9 best moisturisers for oily skin I've tested as an oily-skinned editor
The best moisturisers for oily skin will hydrate, smooth and balance your complexion – without leaving behind any unwanted greasiness. Think: minimised-looking pores, a fresh matte finish, and a non-slippery base for makeup. Because, honestly? The last thing any of us oily-skinned girlies need is an even shinier forehead.
So, what should you look for in a moisturiser for oily skin? First things first: avoid rich, greasy balms and heavy creams. Instead, opt for a lightweight gel or water-based moisturiser – even better if you can find one that’s non-comedogenic. The product you go for should've been designed not to clog pores, which is especially key if you’re prone to breakouts.
Ingredient-wise, the best moisturiser for oily skin tend to skip greasy oils and heavy occlusives like shea butter and petroleum jelly. Keep an eye out for hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, barrier-supporting ceramides, and oil-balancing ingredients like niacinamide, zinc and PHAs.
Ready to take some of the shine out of your T-zone, help prevent clogged pores and smooth the look of uneven texture? These are the best moisturisers for oily skin to shop now. Who knows - finding your new go-to might finally mean leaving the house without a stash of blotting papers in your handbag.
Meet the experts:
- Kristal Goodman, head of product innovation at THG Labs.
- Nicolas Travis, founder of Allies of Skin.
- Jodie Kidd, founder and creative director of Skin & Tonic.
How we test the best moisturisers for oily skin:
The Glamour beauty team is constantly trialling moisturisers – from innovative new launches and dermatologist-approved formulas to affordable staples, cult favourites and luxury buys that are genuinely worth the investment.
For this guide, we made sure each moisturiser was tested by people with oily skin types, so we could see exactly how the formula performed on skin that’s prone to shine, congestion and makeup slip. Each product was worn every day for at least one month, and we paid close attention to texture, consistency, finish, scent, whether it felt lightweight or greasy, and how well it layered under face sunscreen and makeup.
We also looked at the ingredients and claims, noting whether each formula was non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, suitable for acne-prone or sensitive skin, and appropriate for those with conditions such as eczema or rosacea. Above all, we wanted to know one thing: did it hydrate properly without leaving oily skin looking or feeling even oilier?
Why you can trust me:
As a beauty writer with over six years of experience, I’ve tested more skincare products than I can count. From glow-boosting vitamin C serums and hair vitamins to red light therapy masks and barrier-repairing moisturisers, I’ve reviewed hundreds of formulas to help make your beauty buys feel that little bit easier. I’ve also attended press days, interviewed dermatologists and sat in on expert-led panel talks, so I’m confident when it comes to spotting the products that are actually worth your time.
When it comes to moisturisers, my skin is pretty combination - not massively oily, but not particularly dry either. That said, depending on the weather, what I’m doing that day and what makeup I’ve got on, I can definitely get shiny as the day goes on. Because of that, I’ve been reaching for lighter gel creams and water-based moisturisers more than rich, heavy creams. One I’ve really rated is La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat, which gives me the best results when it comes to a matte finish and keeping shine to an absolute minimum throughout the day.
Ahead, our edit of the best moisturisers for oily skin to shop now…
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer.
- Best for: Shine-control and mattifying.
- Key ingredients: Zinc PCA, salicylic acid, and vitamins C and E.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
Why we love it: Balancing oil levels without stripping your skin, this oil-free formula helps to reduce the appearance of pores, blemishes and fine lines. Delivering long-lasting hydration for up to eight hours, it uses antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E to shield the skin from environmental aggressors, and LHA (beta-lipohydroxy acid) to gently refine skin texture. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial zinc keeps excess sebum at bay, in addition to sebulyse, an ingredient that mattifies, reduces shine and lessens the look of enlarged pores. 100% hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, it also features the brand's Thermal Spring Water to soothe, refresh and soften (it's so gentle that it's suitable for babies). No wonder this is beloved by dermatologists.
Glamour tester-review: “As someone with sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay is always a brand I know and trust - and this is absolutely amazing if you want a genuinely matte finish. It’s not as moisturising as some of the others I’ve tried, but for me, that’s not a deal-breaker because I tend to layer a hydrating serum underneath anyway. Where it really stands out is shine control: I’d say this is one of the best for mattifying the skin and keeping my T-zone looking less oily throughout the day.”
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- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer.
- Best for: Gentle priming before make-up.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, spermidine, and barrier polysaccharides.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: How chic would this look on your dressing table? Featuring the brand’s Great Skin Complex (a blend of peptides, spermidine, and barrier polysaccharides to firm and plump), plus hyaluronic acid and soothing oat extract, this weightless moisturiser is your golden ticket to a healthier, glowing complexion. It also stars biomimetic emulsifiers to give a blurred, soft-focus effect, which makes it fabulous at prepping your skin before makeup. Plus, it sinks in effortlessly, with no dreaded tackiness, greasiness or stickiness.
