand (their most notable product is adapalene, which functions similarly to retinol) so it stands to reason that their oil-control moisturizer would be good for skin too. This moisturizer contains SPF 30 using oleosome technology, which lowers the concentration of chemical sunscreen filters, which can cause irritation. On the mattifying front, it uses micropearl technology, which absorbs oil and gives skin a matte finish.

Ingredients:Niacinamide |Consistency:Gel cream |Price:1.7 ounces (Approx. $11.17/ounce)

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by lots of things, but one common reason is acne. Ingredients like niacinamide can help to fade dark marks while also brightening and hydrating skin. This one from Naturium has 5 percent — which is the upper range of what’s considered effective for noticeable results.It comes recommended by dermatologistDr. Karan Lal, who likes that it’s lightweight and has a gel texture, which ensures that it won’t be too heavy on the skin and clog pores.

Ingredients: SPF 46, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Consistency: Lightweight lotion | Price: 1.7 ounces (Approx. $23/ounce)

I’ve written about this popular SPF a lot, naming it the best option for most people. Dermatologists love it, as do Strategist staffers, because it’s moisturizing without being greasy, feels nice on the skin, and uses both physical and chemical SPF to protect the skin. The tinted version is my go-to (the clear can leave a slight cast), and I like that it imparts a slight sheen on my skin and pairs nicely with the other products in my routine. Hangsterfer has combination skin herself and finds that this sunscreen from EltaMD is moisturizing enough to use as a moisturizer on its own, thanks to ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. “It works great under makeup or by itself,” she says. It’s also good for people who deal with hyperpigmentation, which can be common for people with melanated skin. Because oily skin is acne-prone, there’s a higher chance of getting dark marks post-pimple. Niacinamide, one of the key ingredients in the EltaMD moisturizer, is an important ingredient for this—it reduces inflammation, regulates oil, and helps to keep skin moisturized. The EltaMD also contains zinc oxide, which helps to prevent hyperpigmentation from getting any worse.

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