Think you don’t have to moisturize if your skin lies on the oily side of the spectrum? Think again! Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in any and all skin care routines---no matter what your type may be. In fact, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist, everyone needs some kind of moisturizer, but different amounts, depending on the skin type. “Although oily skin needs the least amount of moisture, applying a moisturizer remains a vital step in nourishing and hydrating the skin.” says Dr. Jaliman.
When it comes to choosing a moisturizer for oily skin, Dr. Jaliman suggests picking “a lighter product as opposed to a heavy one---such as a hydrating serum or lotion versus a heavy cream---as it is more compatible for oily skin.” In addition, you’ll want to ensure that the moisturizer is made with your skin type in mind and enriched with lightweight yet effective ingredients that can replenish moisture in the skin without causing it to react and produce excess sebum. One of Dr. Jaliman’s favorite moisturizing ingredients? Hyaluronic acid. Known as the body’s natural hydrator, hyaluronic acid is super lightweight and can attract moisture to the skin without clogging pores, resulting in softer, smoother, more supple-looking skin.
With that being said, make room for some of our favorite hyaluronic acid–infused oily skin moisturizers, plus other stellar lightweight daily moisturizers, below.
2. PCA SKIN Clearskin (1.7 oz.)
Aside from shiny skin, those prone to excess oil may also experience more regular breakouts and blemishes. And unfortunately, if using the wrong moisturizer—aka one that isn’t breathable and doesn’t promote clear skin—it could make things a lot worse. Luckily, products like PCA Skin’s Clearskin is here for you! Enriched with niacinamide, this lightweight moisturizer can help the skin retain moisture levels, which can ultimately help keep excess oil at bay.
Price: $42
3. Dermalogica Calm Water Gel (1.7 fl. oz.)
When shopping for an oily skin-friendly moisturizer, be on the lookout for words like “water” and “gel.” Both are indications of lightweight, breathable formulas that will replenish the skin’s moisture levels without overdoing it. In addition to its lightweight formula, we love Dermalogica’s Calm Water Gel for its ability to soothe and protect the skin with ingredients such as, cactus pear extract and vitamin C.
Price: $48
6. SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer (2 fl. oz.)
When browsing for a lightweight moisturizer, look for formulas that are non-oily or oil-free. These types of hydrators ensure a nourished complexion without the oil slick and can leave the skin feeling ultra-soft post-application. Case in point: SkinMedica’s Ultra Sheer Moisturizer. Enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, as well as dimethicone, this daily moisturizer works to create a sheer shield of hydration, smooth the look of skin and leave the complexion with a bout of comfort all day long.
Price: $58
8. Sunday Riley TIDAL Brightening Enzyme Water Cream (1.7 oz.)
When it comes to oily, blemish-prone skin, exfoliation is key. And, using products formulated with powerful ingredients that lift away dead skin cells and moisturize at the same time can make the difference between happy, healthy skin and an oil-ridden complexion. We love Sunday Riley’s Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream for its fabulous oil-friendly ingredients—such as, papaya enzymes and tamarind extract—that work to slough off dead skin cells and give the skin a burst of non-greasy moisture.
Price: $65
9. Lancer Skincare Omega Hydrating Oil with Ferment Complex (1 fl. oz.)
Don’t think that because you have oily skin you can’t use an oil for nourishment. As it turns out, there are a few oils—such as, jojoba oil and grapeseed oil—that are lightweight enough to not clog pores. With that said, consider Lancer Skincare’s Omega Hydrating Oil as a lightweight moisturizer. Enriched with grapeseed oil and a chlorophyllin-copper complex that can refine the look of pores, this fast-absorbing oil can leave the complexion feeling super soft and smooth with a healthy, non-greasy glow.
Price: $75
10. Obagi Medical IDR Exfoliating and Hydrating Lotion (2 oz.)
With the words “exfoliating” and “hydrating” in its name, Obagi’s IDR Exfoliating and Hydrating Lotion is a must-try. Lightweight and nourishing, this daily moisturizer consists of skin-calming ingredients (we see you, Matricaria flower extract), as well as sodium hyaluronate to help moisture levels stay where they need to be to ensure oil production doesn’t kick into high gear and create excess sebum.
Price: $75
11. Angela Caglia Skincare Soufflé Moisturizer (1.7 fl. oz.)
Looking for an anti-aging moisturizer that doubles as a lightweight, oily skin-friendly hydrator? Look no further. Angela Caglia Skincare’s Souffle Moisturizer is jam-packed with anti-aging ingredients—such as, meadowfoam seed oil, chlorophyll, hyaluronic acid and rose geranium—that work in tandem to target signs of aging and replenish the skin with a lightweight but effective layer of hydration.
Price: $110
