The 15 Best Moisturisers for Oily Skin Tested and Reviewed

Renowned dermatologists worldwide agree that maintaining the skin’s moisture balance is crucial, regardless of whether an individual has dry or oily skin. A common misconception persists: those with oily skin should avoid moisturisers. This could not be further from scientific evidence suggesting that people with oil-prone complexions benefit significantly from using a perfect moisturiser.

According to data published by Grand View Research in 2020, there was surging global demand for skin care products specifically targeting conditions like acne and excess facial sebum production—both symptoms often associated directly with oily skin types. 

After consulting several leading dermatologists who conducted rigorous testing procedures, we present the following fifteen cream selections guaranteed to work wonders, achieving a balanced, beautiful glow even in problematic areas prone to shine breakouts.

Best Overall: CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion

Also Great: Acnecide Daily Moisturiser

Best With SPF: Cetaphil DERMACONTROL Oil Absorbing Moisturiser

Best lightweight: Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Gel Moisturiser

Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturiser

Best Gel: Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Best Budget : e.l.f. Blemish Water Cream

Best For Acne: Excela moisturiser

Best Mattifyning: Embryolisse mattifying moisturiser

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion offers a lightweight solution for hydration and protection, thanks to its non-comedogenic and unscented formula. Notable ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide enhance skin texture. Its rapid absorption leaves no residue resulting in a smooth finish post-use. Suitable across different skin types due to its oil-free property; it’s void of parabens/sulfates/phthalates which assures safety even on sensitive skins. The 52 ml retails at £15.25 with an excellent rating of 4.5/5 by customers who have used it before, now available too is the SPF30 version CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF30 priced at £14:87 per tube (52ml).

Purified Acnecide Daily Moisturiser

Acnecide Daily Moisturiser, a chief player in the Acnecide skincare line-up, is tailored particularly for spot-prone and sensitive skin. Its lightweight formulation gifts hydration and reduces visible oiliness while enhancing overall skin texture. Renowned as an exemplary cosmetic product offering broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with its integrated SPF30 feature, it ensures 24-hour moisture retention without clogging pores. The price is £16.22 for 50ml, and it has a customer rating of 4.5/5.

Cetaphil DERMACONTROL Oil Absorbing Moisturiser

Cetaphil DERMACONTROL Oil Absorbing Moisturiser is an acclaimed skincare product boasting a unique 4-in-1 formula that offers manifold benefits specially tailored for sensitive and oily skin. It works proficiently to absorb excess oil, reduce undesired shine, and hydrate the epidermis while providing essential sun protection.

Endorsed by the reputable Skin Cancer Foundation for its broad-spectrum SPF 30 feature, it promises potent defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays, contributing greatly to preventing skin damage associated with prolonged exposure to sunshine. The lightweight composition ensures swift absorption, facilitating long-lasting hydration without triggering pore-clogging issues typically experienced with heavier formulas. It has a customer rating of 4.5/5, and it costs £9.78.

Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Gel Moisturiser

Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Invisible Finish Gel Moisturiser is an effective solution for individuals with oily complexions. It has hydration-boosting properties and a formula targeting issues like enlarged pores, skin discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles courtesy of key ingredients such as niacinamide and Vitamin C. For best results, experts advise its usage once in the morning and again at night, complemented by SPF 30 or more during daylight hours. Consumer satisfaction is reflected through its high rating of 4.5/5 stars; it retails typically around £27.55.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturiser

The Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturiser, a superior skincare creation from La Roche-Posay, is tailored to rejuvenate skin appearance by delivering deep hydration. It prides itself on a robust formulation encapsulating prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin-tested components suited for sensitive skin types. Garnering an impressive customer rating of 4.6/5 stars, it retails at £18.88 per bottle (3.38 Fl Oz).

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturiser

Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel Face Moisturiser is a superior blend of key ingredients targeting daily skin challenges. Its mixture of purified hyaluronic acid and antioxidants provides ample protection against environmental irritants like pollution, ensuring the healthiest-looking complexion.

The formula includes Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 25 Sunscreen, safeguarding from harmful sun exposure and offering comprehensive care for all complexions—oil-free yet non-comedogenic. This product primarily combats signs of fatigue, delivering instant hydration-boosting radiance with regular daily application. It has a rating of 4.7/5 and costs £15.10.

e.l.f Blemish Water Cream

The e.l.f. Blemish Water Cream - a dermatologist-developed skin care solution for acne-prone skin. It's lightweight, non-greasy, and operates by controlling excess oil, reducing existing acne, and preventing future blemishes. The cream's formula includes hardworking ingredients like Salicylic Acid & Zinc PCA to clarify clogged pores, with soothing Niacinamide & Tranexamic Acid hydrating your complexion while evening out skin tone. It has a customer rating of 4.5/5 and has a price of £7.08.

