13 best moisturisers for oily skin, according to dermatologists
From minimising the appearance of your enlarged pores, to creating a matte and non-slippery base for your makeup, the best moisturisers for oily skin will hydrate your skin – without leaving behind any excess grease. After all, the last thing any of us oily-skinned girlies need is an even shinier forehead.
So, what should you be looking for in a moisturiser for oily skin? For starters, steer clear of any rich and greasy balms or creams, and opt for a lightweight gel or water-based formula that's preferably non-comedogenic. This means that it will have been specifically designed not to clog the pores, which is key if you're prone to breakouts.
In terms of ingredients, a top moisturiser for oily skin will be free of any greasy oils and heavy occlusives like shea butter and petroleum jelly. Instead, keep an eye out for hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, barrier-supporting ceramides, and oil-regulators like niacinamide and zinc PHA.
Ready to take some of the shine out of your T-zone, prevent clogged pores, and smooth out the texture of your skin? These are the best moisturisers for oily skin that you can buy. Who knows – finding a trusty new moisturiser might mean you'll finally be able to leave the house without a trusty pad of blotting paper in your handbag…
Editor's note: Unsure whether you have oily skin? If your skin tends to fall on the tighter, more easily-irritated side, then chances are, your skin is likely more likely dry, sensitive or perhaps both rather than oily. Or, if you're somebody who has a few dry patches dotted around and an oily T-zone, consider yourself team combination skin.
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 trialling hundreds of moisturisers on the daily, from new innovative products as well as dermatologist-approved and science-backed formulations – including premium buys that are worth the investment to affordable must-haves, cult-favourites and couple of new releases too. When testing, we score each oily skin moisturiser's efficacy and consistency over a month, noting ingredients, innovation, and whether each product suits acne-prone and sensitive skin types as well as conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
Why you can trust me:
As a shopping writer for over six years, it's safe to say that I've tested out my fair share of different beauty and skincare products throughout my career. From body moisturisers, to purple shampoos, I've reviewed hundreds of best-selling formulas – and attended press days, interviewed expert derms and attended panel talks – so I'm pretty confident when it comes to sussing out products that are truly worth your time.
In terms of moisturisers, even though my skin is definitely more dry than oily, I've actually still tried over half of the moisturisers in this edit, because I typically prefer the feel of lightweight gel or water-based formulas over something heavy. I've then ensured my favourites were tested on an editor with an oily skin type. Case in point: The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturiser, which both myself and Senior Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett love for lightweight hydration and a subtly dewy finish.
Ahead, our edit of the best moisturisers for oily skin to shop now…
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Face Cream
- Best for: Softening and smoothing an oily complexion.
- Key ingredients: Balloon vine, sunflower seed oil, and zinc.
- Fragrance-free: No.
- Non-comedogenic? No.
- Size: 50ml.
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.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream
- Best for: A glowy finish.
- Key ingredients: Waterlocking Fusion Technology, a biopeptide complex, and niacinamide.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? No.
- Size: 15ml, 30ml, 50ml.
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.
Kiehl’s Oil-Free Ultra Facial Cream
- 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.
- Size: 50ml, 125ml, 150ml refill.
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.
- Best for: Shine-control and mattifying.
- Key ingredients: Zinc PCA, salicylic acid, and vitamins C and E.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
- Size: 40ml.
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.
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Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturiser
- Best for: Hydrating barrier support.
- Key ingredients: Blue hyaluronic acid, fatty acids, and a Pepta-Panthenol Complex.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? No.
- Size: 50ml, 50ml refill.
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
- Best for: Everyday wear.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
- Size: 52ml.
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.
Caudalie Vinopure Moisturising Mattifying Fluid
- Best for: Lessening the look of blemishes and imperfections.
- Key ingredients: Polyphenols, squalane, and silica powders.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
- Size: 40ml.
Why we love it: Perhaps the OG of the best moisturisers for oily skin is this beloved option by Caudalie. We mean, 93% of testers in a clinical study saw their spots and blackheads reduced for one thing, but there's also the 96% natural formula to love too, and the fact it's hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested. Mattifying shine (thanks to super-absorbing silica powders), this skincare solution is also infused with calming organic grape water, moisturising squalane, antioxidant-rich polyphenols, plus flaxseed powder to control excess sebum levels. All that's left to do is to look in the mirror to see shine-free skin, with a soft, matte finish. Yum.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
- 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.
- 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.
- Best for: Cleansing and minimising the pores.
- Key ingredients: Japanese wild rose, green tea, and 23-carat gold.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
- Size: 10ml, 50ml, 75ml.
Why we love it: We love a good stat or two, and this moisturising marvel had 100% of testers reporting a reduction in oil levels, alongside 97% showing improvement in blocked and enlarged pores, after just one week. It’s formulated with 23 carat gold to control excess shine, Japanese wild rose to smooth, and Hadesai-3, the brand’s proprietary blend of rice, algae and green tea to boost your skin’s luminosity, hydration and softness. Non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested, it also stars Japanese leopard lily for its clarifying properties, which work to encourage skin cell turnover for increased luminosity.
Save when you shop for moisturisers for oily skin with these SpaceNK discount codes.
- Best for: Gently soothing the skin barrier.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, fatty acids, and green tea.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
- Size: 50ml, 50ml refill.
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.
Save big when you shop for the best moisturisers for oily skin with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser
- Best for: Brightening dull oily skin.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, moringa, papaya, and willow herb.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: You should eat your greens… and use this moisturiser. This hard-working blend sees the likes of polyglutamic acid (which acts as a moisture-locking shield, making this one of the best moisturisers for dry skin, too), plus hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to control excess shine and absorb oil. Working to visibly clear blocked pores with the help of clarifying moringa and papaya, this powerhouse also uses antioxidant willow herb to soothe and protect. Housed in completely recyclable materials, this non-greasy moisturiser is perfect for congested complexions that are dry, oily, or a bit of both.
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Moisturiser
- Best for: Lightweight and affordable oil-free hydration.
- Key ingredients: The brand's Omega Ceramide Complex, niacinamide, and glycerin.
- Fragrance-free: Yes.
- Non-comedogenic? Yes.
- Size: 50ml.
Why we love it: Yup, oily skin still needs hydration too, friends. Why? Because if you don't hydrate it your skin will feel tight and dry, and will produce excess oil to compensate, leading to a complexion that's more oily and congested. This water-based moisturiser delivers waves of hydration without oiliness thanks to The INKEY List's Omega Ceramide Complex. A fusion of omegas 3, 6 and 9, they work in tandem to prevent water loss and optimise hydration levels for comfortable, hydrated and happy skin. It also stars 3% betaine to balance, 5% glycerin to moisturise, and 5% niacinamide to even skin tone and reduce redness.
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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