The 7 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin That Actually Control Shine

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, PMH-C

Mon, October 12, 2026 at 2:22 PM UTC

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Keeping oily skin balanced and healthy requires consistent care, yet the common belief that people with oily complexions should skip moisturizer often leads to counterproductive results.

For those prone to shine and breakouts, avoiding hydration can trigger the skin to overcompensate by producing more oil, exacerbating both greasiness and acne. In fact, a compromised skin barrier, often caused by harsh cleansing, can actually increase surface oil production.

Beyond managing oiliness, finding the right lightweight texture is a critical concern. Many oil-free products still leave a heavy, sticky residue that prevents makeup from setting properly or leaves the skin feeling coated - a sensory issue that discourages consistent use.

To help you find the perfect product for your needs, one that prioritizes a healthy skin barrier and a matte finish, we tested 80 skin care products and consulted board-certified dermatologists to compile this list. Here are the moisturizers we recommend for oily skin.

Our Top Picks for Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin

Best Vegan Moisturizer: Poth Daily Moisturizer
Best Nighttime Moisturizer: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Best on a Budget: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Best For Combination Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Best Gel-Based Moisturizer: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer
Best Fragrance-Free: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Best Moisturizer With SPF: Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Best Vegan Moisturizer

Poth Daily Moisturizer

Buy Now at Poth

Buy Now at Nordstrom

Pros

Vegan formulation
Ideal for sensitive skin
Lightweight gel cream texture
Doubles as makeup primer

Cons

Limited availability
No SPF protection
Only available on brand site

For those who value plant-based formulas that don't compromise on performance, the Poth Daily Moisturizer offers a standout option. Crafted with a commitment to vegan and cruelty-free skin care, it manages to deliver both nourishment and balance - qualities often difficult to find in clean beauty products for oily or combination skin. With its modern, eco-conscious formulation, this moisturizer proves that ethical choices can still feel indulgent.

"I've never used a moisturizer with a gel-cream texture. It feels thick and heavy on your fingers (it comes in a glass jar, no pump), and when you apply it, it feels luxuriously creamy, but as you massage it in, it feels lightweight and nongreasy on your skin," says editor Lili Ladaga . That unique texture strikes the perfect balance between hydration and breathability, making it an ideal match for those who dislike the slick finish some creams leave behind.

The formula's blend of botanical humectants and antioxidant-rich extracts supports healthy moisture levels without clogging pores or triggering shine. It absorbs quickly, creating a smooth, balanced base for sunscreen or makeup (which Ladaga proved, too). She notes that her skin stayed soft and even throughout the day with no midday oil breakthrough or pilling. The glass jar packaging feels upscale and sustainable, reinforcing the brand's mindful ethos.

While a pump dispenser might make application more convenient, the Poth Daily Moisturizer is proof that clean beauty can deliver the same luxurious hydration as its conventional counterparts without compromise.

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The Inky List Omega Water Cream is another vegan formula, and it helps control oil even as it moisturizes.

Best Nighttime Moisturizer

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Buy Now at Amazon

Buy Now at Laneige

Pros

Moisturizes and brightens
Lightweight gel
Cooling
Repairs skin overnight

Cons

Not as hydrating as other night creams
Floral scent may not appeal to everyone

When the day winds down, and your skin enters its restorative mode, a nighttime moisturizer needs to deliver more than basic hydration - it must repair, reinforce, and protect. Applying a mask that's hydrating but not heavy can help your oily skin do that. Laneige has recently improved this mask, making it lightweight enough for use on oily and combination skin. Unlike the paper-like masks you remove within an hour or the thick creams people with dry skin need, this is a gel formula that delivers squalane, niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to your skin as you sleep.

Writer Jill Di Donato said this mask made her skin soft and hydrated after a week, and it even sped up her healing from a sunburn.

Research shows that skin cell regeneration nearly doubles at night compared to daytime, making evening skincare one of the most critical steps in maintaining a healthy complexion. The brand suggests using these two to three times a week and rinsing it off in the morning.

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Though it's not technically a "night" cream, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer is light enough for oily skin while doing the heavy-duty hydration and healing you want overnight.

Best on a Budget

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Buy Now at Walmart

Buy Now at Walgreens

Pros

Budget-friendly
Hydrates and plumps skin
Absorbs surprisingly fast
Widely available

Cons

Contains synthetic fragrance
May not provide long-term moisture

Affordability is a major aspect to consider when choosing skin care products, especially one that a person will use each day, like a moisturizer. That's where the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer comes in. With an accessible price point and widespread availability, this moisturizer brings quality skin care ingredients within reach.

