If you’ve been told to skip moisturizer due to oily skin, it’s time to change. Even if you’re prone to acne, keeping your skin hydrated matters. Oily skin can signal dehydration, leading to acne, shine, and clogged pores.
Luckily, there are oil-free moisturizers that work wonders. These light lotions and gels bring the moisture your skin needs while controlling excess oil.
The result? Skin that’s soft and supple, minus the heavy, greasy feel.
But watch out – many skincare products contain oils that can trigger breakouts and unwanted shine, especially for specific skin types.
The good news? I’ve researched, sorting through formulas, textures, and values to round up the top 13 oil-free moisturizers.
I’ve also matched each formula to the right skin type – whether it’s oily, acne-prone, or a combo.
Ready to banish those oily skin misconceptions and embrace these moisturizing marvels? Your skin will thank you.
Best Oil Free Moisturizers
| Product | Active Ingredients | Skin Type | Price |
| Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer | Hydrolyzed silk, Hyaluronic Acid, Pentavitin | All | $22 |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | Hyaluronic Acid | Balanced-to-Oily | $19.99 |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer | Lipohydroxy Acid, Zinc Pidolate, Salicylic Acid, Silica, Glycerine | Oily | $35.99 |
| Tatcha The Water Cream | Hadasei-3 Complex, Wild Rose, Leopard Lily | Combination and Oily | $72 |
| Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer | Hyaluronic Acid, Red Algae Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, | Balanced, Combination, Oily | $48 |
| RoC Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift 5 in 1 Night Cream | Glycerine, Antioxidants | All | $29.99 |
| CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF | Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, SPF | All (but works best for dry skin) | $20.99 |
| Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly | Glycerine, Hyaluronic Acid, Natural Extracts | Combination and Oily | $45 |
| Caudalie Skincare Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer | Patented Vine Sap-Derived Viniferine, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Normal and Dry | $65 |
| Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer | Moringa Seed Extract, Papaya, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Balanced, Combination, Oily | $42 |
| Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer | Watermelon, Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidants, Vitamins | Dry, Sensitive, Acne-Prone, Oily, Combination | $49 |
| BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream | Tri-Ceramide Complex, Niacinamide, Green Tea, Beta Glucan | Oily | $13.99 |
| La Prairie Pure Gold Radiance Nocturnal Balm | Glycerin, Glycoproteins, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tocopherol | Dry, Oily, Combination | $925 |
Now that you know about the 13 best oil free moisturizers, it’s time to learn more about them.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
| Pros | Cons |
| Feels lightweight | Extremely expensive |
| Softens Skin | |
| Very moisturizing |
As its name suggests, this moisturizer feels as weightless as a cloud.
Packed with natural hydrolyzed silk, it effortlessly makes your skin supple and silky without any undesirable heaviness that some moisturizers tend to leave behind.
But don’t be fooled by its airy texture – some serious hydration power is also at play here.
With a whopping 30% concentration of the brand’s Hyaluronic Acid Complex and Pentavitin (a super hydrating element), this cream works its magic, keeping your skin completely dewy and well-moisturized for 72 hours.
And here’s a little extra perk – not only does it leave your skin feeling plump and resilient, but it also lends a hand in keeping those pesky fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
| Pros | Cons |
| Absorbs quickly | Fragranced |
| Non-comedogenic and alcohol-free | |
| High ratings |
This much-loved moisturizer boasts some seriously impressive ratings—and it’s no surprise why.
A true savior for dehydrated skin, this water-based gel goes deep with its hyaluronic acid infusion, but the best part?
It works swiftly, vanishing into your skin in a flash, leaving behind a flawlessly smooth and plump finish that’s an ideal canvas for your makeup artistry.
Moreover, this little wonder is not just oil-free, but it’s also non-comedogenic and dye-free. No irritations or unwelcome breakouts to worry about. This makes it a gem for sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin types.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
| Pros | Cons |
| Tightens enlarged pores | Less in quantity |
| Controls shine | |
| Feels lightweight |
When the battle against stubborn oil feels never-ending, this oil-free moisturizer is your ultimate ally.
Thanks to the brand’s innovative Sebulyse Technology, it zeroes in on excess oil like a pro, addressing all those pesky oily skin concerns.
The secret? A formula enriched with LHA (lipohydroxy acid), which not only tightens those stubbornly enlarged pores but also indulges in micro-exfoliation for a texture that’s nothing short of refined.
Plus, this lightweight lotion has zinc pidolate, which sweeps away any traces of unwanted shine, leaving you with a flawlessly matte yet beautifully hydrated complexion.
