Even (and especially!) oil-prone skin needs a quality moisturizer
If you deal with the daily plight that is perpetually oily skin, moisturizing can feel risky. We get it. After all, your goal is to remove excess oil, not add more, right? Breaking news, though oily skin still needs moisture. If you skip that very important skincare step, your oil glands may go into overdrive, producing more oil. As Alanis so eloquently said, isn’t it ironic?
“Many of those with oily skin do not realize that they still need to moisturize to help with the overall health, texture, and appearance of their skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein. “Not to mention that many moisturizers contain sunscreen, antioxidants, and anti-pollutants for an extra-protective barrier. For oily skin, and especially those who are acne-prone, it’s important to look for moisturizers labeled as oil-free or non-comedogenic.” The bottom line: no matter your skin type, you need to use a moisturizer regularly. The tricky part lies in finding the right formula for you, particularly if you have an oily complexion.
That’s where we come in. To find the best drugstore moisturizers for oily skin, we conducted extensive research, consulting experts for their recommendations and putting over a dozen drugstore moisturizers to the test. We kept our critical eye on their key ingredients, skin benefits, and how well they regulate oil, ultimately landing on these 17 high-quality picks.
Best Overall: Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
There’s a reason Cetaphil has been a drugstore staple since 1947. Their affordable products, including this moisturizer, are fan favorites. Not only is this option super lightweight and non-comedogenic (hooray—no clogged pores!), but it also touts micro pearl technology, which works to absorb excess oil on the surface of the skin, leaving your face with a matte finish. This product has the added benefit of delivering your daily dose of necessary broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection, too. Plus, in true Cetaphil fashion, it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, so you don’t have to worry about irritation if you also have sensitive skin.
Omar Noor, MD, FAAD, of Rao Dermatology is also a fan. “An individual, man or woman, has to appreciate that not all products work at the same intensity level and therefore can be too rough or irritating to their skin,” he says. “This is why I like Cetaphil’s Pro Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer. It is a balance of effectiveness while still having an elegant vehicle to deliver that effectiveness.”
Best Budget: Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer
These days, even drugstore products can cause you to do a double take at the price tag. That’s not the case with this water-based Neutrogena moisturizer. This pick boasts a low price and high quality—win/win. Oily skin and breakouts often (and unfortunately) go hand-in-hand, but that won’t be an issue when you add this one to your skincare routine. Best of all, you won’t be left with a greasy feel either.
How does it work? First and foremost, this formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic, both non-negotiables when you’re battling blemishes. It also has the added benefit of containing a small amount of salicylic acid, an oil-dissolving ingredient that can both help treat existing pimples and keep future ones from forming. Beware of overusing it though, since it can be drying. (Yes, even oil-prone skin can get dry!) Those sensitive to fragrance may want to keep scrolling too, since it’s infused with a pink grapefruit scent.
Best Mattifying: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
This moisturizer automatically gets points for being oil-free. The benefits for oily skin don’t stop there though. The formula features a unique sebulyse (say that three times fast) technology, which the brand claims both mattifies your complexion and helps tighten pores, as well as a form of zinc, which it credits to further neutralizing shine. The result: skin that feels hydrated but looks matte. We recommend making this your morning moisturizer since it helps create the perfect canvas for makeup.
It’s also got an expert’s seal of approval, specifically from Dr. Adam Friedman, associate professor of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine. He loves this La Roche-Posay moisturizer for oily skin, as well as the above Cetaphil pick. “Both are designed specifically for oilier skin, with ingredients that can bind or break up sebum like diisopropyl sebacate, silicates, and starches to help reduce shine rather than contribute to it,” he says. “Both are produced by companies that have a long-standing history of supporting their marketing claims with scientific evidence, which is my general rule for recommended products: Go with the brands that can put their money where the science is.”
Best Gel: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
Gel moisturizers, like this Neutrogena option, are a great pick for any skin type, but especially for those prone to oil. Why? They contain a higher content of water rather than relying on richer oils and butter. This one also uses hyaluronic acid, which attracts water to and holds it in the skin, locking in moisture and helping to improve skin elasticity. It plumps and hydrates, leaving behind noticeably softer skin without leaving behind any greasy residue.
We love how lightweight it feels—a must for oily skin types—and how quickly it absorbs, making it an exceptionally solid choice if you’re hoping to avoid looking shiny. (Raises hand!) Word of warning to those who are sensitive to scents: this one contains a fragrance that lingers long after it’s applied. Otherwise, we give this one the thumbs up for all skin types. Follow our lead and stash it in the fridge; that way it’ll feel extra cooling and soothing when applied.
