Best Face Moisturizers for Oily Skin (2026) Reviewed
Oily skin still needs hydration—the trick is finding a moisturizer that delivers moisture without adding shine or clogging pores. These are the best options for keeping oily and combination skin balanced, organized by budget and specific concerns.
What to Look For
- Texture — Gel and gel-cream formulas absorb quickly and feel lightweight. Skip heavy creams that sit on the skin.
- Oil-free formulation — Look for “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” on the label to avoid pore congestion and breakouts.
- Key ingredients — Hyaluronic acid hydrates without heaviness. Niacinamide controls oil and minimizes pores. Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier.
- Mattifying properties — Some formulas include silica or other powders to absorb excess oil throughout the day.
- Fragrance — Fragrance-free options work best for sensitive or acne-prone skin types.
Product Recommendations
CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream — Best Overall
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CeraVe delivers dermatologist-backed oil control with essential ceramides at a drugstore price point.
This gel-cream uses silica-based oil-absorbing technology to rebalance skin without over-drying. MVE technology provides sustained hydration throughout the day. The formula includes three essential ceramides plus niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for comprehensive skin barrier support.
- Pros:
- Absorbs excess oil with matte finish
- Contains ceramides for barrier repair
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Developed with dermatologists
- Cons:
- May not provide enough moisture in dry climates
- Matte finish may not suit those who prefer dewy skin
Best for: Anyone with oily or combination skin who wants proven oil control with skin barrier support.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel — Best Drugstore
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This hyaluronic acid-powered gel provides 24-hour hydration without any greasy residue.
The water-gel formula absorbs instantly and works well as a makeup primer. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin while the lightweight texture keeps oil production in check. Dermatologist and allergy tested, making it safe for reactive skin.
- Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Works under makeup
- Affordable and widely available
- Cons:
- Contains fragrance in the original formula
- May not be enough for very dehydrated skin
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want effective hydration without the hefty price tag.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte — Best for Sensitive Oily Skin
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This French pharmacy favorite combines oil control with skin barrier repair for sensitive, oily complexions.
Formulated with La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, and niacinamide, this lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly while mattifying skin. Restores skin barrier within one hour of application and provides all-day hydration without shine.
- Pros:
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Visibly minimizes pores over time
- Oil-free and fragrance-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore alternatives
- May leave slight white cast on darker skin tones
Best for: Those with sensitive, reactive skin that also tends toward oiliness.
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer — Best for Acne-Prone Skin
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Specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin, this moisturizer hydrates while calming redness and irritation.
This weightless formula contains niacinamide to minimize pores, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier. Soothing antioxidants from blueberry and pumpkin help calm inflamed, breakout-prone skin without adding oil or congestion.
- Pros:
- Won’t aggravate active breakouts
- Reduces flakiness from acne treatments
- Fragrance-free formulation
- Visibly minimizes pores
- Cons:
- Smaller bottle size for the price
- May not provide enough moisture alone in winter
Best for: Anyone dealing with both oily skin and frequent breakouts who needs a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer.
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion — Best K-Beauty Option
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This Korean skincare staple uses 70% birch sap to deliver lightweight hydration that soothes and calms irritated skin.
The non-greasy formula penetrates quickly to calm and treat irritated skin while recharging it with antioxidants and vitamins. Works well with AHA, BHA, and vitamin C products without causing irritation—ideal for multi-step skincare routines.
- Pros:
- Lightweight lotion texture
- Soothes irritated, reactive skin
- Pairs well with active ingredients
- Excellent value for the size
- Cons:
- May not be moisturizing enough for cold, dry climates
- Lotion consistency takes adjustment if you prefer gels
Best for: K-beauty enthusiasts who want a versatile moisturizer that layers well with serums and treatments.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA — Best Budget-Friendly
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This no-frills moisturizer mimics the skin’s natural hydration system at an unbeatable price point.
Contains a comprehensive blend of amino acids, fatty acids, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid—ingredients naturally found in healthy skin. The lightweight formula keeps skin hydrated without greasiness. Accepted by the National Eczema Association for sensitive skin.
- Pros:
- Exceptional value for the ingredients
- Non-greasy, lightweight texture
- Suitable for all skin types
- Simple, effective formula
- Cons:
- No specific oil-control ingredients
- Basic packaging
Best for: Skincare minimalists who want effective hydration without unnecessary additives or a high price tag.
Tatcha The Water Cream — Best Luxury Option
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This Japanese-inspired water-burst cream delivers nutrient-rich hydration while visibly refining pores.
Japanese Wild Rose tightens pores while Japanese Leopard Lily controls excess oil. The unique water-burst texture breaks upon application to deeply hydrate without leaving skin sticky. Contains Hadasei-3 superfood complex of green tea, rice, and algae for antioxidant protection.
- Pros:
- Luxurious texture and experience
- Visibly refines pore appearance
- Oil-free with lasting hydration
- Leaves subtle, shine-free glow
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- Goes quickly with daily use
Best for: Those willing to invest in a high-end moisturizer that delivers both hydration and visible pore refinement.
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Face Cream — Best Under $15
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This affordable cream punches above its weight with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane.
The non-greasy formula sinks into skin quickly for a smooth, soft finish. Contains vitamin B5 to soothe and hydrate while niacinamide minimizes pores and evens skin tone. Vegan and cruelty-free certified by both Leaping Bunny and PETA.
- Pros:
- Excellent ingredients at a low price
- Suitable for all skin types including oily
- Works for both day and night use
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Cons:
- Contains fragrance in the original version
- Cream texture may feel heavier than gel formulas
Best for: Budget shoppers who want quality ingredients without spending more than $15.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H — Best Gel Texture
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This iconic gel-cream delivers up to 100 hours of hydration in a refreshing, oil-free formula.
Aloe bioferment helps skin retain moisture while a hyaluronic acid complex creates a moisture reservoir for lasting hydration. The lightweight texture absorbs fast and layers well under makeup. Allergy tested, fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive skin.
- Pros:
- Refreshing, cooling gel texture
- 100% fragrance-free
- Can double as a 5-minute mask
- Dermatologist tested
- Cons:
- No specific mattifying ingredients
- Mid-range price point
Best for: Those who prefer gel textures and want reliable hydration from a trusted skincare brand.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream — Best for Pore Minimizing
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This cooling gel cream provides 24-hour hydration while visibly minimizing pores and reducing shine.
The fast-absorbing formula regulates excess oil production while maintaining skin’s moisture balance. Contains glacial glycoprotein for deep hydration and micronized amino acids to help reduce visible pore size over time. Alcohol-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free.
- Pros:
- Cooling sensation on application
- Visibly reduces shine throughout the day
- Pores appear smaller with continued use
- Paraben-free formula
- Cons:
- Higher price for the size
- May be too lightweight for very dehydrated skin
Best for: Anyone focused on minimizing visible pores while controlling oil throughout the day.
Verdict
For most people with oily skin, the CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream offers the best combination of oil control, skin barrier support, and value. Those with sensitive oily skin should consider La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte for its gentle yet effective formula. On a tight budget, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA delivers essential hydration without unnecessary markup.
