The 10 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Oily Skin – 2024
Oily skin woes are legit, but so are these moisturizers that give you flawless skin.
Hillary ClarkEsthetician 
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provide... more
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
anjali sayeeBTech Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
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.
In This Article
10 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Oily Skin
Best UV Protection:CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion
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.
- SPF 30 provides UV protection
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains three essential ceramides
- MVE controlled release technology
- Non-comedogenic
- Pore minimizing
- May cause breakouts
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 4,413 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
Best For All Skin Types:Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer
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.
- Watery texture
- Protects and defends skin against moisture loss
- Suitable for all skin types
- Does not clog pores
- May cause allergic reactions
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 11,275 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Best Water-Based Formula:L'Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Oil
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.
- Watery texture
- Fast-drying
- Reduces excess shine
- Hyaluronic acid and aloe water add moisture
- Keeps skin hydrated for 72 hours
- Fragrance could be too strong
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 7,350 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion Best UV Protection | Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer Best For All Skin Types | L'Oreal Paris Skincare Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Oil Best Water-Based Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.31 x 1.13 x 6 inches | 2.48 x 2.48 x 3.63 inches | 1.71 x 2.11 x 6.6 inches |
| Weight | 4.32 Ounces | 1.7 Ounces | 10.41 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,413 | 11,275 | 7,350 |
| Price | $11.93 | $15.98 | $18.54 |
Best Dermatologist-Recommended:Neutrogena Oil-Free Glycerin Face Moisturizer
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.
- 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
- May cause breakouts
- Has no SPF
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 8,022 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
Best Lightweight:Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Face Moisturizer
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.
- Replenishes skin immediately
- Unique moisturizing blend of cucumber and green mango extracts
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
None
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 4,215 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Best Organic Formula:Natural Outcome Oily Skin Moisturizer
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.
- Organic formula
- Matte finish
- User-friendly
- Ideal for oily skin
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
None
"This moisturizer gives my skin hydration without any greasy residue or causing breakouts. Its lightweight texture gets absorbed easily and works well under heavy makeup. It has a pleasant smell that does not overwhelm me. It adds shine to my skin without the oiliness."
Best For Sensitive Skin: Solimo Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer
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.
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Affordable
- Prevents pore-clogging
- Suitable for daily use
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Not tested on animals
- May cause breakouts
"I like the pump applicator of this moisturizer as it ensures hygiene. The formula applies nicely to my skin and leaves it feeling nourished. It never clogs my pores or makes my skin look greasy. It feels lightweight on my skin. I like that it does not have any chemical fragrance."
Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Acure Incredibly Clear Mattifying Moisturizer
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.
- Easy-absorbing
- Budget-friendly
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 344 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Best Anti-Aging: Beauty by Earth Oil Control Face Moisturizer
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.
- Reduces wrinkles
- Increases collagen production
- Controls shine
- Vegan
- Suitable for daily use
- May cause breakouts
Best Non-Comedogenic: EltaMD AM Therapy Face Moisturizer
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.
- Stimulates skin’s natural water system
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Brightens skin tone
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Increases moisture absorption and retention
None
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.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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.
