Our skin needs proper care because it is the most sensitive organ of our body. And giving your skin proper moisture is very important to keep your skin nourished and healthy. Your skin needs moisture no matter what your skin type is. You will need the best moisturiser even for oily skin.
Many people have the misconception that only people with dry skin lack moisture but the truth is that even people having oily skin need proper moisturisation. Because excess oils do not mean moisture!
To be precise, let us know why do people with oily need moisture?
Most of us think that using any moisturizing product on oily skin can actually increase our problems by making our skin more oily and thus causing acne. But we tend to ignore the fact that our skin needs hydration.
Oily skin is the result of excess production of natural oil called sebum. And it makes our skin look greasy and also cause acne and blackheads by clogging our pores.

The reason we need to moisturize our skin is that in oily skin, external factors such as pollution, UV rays, and excessive cleansing can damage skin’s moisture barrier, causing loss of moisture and an increase in oil production.
As a result, our complexion can start to look overly shiny. That’s right, refusing to moisturize can actually lead to our skin looking oilier. That is not your goal, right? That’s why we should use a moisturizer for oily, acne-prone skin after cleansing—just as we would moisturize dry skin.
[Also Read: What Is My Skin Type And It's Preferred Products?]
How To Choose The Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin?
You have two main options, water-based or oil-based. If your skin is oily you should be looking for a water-based moisturiser, as these are much less rich compared to their oil-based counterparts.
A water-based moisturiser with natural humectants such as Manuka Honey is even better. Manuka Honey draws in moisture from the air and locks the extra hydration in your skin, thus creating a double whammy of hydration.
1. A light moisturiser formulation
Heavy creams and lotions will be too rich for your skin; when the cream is too heavy your pores cannot absorb it, resulting in the product sitting on top of your skin.
2. Use a non-comedogenic moisturiser
Products with a high percentage of natural ingredients in their formulation, tend to be the best as they have smaller molecules and therefore able to penetrate the skin better and less likely to cause blocked pores.
To find out whether or not a product contains non-comedogenic ingredients, the best way is to familiarise yourself with your ingredients. Coconut butter, avocado oil and olive oil are common skincare ingredients present in moisturisers which may be comedogenic, for instance.
Please bear in mind, however, a comedogenic ingredient may only comprise 2% of the formulation and therefore the formulation as a whole is non-comedogenic.
3. Fragrance-Free
Always use fragrance-free moisturizers. Synthetic fragrances can further irritate the skin and may cause redness and breakouts.
4. UV Protection
Choose a moisturizer that contains SPF to prevent UV damage and photo-ageing. The sun’s rays can aggravate acne and irritate the skin. Choose a mineral sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen. Check for ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in your moisturizer.
15 Best Moisturizers To Go For If You Have Oily Skin
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1. Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel
This is a gel-based moisturizer that provides intense hydration to your skin without making it oily. It has a water-gel formula that keeps your skin soft and smooth. It can also double as a makeup primer.
Pros:
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Quickly absorbed
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- 100% alcohol-free
- 48-hour hydration
Cons:
- Not cost-effective
2. Olay Regenerist Whip UV SPF 30
Olay Regenerist Whip UV SPF 30 is a revolutionary moisturizer with a whipped cream base. It has numerous benefits starting with its non-sticky, grease-free texture. The moisturizer gives a smooth matte finish and could be the perfect primer to help make-up stay on until removed.
It uses the Active Rush Technology for easy absorption and is replete with anti-ageing ingredients.
Pros:
- The whipped cream base for light and airy feeling
- Turns to liquid on contact for ease of absorption
- Smooth, non-sticky finish
- Lightweight
- Anti-oxidants and other anti-ageing ingredients
- SPF 30 UVA/UVB Protection
Cons:
- Availability is a concern
3. Re’equil Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
This moisturizer has an oil-free formula that regulates excess sebum production and keeps your face shine-free for hours. It also reduces the size of the pores on your face.
Pros:
- Non-greasy
- Clinically proven
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically tested
Cons:
- Not easily available
4. Himalaya Herbals Oil-Free Radiance Gel Cream
This lightweight cream gently hydrates your skin and gives it an oil-free radiance. It contains herbal extracts that nourish your skin and keep it healthy.
Pros:
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically tested
- No mineral oils
- No parabens
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Not long-lasting
5. Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturizer
This daily face moisturizer provides 24-hour hydration without clogging your skin pores. It has a fast-absorbing formula that leaves your skin soft and smooth with regular usage.
Pros:
- Dermatologically tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Mild fragrance
Cons:
- Can be a little greasy

