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13 Best Moisturizers for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin, According to Dermatologists

Shop options that reduce breakouts, shine, and the look of large pores.

By Brigitt Earley and Genesis Rivas
best moisturizers oily skin

When you have oily skin, it might seem counterintuitive to slather on a face moisturizer. But dermatologists say it's an important step in everyone's skincare routine. Forgoing it only leads to dehydration, which skin combats by producing even more oil, says Candace Spann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Las Vegas. Instead, you'll need to cherry-pick the right products.

Our Top Picks

  • 1
    Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30

    Best with SPF

    Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30

    $14 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

    Best Nighttime Lotion

    CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

    Read more
  • 3
    Effaclar Mat Daily Face Moisturizer

    Best Overall

    La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Face Moisturizer

    Read more
  • 4
    The Water Cream

    Best Luxury Option

    Tatcha The Water Cream

    Read more
  • 5
    Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

    Best Matte

    Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

    Read more

How to choose the right moisturizer for oily skin

The key for picking the best face moisturizer for oily skin is going with something lightweight and oil-free. Look for water-based products and anything that says "noncomedogenic," which means it doesn't clog pores. "Avoid highly emollient ingredients, like shea butter, which is typically too heavy," Spann says. You can also look for ingredients with essential fatty acids such as jojoba oil and evening primrose oil, which are highly beneficial for acne-prone skin, she explains. "Ingredients like niacinamide can also help reduce redness, diminish breakouts, and improve the skin's barrier function."

For the best results, use a moisturizer with SPF designed for oily skin during the day and another one with more active ingredients after cleansing your face before bed. Ahead, discover the best moisturizers for oily skin, according to experts.

1
Best with SPF

Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30

Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30
1
Best with SPF

Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30

Now 19% Off
$14 at Amazon$24 at Walmart$16 at harmonfacevalues.com
Credit: Cetaphil
Pros
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Offers sun protection
Cons
  • Some buyers say it has a slight white cast

This is a lightweight and soothing moisturizer that uses micropearl technology to absorb surface oil to reduce shine, says Sapna Palep, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. It also has broad-spectrum UV protection, meaning it guards against both UVA and UVB rays.

2
Best Nighttime Lotion

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
2
Best Nighttime Lotion

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Now 33% Off
Credit: CeraVe
Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Some buyers with sensitive skin experience irritation

Oily skin and breakouts usually go hand in hand. If you're using any products to combat acne, opt for this nighttime moisturizer that helps repair the skin barrier and reduce any sensitivities acne products are notorious for, says Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia.

3
Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Face Moisturizer

Effaclar Mat Daily Face Moisturizer
3
Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Face Moisturizer

Credit: La Roche-Posay
Pros
  • Leaves a matte finish
Cons
  • Some buyers wish it came in a bigger size

This moisturizer harnesses the power of Sebulyse technology, which absorbs oil and tightens pores, as well as micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid to reduce shine and smooth the skin's natural texture, says Marie Hayag, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

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4
Best Luxury Option

Tatcha The Water Cream

The Water Cream
4
Best Luxury Option

Tatcha The Water Cream

Credit: Tatcha
Pros
  • Minimizes look of large pores
Cons
  • It's pricey compared to other options

While the texture of this water cream is light and breathable, your skin feels adequately moisturized after each use. It's formulated with Japanese wild rose to tighten the look of large pores, Japanese leopard lily to control excess oil production, and green tea, rice, and algae to increase radiance.

5
Best Matte

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
5
Best Matte

Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

Credit: Paula's Choice
Pros
  • Not greasy
Cons
  • Tinted formula may not work for all skin tones

This lightweight and lightly tinted mineral-only formula is packed with antioxidants and resveratrol to zap shine and soothe inflamed, acne-prone skin, says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a board-certified dermatopathologist in Boston.

6
Best Gel

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Hydro Boost Water Gel
6
Best Gel

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Credit: Neutrogena
Pros
  • Goes on smooth
Cons
  • If you don't like gel textures, you may not like this option

This gel moisturizer is loaded with hyaluronic acid, which effectively moisturizes without spurring oil production that leads to greasiness, says Shari Sperling, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey.

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7
Best Budget-Friendly Option

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
7
Best Budget-Friendly Option

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Credit: The Ordinary
Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Some buyers say it pills

If your skin is both oily and flaky, look for a product that can balance the skin and make it less reactive, says Ilyas. This one does just that, plus brightens and smooths, without overdrying or causing further irritation.

8
Best Lightweight

PCA Skin Clearskin

Clearskin
8
Best Lightweight

PCA Skin Clearskin

Credit: PCA Skin
Pros
  • Promotes even skin tone and texture
Cons
  • It's pricey compared to other options

This light gel-cream blend delivers niacinamide to help even skin tone, control excess oil production, and balance skin without the addition of heavy emollients that may clog pores, says Spann.

9
Best Anti-Aging

RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
9
Best Anti-Aging

RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

Credit: RoC
Pros
  • Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
  • Retinol is a strong ingredient that can cause irritation

Retinol helps mitigate the production of sebum, leading to fewer clogged pores, says Janelle Vega, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. As a bonus, it also works to reduce both fine lines and deeper wrinkles.

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10
Best Serum

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Moisture-Enhancing Gel

Hydrating B5 Moisture-Enhancing Gel
10
Best Serum

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Moisture-Enhancing Gel

Credit: SkinCeuticals
Pros
  • Promotes smooth and soft skin
Cons
  • It's pricey compared to other options

This lightweight gel serum contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin without clogging pores and vitamin B5 to repair the skin's barrier, says Naissan O. Wesley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

11

Epionce Renewal Lite Facial Lotion

Renewal Lite Facial Lotion
11

Epionce Renewal Lite Facial Lotion

Now 20% Off
Credit: Epionce
Pros
  • Offers anti-inflammatory benefits
Cons
  • It's a splurge

When skin is constantly stripped and trying to fix itself, oil production skyrockets, says Carl Thornfeldt, MD, CEO and founder of Episciences. This lotion works to repair and balance moisture levels to promote healthier skin that won't overproduce oil.

12
Best Plumping

Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream

HydraKate Recharging Water Cream
12
Best Plumping

Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream

Credit: Kate Somerville
Pros
  • Absorbs quickly
Cons
  • It's pricey compared to other options

Get the look of plump, radiant, and smooth skin thanks to this lightweight moisturizer that features AquaPort technology, which transports hydration faster and deeper into the skin​. The formula also contains algae extract to protect against blue light and ward off dark spots and fine lines.

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13
Best Drugstore

Olay Regenerist Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Gel Face Moisturizer

Regenerist Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Gel Face Moisturizer
13
Best Drugstore

Olay Regenerist Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Gel Face Moisturizer

Credit: Olay
Pros
  • Plumps skin
  • Gentle formula
Cons
  • If you don't like a gel texture, you may not like this option

This formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides to hydrate skin and combat signs of aging. It's also fragrance-free, which is great for sensitive skin.

Headshot of Brigitt Earley
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

Headshot of Genesis Rivas

Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

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