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Check out the results fast – here are our review winners

Struggling to find a moisturizer that doesn’t leave your skin shiny and clog your pores?

Luckily for you, I’ve just spent the last 3 hours surfing the internet to uncover the best oil-free facial moisturizer for oily skin, comparing several articles and hundreds of reviews so you get products that have been tried and tested.

We all know that oily skin, like any other skin type, needs to stay hydrated. That isn’t easy to do when every moisturizer can leave your skin feeling greasy and can sometimes cause breakouts. Not so nice.

There is a solution.

I’ve made sure that every product on this list contains oil-absorbing properties as well as oil-free formulas that help to mattify your skin whilst providing the moisture it needs.

I’d say all of the products on here are worth a shot, but I’ll tell you right now number 3 is my all time favorite for oily skin, and acne prone skin, with a clean formula full of the good stuff, and none of the nasties that can irritate your skin.

Here’s a tip- if you find your oily skin also has acne, it may be that your pores are getting clogged by the oil and causing breakouts. Look for oil-free formulas that also contain acne treatments such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide to prevent and treat breakouts.

Ready for glowing, healthy skin?

specific skin. The Clear moisturizer is ideal to use twice a day, incorporated into your own skin routine.

Whether you have sensitive, or oily skin Paula’s Choice Clear oil free moisturizer is a lightweight formula a bit like a gel cream. It contains everything your skin needs to be healthy by restoring the skin’s barrier and locking in moisture. It has no fragrance or parabens, for a clean, non-irritating gel cream formula your skin will love.

Overall, I’d say this is the best gel moisturizer for oily blemish-prone skin.

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Review of the Best Facial Moisturizer for Oily Skin

1.

Cetaphil SPF Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer

If you’re looking for a dermatologically tested moisturizer that does it all, then this one is for you.

The Cetaphil oil-absorbing moisturizer is a broad spectrum SPF UV moisturizer that provides 30 SPF as well as all the qualities you would want in a moisturizer. To replenish the skin, it has a variety of good ingredients in it and a sun protector so you can reach for this every day.

One of the unique things that I love about Cetaphil, is that it has micro pearl technology that absorbs oil, reduces shine, to give your skin a matte finish. Whether you have combination skin or oily skin that quickly gets shiny, this one will do the job.

Now, wait until you hear this.

Cetaphil has Oleosome technology meaning it uses a lower concentration of sunscreen filters, whilst still protecting against UV rays. That means not only you don’t need to add sunscreen on top, but that will cause less irritation and better hydration, so you can get that non-greasy, lightweight feel.

With these ingredients, you can expect matte skin and moisture. It’s great for sensitive skin too as it has been clinically tested is hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. Try out this quick-absorbing 4 in 1 moisturizer that absorbs oil, reduces shine, provides sun protection, and hydrates your skin all in one go!

It’s worth being number one on here.

Pros
  • SPF 30
  • Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
  • Micro pearl technology absorbs oil
  • Oleosome- lower concentration of sunscreen filters
Cons
  • Doesn’t have an acne treatment

Latest deal: Cetaphil SPF Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer

2.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer

Looking for the best moisturizer under makeup for oily skin? Look no further.

La Roche Posay is ideal if you want oil-free, everyday hydration. I’m talking about moisture with a light, non-greasy feel that you can wear under your makeup. It comes in the Effaclar Mat range specially formulated for oily skin types that need a matte finish and smaller pores.

I love that this moisturizer has been dermatologically tested to keep shine at bay, including mattifying the skin and refining pores. It contains Sebulyse Technology, so you can say goodbye to excess oil, without drying out your skin.

But wait let me tell you about this.

A great feature of this is that it doesn’t contain oil, and is non-comedogenic providing lightweight moisture that leaves your skin matte. It’s perfect if you have blemish-prone skin and clogged pores. This moisturizer will help to tighten your pores after cleansing, to prevent breakouts.

What more can I say? La Roche Posay is known to be a leading skincare brand that provides all the right ingredients in their products so you can keep your skin hydrated. It is a hydrating gel cream or gel moisturizer that promises to deliver a good even base for makeup in a matte finish. it’s a winner!