6. Pond’s Light Moisturizer
This nourishing cream is lightweight, doesn’t make your skin excessively oily, and can be used on the face and other body parts. It spreads easily and is absorbed instantly.
Pros:
- Water-based, non-oily formula
- 24-hour moisture block
- Lightweight
- Contains vitamin E
- Travel-friendly
Cons:
- No SPF
7. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Sebo-Regulating Moisturizer
This face moisturizer gives your skin a matte finish and is developed using Sebulyse technology. It targets excessive oiliness and offers sebum control.
Pros:
- Refines the pore size
- Anti-shine effect
- Improves skin texture
- Can be used as a makeup base
Cons:
- Contains alcohol
- Contains artificial fragrance
8. Clean & Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
This product keeps your skin moisturized minus the greasiness. It doesn’t clog your skin pores and also claims to prevent blackheads and breakouts.
Pros:
- Contains salicylic acid
- Non-greasy
- Budget-friendly
- Non-comedogenic
Cons:
- Contains parabens
- Contains alcohol
9. Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer With SPF
This daily facial moisturizer claims to protect your skin from sun damage and prevent sun-induced ageing. This oil-free moisturizer nourishes your skin without making it greasy.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Contains alcohol
- Contains parabens
10. Lacto Calamine Oil-Balance Daily Face Care Lotion
This product contains Kaolin clay extracts that absorb excess oil and keep your face shine and oil-free for hours. It also helps to balance the moisture level of your skin so that it doesn’t feel dry.
Pros:
- pH-balanced
- Non-greasy
- Matte effect
Cons:
- Strong fragrance

11. Olay CC Tone Correcting Moisturizer With Sunscreen
This is a boon for anyone who is looking for a tinted moisturizer. This colour correcting cream from Olay has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce excess sebum and keep your skin happy.
Pros:
- Contains SPF 15
- Provides sheer coverage
- Hydrating
Cons:
- Overpowering fragrance
12. Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
This face moisturizer regulates the activity of your sebaceous glands and reduces excessive oiliness. The micro pearl technology reduces shine and gives your skin a matte finish.
Pros:
- SPF 30
- Non-greasy
- Quickly absorbed
- Lightweight
- Unscented
Cons:
- Not sweat-proof or waterproof
- May need reapplication
13. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion
This moisturizer exfoliates to extirpate dead cells and reduce excess oil that can lead to breakouts. It unclogs pores while its oil-absorbing powders eliminate shine making it one of the best moisturizers for oily skin!
Pros:
- Helps control oil
- Gives you a matte looking skin
- Alleviates redness from breakouts
Cons:
- Pungent smell
- Sightly expensive
14. VLCC Lavang Moisturiser
It is a great moisturizer for oily skin with herbal extracts of Neem & Clove Oil which helps in controlling acne and excessive sebum secretion, leaving skin non-greasy, smooth and glowing.
Pros:
- Non-greasy
- Controls sebum and oil production
- Ousts blemishes
Cons:
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- The pungent smell of clove
15. Lotus Herbals Alphamoist Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Oil-Free Moisturizer
This moisturizer by Lotus Herbals gives you an intense deep moisturization, makes your skin feel soft and lissome without making your skin greasy. Its non-greasy formula absorbs into your skin giving it a shine-free and oil-free look.
Pros:
- Does not cause oiliness
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Moisturizes well
Cons:
- Contains parabens
[Also Read: Top Five Toners For Oily Skin]
So now you know that moisturising your skin is very important no matter what your skin type is. And these above-mentioned moisturizers work wonders when it comes to oily skin.
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Disclaimer: These products may contain certain ingredients that may be unsuitable for some people. If using any of these products causes any adverse effects to discontinue immediately. If the problem persists, consult your nearest dermatologist.
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