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.
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Under $50
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Buy now with Dermstore 1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Buy now with free deliverySome of the best lightweight moisturizers for oily skin are those with mattifying technologies that nourish the complexion without the unwanted glow of grease. Specifically formulated with oily complexions types in mind, La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin is enriched with skin-protecting vitamin C and E, as well as salicylic acid zinc oxide.
Price: $31.99 -
Buy now with Dermstore 3. PCA Skin Clearskin
Buy now with free deliveryAside 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 -
Buy now with Dermstore 4. Dermalogica Calm Water Gel
Buy now with free deliveryWhen 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 -
Buy now with Dermstore 4. TULA Skincare Aqua Infusion Oil-Free Gel Cream
Buy now with free deliveryWhen it comes to moisturizers for oily skin, a soothing cream enriched with a hydra plant complex—such as Tula Skincare Aqua Infusion Oil-Free Gel Cream—is a must. Boasting up to 72 hours of deep hydration, this oil-free wonder can work to replenish the skin and provide a weightless, breathable moisture barrier. Perfect for hot summer days, post-workout, or whenever your skin needs quenching.
Price: $48
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Under $75
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Buy now with Dermstore 5. Éminence Organic Skin Care Rosehip Whip Moisturizer
Buy now with free deliveryWhipped formulas make great lightweight moisturizers for oily skin and Éminence Organic Skin Care’s Rosehip Whip Moisturizer sets the bar high with its breathable, oil-balancing ability. Enriched with rosehip extract, this daily moisturizer nourishes skin and replenishes moisture without leaving any excess grease.
Price: $58 -
Buy now with Dermstore 6. SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer
Buy now with free deliveryWhen 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
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Buy now with Dermstore 7. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Moisture Cushion
Buy now with free deliveryHyaluronic acid is an important ingredient in any moisturizer, especially a lightweight, oily skin-friendly formula. That said, one formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid—such as Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s Hyaluronic Marine Moisture Cushion—can truly make a difference to your complexion. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that works to slough off blemish-causing dead skin cells and make it easier for nourishing ingredients (such as, hyaluronic acid) to absorb into the skin and work its magic.
Price: $60 -
Buy now with Dermstore 8. Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream
Buy now with free deliveryWhen 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 -
$75 and Above
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Buy now with Dermstore 9. Lancer Skincare Omega Hydrating Oil
Buy now with free deliveryDon’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 -
Buy now with Dermstore 10. Obagi IDR Exfoliating and Hydrating Lotion
Buy now with free deliveryWith 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 -
Buy now with Dermstore 11. Angela Caglia Skincare Souffle Moisturizer
Buy now with free deliveryLooking 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 -
Buy now with Dermstore 12. 111SKIN Cryo Activating Hydra Gel
Buy now with free deliveryDespite having skin that is on the oily side of the spectrum, it can still be possible for your complexion to experience a bout of dehydration. If that’s the case, reach for 111SKIN’s Cryo Activating Hydra Gel. Enriched with some of the best ingredients for oily skin—such as, lotus extract, which can give oily skin a boost of hydration without that weighted feel—this lightweight moisturizer can replenish the complexion, protect against free radical damage and help fight signs of aging.
Price: $200