Best Lightweight: L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal to Oily Skin
Not a single pick on this list is heavy or rich—oily skin needs moisture, but not that much moisture—but if you’re on the hunt for a super featherweight formula, this one is the winner. Its water-based formula contains aloe water and hyaluronic acid, delivering lasting hydration with an ultra-clean feeling. Who’s that with the luminous, supple skin? Oh, just you.
We love that this formula glides on silky smooth and melts into skin almost immediately, so you don’t need to worry about losing half of it to your pillowcase come bedtime. It also wears well under makeup, and since it absorbs quickly you don’t have to wait long before unzipping your makeup bag. As for your unwanted oil, this moisturizer gets to work immediately with its mattifying benefits. This isn’t our first pick for acne-prone skin, since there are other formulas made specifically to address that issue, but for other oily skin types looking for a lightweight moisturizer, this one gets our stamp of approval.
Best Anti-Aging: Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer
Fine lines and wrinkles are often associated with dry skin, but the truth is that, no matter your skin type, everyone is prone to those natural steps of aging. For those with oily skin, you have to be extra intentional with your moisturizer though, fending off signs of aging while not choosing a product that’s too heavy for you. The solution: this featherweight formula from Olay (which—fun fact!—took 10 years to develop) that has the same anti-aging prowess as the brand’s beloved Regenerist Serum.
This small but mighty bottle contains a complex of peptides that, according to Olay, can have a youth-boosting effect since it plumps skin with plenty of hydration to improve elasticity while fading fine lines and wrinkles. We love that its whipped texture absorbs into skin lightening-fast, thanks to a special technology that transforms it from cream to liquid upon contact with your skin. Ultimately you’ll be left with a silky, matte complexion that leaves you feeling smooth and looking shine-free. Fine lines and wrinkles? Where?
Best for Combination Skin: CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
If you’re oily on certain parts of your face—hello, t-zone!—but dry in other spots, add this CeraVe pick to your A.M. and P.M. routine. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it a major win for the oily parts. It also has the added benefit of containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, supporting the dry-prone parts of your face. Even better? It doubles as your SPF, too.
From the first application, we loved how smooth it felt on our skin. Though it went on white to start—thank or blame the SPF for that—that ghost face look disappeared quickly since it absorbs almost immediately. It can tend to pill when used with other skincare, but we found a light layer of translucent powder that solved that issue, leaving a smooth, even look all day long. We also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free and, like all CeraVe products, has been developed by dermatologists.
Best with Antioxidants: Avalon Organics Gel Cream Moisturizer with Vitamin C
To score a little more bang for your well-earned buck, seek out a moisturizer that contains skin-protecting antioxidants. We especially like this one, which touts one of the most potent and effective antioxidants out there: vitamin C. The superstar skincare ingredient not only helps neutralize pesky free radicals formed by exposure to UV rays and pollution, but it can also help fade dark spots and stimulate collagen production. This particular pick contains two different forms of the vitamin, rejuvenating your skin and giving it a (not at all greasy) glow.
We like what it does and doesn’t include. It’s formulated with plant-based botanicals (like turmeric, licorice root, and milk thistle) and essential oils, but without harsh preservatives or synthetic fragrances, so it’s friendly for all skin types—even the most sensitive ones. We especially love it for those with oily types though, since it’s lightweight and oil-free. It’s fast-absorbing too, so you can apply makeup in the morning or hit your head to the pillow at night without needing to wait for it to soak in. Radiant glow, here you come.
Best Multi-Tasking: Garnier SkinActive Balancing 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer with Green Tea
When one product can pack a powerful three-in-one punch, it’s worthy of a spot in your medicine cabinet. That’s the case with this Garnier moisturizer, which is a solid pick for anyone with oily or combination skin since it’s infused with green tea, which hydrates while giving you a matte look. So long, shine!
How you put this moisturizer to work is up to you. You can start by slathering this on in the morning as an effective all-day mattifying moisturizer. Then, come bedtime, it doubles as an ultra-hydrating non-greasy night cream. You could also use it as a facial mask, leaving a thin layer on for 10 minutes, to nourish and balance oily skin. Either way, you get plenty of good-for-your-skin ingredients—97 percent of which are naturally derived—and no mineral oil, parabens, silicones, or dyes. Plus, take a peek at that price. You can’t beat it.
