13 best moisturisers for oily skin that will hydrate without clogging the pores
As is the case with all skin types, oily skin calls for specific skincare considerations, which is precisely why finding the best moisturisers for oily skin is harder than you'd think.
According to Daniel Isaacs, director of research at Medik8: “Oily skin usually presents itself with more visible pores and greater sebum (oil) production. Sometimes those with oily skin types may also present with blemishes or acne.”
In an ideal scenario, those whose skin is on the oily side may want to opt for a non-comedogenic moisturiser (one that won't result in clogged pores) that also delivers lasting hydration. Generally, you might want to avoid a greasy formula, especially since you should also look to layer it with a healthy dose of your sunscreen for face.
Instead, you'd do well to consider an oil-free moisturiser with a lightweight formula, preferably one that's either water-based or has a gel-like feel to it. Mattifying formulas are always a great option, too, especially for the summer, as they can also help regulate the oil and sebum production.
Best moisturisers for oily skin at a glance – our top picks:
- Best moisturiser for oily skin overall: Kiehl’s Oil-Free Ultra Facial Cream
- Best moisturiser for oily skin with SPF: Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect Age-Defying Moisturiser SPF30
- Best moisturiser for oily skin for a dewy glow: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream
- Best peptide-rich moisturiser for oily skin: Drunk Elephant Protini Moisturiser
While we know it's all too easy to think you should be using products that'll dry skin out in order to counteract the oil, that’s far from the truth. Contrary to popular belief, oily and acne-prone skin types most definitely need moisturising too. But we get it: figuring it all out on your own can be quite intimidating, especially considering the sheer amount of brands and options out there. Luckily, we've done all the hard work for you by not only quizzing the most renown skincare experts in the biz but also testing out the formulas first-hand.
How we tested the best moisturisers for oily skin:
The GLAMOUR beauty team is trialling hundreds of moisturisers on the daily, from new innovative products as well as dermatologist-approved and science-backed formulations – including premium buys that are worth the investment to affordable must-haves, cult-favourites and couple of new releases too. When testing, we pay attention to the product's efficacy and consistency over a month's worth of time, while keeping in mind acne-prone and sensitive skin types as well as conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
Unsure whether you have oily skin? If your skin tends to fall on the tighter, more easily-irritated side, then chances are, your skin is likely more likely dry, sensitive or perhaps both rather than oily. Or, if you're somebody that has a few dry patches dotted around and an oily T-zone, consider yourself team combination skin.
More guides:
- Best moisturiser with SPF
- 13 best moisturisers for mature skin that will hydrate, firm and tighten
- Best neck creams, because yes, you should probably be using one
- Best night creams to repair and renew your skin
- The best moisturisers for sensitive skin, hands down
- 13 best skin-tightening creams to help you feel your most confident
- 21 best water-based moisturisers to keep your skin flake-free and dewy
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For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Discover our edit of the best moisturisers for oily skin to shop in 2024…
Best moisturiser for oily skin with SPF protection
Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect Age-Defying Moisturiser SPF30
Why we love it: If you're after a 2-in-1 moisturiser with added SPF protection that won't feel greasy or pore-clogging, you need to get your hands on this science-backed formula from Medik8. Offering lasting hydration and youth-boosting benefits, this moisturiser is also enriched with multi-weight hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin feeling plumped and well-nourished at all times.
Best moisturiser for oily skin overall
Kiehl’s Oil-Free Ultra Facial Cream
Why we love it: An oil-free version of the most iconic Kiehl’s moisturiser, this one floods the skin with hydration while working to help balance the complexion, preventing excess oil production. Its gel texture allows it to absorb quickly, feeling silky smooth and leaving skin with a matte finish with zero residue in sight. We're sold.
Best moisturiser for oily skin for a dewy glow
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream
Why we love it: Like many, I've been obsessed with the original Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream since the dawn of time. However, the brand's latest fragrance-free and water-based iteration might actually be my favourite. Featuring an incredibly hydrating formula and lightweight consistency, this moisturiser will deliver all the glow, minus the greasy feel. Glazed skin in a bottle.
