We all have different skin types. Some of you will find your skin getting dry throughout the day, while others (like me), may find that your skin gets shiner due to having an oilier complexion. You can also have combination skin, which means that parts of your skin will be dry while others, such as your t-zone, will be oily. Whatever your skin type, there are lots of different products out there designed to work for you.
While I've always been an advocate for embracing the skin that you're in, I also totally understand how frustrating having an oily complexion can be. Ever since I was a teenager I've carried multiple blotting papers and face powders in my handbag to try and tackle shine, and no matter how much primer I use, I always find that my makeup slides off my face throughout the day.
That being said, over the years I've found a selection of skincare products that have really helped to control any excess oil, and one of those products is a moisturiser. I know what you're thinking, how can a moisturiser help with oily skin? We all know that moisturiser is a key part of our skincare routine, and as it turns out, there are lots of moisturisers out there specifically designed with oily skin in mind. To find out more about how these products can help, and to shop the best expert-approved moisturisers for oily skin on the market, keep on scrolling...
Does Oily Skin Need Moisturiser?
As mentioned above, when I was growing up, my skin was incredibly oily. So much so, that I did everything I could to try and strip it of these oils. One of those things was not using moisturiser and avoiding any products such as facial oils or hydrating serums. As it turns out, this was probably one of the worst things I could have done. As explained by skin expert and medical director and founder of Adonia Medical Clinic, Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, "Oily skin can still be dehydrated. When skin lacks moisture, it can overcompensate by producing more oil, leading to even oilier skin."
When I started hydrating my skin properly I definitely noticed that my skin looked (and felt) a lot less oily and my complexion was a lot healthier overall. "Regardless of skin type, everyone needs to moisturise," says Dr Ejikeme. "Moisturisers help maintain the skin's natural barrier, protecting against environmental damage and irritation." However, as Dr Ejikeme tells me, the key is to choose the right formulation for you.
What Type of Moisturiser Is Best for Oily Skin?
So, that leads me onto my next question, what type of moisturiser is best for oily skin? "Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers that balance moisture without clogging pores or adding excess oil," says Dr Ejikeme. Lightweight moisturisers will often be water-based and have a gel-like consistency that can be easily absorbed.
Of course there are also certain ingredients to look out for too. Dr Ejikeme recommends choosing a moisturiser with salicylic acid, as this will help to unclog pores and reduce oil production. Niacinamide can also help regulate oil production.
Hyaluronic acid is another key ingredient, as it will hydrate skin without adding extra oil. Glycerin also draws moisture into the skin, while aloe vera will both soothe and hydrate the complexion without clogging pores.
Finally, if you want a mattifying effect, Dr Ejikeme says to look out for dimethicone. For those of you who want to improve your skin texture, look for lactic acid. This ingredient will gently exfoliate and can be beneficial for oily skin types.
The Best Moisturisers for Oily Skin
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
- Lumene Water Gel
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
- Tatcha The Water Cream
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
- Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream
- Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream
1. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, glacial glycoprotein and micronised amino acid
This moisturiser is one of Dr Ejikeme's top recommendations for oily skin types. It has a gel-cream texture that provides a cooling effect when applied to the skin and is fast-absorbing. It will leave your complexion feeling hydrated but not greasy, and will help to reduce shine throughout the day.
2. Lumene Water Gel
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, organic Nordic birch sap and pure Arctic spring water
A personal favourite of mine is the Lumene Water Gel. This also has a refreshing consistency, and contains a heap of effective ingredients including hydrating hyaluronic acid and balancing niacinamide. It sinks into the skin instantly and works to minimise shine.
3. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino acids, phospholipids, glycerin, ceramides and saccharides
Another one of Dr Ejikeme's recommendations is The Ordinary's Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. This clever moisturiser works to support your skin's natural hydration barrier without leaving you with that greasy feeling thanks to the lightweight texture.
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, trehalose, dimethicone and glycerin
Dr Ejikeme says that this Neutrogena moisturiser is a great option for oily skin types. It has a gel-like, lightweight texture and a super hydrating formula thanks to hyaluronic acid. It will leave you dewy, but certainly not greasy.
5. Tatcha The Water Cream
Key ingredients: Wild rose, leopard lily and a trinity of fermented Japanese superfoods
I love the Tatcha Water Cream moisturiser so much that I wrote an entire article on it. It's one of the best products I've used on my oily skin, and I plan on using it for years to come. What I love about it is that it has a super light, refreshing texture but leaves my skin feeling hydrated and glowy. Don't worry thought, as Japanese leopard lily helps control excess oil throughout the day.
6. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
Key ingredients: LHA, vitamin E, vitamin C and zinc PCA
La Roche-Posay's moisturiser is designed for oily, breakout-prone skin. The exfoliating formula smooths skin and reduces shine, creating the perfect base for makeup. Oh, and it comes expert-approved. In fact, Dr Ejikeme highly recommends this product.
7. Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, willow bark extract and marine extract
This oil-control moisturiser features niacinamide to help balance the complexion, while also providing a mattifying effect. That being said, unlike other mattifying moisturisers, it still delivers plenty of hydration.
8. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream
Key ingredients: Niacinamide and a biopeptide complex
I'm sure you've all heard of the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, but did you know that there is a gel-cream version that is ideal for oily skin? The lightweight formula contains niacinamide and a biopeptide complex to rebalance and improve the appearance of your complexion.
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