Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin to Keep Your Skin Fresh

Don't think you can skip moisturizing just because your skin tends to be on the oily side. It's a myth. Everyone, yes, everyone, should make moisturizing a daily ritual to keep dehydration at bay. Even if your skin is oil-prone, you deserve the hydration treatment. Skip the heavy creams, though; they're for your dry-skinned buddies. Instead, go for a lightweight, mattifying moisturizer. It'll help control excess grease and maintain that sweet moisture balance for your oily skin.

We did the legwork for you, diving into the market to find the best moisturizers for oily skin. We tested them for consistency, absorption, oiliness, appearance, and value. And now, we're dishing out our discoveries—a little something that hydrates without weighing your skin down. 

Our Top Picks of Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin

Are you Interested? Keep reading to uncover the top moisturizers for oily skin.

Tatcha Water Cream

Taking cues from the beauty rituals of Japanese geishas, Tatcha was born with a mission—to harmonize timeless Japanese botanicals with scientifically proven skincare ingredients. Exhibit A: The Water Cream, a superstar among our offerings and the ultimate in moisturizers.

This magical concoction boasts a secret blend of twice-fermented rice, green tea, and algae, paired with Japanese wild rose and leopard lily. The result? Refined skin, reduced oil production, and an overall serene complexion. As the name suggests, this hybrid of gel and cream effortlessly melds with your skin, imparting an instant feeling of refreshment and calm. What sets it apart for those with oily skin is its ability to hydrate without leaving any unwanted residue or a shiny film. Expect to feel moisturized, perhaps even a touch dewy, but definitely not greasy. The formula lends a subtle, shine-free glow that enhances your skin's suppleness.

And the goodness doesn't stop there—the packaging is a functional delight. The aesthetically pleasing tub, though a bit bulky for travel, comes with a cleverly designed spatula snugly nestled on top for safekeeping. A little goes a long way, ensuring that this moisturizer is an investment that pays off.

Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel

True to its name, Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel lives up to its invisibility promise. While it remains unseen, this moisturizer is a powerhouse, tirelessly delivering hydration, minimizing pores, and shielding your skin from environmental foes. Niacinamide, a superhero anti-inflammatory and pore-refining ingredient, teams up with age-defying antioxidants to give your skin a silky-smooth feel, making those pesky pores and fine lines take a step back. Our tester couldn't get enough, praising how her skin absorbed it within seconds, leaving behind a radiant glow minus any unwanted shine.

Whether it's day or night, this moisturizer is ready to work its magic. Just remember to follow up with an SPF of 30 or higher during the day to fully enjoy the benefits. While niacinamide is generally a calming ingredient, it's wise to perform a patch test on a small area, especially if your skin is super sensitive.

Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

Shani Darden's Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer is a multi-tasking gem that ticks all the right boxes and then some. If your moisturizer must-haves include a lightweight feel, zero residue, and a complete absence of oil, consider this your go-to. Tailored for oily skin, this moisturizer delivers optimal hydration without the fear of clogged pores or unwanted shine.

Featuring a milky texture that applies thinly, our tester attested to its hydrating prowess. Despite its light touch, it doesn't skimp on moisture. Oily skin, according to her, absorbed the product almost instantly, leaving behind a fresh, glowy sensation rather than the usual greasy and slippery aftermath. Its compatibility with makeup is another plus, making it an excellent choice for daytime wear. Keep in mind that it's not intensely rich, so if your skin leans towards combination, it might not claim the top spot.

However, if you're accustomed to reaching for blotting paper midday, this one's bound to become your new favorite.

Final Thoughts

All these moisturizers are hand picked by myself and tried and tested too, so with all my heart I recommend these to anyone who has an oily skin type. While skin types work differently with every product, these moisturizers for oily skin have great ingredients and offerings for skin health.

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