The 10 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Oily Skin – 2023

Oily skin woes are legit, but so are these moisturizers that give you flawless skin.

Reviewed by Hillary Clark, Esthetician
Written by Oyendrila Kanjilal, Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Shiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Anjali Sayee  • 
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Keeping your skin hydrated is as simple as using the best drugstore moisturizer for oily skin. People with oily skin often find it challenging to keep their skin moisturized. Chances are your skin feels greasier after applying moisturizer. On the other hand, if you neglect moisturizing, you will dry out your skin, and the glands might overproduce oil. You can solve these issues with an oil-free moisturizer. Consider it if you find regular moisturizers heavy and sticky.

This article has compiled the top 10 moisturizers specially designed for oily skin. Take a look.

Moisturizing can seem like a big task when you have oily skin. You may find your skin feeling oilier. However, if you skip moisturizing and deprive your skin of moisture, you may drive your oil glands to produce more oil. The solution? An oil-free moisturizer. If you find a standard moisturizer sticky and heavy on your skin, opt for one that is oil-free. An oil-free moisturizer is often lightweight and water-based.

Here, we have listed the top ten moisturizers specifically meant for oily skin. Keep reading.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best UV Protection: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing LotionPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For All Skin Types: Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face MoisturizerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Water-Based Formula: L'Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care OilPrice on Amazon
Best Dermatologist-Recommended: Neutrogena Oil-Free Glycerin Face MoisturizerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Lightweight: Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Face MoisturizerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Organic Formula: Natural Outcome Oily Skin MoisturizerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Sensitive Skin: Solimo Oil-Free Facial MoisturizerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying MoisturizerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Anti-Aging: Beauty by Earth Oil Control Face MoisturizerPrice on Amazon
Best Non-Comedogenic: EltaMD AM Therapy Face MoisturizerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart

10 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Oily Skin

Best UV Protection:CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion

4.5

The CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion keeps your skin moisturized and hydrated throughout the day. The moisturizing lotion also helps restore the skin’s protective barrier. The lotion is formulated with SPF 30 that is ideal for daily UV protection. The lotion’s unique formula contains three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6II). These ceramides help restore and maintain the natural protective barrier while working on shine control. The lotion utilizes patented MVE controlled release technology. It helps replenish the skin ceramides and delivers long-lasting moisturization. The lotion is non-comedogenic. Check out the detailed review of the product in this reviewer’s experience video.


Pros
  • SPF 30 provides UV protection
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Contains three essential ceramides
  • MVE controlled release technology
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Pore minimizing

Cons

  • May cause breakouts

Why It’s Worth Buying: It has received over 59,636 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
Price at the time of publication: $14.62

Best For All Skin Types:Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer

4.5
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer Image: Garnier

The Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer contains vitamin E and fruit water antioxidant complex that provide 24-hour hydration. The moisturizer protects and defends the skin against moisture loss. It has a watery texture and doesn’t clog pores. The moisturizer is not tested on animals and is suitable for all skin types and works exceptionally well with oily skin. The moisturizer will leave the skin feeling hydrated, soft, fresh, and smooth. Watch this video of the product for more information.


Pros
  • Watery texture
  • Protects and defends skin against moisture loss
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Does not clog pores

Cons

  • May cause allergic reactions

protip_icon Pro Tip
Remember that moisturizer is necessary even for oily skin because it helps regulate oil production. Without moisturization, your skin will produce more oil for its hydration. With the right amount of moisturizer, your skin can avoid wrinkles while remaining smooth and moist.

Why It’s Worth Buying: Almost 11,275 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $15.98

Best Water-Based Formula:L'Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Oil

4.5
L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Water-Based Cream Image: L'oreal

The L’Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Oil is a water-based moisturizer. The moisturizer delivers the hydration of a face lotion. It is a water-like, quick-absorbing, gel face moisturizer. It keeps the skin hydrated, softer, and more supple and reduces the excess shine. The moisturizer is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe water. These ingredients keep the skin hydrated for up to 72 hours. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the product.


Pros
  • Watery texture
  • Fast-drying
  • Reduces excess shine
  • Hyaluronic acid and aloe water add moisture
  • Keeps skin hydrated for 72 hours

Cons

  • Fragrance could be too strong

Why It’s Worth Buying: With over 7,350 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Price at the time of publication: $18.54

Best Dermatologist-Recommended:Neutrogena Oil-Free Glycerin Face Moisturizer

4
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Image: Neutrogena Oil-free Moisture

The Neutrogena Oil-free Moisturizer is an excellent product for oily and combination skin, as confirmed by many satisfied reviewers. The moisturizer has a clinically proven oil-absorbing system that controls oil and shine in the T-Zone and other places where the skin is oily plus it works on redness reduction as well. The moisturizer is lightweight and gives a natural matte finish all day. It leaves skin feeling softer and smoother. It is dermatologist-recommended. They have anti-inflammatory properties and also soothe skin irritation, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, etc. The dermatologist-tested product is also fragrance-free and alcoholic-free. The moisturizer is non-comedogenic.


Pros
  • Suitable for combination skin too
  • Includes clinically proven oil-absorbing system
  • Controls oil and shine in the T-Zone
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • May cause breakouts
  • Has no SPF
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 8,022 great reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $427.0


Best Lightweight:Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Face Moisturizer

4.4
Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Face Moisturizer Image: Clean & Clear

 

The Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Face Moisturizer is ultra-lightweight and non-greasy. Its gel formula leaves the skin feeling immediately replenished. It is formulated with water and contains a unique blend of cucumber and green mango extracts. The moisturizer is non-comedogenic.


