The 14 best moisturizers for oily skin of 2024, according to experts

Kiehls' Ultra Facial Cream instantly absorbs into the skin, sans any greasiness! It's also packed with nourishing ingredients like olive-derived squalane and glycerin to keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. As a bonus, it's also fragrance-free.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin is chock-full of mattifying, exfoliating, and calming ingredients. In fact, Dr. Zeichner counts this moisturizer as a top pick for oily skin since it's formulated to reduce shine and minimize the appearance of pores. Lipohydroxy acid gently exfoliates, while La Roche-Posay's thermal spring water soothes the skin. It's also oil-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for those with sensitive skin.

For a versatile option that's one-part sunscreen and one-part moisturizer, Dr. Wesley suggests the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. The niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid provide plenty of moisture to keep oily skin hydrated without any icky greasy residue.

Caudalie Vinopure Oil Control Moisturizer is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free so it won't irritate sensitive skin. Its light, creamy formula features silica powder and java tea extract, which work together to mattify skin and target sebum and olive-derived squalane to boost hydration.

The PCA Skin HydraMatte is especially ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. The brand-new, glycerin-spiked gel moisturizer delivers deep hydration while simultaneously eliminating oil and minimizing pores and fine lines.  

Cetaphil's DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer, which is enriched with hydration-boosting glycerin, comes highly recommended by Dr. Zeichner. The oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic formula — which has a matte finish — is ideal for oily, sensitive, and combination skin types. It even offers SPF 30 sun protection. 

Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid is specially formulated for dry skin, so you know it's got to be good. Its ultra-lightweight formula, which is backed by Dr. Zeichner, is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free — making it a solid choice for acne-prone and sensitive-skinned folks as well.

As its name suggests, the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Cloud Cream has a fluffy, light-as-air whipped texture that won't weigh you down. Even still, it delivers intense hydration for up to 72 hours thanks to a combination of hyaluronic acid and ceramides, the latter of which helps lock in moisture. 

Dieux is one of a handful of Instagram- and TikTok-famous skin-care brands that actually live up to the hype with its Air Angel Gel Cream. The gentle, hydrating formula is non-comedogenic (which means it won't clog pores) and non-irritating, though it's still powerful enough to plump, firm, and promote a healthy skin barrier. 

Read our full Dieux Skin review here.

For a white cast-free moisturizer with SPF, look no further than Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Refillable Invisible Face Moisturizer SPF 30 with Niacinamide. Not only is this moisturizer smooth and sheer, but it also helps reduce the look of dark spots — while brightening and evening overall skin tone — thanks to a combination of powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, among others. The subtle melon scent is a bonus, as is the weightless formula that can be worn under makeup sans greasiness or pilling. 

It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Anti-Aging Moisturizer is chock-full of nourishing ingredients to help reduce critical signs of aging by plumping fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide, known for its versatility — including the ability to improve uneven skin tone and balance oil production — is one of the hero ingredients. It also boasts moisturizing squalane, conditioning shea butter, and hydration-boosting staples like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

Murad's Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 is an oil-free, ultra-light SPF moisturizer. It even doubles as a mattifying primer. And, since it's free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, it's also suitable for sensitive skin.

Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer was specially formulated to quench thirsty skin while you snooze. The lightweight cream is enriched with electrolytes to boost hydration, while other ingredient highlights include fatty acid-rich ceramides and antioxidant-loaded fruit extracts. Come the AM, you'll have plump, dewy skin.

With its signature gel-cream texture that absorbs instantly into the skin, Tatcha's The Water Cream is, hands down, one of the best moisturizers for oily skin. Its oil-free formula — enriched with glycerin, green tea, and even real gold — can help minimize the appearance of pores.

Read our full Tatcha Water Cream review here.

Look for lightweight formulas when shopping for the best moisturizers for oily skin. Think water-based gels, lotions, and thin, silky creams instead of richer, thicker, and heavier options. And while lotions and creams are sometimes used interchangeably, it's worth mentioning that the former tend to have a higher water content. According to Dr. Zeichner, folks with oily skin should opt for moisturizers enriched with humectants (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, for example) rather than emollients and occlusives, which tend to be heavier. Per Zeichner, humectants help bring water to the top layer of the skin for hydration. Non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas are also especially great for those with oily skin since they won't clog your pores.

What causes oily skin? 

While oily skin can be genetic, both dermatologists tell Insider that things like diet, stress, hormones, and the wrong products can also impact your sebum levels. "We know that foods high in sugar and cow's milk, particularly skim milk, stimulate oil gland activity," Dr. Zeichner says. Teenagers are also prone to oiliness, thanks to fluctuating hormones during puberty. Over-exfoliating or using the wrong product for your skin can also cause oily skin.

Dr. Zeichner clarifies that those with oily skin are typically shiny all over the face, whereas combination skin types commonly have oily T-zones and dry cheeks. The center of your face (the forehead, nose, and chin), known as the T-zone, is where you'll find the most oil glands. 

How do I know if I have oily skin?

"As a test, wash your face and then wait three hours," Dr. Zeichner says. "Then, look back in the mirror; if you look shiny, you likely have oily skin." If you suspect your skin is oily, it's a good idea to chat with your dermatologist before making any major changes to your skin-care routine. They'll be able to give you pointers on how to manage your oily skin and what types of products to look for (and steer clear of!). 

Is oily skin also acne-prone?

While the overproduction of oil can lead to acne, the two terms are not synonymous. "Having oily skin does not necessarily mean that you are acne-prone," says Dr. Zeichner. He continues, telling Insider: "Your genetics determines acne, and it's caused by various factors, including acne-causing bacteria, as well as skin cells that stick together and block the pores." So, it's certainly possible to have oily skin without experiencing breakouts.

Should I use acne-fighting ingredients in my moisturizer if I have oily skin?

According to Dr. