When it comes to skin, oil can be too much of a good thing. Yes, sebum—the oil your face naturally produces—is one of the keys to glowing, radiant skin. But when oil production goes into overdrive, it can be quite annoying (think: clogged pores, shiny skin, and even acne). While
everyone's skin and skin issues are different—meaning there's never going to be a one-size-fits-all fix—there are ways to adjust your routine to reduce some of that shine. That's where oil-free moisturizers can come in handy.
If your skin is a candidate for oil-free moisturizer, we've rounded up 15 of the best formulas that leave skin looking plump and hydrated, but not at all shiny.
BEST WATER CREAM
Naturium
Marine Hyaluronic Water Cream
BEST FOR DARK SPOTS
Caudalie
Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide
ESTHETICIAN RECOMMENDATION
Biologique Recherche
Creme Dermopurifiante
BEST MULTI-TASKER
Artisan of Skin
Hydra Boost Oil Free Moisturizer
BEST VITAMIN C
OLEHENRIKSEN
C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer
BEST GEL FORMULA
Farmacy
Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer with Moringa and Papaya
BEST FOR ACNE
Paula's Choice
CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer
BEST FOR RADIANCE
OSEA
Seabiotic Water Cream
BEST FOR MELANIN-RICH SKIN
Mele
Plump It Up Nourishing Facial Cream
BEST ANTIBACTERIAL
boscia
Green Tea Oil-free Moisturizer
BEST WITH SPF
Juice Beauty
SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer
BEST FOR OIL CONTROL
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Mat Daily Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin
BEST DRUGSTORE
Neutrogena
Oil Free Acne Facial Moisturizer
BEST CRUELTY-FREE
Kate Somerville
Oil Free Moisturizer
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT FORMULA
EltaMD
AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply moisturizer for oily skin?
The best time to apply moisturizer in the daytime is after cleansing and toning, and before sunscreen and makeup. Allow a minute or two for the formula to sink into your skin before layering another product on top—this will help prevent any "pilling."
At night, moisturizer is best applied as the last step in your routine, following cleanser, toner, serums, and any treatment steps you might use.
What is the best moisturizer for oily skin?
When shopping for a moisturizer for oily skin, look for gel or water-based formulas instead of creamy textures. These are often more lightweight and oil-free. It's also important to cater your search to your skin's unique needs, such as fragrance-free if you're sensitive, or non-comedogenic if you're acne-prone.
What causes oily skin?
It's often genetic, but sometimes, our routines can contribute.
"Over-exfoliation is one of the most common practices that increases oil production," says Sarah Akram, celebrity master
esthetician and owner of Sarah Akram Skincare. "By constantly over exfoliating, you’re stripping the skin and because of this your skin will begin to overproduce oil, and once you start layering other heavy oils and moisturizers on top, this will most definitely contribute to your oil production." The important thing when this happens, she recommends, is to keep it simple, let your
skin barrier heal, and slowly integrate products back into your routine
How do I know if my skin is dry or dehydrated?
One of the best ways to see if you need an oil-free moisturizer is to check whether you skin is dry or dehydrated—two concepts that are often mixed up, according to celebrity skin expert and founder of Artisan of Skin, Sharlena Hassani.
"When deciding between an oil-free moisturizer or moisturizer with oil it’s important to choose one based off your skin type and what you are treating on the skin," she says. "The first thing to check for is whether your skin is dry or dehydrated. If you have dry skin, your skin is producing less oil or sebum, which is the natural oil produced by your body to lubricate the skin as well as act as a barrier of protection. Dehydrated skin, however, means there’s a lack of water, not oil." For the latter, you can supplement with an oil-free—yet still hydrating—moisturizer.