Pros
  • Replenishes skin immediately
  • Unique moisturizing blend of cucumber and green mango extracts
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-irritating

Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Cucumbers are fantastic for hydrating your skin. They also help to soothe irritated skin because they are high in vitamin B. Green Mangoes contain antioxidants that help to fight free radicals and rejuvenate skin cells.

Why It’s Worth Buying: With over 4,215 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
Price at the time of publication: $25.19

Best Organic Formula:Natural Outcome Oily Skin Moisturizer

4
Natural Outcome Oily Skin Moisturizer Image: Natural Outcome

The Natural Outcome Oily Skin Moisturizer may be used to moisturize your face while working on sebum production control on your skin, giving you a smooth, matte finish. This oil-absorbing moisturizer offers a balanced complexion, enabling you to manage your oily skin and keep it fresh and shine-free all day long. The product is not tested on animals and contains organic ingredients and the formula is safe to use. Watermelon extracts and hyaluronic acid, which give the skin its natural hydration, are two of the main components. White willow extracts, on the other hand, promote skin healing. Aloe vera extracts calm and restores moisture in the skin, keeping it oil-free and hydrated.


Pros
  • Organic formula
  • Matte finish
  • User-friendly
  • Ideal for oily skin
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $16.95

Best For Sensitive Skin: Solimo Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer

4.3
 

The Solimo Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer works well on sensitive skin. The moisturizer comes in a 4-fluid ounce-pump bottle. The moisturizer provides hydrating effects. It is fragrance-free and is suitable for daily use. The moisturizer works without clogging the skin pores. The product is alcohol- and paraben-free and is not tested on animals.

Pros

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Fragrance-free
  • Affordable
  • Prevents pore-clogging
  • Suitable for daily use
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Not tested on animals

Cons

  • May cause breakouts
Price at the time of publication: $6.97


Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer

4.1

 

The Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer is easy-absorbing. It improves skin texture and tone by offering hydration. The product contains lilac extract and chlorella that provide excellent moisturization. This cream ensures sebum control as it is formulated for normal to oily skin as well as acne-prone skin. The product is vegan. It also is free of parabens, sulfates, and mineral oils.


Pros
  • Easy-absorbing
  • Budget-friendly
  • Suitable for acne-prone skin
  • Vegan
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Mineral oil-free

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: With 1,021 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Price at the time of publication: $13.81


The Beauty By Earth Oil Control Face Moisturizer is a wrinkle-reducing and glow-inducing product. The moisturizer is infused with twenty age-defying ingredients that increase collagen production, control shine, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The moisturizer has a lightweight texture as it is water-based. Hence, it penetrates the skin without leaving an oily finish. The moisturizer is vegan and is suitable for daily use.

Pros

  • Reduces wrinkles
  • Increases collagen production
  • Controls shine
  • Vegan
  • Suitable for daily use

Cons

  • May cause breakouts

Price at the time of publication: $25.99

The EltaMD AM Therapy Face moisturizer smoothens the skin texture and evens out skin color and tone. The dermatologist-recommended product stimulates the skin’s natural water system and moisturizes it without using oils or heavy emollients. The moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, which helps in increasing moisture absorption and retention. The moisturizer brightens and improves skin tone and is safe for sensitive skin. The product is non-comedogenic. It also is fragrance-free.

Pros

  • Stimulates skin’s natural water system
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • Brightens skin tone
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Increases moisture absorption and retention

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $35.1

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Moisturizers For Oily Skin

When it comes to finding the right moisturizer for oily skin, key ingredients can make all the difference. Select ingredients help balance oil production, hydrate without greasiness, and improve the overall condition of your skin. Discover the power of these ingredients in the infographic below.

Key Ingredients To Look For In Moisturizers For Oily Skin (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Oily skin and moisturizers might sound counter-intuitive, but no matter what your skin type is, moisturization is essential. You may be familiar with skin concerns like shiny T-zone and acne breakouts if you have oily skin. That is why you need the best moisturizers for oily skin that will keep your skin hydrated without leaving it greasy. These moisturizers have an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula that delivers long-lasting moisturization. Some of these moisturizers also offer SPF protection. The CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion offers hydration and minimizes pores, the Neutrogena Oil-Free Glycerin Face Moisturizer helps soothe irritated skin and reduces redness, and the Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer enables sebum control, making it suitable for acne-prone skin. We recommend you thoroughly go through the ingredients list before choosing the best moisturizer for oily skin.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach. She has done in-depth research about various moisturizers and gone through hundreds of user reviews to bring you the best ones for oily skin. The moisturizers listed above protect the skin against moisture loss, brighten your skin tone, and reduce excess shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a moisturizer good for oily skin?

Yes. In fact, a moisturizer is recommended for oily skin. However, an oil-free moisturizer works best for oily skin.

Is it necessary to use a moisturizer on oily skin?

Yes, moisturization is essential for every skin type. If you have oily skin, use an oil-free moisturizer to keep it hydrated.

Is salicylic acid good for oily skin?

Salicylic acid effectively treats acne and blackheads, benefiting those with oily skin.

What are the benefits of using moisturizer?

This is how a moisturizer benefits you:
•  Hydrates your skin
•  Gives your skin a natural glow
•  Reduces signs of aging
•  Prevents sunlight damage
•  Reduces acne.

Which moisturizer is the best for oily and acne-prone skin?

The Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer is the most effective moisturizer for treating acne and blackheads.

How often should you moisturize oily skin?

If you have oily skin, moisturize your skin with oil-free moisturizers like Neutrogena Oil-Free Glycerin Face Moisturizer a couple of times a day to keep your skin hydrated and soothing.

What goes on first – serum or moisturizer?

Serum goes before the moisturizer in your skin care routine.


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