Dermatologist Recommended 13 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin | Guide for better Results

The skincare world is like embarking on a quest to find the holy grail, especially when your skin leans towards the oily spectrum. With five core skin types to decipher-normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive-it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Dry skin may tighten uncomfortably, emphasizing fine lines or triggering conditions like eczema, while Moisturizers for Oily Skin present their own set of challenges, from clogged pores to an increased risk of seborrheic dermatitis.

Dispelling the myth that moisturizing exacerbates oily skin issues, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Macrene Alexiades emphasizes the importance of finding the right moisturizer. Oily skin, producing excess sebum, still craves hydration and solutions for concerns like acne, eczema, melasma, or rosacea. The ideal moisturizer, as recommended by dermatologists, tackles sebum control, fights acne-causing bacteria, and minimizes pores.

All-time Best 5 Moisturizers for Oily Skin

Tatcha The Water Cream Moisturizers for Oily Skin	Jump To Review	Buy On Amazon
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30	Jump To Review	Buy On Amazon
La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer	Jump To Review	Buy On Amazon
Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer	Jump To Review	Buy On Amazon
Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer	Jump To Review	Buy On Amazon

I consulted dermatologists and embarked on a testing journey with over three dozen moisturizers. With criteria ranging from consistency to absorption, oiliness, appearance, and value, the Health lab’s evaluation aimed to unveil the gems for oily skin. Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or someone who just wants to keep their skin healthy, the journey to finding the right moisturizer for oily skin is a shared experience. Spoiler alert: Tatcha’s cult favorite, The Water Cream, emerged as the top contender, impressively delivering hydration without weighing down the skin. So, let’s dive into the world of moisturizers, where even oily skin types deserve the perfect blend of hydration and balance.

My Best Overall Pick – Tatcha The Water Cream Moisturizers for Oily Skin

Why I Love It:

After extensive testing, I confidently name Tatcha’s The Water Cream Moisturizer as my best overall pick. This product stands out by effectively addressing oil control without compromising hydration, making it ideal for those with oily skin. The delightful floral scent and quick absorption during application contribute to a pleasant experience. The lightweight, deep moisturization it provides leaves the skin feeling calm, smooth, and non-greasy.

Key Features:

• Targets oil control while hydrating.
• Delightful floral scent.
• Quick absorption, providing deep moisturization.
• Lightweight, non-greasy feel.

What I Don’t Like: While this moisturizer excels in various aspects, it may leave a white cast on the skin, so it’s best used under makeup as a primer.

Product Details:

• Price: $70
• Key Ingredients: Japanese Wild Rose, Japanese Leopard Lily, Hadasei-3 Complex
• Size: 1.3 fl. oz.
• Formulation: Cream

Best Budget Option – Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Why I Love It:

For those on a budget, Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel Cream is a stellar choice. Packed with ingredients that promote hydration and comfort, this budget-friendly option rivals higher-priced moisturizers. The clean, cruelty-free, and vegan formula impressed me with its ability to soothe redness and offer lightweight, non-sticky hydration. At just $15, it’s a remarkable deal for the quality it delivers.

Key Features:

• Affordable price at $15.
• Clean, cruelty-free, and vegan formula.
• Lightweight, non-sticky gel-like consistency.
• It contains squalane, glycerin, aloe vera, and green tea extract.

What I Don’t Like: Some users may find the scent bothersome, especially those with sensitive skin.

Product Details:

• Price: $15
• Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Vera, Green Tea Extract, Algae Extract, Squalane, Glycerin, Chamomile Flower Extract, Panthenol
• Size: 2 fl oz.
• Formulation: Gel cream

Best for Acne-Prone Skin – e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Calming Water Cream

Why I Love It:

For individuals dealing with Acne-Prone Skin, oily skin, the e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Calming Water Cream is a top-notch choice. Its combination of salicylic acid and zinc PCA not only soothes and evens out skin tone but also effectively controls excess oil. The lightweight and dermatologist-developed formula ensures quick absorption without leaving any residue. At an affordable $12, this product offers great value, with the added benefits of oil reduction, improved skin tone, and blemish reduction.

Key Features:

• Ideal for acne-prone, oily skin.
• Contains salicylic acid and zinc PCA.
• Lightweight, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free.
• Affordable at $12.

What I Don’t Like: While salicylic acid is beneficial for oily, acne-prone skin, it may not be suitable for all skin types.