Health and wellness writer Jen Sinclair notes, "This product is very easy to apply, and it was weightless for me, which is huge. I don't like it when my skin feels greasy after applying moisturizer." This lightweight feel makes it particularly appealing for those with combination or oily skin, who often struggle to find hydrating products that don't leave a heavy or shiny residue.

Described as a whipped, gel-like consistency, the Water Gel Moisturizer includes hyaluronic acid , a molecule capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Sinclair praises this product's effectiveness in hydrating the skin. She feels it to be effective in its 24-hour moisture lock claim.

Hyaluronic acid is traditionally associated with higher-end skin care, but by incorporating it into a budget-friendly formula, Neutrogena democratizes effective skin care, proving that significant results don't require a significant financial investment.

The only minor drawback noted during testing was the presence of a very light, subtle fragrance. While not overpowering, those who strictly adhere to completely fragrance-free skin care regimens might take note. However, the overall high performance, coupled with its remarkable affordability and lightweight feel on the skin, makes the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel an exceptional daily moisturizer for anyone looking for powerful hydration without the heavy feel or the hefty price tag.

We Also Liked:

To battle acne while still moisturizing oily skin, we recommend Starface Star Cream + Salicylic Acid. Editor Sophia DeVito "loved how hydrating the formula is," she said, adding, "I think it also helped resolve my breakout quicker."

Best for Combination Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Buy Nowat Amazon

Buy Now at La Roche-Posay

Pros

Oil-free formula
Suitable for sensitive skin
Repairs skin barrier
Drugstore availability
Great for every day

Cons

The inclusion of t-Butyl alcohol may not be for everyone

Nearly a third of the U.S. population has combination skin. Combination skin is notoriously tricky as it features both oily, breakout-prone areas (the T-zone) and dry, sensitive patches. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer navigates that complex tightrope by providing robust hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, thanks to a scientifically backed blend of niacinamide , ceramides , and glycerin. These ingredients work together to soothe sensitivity and fortify the skin barrier, making it a stellar choice for a skin type that often has competing needs.

Editor Nicole Bonaccorso tested the Double Repair Face Moisturizer for us. She immediately noticed the difference in her skin's appearance and feel: "My skin looks hydrated and happy using this moisturizer. It does feel very hydrating and safe for sensitive skin." Designed for daily use, the texture is silky and quick-absorbing.

Bonaccorso adds that she would purchase the product herself. "It's moisturizing without going overboard with active ingredients. I love that it can be used both in the morning and at night," she says. That versatility makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a simple yet clinically effective moisturizer that doesn't overwhelm the skin.

Lightweight, fragrance-free, and fortified with skin barrier-supporting ingredients, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair earns its place as a reliable staple for combination skin that wants balance and resilience.

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Marlowe No. 123 Facial Moisturizer for Men is a non-comedogenic lotion with green tea extract, aloe, and passion flower extract. Dietitian Sarah Glinski said it hydrated her skin without ever feeling greasy, and though it's marketed for men, she enjoyed its light fragrance.

Best Gel-Based Moisturizer

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer

Buy Now at Amazon

Buy Now at Sephora

Pros

Soothing for sensitive skin
Sustainable refill option
Leaves a natural finish
Very effective at hydration
Gel texture

Cons

Can feel sticky at first
Higher price

Research suggests that maintaining adequate skin hydration supports the skin barrier's ability to protect against irritants and inflammation - a key factor in reducing acne and sensitivity. Laneige's Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer was designed with that science in mind. It uses micro-sized hyaluronic acid molecules that absorb quickly and replenish moisture deep within the skin.

Gel moisturizers are gaining significant momentum due to their lightweight and noncomedogenic properties, making them a preferred choice in skin care. In our broader research, users frequently praised this product's suitability for the most reactive skin types, consistently reporting no irritation or sensitivity. Furthermore, the moisturizer's ability to leave a flattering and natural finish made it an excellent daily primer. Our testing found it lay seamlessly under both sunscreen and makeup without pilling, even in high-humidity conditions.

"This moisturizer is the first one where I feel like my skin looks noticeably different after just a week. I feel fresher, well rested, and my skin is soft and no longer dry," says editorial director Simone Scully . With its refreshing gel texture and cooling feel, the formula sinks in instantly, leaving skin smooth and hydrated without any residue.

Scully adds that she plans to keep this one in her long-term rotation, noting her appreciation for the refillable packaging, which reduces waste and saves money over time.

We did note a minor textural inconvenience during our testing: The gel can feel slightly sticky for a few seconds immediately after application. Scully found that allowing it a minute or two to fully absorb eliminated this fleeting sensation. However, this minor note did not detract from the overall impressive results of noticeably healthier skin.

