We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

Oily skin affects many people. It can lead to clogged pores and increase the risk of acne. People with oily skin may feel that they do not need a moisturizer. However, moisturizing may help treat acne while keeping the skin hydrated.

Oily skin is a common issue. It involves the oil glands in the skin producing too much sebum, making the skin look shiny or greasy.

The excess sebum can lead to clogged pores and increase the risk of acne breakouts. Roughly 85% of people aged 12–24 years have some degree of acne.

This article describes which moisturizers might be best for oily skin, including what to look for and a list of options.

Learn more about different skin types here.

Quick links

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a person with oily skin should use moisturizer daily to keep their skin hydrated.

It is also important to protect the skin from sun damage, so people may wish to use moisturizers that contain sunscreen.

When a person is treating acne, a moisturizer may help:

  • make the treatment more effective
  • relieve any associated dryness
  • ease any discomfort

A study from 2014 that analyzed the effects of 52 moisturizers found that many products contained anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as witch hazel and aloe vera, and that these may help soothe the skin during acne treatment.

Ingredients vary from product to product, and some may be unsuitable for oily skin. A person may wish to consult a healthcare professional before choosing a moisturizer.

A person should opt for a moisturizer that:

  • is oil free
  • is noncomedogenic, meaning that it will not block pores
  • relieves dry skin
  • locks in moisture

Some moisturizers for oily skin also contain sunscreen. However, it is important to avoid scented sunscreen products and those that contain oil.

Everyone has different skin, and it is possible to have an allergy to one or more ingredients in moisturizers. A person may wish to speak with a healthcare professional before making a purchase.

Below are 10 of the best moisturizers for oily skin.

How we choose products

Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:

  • Price: The products suit a range of budgets.
  • Ingredients: The products contain ingredients scientifically proven to be effective for oily skin.
  • Reputation: The products have received positive user reviews.
Was this helpful?

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors+ HA

Best for smaller budgets

The Ordinary says that this nongreasy moisturizer helps protect and hydrate the top layer of skin with a blend of ingredients that includes 11 amino acids and hyaluronic acid.

The product is vegan and cruelty free, and it does not contain oil, alcohol, or silicone. The manufacturer recommends using it after applying serum.

The cost at the time of publishing was $5.80 for a 30 milliliter (ml) tube and $7.70 for a 100 ml tube.

Skin Authority Daily Defense Moisturizer

Best moisturizer with SPF

The company says that this product leaves the skin hydrated and nourished. It recommends using this moisturizer before sun exposure because it contains SPF 30.

The product also contains marine extracts, vitamins, and aloe.

A 0.7 fluid ounce tube costs $11.00, and a 4.0 fluid ounce tube costs $48.00.

Bioderma Sébium Mat Control

Best for targeting sebum

This moisturizer is formulated for oily or combination skin. Its makers say that it reduces shine and moisturizes and smooths the skin.

Patented ingredients target sebum and keep the pores from becoming clogged, the company says, and it recommends using the product after cleansing the face, once or twice a day.

A 1.01 fluid ounce tube costs $19.99.

Avène Cleanance Mattifying Emulsion

Best for reducing shine

This moisturizer reduces shine right away and reduces the amount of oil on the skin after 8 days, its manufacturer says.

The product is made with thermal spring water and milk thistle extract, and it is free from:

  • mineral oil
  • soy
  • wheat
  • parabens

A 1.35 fluid ounce tube costs $26.00.

SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture

Best for minimizing the appearance of pores

This moisturizer is designed for people with normal to oily skin. Its key ingredients are vitamin E and extracts from algae and botanicals.

According to SkinCeuticals, this product:

  • restores and retains moisture
  • reduces the appearance of pore size
  • protects the skin while leaving a smooth, nongreasy finish

Its makers recommend applying it twice daily after serum.

A 2 fluid ounce jar costs $63.00.

Peach & Lily Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer

Best for vegans

According to its makers, this lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is part of a three-step acne system.

The product contains prescription-strength levels of salicylic acid, the company says, to prevent breakouts and clear existing ones.

Other ingredients include:

  • hyaluronic acid for hydration
  • niacinamide to even skin tone
  • cica to reduce redness
  • cucumber to refresh the skin

Peach & Lily recommends starting with one daily application after cleansing the skin and increasing to two or three times a day, as needed.

The price is $12.99 for an 80 ml tube.

Eminence Organics Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer

Best phthalate-free moisturizer

This moisturizer minimizes pores and hydrates the skin. According to its makers, this product also leaves a matte finish without a greasy residue and leaves the skin feeling soft and looking refreshed.

The product is free from parabens and phthalates, and it contains organic, natural ingredients, such as:

  • red clover flower extract
  • ribose from corn seeds
  • mangosteen

A 2 fluid ounce jar costs $64.00.

PCA Skin Clearskin Moisturizer

Best for reducing discoloration

This moisturizer contains 4% niacinamide to reduce oil production and even out skin tone. It is suitable for people with normal, oily, or combination skin.

Ingredients include:

  • lemongrass extract
  • marigold flower oil
  • bisabolol
  • cucumber fruit extract
  • vitamin A

The manufacturer recommends using a nickel-sized amount of this lightweight cream in the morning and at night.

A 1.7 ounce jar costs $50.

Tatcha The Water Cream

Best Japanese botanicals

This product uses Japanese botanicals to moisturize, refine pores, and even out the skin’s texture. It is suitable for combination to oily skin.

The manufacturer says that this cream:

  • has antiaging properties
  • is oil free
  • does not block pores
  • does not irritate the skin

A 0.34 fluid ounce jar costs $20.00 and a 1.17 fluid ounce jar costs $68.00.

Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

Best for sensitive skin

This product is made with a blend of peptides to boost the production of healthy collagen and elastin. It is designed to nourish and hydrate the skin, and it also contains oat kernel extract to help calm sensitive skin.

The manufacturer recommends using the amount in one pump in the morning and evening.

A 2 fluid ounce container costs $70.

Oily skin is a common condition that can lead to acne breakouts. Hydration is important for all skin types, and moisturizing may help make treating acne more effective and comfortable.

A wide variety of products can keep oily skin moisturized. It may be a good idea to ask a healthcare professional for guidance.