Best with SPF: Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: wearing sunscreen (a broad-spectrum formula with at least an SPF 30) every day daily is an absolute must. Yes, even on cloudy days. We’ve heard the “sunscreen makes me break out” excuse countless times—perhaps you’ve even used it—but that trick doesn’t fly when you can use this oil-free SPF moisturizer. Acne-prone people, rejoice! This lightweight formula was dermatologist-formulated specifically for acne-prone skin, absorbing oil as it shields you from the sun.
The result: A non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula that also contains micro pearl technology to absorb excess oil. It packs serious hydration and sun protection, all without clogging your pores. There is a downside though. Keep in mind that the SPF only lasts for so long. You’ll need to reapply it at least every two hours for full, consistent coverage.
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer
This moisturizer does triple duty, not only hydrating but also protecting against UV damage and helping to fade dark spots for a more even skin tone. It’s formulated with superhero ingredient vitamin c, a stable form of the brightener that helps stimulate collagen production and fades skin discoloration. So long, sun spots! This formula is sulfate-, paraben-, and phthalate-free, but packed with squalane, which improves skin at a cellular level, and safflower oil, which repairs the skin’s barrier.
We found it to be creamy in texture, yet lightweight in feel—ideal all around. It hydrates without feeling greasy (hallelujah!) and doesn’t leave behind a white cast or sticky residue like other SPF products can. Don’t expect your hyperpigmentation to be cured overnight though. You’ll have to consistently use this moisturizer to see those effects, but over time you’ll be impressed by your skin’s improved texture and overall brighter complexion.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Oil Free Moisturizer
Sure, sensitivity is more likely to occur in those with dryer skin, but that doesn’t mean that oily skin can’t also be sensitive. When you have sensitive and oily skin, daring to bring a new product into your skincare routine can feel especially risky. You have our word on this oil-free and hypoallergenic moisturizer though. It will tend to all of your needs: soothing skin, avoiding irritation, and lightly hydrating.
We took a critical eye to its list of ingredients. It doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, dyes, or synthetic fragrances, which are all common irritants for the sensitive set. Green tea delivers a dose of antioxidants, while aloe and cucumber work to soothe skin. We love how well it wears under makeup too, providing a fresh, dewy look all day long.
Best Cream: Botanics Revive & Protect Postbiotic Moisturizer
Crave a little bit more hydration? Reach for this creamy (yet fast-absorbing) option. Granted, it’s not oil-free, but it is formulated for all skin types—oily included. Packed with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, it’ll infuse your skin with much-needed antioxidants, helping to restore its natural moisture barrier and protect against environmental factors. Thank the inclusion of black tea kombucha and vitamin E for their pollution-fighting power, which actively tackles the effects of environmental stressors like dryness and overall blah-ness.
Its creamy texture is extra soft-to-the-touch and its understated packaging sits pretty in your medicine cabinet too. We also love its subtle scent, an invigorating blend of blood orange, cedarwood, and ginger essential oils. Healthy, vibrant, pollution-protected skin is just a little jar away.
Best for Texture: ROSEN Skincare Tropics Moisturizer
If you have oily and textured skin, whether from acne scars or otherwise, this moisturizer is the perfect pick for you. It has the Goldilocks effect—light enough not to clog your pores, yet substantial enough to leave your skin feeling hydrated and plump. In other words, it’s just right. This moisturizer is able to regulate oil with the help of hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating enzymes, which balance oil levels and even skin’s texture. As a bonus, it also puts kojic acid to work to fade and prevent acne scars, adding to your skin’s newfound smoothness.
We love its feel, which isn’t oily or sticky. Instead, it goes on smooth and matte. It works well to prep your makeup routine too, since it doesn’t cause any slipping or sliding of your foundation or concealer. Overall it’ll leave your skin feeling pretty and plump, and you’ll soon forget you ever even had acne scars.
Best Gentle Formula: Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena has always been a popular brand for drugstore skincare, but this gentle oil-free moisturizer might just take the cake. Specifically made for sensitive skin types, it has an especially lightweight formula that hydrates and nourishes in the gentlest of ways. That means it won’t clog your pores, cause breakouts, or flare up any sensitivities.
This oil-free and water-based moisturizer absorbs in no time, giving you a quick boost of hydration without unwanted shine or grease. Even better—it’s hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, alcohol, and dyes, so there’s an extremely low chance that it’ll irritate your skin. You can trust us, or you can trust the dermatologists who have tested it too.
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
SPF coverage? Yep. Non-comedogenic? Also yes. Non-greasy, ultra-lightweight, and packed full of antioxidants? Check, check, and check. Consider this Neutrogena option a two birds, one stone situation. Not only can it act as your daily moisturizer, but with the addition of broad-spectrum SPF 50 it shields you from UVA and UVB rays too. Two other star ingredients are also key: vitamin E, which helps protect against everyday environmental stressors, and ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid.