Ultimately, the product's powerful hydrating capabilities and sensitive skin compatibility cemented its place as our top recommendation for a gel moisturizer for oily skin.

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Quia Korean Beauty Collagen Niacinamide Jelly Cream left editor Nicole Bonaccorso 's skin "glowy and plump" without being too shiny. While it's great for mature skin, it's very lightweight.

Best Fragrance-Free

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

Buy Now at Walgreens

Buy Now at Amazon

Pros

Extremely affordable
Available at most drugstores
Free of fragrance, dyes, parabens
Doesn't feel greasy
Dermatologist-tested
Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Works well under makeup, sunscreen

Cons

Can take some time to absorb into skin
Lacks added antioxidants or actives for anti-aging benefits
No SPF included

For those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin, fragrance-free skin care becomes a necessity rather than a checkbox to filter search results for. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the majority of adults with contact dermatitis report experiencing skin irritation or sensitivity triggered by fragrance in personal care products. The Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer offers a refreshingly minimalist solution: a gentle, no-fuss formula designed without unnecessary additives.

Formulated with ceramides, squalane, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer prioritizes skin integrity over scent or luxury packaging. It's the kind of formula that dermatologists consistently recommend for conditions like eczema , rosacea , or skin barrier-compromised skin. It performs just as well for anyone wanting dependable hydration without irritation, too.

Health writer Amy Marschall points out that while it took "a bit of rubbing to get it to fully absorb," she appreciated how her skin felt afterward, noticing "significantly less dandruff and peeling" in dry areas. That slow-absorbing texture works to the skin's advantage by allowing the formula's humectants and emollients to sink in deeply.

While it may not boast luxury branding or a trendy ingredients list, the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer proves that simplicity can be its own kind of sophistication. It's a quiet powerhouse for anyone looking to rebuild or protect their skin barrier without the risk of irritation.

We Also Liked:

While it has ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamides to hydrate skin and keep it healthy CeraVe Moisturizer Oil Control Gel-Cream Face keeps the shine away and it's fragrance-free.

Best Moisturizing Sunscreen

Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Buy Now at Ilia

Buy Now at Sephora

Pros

Reduces oily appearance
Up to 8 hours sun protection
Hydrating
Lightweight

Cons

Tinted, but does not provide coverage
Grainy consistency

You could layer on a serum, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen - with all the work, expense, and risk of pore-clogging that entails - or you could get all of those products in one, as Ilia offers here. It's an SPF 50 mineral sunscreen, using zinc oxide to block those UVA and UVB rays for up to eight hours. It moisturizes skin with hyaluronic acid and actual water. And it also helps control your oil production with rhodiola root and echinacea extracts.

Editor Katie Tuttle says this gave her skin a "dewy finish" while feeling "truly weightless." It comes in only two tints, Light-Medium and Medium-Dark, but this much sheerer than makeup, so that shouldn't be a problem. The tint serves to avoid white cast more than anything.

We Also Liked:

For a more traditional hydrating sunscreen, try Clinique UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 . Editor Ashley Ziegler tried this along with her acne-prone husband and was impressed with how well it protected them both without causing breakouts or irritation.

Comparison Table

Superlative

Size

Key ingredients

Texture

Poth Daily Moisturizer

Best vegan moisturizer

2 and 4 fl oz

Hyaluronic acid, squalane, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil

Gel cream

Buy Now

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Best Nighttime Moisturizer

2.47 fl oz

Squalane, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid

Gel mask

Buy Now

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Best on a budget

1.7 fl oz

Water, hyaluronic acid, glycerin

Gel

Buy Now

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Best for combination skin

3.38 fl oz

Niacinamide, ceramides, glycerin, prebiotic thermal water

Cream

Buy Now

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer

Best gel-based moisturizer

1.6 fl oz

Hyaluronic acid, mint extract

Gel

Buy Now

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

Best fragrance-free

3 oz

Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, glycerin

Gel

Buy Now

Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Best Moisturizing Sunscreen

1.52 fl oz

Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, rhodiola root extract, echinacea extract

Serum

Buy Now

How We Tested Moisturizers for Oily Skin

To find the best moisturizers for oily skin, we tested 80 products from leading skin care brands as well as up-and-coming competitors over a two-week period.

Each moisturizer was used daily by testers with oily, combination, and dry skin types. These testers then completed detailed surveys assessing texture, absorption, finish, hydration, and overall performance.

We evaluated each formula for how quickly it absorbed, how it layered under sunscreen or makeup, and whether it helped balance oil without clogging pores. Our criteria also included long-term hydration, scent, and how skin felt and looked after consistent use.