Best moisturiser for oily skin with peptides
Drunk Elephant Protini Moisturiser
Why we love it: This protein-rich moisturiser aids collagen production, maintains your skin's optimal pH level and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over consistent use. Perfect for revitalising dull and dehydrated skin.
Enjoy extra savings while shopping for the best moisturisers for oily skin using these Boots discount codes.
Best moisturiser for oily skin for barrier repair
The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
Why we love it: It's plumping, it's hydrating and it helps with barrier repair. This newly launched (yet already loved and adored) gel moisturiser features an innovative formula that's been proven to help minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time, leaving your complexion dewy and healthy-looking.
Best affordable moisturiser for oily skin
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF30
Why we love it: After an affordable formula that delivers impressive results? Say no more. This cult-favourite AM Facial Moisturising Lotion from CeraVe is well worth considering. Featuring SPF30 protection, this moisturiser will act as a 2-in-1 formula, which may also reduce the amount of time that it takes for you to complete your daily skincare ritual. Plus, it also does a superb job as a base for your makeup and can easily manage to keep your skin hydrated for a prolonged period of time.
Best water-based moisturiser for oily skin
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer
Why we love it: This rich water-based cream features a flurry of hydrating ingredients such as squalane that are guaranteed to keep your skin well-nourished for longer. Plus, did we mention that it's filled to the brim with vitamins too?
Save when you shop for moisturisers for oily skin with these Sephora discount codes.
Best lightweight moisturiser for oily skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
Why we love it: Containing a unique hyaluronic gel matrix to instantly lock in intense hydration and then continuously release it as and when your skin needs it, this cream is as clever as it sounds. The gel formula is super lightweight and works to help refresh skin, too.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for oily skin with these LookFantastic discount codes.
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Best drugstore moisturiser for acne-prone oily skin
Why we love it: This mattifying daily moisturiser is great for oily skin that falls victim to excessive shine. The oil-free formula boasts anti-shine properties, helping to reduce the appearance of pores while simultaneously reducing excess sebum. It doesn’t dry skin out either – instead it promises long-lasting hydration for up to eight hours that's gentle enough for both sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. Beloved by dermatologists.
Save when you shop for moisturisers for oily skin with these Sephora discount codes.
Best moisturiser for oily skin with niacinamide
Why we love it: Think of it as the perfect moisturising cocktail for oily skin, formulated to give your face that much-needed hydration boost without clogging your pores. This product is infused with a unique blend of skin-loving ingredients, including niacinamide and green tea – perfect for that cooling feel to wake up your skin and to retain moisture throughout the whole day. Oh, and did we mention that this lightweight gel also great for reducing inflammation and prevent breakouts? Sign. Us. Up.
Save big when you shop for the best moisturisers for oily skin with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best gel moisturiser for oily skin
Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer
Why we love it: Having oily skin doesn’t mean you need to compromise on a fresh, dewy glow – and Summer Fridays is here to prove that point. A powerhouse of a hydrator, this moisturiser has a gel-like feel to it that won’t ever feel heavy. It’s oil-free and infused with a complex of ceramides, minerals and amino acids to protect and rebuild the skin barrier while pineapple enzymes promise a luminous, smooth finish.
Save when you shop for the best moisturiser for oily skin with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best moisturiser for oily, mature skin
Why we love it: Ideal for dealing with dryness and nourishing mature skin. This formula is made with Japanese wild rose, leopard lilym, algae, green tea and even 24k carat gold – all of which work together to give your a plumper and more hydrated complexion.
Save when you shop for moisturisers for oily skin with these Space NK discount codes.
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Best hypoallergenic moisturiser for oily skin
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Gel Cream Hydrating Moisturiser
Why we love it: Formulated with mineralising thermal water and mineral salts, this moisturiser consists of 97% all-natural ingredients to both rehydrate your complexion and protect you from the effects of pollution. Plus, it's also hypoallergenic.
Enjoy extra savings while shopping for the best moisturisers for oily skin using these Boots discount codes.
In the mood to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the face masks, anti-ageing creams, night creams, hyaluronic acid serum, vitamin C serums, retinol creams and the best sunscreens for face. We can also help you pick the best moisturisers and face creams, the best moisturiser for dry skin and the best moisturiser for combination skin.
