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- Top Moisturisers For Oily Skin
The Top Moisturisers For Oily Skin Types: Lightweight Hydration

If you have oily skin, finding the perfect moisturiser can feel like a constant challenge. The wrong product can leave your face feeling greasy, causing breakouts and clogging pores. But fear not. Moisturising oily skin is crucial for staying balanced, hydrated, and healthy. Here’s a few tips to aid you in your search as well as a list of the best moisturisers for oily skin types that will hydrate without the shine—stocked here at Cosmetify.
Why Is Moisturising Oily Skin Important?
It’s a common myth in the world of skincare that oily and/or acne-prone skin types don’t need moisturiser — this couldn’t be further from the truth. Skip moisturiser and your skin may produce even more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration. The key is choosing the right kind of moisturiser—one that hydrates while controlling excess oil production and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
What Should I Look for in a Moisturiser for Oily Skin?
When you’re choosing a moisturiser for oily skin, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Oil-Free Formulas: Opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.
- Lightweight Gel or Water-Based: These types of formulas are less likely to feel heavy or greasy on oily skin.
- Mattifying Ingredients: Look for ingredients like niacinamide, silica, and salicylic acid, which can help control shine and prevent breakouts.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Even oily skin needs hydration. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide moisture without the extra oil.
What is the best moisturiser for oily skin?
The best moisturiser for oily skin is one that’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. We've compiled a list of our favourites, that include picks that offer lightweight moisture without adding shine.
What type of moisturiser is best for oily skin?
Gel-based or water-based moisturisers are the best types for oily skin, as they absorb quickly and won’t clog pores. A gel moisturiser for oily skin provides hydration while helping to mattify and balance the complexion. These are ideal for both daily wear and layering under SPF or makeup.
Which CeraVe moisturiser is best for oily skin?
The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion is one of the best choices for oily skin types. It’s oil-free, contains niacinamide to help control sebum, and supports the skin barrier with essential ceramides—all without leaving a greasy residue.
Which Simple moisturiser is best for oily skin?
If you're a fan of Simple’s affordable skincare, try the Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser. It’s often praised as the best Simple moisturiser for oily skin thanks to its light, fast-absorbing texture and lack of added oils or artificial perfumes.
Can I use an SPF moisturiser for oily skin?
Yes, and you should! Opt for a SPF moisturiser for oily skin that’s labelled as oil-free and non-comedogenic. Look for formulas like CeraVe AM SPF 30, which hydrate while offering protection against sun damage without contributing to breakouts or excess shine.
Is tinted moisturiser good for oily skin?
Yes — just choose the right one. A good tinted moisturiser for oily skin will offer sheer coverage and a natural matte finish, without adding oil. Products like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Tinted SPF 50+ or bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 are great because they even skin tone and provide hydration without clogging pores.
Should I use a gel moisturiser for oily skin?
Absolutely. A gel moisturiser for oily skin is ideal if you want hydration without heaviness. These types of moisturisers absorb quickly, leave no greasy residue, and help control excess oil throughout the day. They're also a great option for summer or humid climates.
Is there a good men’s moisturiser for oily skin?
Yes! While most moisturisers are unisex, men’s moisturiser for oily skin options often have lightweight, mattifying properties and are designed with thicker, oilier male skin in mind. Look for oil-control options from Clinique For Men, Bulldog Skincare, or L'Oréal Men Expert.
Institut Esthederm Cellular Water Anti-Pollution Face Gel Moisturiser
£37.00A popular choice for oily skin types, this water-gel moisturiser by Institut Esthederm is packed with glycerin, providing intense hydration without feeling greasy. It offers anti-oxidant protection and is perfect for those who want a lightweight, refreshing feel.
- Type: Water-gel moisturiser
- Best for: Oily skin, urban environments
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, Cellular Water, antioxidants
- Why we love it: Hydrates without heaviness and shields skin from pollution
Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
£9.99 £22.00 (55% off)Clinique’s oil-free, water-based gel moisturiser is designed specifically for oily and combination skin. It offers 24-hour hydration, helping to balance the skin’s moisture levels while keeping oil production in check. Plus, the jelly texture feels incredibly light and breathable.
- Type: Oil-free gel
- Best for: Oily and combination skin
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid
- Why we love it: Lightweight hydration without greasiness
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion
£15.50 £18.00 (14% off)This non-greasy, oil-free lotion by CeraVe is ideal for oily skin, especially if you’re looking for something gentle. It contains ceramides to restore the skin’s barrier and niacinamide to reduce excess oil and inflammation. Its lightweight texture ensures it absorbs quickly without clogging pores.
- Type: Oil-free lotion
- Best for: Oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Why we love it: Restores the skin barrier and calms inflammation
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
£19.22 £21.36 (11% off)If you're looking for long-lasting hydration without the shine, Kiehl's oil-free gel cream is a great choice. It’s formulated to reduce the appearance of oily skin while providing lightweight, cooling moisture that keeps the skin balanced all day.
- Type: Oil-free cream
- Best for: Balanced hydration for oily skin
- Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, glacial glycoprotein
- Why we love it: Delivers lasting moisture without shine
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
£45.05 £53.00 (15% off)Suppose you’re looking for best moisturiser for oily skin and are willing to splurge a little. In which case, the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream is a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser designed to provide intense moisture without adding weight or greasiness to the skin. This cloud-like cream absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and plumped. This cream is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores, making it perfect for those prone to acne and excess oil production.
- Type: Lightweight cream
- Best for: Oily skin prone to dehydration
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid complex, ceramides
- Why we love it: Feels cloud-like and hydrates without clogging pores
Q+A Amino Acid Oil-Free Moisturiser
£9.00The Q+A Amino Acid Oil-Free Moisturiser is specially formulated for oily and combination skin types, offering lightweight hydration without the added oils that can often contribute to shine. With its fast-absorbing, oil-free formula, it ensures that the skin stays moisturised without feeling greasy or weighed down. Ideal for those looking for a mattifying effect, the amino acids work to maintain a healthy skin barrier while providing hydration in a simple, effective way.
- Type: Oil-free gel moisturiser
- Best for: Oily and combination skin
- Key ingredients: Amino acids, glycerin
- Why we love it: Hydrates while helping to maintain a healthy, shine-free skin barrier
Key Ingredients to Look For
Here are a few superstar ingredients to watch for when considering skincare for oily skin:
- Niacinamide: Helps control oil production and reduce inflammation.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Provides lightweight hydration without adding oil.
- Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates and unclogs pores, reducing the risk of breakouts.
- Zinc Oxide: Absorbs excess oil and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
The right moisturiser can make all the difference when doing skincare for oily skin. Look for products that are oil-free, lightweight, and designed to hydrate without adding extra shine. With the right moisturiser, your skin can feel balanced, refreshed, and healthier. Whether you prefer gel-based formulas or lightweight lotions, there's a perfect product out there for every oily skin type.
For more tips and recommendations on skincare for oily skin, be sure to explore our blog post on the best salicylic acid cleansers. Hydration is key, even for oily skin.

Written by Maria Mukaranda
Maria’s background is rooted primarily in creative media and a love for all things written, expressed through experience both online and in print; for creative platforms spanning from music to fashion to beauty.
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