Product Details:

• Price: $12
• Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Aloe Vera, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Green Tea Extract
• Size: 1.7 fl oz.
• Formulation: Water cream

Best with SPF – Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

Why I Love It:

Addressing the crucial need for sun protection, the Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30 stands out as an excellent choice. This multitasking product not only reduces excess oil but also provides hydration and sun protection without a greasy or heavy feel. While it may not show significant improvements in skin texture, its oil-free, non-greasy formula makes it a convenient option for daily use.

Key Features:

• Provides sun protection with SPF 30.
• Specifically formulated to reduce excess oil.
• Oil-free, non-greasy consistency.
• Affordable option.

What I Don’t Like: This moisturizer may lack ingredients that minimize pores and balance sebum levels.

Product Details:

• Price: $12
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene, SPF30
• Size: 4 fl oz.
• Formulation: Lotion

Best Mattifying Choice – La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer

Why I Love It:

Designed for those with oily skin, La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer excels in hydrating without adding shine. The gel-cream formula, enriched with antioxidant-rich thermal water, ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin, effectively balances and mattifies oily skin. While it may pill if sunscreen is applied immediately after, the benefits it offers in oil control and hydration make it a standout choice.

Key Features:

• Mattifies oily skin without compromising hydration.
• Non-comedogenic and minimizes pores.
• High concentration of antioxidant-rich thermal water.
• Contains niacinamide and glycerin.

What I Don’t Like: It may pill if sunscreen is applied immediately after, so it’s recommended to wait 10 minutes between moisturizer and sunscreen application.

Product Details:

• Price: $21
• Ingredients: Niacinamide, Glycerin
• Skin Type: Oily
• Size: 2.5 oz.
• SPF: No
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Uneven Texture – Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer

Why I Love It:

Tata Harper’s Water-Lock Moisturizer is my top choice for addressing uneven texture. This lightweight formula, rich in naturally derived ingredients like pomegranate spheres, orange blossom peptides, and hyaluronic acid, not only locks in moisture but also serves as a primer. It provides a smooth, silky base for makeup without pilling. However, it’s important to note that the inclusion of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) increases sun sensitivity, requiring diligent sun protection.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and naturally derived ingredients.
• Doubles as a silicone-free primer.
• Contains pomegranate spheres, orange blossom peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
• Sustainable with recyclable pod refills.

What I Don’t Like: The presence of AHAs increases sensitivity to the sun, necessitating sun protection.

Product Details:

• Price: $68
• Ingredients: Pomegranate spheres, Orange blossom peptides, Hyaluronic and lactic acids
• Skin Type: Oily, Combination
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• SPF: No
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Acne – Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid

Why I Love It:

Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid is a stellar choice for those with oily, acne-prone skin. This oil-absorbing, non-comedogenic, and vegan formula includes silica powder, java tea extract, and olive squalane. It effectively addresses excess oil, hydrates the skin, and reduces blackheads. While it may not be a miracle worker for existing redness, its lightweight, gel-like consistency leaves the skin matte without an oily sheen.

Key Features:

• Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin.
• Oil-absorbing, non-comedogenic, and vegan.
• Contains silica powder, java tea extract, and olive squalane.

What I Don’t Like: While it effectively controls oil, visible changes in existing redness may be subtle.

Product Details:

• Price: $38
• Ingredients: Grape seed polyphenols, Silica powder, Java tea extract, Olive squalane
• Skin Type: Oily, Combination
• Size: 1.35 oz.
• SPF: No
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Overall, Less Expensive – Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel

Why I Love It:

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel earns my praise for being an excellent, less expensive option. With its gel-like formula, it mattifies pores, softens, and smoothens skin tone without feeling heavy. The inclusion of antioxidants like vitamin C, superoxide dismutase, and green tea, along with niacinamide, makes it a valuable addition to an oily skin routine.

Key Features:

• Mattifies pores while softening and smoothing skin tone.
• Lightweight and invisible feel on the skin.
• Contains antioxidants like vitamin C, superoxide dismutase, and green tea.
• Restores moisture without creating shine.

What I Don’t Like: The added algae extract may be acnegenic for those prone to breakouts.

Product Details:

• Price: $33
• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Algae extract, Glycerin, Grapeseed oil, Green tea, Superoxide dismutase, Panthenol
• Size: 2 oz.
• Consistency: Gel

Best Budget – The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

Why I Love It:

For those on a budget seeking an effective moisturizer, The Inkey List Omega Water Cream is a standout choice. Priced at around $10, it boasts a lightweight formula that doesn’t feel greasy. Featuring niacinamide, a hydrating ceramide complex, and betaine, it offers budget-friendly hydration with impressive results.