Glamour tester-review: “The pump packaging is a real plus because it gives you proper control over how much you use - I only needed a small amount for my whole face. The texture is light and smooth, and it sinks in without leaving any greasy film, which makes it especially good under makeup. My base applied evenly on top and didn’t separate around my T-zone, although I’d say this works better as a daytime moisturiser than something I’d rely on for deep hydration overnight.”
Kiehl’s Oil-Free Ultra Facial Cream
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer.
- Best for: Fast-absorbing hydration in a gel format.
- Key ingredients: Glacial glycoprotein, micronised amino acids, imperata cylindrica root extract, and hyaluronic acid.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
Why we love it: An oil-free version of the most iconic Kiehl’s moisturiser? We're sold. It floods the skin with hydration while working to balance the complexion, preventing excess oil production. Its cooling gel texture allows it to absorb quickly, leaving skin free from shine for 24 hours, with a matte finish. Its star ingredient? Glacial glycoprotein, a naturally-occurring compound that can be found inside Antarctic glaciers, but Kiehl’s makes it synthetically and sustainably in a lab. It has numerous beneficial properties for the skin, including protecting and defending it against environmental aggressors, and hydrating, smoothing and softening too. Visibly minimising the look of pores over time and promoting refreshed, healthier-looking skin, this alcohol-free moisturiser is simply made for oily skin types.
Glamour tester-review: “I love how instantly hydrating this feels. The texture is watery, cooling and really refreshing, so it’s lovely on sensitive or easily irritated skin, especially in the morning. It does leave behind a slightly tacky finish, which I didn’t mind because it actually worked well as a kind of primer under makeup. My foundation gripped nicely on top, and my skin felt plump and hydrated without looking greasy.”
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Face Cream
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer.
- Best for: Softening and smoothing an oily complexion.
- Key ingredients: Balloon vine, sunflower seed oil, and zinc.
- Fragrance-free: No.
- Non-comedogenic? No.
Why we love it: A premium cream for blemish-prone skin, this ‘clarifying’ version of the iconic Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream is ideal for mature skin types who want to balance out their oiliness – while still tackling visible signs of ageing. A seriously sophisticated formula, balloon vine and sunflower seed oil nourish the skin's moisture barrier, while zinc tackles excess oils and shine. Meanwhile, antioxidant-rich botanical extracts like purslane and bistorta root visibly smooth and soothe the skin, and promote a radiant-looking glow.
Glamour tester-review: “I’ll be honest: I expected this to feel too rich for my oily skin, but the texture is much lighter than it looks in the pot. It feels smooth and creamy going on, but once I’d massaged it in, it absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling soft rather than coated. The finish is fresh and slightly glowy, but not shiny, and my foundation sat really nicely over the top without separating around my T-zone. By the afternoon, I still needed a tiny bit of powder on my forehead, but it didn’t make my skin feel congested or overloaded.”
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer.
- Best for: Gently soothing the skin barrier.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, fatty acids, and green tea.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
Why we love it: Think of it as the perfect moisturising cocktail for oily skin, formulated to give your face that much-needed hydration boost without clogging your pores. This product is infused with a unique blend of skin-loving ingredients, including niacinamide and green tea – perfect for that cooling feel to wake up your skin and to retain moisture throughout the whole day. An ideal option for one of the best moisturisers for mature skin? We think so. Oh, and did we mention that this lightweight gel also great for reducing inflammation and prevent breakouts? Sign. Us. Up.
Glamour-tester review: “I’m already a fan of Byoma’s Milky Toner and Hydrating Serum, so I was keen to see how the gel cream compared. I used it daily for around two weeks, and it gave my skin that light, cooling hydration I want from an oily-skin moisturiser. It never felt heavy or greasy, and during busy office days, I noticed I was reaching for powder much less.”
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Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer.
- Best for: A glowy but not greasy finish.
- Key ingredients: Waterlocking Fusion Technology, a biopeptide complex, and niacinamide.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? No.
Why we love it: Like many, I've been obsessed with the original Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream since the dawn of time. However, the brand's fragrance-free and water-based iteration might actually be my favourite. Featuring an incredibly hydrating formula and lightweight consistency, it’s crafted with Waterlocking Fusion Technology to seal moisture into the skin and prevent water loss. Providing up to 100 hours of hydration, it also stars a biopeptide complex to even skin tone and texture, while niacinamide brightens and balances. In short, this refillable moisturiser will deliver all the glow, minus the greasy feel.