Click on the blue button below to take a look for yourself!

Pros
  • Oil-free and non-comedogenic
  • Sebulyse Technology for excess oil
  • Great base for makeup
  • Mattifies skin and refines pores
Cons
  • Slightly pricier

Latest deal: La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer

3.

Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

This is my all-time favorite.

Paula’s Choice is long known for its transparent formulas with no hidden harmful ingredients, and this one is no exception. Their CLEAR oil free moisturizer has been crafted to provide moisture and hydration to your face without adding extra shine or oil. It’s ideal for a night cream that has a non-greasy formula for blemish-prone skin.

This oil-free moisturizer has everything you could want in it, from ceramides to repair your skin’s barrier, to niacinamide to minimize pores, and blueberry and pumpkin extract to provide your skin with essential antioxidants. Whether you have patches of flaky dry skin or problem skin that gets red easily, this gel moisturizer has all you need.

But that’s not all.

The best part about Paula’s choice is that their CLEAR range contains all the products you need, from a cleanser, treatment moisturizer, and SPF so you can build a skincare routine for your specific skin. The Clear moisturizer is ideal to use twice a day, incorporated into your own skin routine.

Whether you have sensitive, or oily skin Paula’s Choice Clear oil free moisturizer is a lightweight formula a bit like a gel cream. It contains everything your skin needs to be healthy by restoring the skin’s barrier and locking in moisture. It has no fragrance or parabens, for a clean, non-irritating gel cream formula your skin will love.

Overall, I’d say this is the best gel moisturizer for oily blemish-prone skin.

Pros
  • Contains ceramides and antioxidants
  • Niacinamide for acne
  • Oil, paraben, and fragrance-free formula
  • Part of a CLEAR range
Cons
  • No SPF

Latest deal:Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

4.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer

Hands down the best face moisturizer for oily sensitive skin.

The Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer is designed for shiny, sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and will provide gentle moisture that helps to repair and not aggravate your skin’s barrier. Neutrogena facial oil free moisturizer can be used in the morning or at night and is great for putting on under makeup.

Other products in the range also provide broad-spectrum sun protection so you can choose for your specific skin type. This one is a water-based formula to keep things lightweight and not greasy, with no irritants it is an amazing way to treat your skin without putting it off balance or irritating it.

Now, wait until you hear this.

Neutrogena is alcohol-free to prevent your skin from drying, and fragrance-free too. It is an oil-free moisturizer and non-comedogenic contributing to clear skin. It has been dermatologically tested and allergy tested so even the most sensitive skin can benefit from it. This one is even better than the Neutrogena hydro boost.

If you’re looking for soft and smooth skin, this is for you. Neutrogena moisturizer is lightweight but will absorb quickly into the skin without clogging pores and reducing shine. That means a non-greasy, sheer formula you will love to put on every day. A little goes a long way!

Check out the link!

Pros
  • Alcohol, fragrance and oil-free
  • Hypoallergenic and non comedogenic
  • Lightweight, quick absorption
  • Budget friendly
Cons
  • No ceramides

Latest deal: Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer

5.

Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer

If you want a nature-inspired, more natural face cream, then this one is for you.

The Acure Incredibly Clear moisturizer cream is designed for oily, acne-prone skin. It is water-based, full of organic ingredients and 100%s vegan. With natural ingredients and a chemical free formula, it’s more likely to be a kinder and less irritating moisturizing lotion on you than chemical formulas.

One of the unique things that I love about Acure Incredibly Clear, is that it is great for sensitive skin too. It contains no parabens or fragrance, and no harsh sulfate either. There are no harmful chemicals such as petrolatum or formaldehyde. Plus, their range suits every type or problem, so the whole family can benefit from it!

Now, listen to this.

Acure Incredibly Clear face cream is a mattifying lotion that promises intense hydration without clogging your pores. It contains Lilac extract and Chlorella so you can enjoy the benefits of nature easily. I’m talking about improving the texture and tone, as well as rejuvenating the moisture barrier.