Key Features:

• Budget-friendly at around $10.
• Lightweight formula without a greasy feel.
• Contains niacinamide, ceramide complex, and betaine.

What I Don’t Like: In humid conditions, it may feel slightly sticky for the first hour after application.

Product Details:

• Price: $9.89
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Key Ingredients: Ceramide complex, Niacinamide, Betaine
• Consistency: Cream

Best Value – Aestura AtoBarrier365 Lotion

Why I Love It:

Aestura AtoBarrier365 Lotion wins in the value category, providing over 5 oz. of product that’s both moisturizing and lightweight. Formulated with ceramides, it effectively hydrates without feeling heavy or oily. While it may initially feel tacky, this sensation dissipates after a few minutes, leaving the skin dewy and hydrated.

Key Features:

• Excellent value with over 5 oz. of product.
• Lightweight, creamy texture with ceramides.
• Provides substantial moisture without feeling heavy.

What I Don’t Like: The lotion may feel tacky initially, but this sensation disappears after a few minutes.

Product Details:

• Price: $34.99
• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Polyacrylamide, Triethanolamine
• Consistency: Cream

Best Plumping – Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

Why I Love It:

Shani Darden Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer earns its spot as the best for plumping. It rejuvenates and plumps the skin without leaving an oily sheen. The non-greasy formula, enriched with red algae extract, sodium hyaluronate, and hydrolyzed collagen, delivers a noticeable firmness. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a moisturizer that keeps the skin hydrated underneath makeup.

Key Features:

• Plumps and firm the skin without an oily sheen.
• Contains red algae extract, sodium hyaluronate, and hydrolyzed collagen.
• Lightweight formula for daily use.

What I Don’t Like: May not be hydrating enough for individuals with combination skin and dry spots.

Product Details:

• Price: $48
• Size: 2.5 fl oz.
• Key Ingredients: Red algae extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed collagen
• Scented: No

Best for Sensitive Skin – Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Moisturizer

Why I Love It:

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Intensive Hydrating Cream Face Moisturizer is my top choice for sensitive skin. With its gentle formula featuring green tea, it strengthens the skin barrier and deeply hydrates without causing irritation, redness, or breakouts. The light green tea scent adds a pleasant touch to the sensorial experience.

Key Features:

• Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Strengthens the skin’s barrier with green tea.
• Deeply hydrates without causing irritation.
• Light green tea scent for a pleasant application.

What I Don’t Like: A pump dispenser could enhance the product’s hygiene.

Product Details:

• Price: $24
• Size: 1.69 fl oz.
• Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, Panthenol
• Scented: No

Best Lightweight Option – Mele Plump It Up Nourishing Facial Cream

Why I Love It:

Mele Plump It Up Nourishing Facial Cream is my go-to for a lightweight option that caters to melanin-rich skin. Co-formulated by dermatologists of color, this cloud-like texture controls oil throughout the day, corrects imperfections, and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. The light floral fragrance adds a touch of luxury to the experience.

Key Features:

• Lightweight, cloud-like texture.
• Specifically formulated by dermatologists of color.
• Controls oil and corrects imperfections.
• Ideal for melanin-rich skin.

What I Don’t Like: Light floral fragrances may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Product Details:

• Price: $9 (originally $10)
• Size: 1.35 fl oz.

Conclusion:

exploring various moisturizers has been an insightful journey, and each product caters to specific skincare needs. Tatcha’s The Water Cream stands out as an all-encompassing solution, excelling in oil control while delivering a lightweight and deeply moisturizing experience. Its floral scent and quick absorption create a refreshing and non-greasy finish, making it my top pick.

For those on a budget, Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream proves to be a gem, offering a clean, vegan formula with impressive hydration and soothing properties. The slight concern about scent sensitivity is outweighed by its remarkable effectiveness at just $15.

e.l.f.’s Blemish Breakthrough Calming Water Cream emerges as a hero for acne-prone, oily skin, combining salicylic acid and zinc PCA for oil control without compromising on hydration. Its dermatologist-developed, fragrance-free formula adds to its appeal.

Cetaphil’s DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30 provides a convenient sunscreen solution while addressing oily skin needs. Though it lacks pore-minimizing ingredients, its affordability and dual functionality make it a worthwhile investment.

In the pursuit of a matte finish, La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer stands out, effectively balancing and hydrating oily skin. The caution about potential pilling is a minor consideration given its overall performance.

Choosing a moisturizer tailored to specific needs, whether combating uneven texture, or acne, or seeking a lightweight option, opens doors to a personalized skincare routine. Each product reviewed here offers distinct benefits, catering to diverse skincare preferences and concerns.