Glamour tester-review: “I was worried this would be a bit too glow-giving for my oily skin, but it actually feels much fresher and lighter than the original Magic Cream. The texture is cooling and bouncy, and it sinks in quickly without leaving my face feeling tacky or overloaded. I found it gave my skin that healthy, juicy finish Charlotte Tilbury is known for, but it didn’t make my T-zone look slick, and my makeup layered beautifully over the top without pilling or sliding around by lunchtime.”
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
- Tested by: Jenifer Calle, Glamour US Senior Commerce Editor.
- Best for: Lightweight and cooling hydration.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethicone.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: Clinically proven to flood your skin with 6x more hydration and boost moisture for up to 72 hours, this gel-cream is an intensely hydrating treat. Completely oil-free, it floods the skin with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while silky-smooth dimethicone forms a non-greasy protective barrier to prevent any moisture loss. Soaking in almost instantly, it's the perfect undetectable moisturiser to wear underneath makeup. However, it doesn't have as many mattifying agents as some of the other more typical moisturisers for oily skin, which means you may be a little more likely to experience some midday shine and slippage.
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Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturiser
- Tested: No, but recommended.
- Best for: Hydrating barrier support.
- Key ingredients: Blue hyaluronic acid, fatty acids, and a Pepta-Panthenol Complex.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? No.
Why we love it: This water-based cream features a flurry of hydrating ingredients that are guaranteed to keep your skin well-nourished for longer. Think: Blue hyaluronic acid, Laneige’s proprietary ingredient that fuses double-fermented hyaluronic acid with fucoidan to deliver intense hydration to the skin. A Pepta-Panthenol Complex (of peptides and panthenol) work to firm, plump and strengthen the skin barrier, while cholesterol and fatty acids reduce the appearance of redness and reveal smooth, soft and supple skin. We love that it's highly nourishing, yet still lightweight, making it a dream to apply… It's one of the best Korean moisturisers out there in our book.
CeraVe Oil Control Facial Moisturising Gel-Cream
- Tested: No, but recommended.
- Best for: Everyday wear.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
Why we love it: Specially formulated by dermatologists to absorb excess oil, provide an immediate matte finish, and hydrate and nourish the skin with three essential ceramides that support the skin's barrier, this CeraVe moisturiser is a must for oily and combination skin. With its lightweight gel-cream formula, it sits nicely under sunscreen and makeup – and it's even been clinically proven to effectively reduce the appearance of grease and excess shine for up to eight hours. Plus, it's also totally safe for sensitive and blemish-prone skin.
FAQ's:
Do I still need a moisturiser if I have oily skin?
Definitely. According to Jodie Kidd – supermodel-turned-founder and creative director of Skin & Tonic – one of the biggest skincare myths is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturising. “In fact, skipping moisturiser can make things worse, as your skin overcompensates by producing even more oil," she explains. “The key is to choose a lightweight formula that hydrates without adding any extra shine.”
In fact, founder of Allies of Skin, Nicolas Travis, believes that oily skin is not a permanent state. “If you balance your skin with the right products, you can reduce the production of excess sebum so that skin is balanced and happy,” he says.
What is the best moisturiser for oily skin?
The best moisturisers for oily skin will hydrate and nourish your skin, while also being non-comedogenic – meaning that they wont block the pores. “Essentially, you want a formula that hydrates, without feeling occlusive,” Travis adds.
For a trusty everyday moisturiser for oily skin, you can't go wrong with the CeraVe Oil Control Facial Moisturising Gel-Cream. Completely non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, it's been formulated with mattifying starches, oil-regulating niacinamide, and three separate ceramides to help support and strengthen the skin barrier.
Alternatively, for completely weightless hydration in the form of a cooling gel, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser is a great affordable option – and it's formulated with the humectants hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help draw moisture into the skin. Seeking something considerably more luxurious? The Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Face Cream is packed with sophisticated antioxidants, and make a luxurious night cream for oily skin.
“Meanwhile, if you're primarily concerned about breakouts, look for a gentle oil-balancing formula that'll help to hydrate and clarify the skin," suggests Kristal Goodman, head of product innovation at THG Labs. Our top pick would be the Caudalie Vinopure Moisturising Mattifying Fluid – which is a lightweight fluid-lotion enriched with clarifying salicylic acid, and oil-regulating niacinamide.
What is the 3 minute rule for moisturiser?
The “3-minute rule” works on the face and body, and basically refers to the idea that you should apply moisturiser within three minutes of bathing, showering, or washing your face, as then you'll lock-in maximum hydration before the water evaporates from your skin. Essentially, it makes your moisturising far more effective.
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