I understand that the last thing you want is anything that makes your skin feel (and look) even greasier when it’s already producing its shine. The problem is that if you skip moisturiser, your skin may overcompensate and create even more oil. Master aesthetician Edyta Jarosz states that proper hydration is crucial for preserving a healthy skin barrier and avoiding excessive oil production by the skin. “A lightweight formula with noncomedogenic ingredients that provide moisture without clogging pores” is what she claims makes the greatest moisturisers for oily skin.
Our testers with oily skin helped us find the best moisturisers, and we evaluated each one according to its texture, general appearance, oiliness, and absorption. In the end, we narrowed it down to our top 11 choices, which are quick to absorb, lightweight, and made to keep your skin balanced, fresh, and oil-free. Therefore, we know the products that give your skin all the hydration it needs (without the shine), regardless of whether you’re battling with breakouts or enlarged pores.
Why We Love It: This Tatcha moisturiser mattifies skin even on the oiliest days by combining clinically researched ingredients with Japanese botanicals. These botanicals are a match made in skin care heaven, formulated with Japanese wild roses, Japanese leopard lily, and the brand’s unique Hadasei-3 mixture, which includes green tea. They tighten skin for a more supple, bouncy look, help regulate excess oil, and provide a moisturised and balanced skin barrier.
Who It’s For: We adore how this product hydrates skin without leaving it feeling oily, which makes it ideal for anyone with delicate skin. You only need a tiny bit of the light moisturiser to completely hydrate your face, neck, and décolletage. Although this product has many positive aspects, it might not be the greatest choice for travel due to its somewhat large packing.
“It sunk into the skin instantly, but in a way that allows you to feel the hydration without feeling greasy or sticky,” says Shannon Bauer, associate editorial director at InStyle.
Why We Love It: This drugstore moisturiser, which costs less than $15, is an excellent economical choice for anyone who require a straightforward, efficient solution that addresses hydration and breakout prevention. With the power of salicylic acid and a revitalising grapefruit smell, this oil-free moisturiser helps to balance the skin and reduce acne. Its recipe is an excellent all-in-one treatment for oily and acne-prone skin because it targets imperfections, minimises excess oil, and stops fresh breakouts.
Who It’s For: The Neutrogena product offers good results at an affordable price range, making it a great choice for anyone on a tight budget or simply seeking a trustworthy skin care solution. It’s our number one pick for people looking for a moisturiser that effectively treats acne without going over budget.
Michelle, the tester: There was a slight decrease in my skin’s oiliness. My skin felt well moisturised and hydrated. My skin felt revitalised and renewed. After application, it felt chilly.
Why We Love It: If your oily complexion is accompanied by sensitive skin and acne, using a moisturiser that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free could be the difference. Hexamidine rids the skin of microorganisms, while avocado oil soothes the skin with Vivier Skin. InStyle Associate Editor Irene Richardson finds it to be incredibly calming, but her favourite feature is the somewhat matte texture it offers her skin’s greasy areas.
Who It’s For: This moisturising cream is ideal for anyone searching for a moisturiser that also functions as a makeup primer because of its extremely matte finish and slightly tacky feel.
“I’m constantly looking for hypoallergenic formulas when possible to minimise a reaction because I test so many products for work,” says Irene Richardson, associate editor at InStyle. Surprisingly, this did more than keep my skin from going crazy. Despite my preference for really creamy textures, I was genuinely blown away by how wonderful the thin texture felt. This one was a bit tackier, which made any makeup I put on top of it appear smoother. I also noticed that my natural redness began to diminish after taking it for about a week.
Why We Love It: SkinCeuticals is well-known for its expertise in skin care. For good reason, the Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 has been popular for years. The product removes any unsightly shine while hydrating the skin. It offers balanced hydration without overpowering dry or oily facial areas, making it perfect for people with mixed skin. The components, which are made with a precise ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, support the general health of the skin and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
Who It’s For: This moisturiser provides the ideal balance of nourishment for persons with combination skin, moisturising dry areas while reducing excess oil in the T-zone. Your skin will appear soft and glowing, and it will feel plump and moisturised. Although it takes some time for the solution to completely integrate into the skin, we think this is a minor inconvenience given how effectively it hydrates the face.
Tester Chloe: “I think this would be a great purchase and definitely worth the price because it evens out your skin so well if you really struggle with combination skin.” It achieved the difficult task of making the oily and dry skins appear extremely even.