Cipla Excela Moisturiser for Oily & Acne Prone Skin

Cipla introduces its efficacious product, the Excela moisturiser, as an ideal solution to combat the common skin woes of excessive oiliness and acne. Tailored specifically for oily and acne-prone skin types, it comes in a handy 50-gram quantity, ensuring durability. It costs £21.37 and has a customer rating of 5/5.

Embryolisse Mattifying Moisturiser

Designed for use both day and night, the Embryolisse mattifying moisturiser works tirelessly to impart a matte finish in combination with oily skin. Infused with organic turmeric extract and complemented by an ultra-fine invisible powder, it absorbs excess oil, effectively ensuring lasting shine control. It has a rating of 4/5 stars and costs £25.19.

TATCHA The Water Cream

TATCHA The Water Cream is an oil-free, clarifying skin cream that provides a swift burst of hydrating nutrients and pore-refining botanicals. Designed with healthy aging in mind, it ensures a smooth and balanced texture for the skin.

Once applied to the skin, this unique water-burst cream offers nutrient-rich, balanced hydration. Its formulation allows deep delivery of treatment benefits without leaving any residual stickiness or greasiness on your complexion. It costs £56.68 for 1.7 Fl Oz and is rated 4.6/5.

SHANI DARDEN SKINCARE Weightless Oil-Free Moisturiser

SHANI DARDEN's Weightless Oil-Free Moisturiser is a novel creation in oil-control skincare. It is an effective, fast-absorbing formula that provides weightless hydration without causing pore congestion, ensuring skin retains its freshness and balance. Apt for normal to oily complexions, its lightweight gel-like consistency allows daily hydration across all skin types. It costs £39.36 and has a customer rating of 4.6/5.

Byoma Barrier Repair Face Moisturiser

The Byoma Barrier Repair Face Moisturiser is a unique formulation of Tri-Ceramide Complex, niacinamide, and green tea. It supports the skin's essential barrier function while reducing redness and calming inflammation. Its gel-cream texture promises effective hydration with an oil-free finish that absorbs instantly into the skin. It has a rating of 4.4/5 and a typical price of £10.55.

Versed Dew Point Gel Moisturiser

The Versed Dew Point Gel Moisturiser, priced around £11.78, is celebrated for its lightweight texture and immediate skin hydration. It boasts a non-comedogenic formula suitable for all skin types and contains sodium hyaluronate to draw in moisture, plus antioxidant-rich green tea extract. It has a customer rating of 4.6/5.

PCA SKIN Clearskin Lightweight Face Moisturiser

PCA SKIN Clearskin is a featherweight facial hydrator ideal for oily and acne-prone complexions. It delivers dual-action benefits by providing hydration to normal, greasy, and combination skin while helping diminish discoloration resulting from breakouts. Formulated with efficacious plant extracts, it detoxifies the epidermis, calming the overall complexion. It has a rating of 4.6/5 and costs £46.44.

Alastin Ulta Light Moisturiser

Alastin Ulta Light Moisturiser is a lightweight formula with a silky feel that features TriHex Technology. It integrates notable ingredients such as ceramides and extracts from silver mushroom, ginger, and white tea that assist in restoring the skin's natural barrier while ensuring optimum hydration. Notably lauded for its calming effects on irritated skin, it supports new elastin and collagen production using Tripeptide-1 and Hexapeptide-12 to foster a smoother complexion. Based on customer reviews, it has a rating of 4.8/5, and its price is £69.27.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand of moisturiser is best for oily skin?

TATCHA The Water Cream is a top choice due to its oil-absorbing system, which provides optimal hydration without causing excess shine.

How do I choose the best moisturiser for oily skin?

Select a moisturiser containing oil-control ingredients that are lightweight in texture, labeled as non-comedogenic (non-pore-blocking), and oil-free. These features make it ideal for effectively managing oily skin.

What is the top-rated face moisturiser?

The highest-rated face moisturiser is 'TATCHA The Water Cream,' praised for its oil-free hydrating properties and revitalizing effects on skin.

What ingredient in moisturiser is good for oily skin?

Hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid benefit oily skin; the former hydrates while the latter unclogs pores.