The Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Dermatologist-Recommended Guide 2025
It might be challenging to choose the best moisturizer for oily skin because you want to stay hydrated without looking greasy. The correct moisturizer can balance oil production, repair your skin barrier, and keep your face looking radiant—regardless of whether you have acne, big pores, or humidity.
The top moisturizers for oily, acne-prone skin will be discussed in this piece, including dermatologist-recommended choices, affordable alternatives, and even Korean favorites.
Why Oily Skin Still Needs Moisturizer
Many people with oily or acne-prone skin avoid using moisturizer out of concern that it would exacerbate their condition. Dermatologists concur, however, that staying hydrated is crucial. In its absence, your skin creates extra oil to make up for it, which causes clogged pores and breakouts.
The dermatologists’ suggested moisturizers for oily skin are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and frequently contain the following ingredients:
Niacinamide (to decrease pores and reduce oil)
(For hydration without becoming heavy) Hyaluronic acid
To avoid acne, use salicylic acid.
Ceramides (for skin barrier repair)
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin with SPF
Sunscreen is essential. For oily skin, try a water-based moisturizer that also functions as sunscreen. The ideal SPF moisturizer for oily skin should not feel sticky or heavy.
Top choices include:
The Effaclar Mat SPF 30 from La Roche-Posay
SPF 15 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
SPF 30 CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion
All of these moisturizers are ideal for everyday use and are suggested by dermatologists for oily skin.
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin Men
Men’s skin is thicker and oilier by nature. The top moisturizer for guys with oily skin that absorbs fast and reduces shine:
Men’s Oil Control Mattifying Moisturizer Clinique
Expert Hydra Energetic for Men by L’Oreal
CeraVe PM Lotion—yes, it works wonders for all!
These are excellent options for people who are wondering, “What is the best moisturizer for oily skin that dermatologists recommend for men?”
Best Moisturizer for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Choose the finest moisturizer for oily and acne-prone skin that contains zinc, niacinamide, or salicylic acid if you have trouble breaking out.
Among the greatest are
CeraVe SA Lotion
Korean-made COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
Oil-Free Moisturizer by Re’equil
Dermatologists recommend these as some of the best moisturizers for oily skin in order to treat acne.
Best Korean Moisturizer for Oily Skin
K-beauty companies are renowned for their potent yet lightweight products. Korean alternatives for the best moisturizer for oily skin include:
SoonJung Hydro Barrier Cream by Etude House
Green Tea Balancing Lotion by Innisfree
Cosrx All-in-One Advanced Snail 92 Cream
These are also popular choices for radiant, oil-free skin on Reddit and YesStyle.
Best Affordable Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Having good skincare doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The following are the best moisturizers for oily skin that are reasonably priced at Target, Walmart, or pharmacies:
Cetaphil PRO Moisturizer with Oil Absorption
CeraVe PM Lotion
Pond’s Ultra-Light Gel
These are readily available online or at neighborhood pharmacies and are regarded as the best drugstore moisturizers for oily skin.
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin and Large Pores
Unbalanced oily skin can make pores appear larger. Keep an eye out for components like witch hazel and niacinamide.
Try:
The Common Natural Hydrating Components + HA
Posay-La Roche-Effaclar Mat
Oil Control Moisturizer Re-equip
These are also excellent for improving texture or finding the best moisturizer for oily skin and hyperpigmentation.
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin for Glowing Skin
A glowing finish is worthy of even the oiliest skin. The following are the top moisturizer products for oily skin that promote radiant skin:
Dot & Key Super Glow Gel Moisturizer for Watermelon
Clarity Night Gel Renewed with Plum Green Tea
Oil-Free Himalayan Radiance Gel Cream
They are the ideal moisturizer for oily skin for makeup preparation or natural radiance because they hydrate without making you seem shiny.
