One common myth when it comes to skincare is that people who have oily skin do not need to use moisturizers. This is far from the truth, as those with oily skin can still benefit from the use of a daily moisturizer, and with the right product, you can improve the skin’s hydration without adding more oil. Often times some products used to rid the skin of oil can actually do the opposite effect of moisturizing, and can over-dry skin. To allow your skin to retain moisture and stay hydrated, we’ve compiled a list of moisturizers and creams that can help those with oily skin find the balance between hydration and a matte finish. Moisturizers outlined below fall at a range of price points and can tackle other skin concerns as well such as acne and sun damage prevention. Take a look at the products listed below, in no particular order, and read how they have helped others and how they could help your skin as well.
Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30
Offering a lightweight, oil-free, broad-spectrum moisturizing lotion that also helps protect the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. These rays can prematurely age skin and darken current acne scars, adding a benefit more than moisture to this product. Suggested use is to be applied as needed to skin after cleansing and toning.
Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 3.9 out of 5 stars. Customers found this product to feel non-greasy and claimed it did not cause breakouts on their skin. Some felt it made their skin feel slightly greasier, but that it did its job as a moisturizer.
Price: $28.00 for 2 fl. oz.
Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Mat Mattifying Emulsion
The product provides lightweight, oil-free moisture, and long-lasting matte finish of the skin. This can be used to reduce the appearance of oil on the skin, while still providing hydration. Suggested use is morning and/or evening after cleansing skin.
Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4 out of 5 stars. Customers commented that this does not clog their pores, kept shine at a minimum, and made their face feel both soft and smooth. Ad added bonus is that this product helps keep acne at bay and does not irritate the skin.
Price: $25.00 for 1.35 fl. oz.
Vichy Normaderm Beautifying Anti Acne Treatment, Facial Lotion with Salicylic Acid
This anti-acne moisturizer is for an oily and acne-prone skin. It works to reduce the appearance of pores and shine and hydrates skin for 24 hours. Suggested use is on a cleansed and dry face 1-3 times daily while avoiding the eye area.
Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4 out of 5 stars. Customers commented that it worked well for their oily and combination skin and that it helps keep their skin acne-free. Others stated that it is dry and non-greasy feeling, but leaves the skin moisturized and soft.
Price: $25.00 for 1.69 fl. oz.
L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin
This lightweight liquid formula provides intense and continuous hydration for 72 hours. The product aims to create a matte, fresh, and healthy-looking skin. The product is infused with hyaluronic acid and aloe water to quench skin.
Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4.3 out of 5 stars. Reviews stated the product was long-lasting and “gets the job done” without feeling greasy or oily. Other reviewers marveled at the larger size of the bottle compared to similar products.
Price: $13.93 for 3.04 fl. oz.
Olay Complete Lotion All Day Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin with SPF 15
This moisturizer provides 48 hours of hydration for combination and oily skin, as well as providing sun protection with SPF 15. The product contains antioxidants vitamins E, B3 and C to condition the skin surface and create and maintain healthy skin.
Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customers felt this product worked great on their sensitive skin and felt no residue after application. The product is also fragrance-free and felt the SPF was an added bonus to the moisture it provides.
Price: $17.32 for 2 pack of 6 fl. oz. bottles
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Called a “cult classic”, this lotion is an extremely recognized product. This lotion provides a 54% moisture barrier increase and delivers this hydration for 24 hours. The skin is left feeling moisturized with this lightweight moisturizing gel.
Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers felt this product left their skin feeling silky with no greasy residue. Others stated that it soothes their skin without drying it out.
Price: $56.25 for 6.7 fl. oz.
Eve Lom Rescue Oil-Free Moisturizer
This moisturizer provides lightweight hydration and controls shine on the skin, as well as preventing excess sebum production. This product also contains a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory, which is intended to soothe and heal irritated skin.
Consumer Reviews: This product was rated 5 out of 5 stars from a purchaser on Amazon. The customer stated that her face is usually sensitive to breakouts and she did not have one blemish after the use of this.
Price: $67.19 for 1.7 fl. oz.
Fresh Umbrian Clay Oil-Free Lotion
This product is an effective oil-free, non-comedogenic, and lightweight moisturizer for combination or oily skin. Formulated to regulate sebum production, absorb impurities, calm flare-ups, and neutralize excess acidity on the skin.
Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 3.6 out of 5 stars. Customers loved this moisturizer on oily skin and said it was the right amount of moisture without leaving their skin overly oily. Other customers stated the lotion had a great texture, balanced their skin, and did not leave a greasy feel.
Price: Between $50-60 from third-party sellers on Amazon for 1.7 fl. oz.
Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30
This product is formulated to provide 7 benefits: Reduces the appearance of age spots, provides nourishing moisture, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, gives skin a look of radiance, minimizes the appearance of pores, smoothes and evens texture of skin, and balances and evens skin tone.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4 out of 5 stars. Customers found this provides moisture with quick results and helped their skin appear more youthful. Other pros were that the product was lightweight and did not leave their skin feeling greasy.
Price: $18.47 for 1.7 fl. oz.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer Sensitive Skin
This moisturizer helps skin feel both soft and smooth and is specially formulated to also benefit sensitive skin. The water-based formula provides hydration for the skin, and the formula is lightweight and non-greasy.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customers found this product was wonderful with their acne-prone skin and provided a non-greasy and refreshing hydration. A customer stated that one application kept their skin moisturized all day long and loved the low price tag.
Price: $9.49 for 4 fl. oz.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion
This lotion is lightweight and aims to help visibly reduce excess oil on the skin’s surface. The non-greasy formula helps retain essential moisture in the skin to create a rebalanced skin barrier. Unique ingredients such as Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Antarcticine, and Vitamin E help keep the skin fresh and healthy.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 3.5 out of 5 stars. Customers stated that they enjoyed the non-greasy moisture and the consistency. Customers stated it was refreshing and helped their skin remain matte and prevent acne for those with acne-prone skin.
Price: $59.99 for 4.2 fl. oz. on Amazon, $29.00 on Kiehl’s website
Where to buy: http://a.co/0Z6vjQS
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer for Normal and Combination Skin
This oil-free gel-cream provides moisture from its unique formula of antioxidant vitamin C and a fruit water antioxidant complex. The moisturizer feels water-light and provides 24-hour hydration to restore the protective skin barrier.
Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4.3 out of 5 stars. One customer loved that it felt non-sticky as some gels she had tried before had. One customer claimed this product truly rescued her skin, which brought back a soft and moisturized feel to their skin.
Price: $6.62 for 1.7 fl. oz.
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Moisturizer SPF 30
This product is a 3-in-1 formula to control oil, hydrate the skin, and provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. With a micro pearl technology, this moisturizer provides a matte finish while being lightweight and non-greasy. It also offers an oleosome technology to help cause less irritation than other products.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 3.8 out of 5 stars. Customers stated that while it does smell like sunscreen, it goes on nicely and absorbs quickly. It was also reviewed that it does a good job of controlling oil throughout the day to prevent shine.
Price: $14.36 for 4 fl. oz.
Mary Kay TimeWise Age-fighting Moisturizer for Combination and Oily Skin
This product is an oil-free lotion that aims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to help skin look youthful and moisturized. The formula contains antioxidants to help guard against free radicals that cause the skin to age. It also helps absorb and control extra oil to give skin a smooth, matte appearance.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers felt this product worked well for aging skin and was a consistent lotion that did not cause irritation. Other reviews stated the product did not feel greasy and only required a small amount to moisturize the skin.
Price: $22.90 for 3 fl. oz.
Product Fifteen: Clinique Pep-Start HydroBlur Moisturizer
This product is intended to nourish skin by moisturizing as well as hiding imperfections. It provides skin with a matte finish and is oil-free to help skin appear and feel healthier.
Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 3.2 out of 5 stars. Customers enjoyed the texture of the cream and that it felt very light but also hydrated skin all day. Reviewers felt that the moisturizer kept skin shine-free and felt it blended with their skin instantly but did not leave a greasy residue behind. The added bonus is its ability to reduce the appearance of small skin flaws such as pores and scarring.
Price: $30.45 for 1.7 fl. oz.
Origins Zero Oil Oil-Free Moisture Lotion
This lightweight, oil-free lotion hydrates skin while instantly reducing shine, refining skin texture, and creating a smooth skin appearance. The natural oil-foilers helps delete excess oil to reduce shine and keep skin feeling refreshed. In turn, this reduces the likelihood of breakouts and blackheads.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 3.5 out of 5 stars. One customer stated that even though they usually hate putting lotion on, they found themselves looking forward to putting this on as it was light and had a fresh feel and scent. Other reviewers wore the product under makeup since it has a mattifying effect on the skin. The product also was rated as absorbing quickly and did not cause irritation or breakouts.
Price: Price ranges from $30-60 from third-party sellers on Amazon for 7.8 fl. oz.
Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Oxygenating Gel Cream
This gel cream is an advanced anti-aging cream, aiming to restore the natural defenses of the skin leaving it smooth and moisturized. This gel cream has a unique oxygenating effect, allowing the skin to “breathe”, making it a unique product.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers liked the fact that the cream does not make their face greasy or oily and also moisturizes the skin as a light product. Customers liked the soft and fresh scent and said the product felt cool and smooth as soon as they put it on. They also felt the small amount went a long way and only a small amount of product was needed.
Price: $36.56 for 2 fl. oz.
Shiseido Waso Quick Matte Moisturizer
This moisturizer is a 24-hour, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates and mattifies skin. This product provides a dewy texture on the skin, which leaves skin smooth and less shiny. A unique formula including whole Loquat leaf cells that have an antioxidant effect that is known to help suppress sebum breakdown.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: From the Shiseido website, over 100% of women who tested the product experienced less concern about sebum and shine, experienced less dryness, felt their skin was being nurtured, felt their skin was smoother and felt the roughness was improved. 99% felt their skin had more clarify after 4 weeks, and 95% felt their pores were visibly reduced.
Price: $36.65 for 75 ml.
Origins GinZing Energy-boosting Moisturizer Hydratant Face Cream
This facial cream is formulated to energize skin and instantly hydrate and “rev up” radiance. It is a lightweight, oil-free facial cream formulated with skin boosters such as Panax Ginseng and coffee bean, which helps skin look revitalized and more vibrant
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, this product was rated 3.8 out of 5 stars. One customer called it the “Goldilocks” moisturizer, saying it was just right for their skin. The product is rated as having a wonderful and light smell and that it feels non-greasy, very light, and is easily absorbable. The product was also rated well for both dry and oily skin.
Price: $33.75 for 1 fl. oz.
Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer
This oil-free skin moisturizer s formulated to deliver balanced hydration by working to absorb excess oil and help tighten and tone the skin’s appearance. This product also works to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and is made with essential amino acids and algae.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 3.6 out of 5 stars. Customers stated that this product worked wonderfully for combination skin and that it provided their skin with a soft feel without the greasy feeling.
Price: $65.00 for 1.7 fl. oz.
While all the moisturizers above can be utilized by both men and women, below you will find a list of moisturizers for oily skin aimed and formulated specifically for men.
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men
A vitamin-enriched and non-oily moisturizer, aiming to help uplift dull skin. Called a “facial recovery accelerator”, this treatment contains Vitamin C and E, Chestnut Extract and Soy, all helping to improve the skin’s look and texture.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: 81 out of 83 reviewers would recommend this product to a friend. Customers claimed the product helped their skin appear clearer and more alive, refreshed their skin, and helped them to wake up. Pros included no weird film on the skin and a good amount of moisture.
Price: $28.00 for 2.5 fl. oz.
Brickell Men’s Daily Essential Face Moisturizer for Men
A lightweight and fast-absorbing oil-free facial moisturizer that hydrates and renews the skin without clogging pores. Formulated with green tea and jojoba oil, this moisturizer helps protect the skin from free radicals and damage.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customers felt the moisturizer went on light and did not feel oily, and liked the refreshing scent. Other pros were that it absorbs fast and led to no irritation of the skin.
Price: $35.00 for 4 fl. oz.
Jack Black Line Smoother Oil-Free Moisturizer 8% Glycolic Acid Treatment
This moisturizer minimizes fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration while sloughing off the top layer of skin to reveal the smoother skin underneath. The oil-free formula absorbs fast with no greasy after feel and states it takes 4-6 weeks to see visible results.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated this product 4.0 out of 5 stars. One customer stated it felt that they were “feeding” their skin. Customers felt the product went on easily, was not oily, and liked that it was unscented.
Price: $30.00 for 3.3 fl. oz.
Clinique for Men Oil Control Mattifying Moisturizer
This moisturizer offers an oil controlling hydration and is unique in its lightweight and quick-dissolving texture. The product also states that it helps regulate oil production to help skin have a matte finish.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated the product 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customers liked that it moisturized their oily skin but did not clog their pores. Other pros included that the product left skin feeling smooth while keeping the oil off throughout the day.
Price: $29.20 for 3.4 fl. oz.
Anthony Oil Free Facial Lotion
This product has the strategy of moisturizing and smoothing skin using sodium PCA amino acids, soothing skin using aloe and chamomile, and helping skin retain moisture with glycerin. The benefits are that it hydrates skin without leaving an oily residue and absorbs quickly.
Amazon Consumer Reviews: On average, customers rated 3.9 out of 5 stars. Customers reported that the product made their complexion noticeable smoother and had a nice smell. Other pros include its light texture and that it simultaneously moisturizes while keeping skin matte.
Price: $30.00 for 3 fl. oz.
