8 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin: My Top Picks and Why They Work
If you have oily skin, you know the struggle: midday shine, enlarged pores, and the constant search for a moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores or making you look greasy. The right moisturizer can actually help balance oil production, refine pores, and keep your skin healthy and matte. Let’s talk about what to look for and my favorite picks that really deliver.
What Ingredients Should You Look For in a Moisturizer for Oily Skin?
Oil-Free & Non-Comedogenic: Won’t clog pores or contribute to breakouts.
Lightweight Humectants: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol hydrate without heaviness.
Mattifying Agents: Silica, perlite, or micro-powders help control shine and blur pores.
Niacinamide: Balances oil, refines pores, and soothes redness.
Antioxidants & Soothing Extracts: Green tea, oat, centella, and mint calm and protect skin.
What Texture Is Best?
Gel or gel-cream: Fast-absorbing, refreshing, and weightless—perfect for oily or combination skin.
Light lotions: Hydrate without leaving a film or residue.
Mattifying creams: Help control excess oil and shine throughout the day.
My Detailed Reviews: 8 Moisturizers I Recommend for Oily Skin
1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
Why I love it:
This is my go-to for anyone battling shine and visible pores. It’s oil-free and contains Sebulyse technology to regulate sebum, plus micro-exfoliating LHA to refine skin texture. It hydrates just enough, never feels greasy, and leaves a matte, smooth finish that lasts all day. Makeup sits beautifully on top, and it’s non-comedogenic—so no worries about breakouts.
Best for:
Oily, combination, or acne-prone skin looking for a true mattifying effect.
What users say:
“Controls oil all day and makes my pores look smaller. My makeup lasts longer and my skin feels soft, not tight.”
Click here to learn more or purchase La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
2. TATCHA The Water Cream
Why I love it:
This luxurious gel-cream feels like a splash of water on the skin. It’s packed with Japanese botanicals, wild rose, and leopard lily to balance oil and clarify pores. The texture is ultra-light, absorbs instantly, and leaves skin looking poreless and hydrated, never greasy. It’s a treat to use and gives a subtle glow without shine.
Best for:
Oily, combination, or normal skin needing hydration and pore refinement.
What users say:
“Leaves my skin hydrated and smooth with zero shine. Worth every penny for oily skin!”
Click here to learn more or purchase TATCHA The Water Cream
3. PURITO Oat In Calming Gel Cream
Why I love it:
This is a hidden gem for sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and packed with 77% oat seed water for soothing hydration. The gel texture is featherlight, non-sticky, and instantly calms redness or irritation. I love how it hydrates without any residue and never causes breakouts.
Best for:
Oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin needing gentle, calming moisture.
What users say:
“Calms my redness and hydrates without clogging pores. My skin feels soft and balanced.”
Click here to learn more or purchase PURITO Oat In Calming Gel Cream
4. Avène Hydrance Hydrating Aqua Cream-in-Gel
Why I love it:
This French pharmacy favorite is a hybrid cream-gel that delivers 24-hour hydration with a fresh, non-greasy finish. It contains Avène Thermal Spring Water and Cohederm™ complex to soothe and replenish. It’s perfect for oily skin that still needs moisture—never heavy, always refreshing.
Best for:
Oily, combination, or dehydrated skin needing lightweight, lasting hydration.
What users say:
“Light, cooling, and keeps my skin hydrated all day. No shine or stickiness.”
Click here to learn more or purchase Avène Hydrance Hydrating Aqua Cream-in-Gel
5. Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Gel Moisturizer
Why I love it:
This is a classic for oily and combination skin. It’s a gel formula with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to hydrate, refine pores, and calm redness. It absorbs in seconds, leaves a soft matte finish, and works well under makeup. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t irritate or clog pores.
Best for:
Oily, combination, or large-pored skin needing hydration and oil control.
What users say:
“My skin feels hydrated but never greasy. Pores look smaller and my face stays matte.”
Click here to learn more or purchase Paula’s Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Gel Moisturizer
6. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer
Why I love it:
This gel-cream is a staple for oily skin. It’s oil-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free, with a shine-reducing formula that hydrates for 24 hours. Squalane and glycerin keep skin soft and balanced. It absorbs quickly, never feels sticky, and helps minimize the look of pores.
Best for:
Oily, normal, or combination skin needing lightweight, long-lasting hydration.
What users say:
“Super light, keeps my skin matte, and never clogs my pores. Perfect for summer.”
Click here to learn more or purchase Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer
7. LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer
Why I love it:
This gel moisturizer is packed with blue hyaluronic acid and mint extract for cooling, oil-free hydration. It’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and gives a fresh, dewy finish without any heaviness. It’s great for layering and keeps skin hydrated and balanced all day.
Best for:
Oily, combination, or sensitive skin needing a fresh, cooling boost of moisture.
What users say:
“Hydrating but never greasy. My skin feels soft, cool, and looks healthy.”
Click here to learn more or purchase LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer
8. Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30
Why I love it:
This multitasker hydrates, absorbs oil, reduces shine, and provides broad-spectrum sun protection—all in one. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. I recommend it for anyone who wants a simple, effective morning routine.
Best for:
Oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin; perfect for daytime use and sun protection.
What users say:
“Controls shine, hydrates, and protects from the sun. My skin looks and feels better all day.”
Click here to learn more or purchase Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30
If you have oily skin, don’t skip moisturizer just choose one that’s oil-free, lightweight, and packed with balancing ingredients. Each of these creams is tried, tested, and loved by those with oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Pick the one that fits your needs, and enjoy hydrated, matte, and healthy skin every day!