To ensure accuracy, we consulted three board-certified dermatologists:

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD , a board-certified dermatologist in California
Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD , a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss specialist in New York City
Richard Bottiglione, MD , a board-certified dermatologist in Phoenix

What to Look for When Buying a Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Choosing the right moisturizer for oily skin isn't just about picking the first gel or cream you see on the shelf. To get the best results without adding extra shine or breakouts, consider these key features before making a purchase:

Texture and WeightLightweight gels or water-based formulas absorb quickly without feeling greasy.
Oil ControlLook for mattifying ingredients that help reduce shine throughout the day.
Hydration LevelEven oily skin needs moisture. Find a product that provides sufficient hydration without clogging pores.
IngredientsNoncomedogenic, fragrance-free, and skin-soothing ingredients, like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, are ideal.
SPF ProtectionSome moisturizers include SPF, offering sun protection while hydrating. Consider whether this is an important aspect for you.
Price and ValueConsider whether the product delivers results worth its cost, especially if it's a daily-use item.

What Defines Oily Skin?

Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, the skin's natural oil, which can create a shiny appearance and lead to enlarged pores and frequent breakouts.

"Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, leading to shine, enlarged pores, and a tendency toward breakouts," explains Dr. Badreshia-Bansal. Genetics, hormones, and environmental factors, such as heat or humidity, largely influence this skin type. All these factors can trigger the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive.

Interestingly, oily skin doesn't necessarily mean the skin is well hydrated. "Despite the oiliness, skin can still be dehydrated underneath," adds Badreshia-Bansal. People with oily skin often have compromised skin barrier function, meaning their skin still needs proper moisture to stay healthy.

What Moisturizer Is Best for Oily Skin?

Choosing the right moisturizer is key to controlling shine and supporting the skin barrier without clogging pores. "Look for lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin," advises Badreshia-Bansal. These humectants draw water into the skin to maintain hydration while keeping excess oil at bay.

"Avoid heavy oils, occlusive ingredients like petrolatum or mineral oil, and products with added fragrance or alcohol," she adds. "These can either overmoisturize and block pores or strip the skin, causing it to rebound by producing more oil."

"The biggest skin tip I give many times is to keep it simple and use active ingredients, not neutralized ingredients," says Dr. Bottiglione. He continues, "No need to do a 10-step routine or just use a product or ingredient because it's a trend. Find what works best for your skin needs and desired results."

FAQ

Does oily skin need moisturizer?

People with oily skin can still experience dehydration of the skin barrier, which can trigger increased sebum (oil) production as a compensatory response. Using a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer can help.

Should oily skin use gel or cream moisturizer?

For oily skin, a gel-based or water-based moisturizer is preferred over a heavy cream. "Gels are often a great choice for oily skin, but not all creams are bad. It depends on the formulation, and there are lightweight creams that work well, too," says Dr. Kazlouskaya.

Gels are lightweight, absorb quickly, and generally leave less residue, which helps avoid a greasy feel. Creams tend to be richer and more occlusive, making them better suited to dry or mature skin rather than oilier or acne-prone complexions.

If you prefer a cream moisturizer, finding a lightweight one that absorbs quickly can be best for oily skin.

Is hyaluronic acid good for oily skin?

Hyaluronic acid is beneficial for oily skin because it's a lightweight humectant that draws moisture into the skin without adding oil or heaviness. By helping hydrate the skin and strengthen the barrier, hyaluronic acid can help reduce the skin's need to overproduce oil in response to perceived dryness.

Is hyaluronic acid or vitamin C better for oily skin?

Hyaluronic acid is primarily a hydrator; it pulls in and retains moisture. Vitamin C is an antioxidant; it brightens skin and evens tone.

For oily skin, vitamin C can help manage oil-related concerns, such as discoloration from breakouts or excess sebum effects. Hyaluronic acid can help maintain hydration without clogging pores .

Many experts suggest using both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C in a routine, layering vitamin C first (in the morning) and hyaluronic acid after (or in the evening), depending on formulation.

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Amy Marschall, PsyD, is a freelance mental health writer and a licensed clinical psychologist.

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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Resources

Sukanjanapong S et al. Skin Barrier Parameters in Acne Vulgaris versus Normal Controls: A Cross-Sectional Analytic Study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology . November 1, 2024.
Lyons AB et al. Circadian Rhythm and the Skin: A Review of the Literature. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology . September 1, 2019.
Liu K et al. The hype on hyaluronic acid. Harvard Health Publishing . January 23, 2020.
Parraga SP, Duong JQ, Shanmugam S, et al. Skin type classifications: does the perfect assessment exist? Journal of Dermatological Treatment . December 31, 2024.
The body's overlooked defense system. Harvard Health Publishing . August 3, 2020.
Pullar JM et al. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients . August 12, 2017.

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