Acure incredibly clear is the ideal option for those who want a vegan and cruelty-free product, that contains natural ingredients without the harsh chemicals so many other creams on the market add-in. Trust me, you’ll love this.

Have a look at the five-star reviews!

Pros
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Contains natural extracts
  • No harmful chemicals
  • Mattifying and hydrating
Cons
  • This one has no SPF

Latest deal: Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer

Best Moisturizers For Oily Skin- A Buyer's Guide

I love a good moisturizer, especially one with loads of benefits and ingredients. Whether you have oily skin or sensitive, acne, you can find a moisturizer for you on this list that can smooth out texture no matter your budget.

I have found some of the best drugstore mattifying moisturizers so you can enjoy healthy, glowing skin even on a budget. If you’re into naturals, then I have picked out some vegan and cruelty-free options so you can care for the planet at the same time as you care for your skin.

If you have problem skin, there’s no need to worry. Many of these moisturizers for oily skin also cater to sensitive skin by leaving out irritating chemicals in their formulas. For acne, there are loads of options as well that contain salicylic acid or other acne treatments so you can have an all in one product.

No need to buy expensive sunscreen that leaves you with a white cast, when you can get moisturizer or gel cream with spf 30 that does all of it for you. Looking after your skin is not just about beauty, you will feel happy too!

Which one was your favorite?

How to pick the best moisturizer for oily skin

Oil-free- This is an obvious one, but look out for products labeled oil-free so you can moisturize without adding more oil to your face. All of these are oil-free moisturizers on its list so you can moisturize every day.

SPF- This applies to any moisturizer, the best ones will contain SPF. This is super important so if you go for a moisturizer without SPF, bear in mind you will need to add it on top of that. As a minimum, a moisturizer SPF 30 or higher is recommended.

Quick absorption- This is especially important for oily skin. Go for a water-based lightweight moisturizer for a hydrating formula that will not leave skin shiny. Bonus points if it has hyaluronic acid for better hydration. The best lightweight options include a water gel cream that can absorb better than lotion or cream.

No harmful chemicals- This is for everyone, but especially for sensitive skin. Look out for fragrances and parabens, or even drying alcohols that can sneakily make their way into products. Simple, clean formulas are always best. Natural ingredients like green tea can be very hydrating without feeling heavy. Even better if you can include vitamin e or vitamin b or vitamin a for example.

Treatment for acne- For a lot of people with oil, acne is also an issue. That’s why I love products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat acne in a gentle way.

Non-comedogenic- Another crucial one for acne or oily skin, choose a moisturizer that will not clog pores. This can prevent breakouts and keep you shine-free. Look out for the label non-comedogenic and mattifying for reducing oil. Avoiding pore-clogging formulas can help fight oil.

Why Wear Moisturizer

When you have oily skin, the last thing you want to do is add a greasy cream that will take hours to absorb onto your face. However, every skin type needs hydrating, including oily skin types. If you skip out on moisturizing, it can make increase your oil production to deal with the dryness, making it even more impossible to deal with.

Even for combination skin, moisturizing doesn’t have to be a headache, as long as you buy the right product. Make sure you have a daily moisturizer in your skin care routine. Choosing oil-free, non-comedogenic formula will make a huge difference in keeping you hydrated but not leave your skin clogged and shiny. It can even help to balance out your oil production!

Final Verdict

Whether you love organic, natural ingredients or a budget-friendly option, there is a moisturizer for you on this list. Whatever beauty issues you have, getting to know exactly what your skin likes or doesn’t like can get you on the right path to happy, glowing skin.

Remember to go for non-comedogenic and oil-free products if you tend to get shiny or oily. Mattifying moisturizers can help to help your face by absorbing excess oil as the day goes on.

If you have sensitivity or acne, then check out the ingredients to buy wisely and avoid chemical irritants that can make you break out even more. These can help smooth texture and keep you hydrated.

Skin care doesn’t have to be confusing, and when you find the right products, you’ll be glad you did the research!

Happy moisturizing!

jess rowley

Jess Rowley

Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert

ABOUT

Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.