Tatcha The Water Cream
| Pros | Cons |
| Gentle formula | Has alcohol and fragrance |
| Absorbs excess oil | |
| Contains hydrating ingredients |
Tatcha’s Water Cream is the real deal. This moisturizer is like a magic potion, teaming up with Japanese wonders like wild rose and leopard lily to give your skin a serious anti-aging boost.
The best part? It’s as light as air, so no heavy feeling on your skin.
This cream also brings you the brand’s prized Hadasei-3 complex—an unbeatable fusion of green tea, rice, and algae that’s an absolute powerhouse for combating the signs of aging.
Bonus? It’s all packed into a clean, supremely gentle formula and won’t clog your pores or cause unwelcome reactions.
Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer
| Pros | Cons |
| Shine free formula | Not suitable for acne-prone skin |
| Cruelty-free | |
| Absorbs fast |
Shani Darden’s Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer lives up to its promise in every way.
Think weightless, yet an absolute hydration powerhouse – this quick-absorbing formula is your secret weapon for harmonizing combination skin.
Now, let’s talk about ingredients. Of course, we’ve got the ever-popular hyaluronic acid, but that’s not all.
This moisturizer gets an extra boost from red algae extract and hydrolyzed collagen – a dynamic duo that adds more moisture to your skincare game.
It’s also great at nourishing those dry patches and wise enough not to smother the pores in your oilier zones.
The downside? It’s not good for my sensitive skin pals as the formula is comedogenic.
RoC Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift 5 in 1 Night Cream
| Pros | Cons |
| Firming | Fragranced |
| Luxurious texture | Not very moisturizing |
| Non-greasy |
Blending the best anti-aging and calming elements, including glycerin, this night cream has become a go-to for those in search of firmer skin rather than just a moisture boost in their nightly regimen.
Tiktokers are raving about its luxurious texture, seamless absorption, and sweet fragrance that lingers.
I particularly like its lightning-fast absorption and non-sticky/non-greasy texture.
However, let’s address the downside – if your goal is intense hydration, this cream might not be your best bet.
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF
| Pros | Cons |
| Non-irritation formula | Not sweatproof |
| Contains SPF 30 | |
| Hydrating ingredients |
Meet the power couple in this SPF-packed, oil-free moisturizer: ceramides and hyaluronic acid. They team up to give your skin barrier a boost like no other.
Thanks to its feather-light touch, it swiftly sinks in, leaving no trace of stickiness behind.
This formula won’t trigger irritation, breakouts, or unsightly redness, whether your skin is sensitive, oily, or anything in between.
It also doesn’t leave any ghostly white cast or residue behind, and the best part? It’s packing SPF 30. Consider your sun protection sorted with CeraVe.
Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
| Pros | Cons |
| Cooling sensation | Expensive |
| Maintain skin’s moisture levels | |
| Thousands of 5-star reviews |
Got acne-prone skin, or tinkering with your skincare for the weather shift?
Clinique’s Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly is a game-changer you shouldn’t miss.
Its water-jelly texture brings an immediate cooling sensation and plays host to a dynamic trio of sunflower seed, barley, and cucumber extract.
Teaming up with hyaluronic acid, they’re on a mission to hydrate and bolster your skin barrier, bringing a transformation you’ll love.
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Caudalie Skincare Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer
| Pros | Cons |
| Improves skin texture | Fragranced |
| Absorbs into skin | |
| Feels lightweight |
For those well-acquainted with acne-prone skin, the battle often extends to unwelcome hyperpigmentation. Those Oh-so-stubborn marks can linger even after the breakouts have vanished.
This oil-free moisturizer hydrates without any oily interference and diminishes the appearance of those dark spots.
Infused with ingredients like resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, and a vegan collagen substitute, this nightly lightweight cream takes its role seriously.
As you sleep, it works wonders by firming up your skin and putting in overtime to refine your skin’s texture.
Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer
| Pros | Cons |
| Purifying | Strong fragrance |
| Sustainable product | Sticky |
| Cruelty-free |
Every product from Farmacy gets its power from plants, ensuring they’re completely free from harmful stuff. And they’re doing their part for the planet with sustainable packaging.
Now, let’s get into the actual product.
Packed with papaya and moringa, this natural mix contains ingredients that give your skin a healthy dose of moisture, making it look fuller without causing pore blockages.
Working together, hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids ensure your skin stays hydrated and clear. The result? Skin that’s beautifully dewy, minus any unwanted shine.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer
| Pros | Cons |
| Hydrating ingredients | Fragranced |
| Gently Exfoliates | |
| Cooling sensation |
Emerging from the immense popularity of the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, the Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer harnesses the magic of watermelon extract to maintain your skin’s dewy freshness.
