BY Jessica Quinn · July 19, 2017
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.
If you have oily skin, you’ll want to reach for an oil-free moisturizer that can balance excess oil and nourish the skin simultaneously. Honest Beauty’s Dependably Clear Oil Free Moisturizer can do all that and more. Formulated with a rich blend of natural botanicals and extracts—such as, vitamin C–rich barbary fig and rosehip, hyaluronic acid, chamomile and calendula—this dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic (meaning, it won’t clog your pores) facial moisturizer can nourish, soothe and provide the skin with beneficial antioxidant support, sans the grease.
Price: $22
An oily complexion calls for a daily moisturizer that can target oily skin woes while replenishing with a burst of hydration. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin is formulated with antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, zinc oxide and salicylic acid to tighten pores, reduce excess oil and protect skin against free-radical damage, all while hydrating your complexion.
Price: $32
Looking to target oily skin and brighten your complexion? Look no further than PCA Skin’s Clearskin gentle facial moisturizer. Formulated with niacinamide to help maintain moisture retention and control sebum production, cucumber extract to soothe and purify the skin and a blend of fatty acids that reduce the look of redness associated with breakouts, this daily facial moisturizer is as gentle as it is effective, leaving your skin looking and feeling softer and smoother in no time.
Price: $42
Made with oily skin types in mind, the Thermal Spring Whip Moisturizer from Éminence Organics can balance excess oil, soften skin and promote an all-around well-nourished complexion. Enriched with nourishing thermal spring water and antioxidant-rich peppermint extract, this daily moisturizer purifies the look of pores and reveals a healthy-looking radiance, too!
Price: $56
When it comes to moisturizing oily skin, you should look for a nourishing formula made from ingredients that can replenish moisture without wreaking havoc on your complexion. Formulated with antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and B12, the Ultra Sheer Moisturizer from SkinMedica gently moisturizes the skin, neutralizes free radical rays and smooths out the surface of your skin for a softer and healthier-looking complexion.
Price: $58
Want a moisturizer that can target oily skin and leave your complexion looking and feeling ultra hydrated? Reach for SkinCeuticals Daily Moisturizer. Formulated with a combination of antioxidant-rich vitamin E, algae extracts and botanical extracts, this dermatologist-approved daily moisturizer can reduce the look of enlarged pores, purify the complexion and leave the skin feeling soft and smooth without any greasy residue.
Price: $62
When it comes to moisturizing oily skin, it’s all about balance. Epionce Renewal Lite Facial Lotion focuses on repairing and balancing moisture levels, while reducing signs of premature aging with a variety of skin-benefiting ingredients, such as a meadowfoam and flax complex, hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich rosehip oil, safflower and avocado oil.
Price: $94
When shopping for skin care products for oily skin, look for items formulated with salicylic acid, as it can absorb excess oil and reduce the appearance of shine. One of our favorites? Lancer Skincare The Method: Nourish Blemish Control. This daily moisturizer is the third step in the Lancer Method and is formulated with oil-absorbing salicylic acid and skin-protecting antioxidants to regulate sebum production, purify the pores, protect against free radicals and hydrate your complexion.
Price: $125