What’s not in the formula is just as remarkable. It’s free from parabens, dyes, oxybenzone, fragrance, and mineral oil, making for a hypoallergenic product that won’t clog your pores—necessary if you have oily or sensitive skin. That means you receive a much-needed boost of hydration that absorbs weightlessly into your skin, and it does so without a white cast that other sunscreens are prone to leaving. (Though remember that you’ll have to reapply every couple hours for proper sunscreen coverage.) All that for a drugstore price? We’re sold.
Best Multi-Purpose: Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer
We take notice when products extra work hard for us, and that’s exactly what this multi-tasking moisturizer does. Consider purchasing this one little bottle to streamline your makeup bag, since it’s a primer, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen all in one. Its lightweight formula (that is paraben- and mineral oil-free) has a water-like gel texture that goes on with an invisible finish, leaving behind no white residue.
Throughout our testing period, it proved to be an especially impressive primer, prepping the skin with a healthy, dewy glow that looks beautiful bare or layered under makeup. It has the slight scent of traditional sunscreen, but whether you consider that a pro or con is a personal choice. While we’d consider it a makeup bag staple, if you’re spending extended time in the sun you may want to consider another SPF, since this one is a pricey option to repeatedly reapply. You can take our word for how high-quality this moisturizer is, but we’re not the only ones who give it a thumbs up; this product has been tested under dermatological control.
Final Verdict
Thought oily skin could skip moisturizing? Think again. You don’t have to throw down half of a paycheck to find a moisturizer that compliments your oil-prone skin though. Drugstore finds to the rescue. Case in point: Cetaphil’s DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 offers the hydration you need (and SPF, too) but also absorbs excess oil in the process. The Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 from Neutrogena also promises not to clog your pores while simultaneously protecting you from the sun. We also love the extremely inexpensive Garnier SkinActive Balancing 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer with Green Tea, which tackles a trio of jobs (daytime moisturizer, night cream, and facial mask) for just a few dollars. Can’t beat that.
What to Look For in a Drugstore Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Oil-free
It should go without saying that if you have oily skin, you do still need to use a moisturizer. However, you likely don’t need extra oil, so Dr. Marchbein recommends seeking out an oil-free formula. However, not all oils are created equal, and those that are generally considered non-comedogenic can also be a beneficial option—but more on those below.
Non-comedogenic
Since oily skin is more prone to clogged pores and breakouts, make sure the moisturizer you pick is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t gunk up your pores. If you do choose a formula that contains oil, Dr. Marchbein says to opt for oils that fall into this category. “Testing for comedogenicity is not standardized; however, certain oils like mineral oil and jojoba are virtually non-comedogenic, while others, like coconut oil, are extremely comedogenic,” she says. With that in mind, definitely skip coconut oil-based formulas.
Lighter moisturizing ingredients
Rather than richer oils (remember, you’re going oil-free!) or butter, Dr. Marchbein says to seek out hydrating ingredients that are lighter in texture and feel. “Look for ceramides, glycerin, dimethicone, shea butter, petrolatum, and hyaluronic acid in the list of ingredients, as these are deeply hydrating even in a lighter lotion formulation,” she says. Many of these ingredients work by attracting water to the skin and trapping it in without feeling too greasy or heavy.
FAQ
How do I moisturize oily skin?
“By moisturizing, you can actually control the production of oil, but you should always choose a moisturizer that has been designed specifically for oily skin,” says Hassan El Husseini, M.D., a dermatologist at Dr Kayle Aesthetic Clinic Dubai. “I recommend water-based moisturizers for those with oily skin as they tend to hydrate the skin without adding any extra oils. They will also penetrate the skin easily, rather than sitting on top of it and blocking the pores.” Dr. El Husseini also suggests using hyaluronic acid: a key component in moisture retention for your skin. “Research shows that it has the potential to be of real benefit to oilier skin types.” If you want to use a single facial product, opt for a moisturizer with SPF to avoid having to use a second product.
Is moisturizing good for oily skin?
There’s a common misconception that oily skin needs to be deprived of moisture but that can actually cause more oil to be produced. Dr. El Husseini explains: “The regular use of cleansers and face washes can strip the skin of moisture, leading to dehydrated skin. This, in turn, can cause the skin to over-produce sebum in an effort to lubricate the skin. So, it’s fair to say that all skin types—including oily—need hydration, and moisturizer can provide this.”