The mix is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that bring back your skin’s natural shine, and the hyaluronic acid ensures your skin stays well-hydrated for the upcoming day.
What’s more, the oil-free blend feels refreshingly cool as you apply it, and the scent? A delightful aroma of freshly sliced melon.
BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Comes in a plastic bottle which is not sustainable |
| Helps restore skin barrier | |
| Non-greasy |
Byoma has swiftly won a place in my heart as a beloved brand. Why?
It’s not just their budget-friendly magic that grabs attention but also their dedication to crafting formulas that fortify your skin’s defenses and cater to those pesky acne worries.
Now, let’s talk about their gel cream – a hydrating mixture that showcases two superstars: niacinamide and green tea.
This combo is a dream for folks with oily skin who seek hydration and tender loving care.
La Prairie Pure Gold Radiance Nocturnal Balm
| Pros | Cons |
| Luxurious texture | Extremely expensive |
| Glowing and moisturized skin | |
| Absorbs fast |
La Prairie has a new night balm that feels luxurious on your skin but is not too heavy.
It’s mainly for folks whose skin might feel worn out, giving a boost to your skin cells’ energy for a renewed look.
However, I didn’t have the opportunity to try it due to its super mega expensive price tag of $829. But people online really like it.
They say it soaks in quickly and keeps their skin hydrated all night and the next day without causing any breakouts.
What to look for when shopping for an oil free moisturizer?
When looking for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer, keep these factors in mind:
1. Skin Type: Focus on finding a formula that suits your specific skin type:
- Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Look for non-comedogenic products that won’t block your pores.
- Dry Skin: Use moisturizers with occlusives, emollients, or ceramides to lock in moisture.
- Sensitive Skin: Go for hypoallergenic options labeled as “calming” or “soothing.”
2. Product Texture: Pick moisturizers with lightweight textures that absorb quickly. Go for gels, lotions, or serums – they’re lighter than thicker creams or balms.
3. Ingredients: Hunt for ingredients that are both lightweight and hydrating, such as:
- Hyaluronic Acid: An excellent water-attracting ingredient that keeps skin hydrated.
- Niacinamide: Known for its moisturizing and pore-reducing properties.
- Squalane: A lightweight oil that offers hydration without heaviness (goals!).
Choosing the right moisturizer is a breeze when considering your skin type, the product’s texture, and the ingredients. You’ll get the hydration you want without that pesky, greasy sensation.
When should I apply my oil-free moisturizer?
If your skin leans toward the oily side, here’s the scoop: Mornings are your best friend for moisturizing.
Right after your cleanse and tone routine, but before slapping on sunscreen and makeup, go for it. Just give it a minute or two to sink in before adding another layer – that way, there is no clumping drama.
Now, as the sun dips down, switch things up. When it’s nighttime, make moisturizer your grand finale.
After you’ve ticked off the cleanse, tone, serum, and treatment steps, seal the deal with moisturizer. That’s the winning routine for oily skin!
How to know if my moisturizer is oil-free?
Is your moisturizer oil-free? Easy peasy – just give that ingredient list a quick scan. If you see any type of oil mentioned, well, it’s not oil-free.
It’s a universal rule: whether it’s jojoba or emu, if “oil” is in the name, oil’s in the mix.
Or, if you’re not into squinting at tiny text, go for the no-fuss option. Pick a moisturizer that proudly shouts “oil-free” on its packaging or ads.
That way, you can choose without becoming a label detective.
Wrapping Up
Surprising as it may sound, even oily skin craves the right kind of hydration. Don’t be fooled by the shine – skipping this step isn’t wise.
See, all those oil-free moisturizers we talked about? They have the secret sauce to balance your oil game while packing the good stuff.
And here’s the kicker: none of them will suffocate your pores or launch a breakout frenzy.
So, give your skin its daily dose of hydration because it’s a must-do for all skin types, even the shiny ones.
Which oil-free moisturizer is your personal favorite? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
FAQs
Which is the best oil-free moisturizer?
My No. 1 pick is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. Its water-based gel goes deep with its hyaluronic acid infusion and is also non-comedogenic and alcohol-free.
Is oil-free moisturizer good for oily skin?
Yes, oil-free moisturizers are good for oily skin. They hydrate without making your skin feel more oily.
Is Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer good for oily skin?
Yes, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer is suitable for oily skin. It’s designed to keep your skin hydrated without adding extra oil.
Does any oil-free moisturizer have SPF?
The CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 is an oil-free moisturizer with sun protection. Its formula won’t trigger irritation, breakouts, or unsightly redness, even for sensitive skin.
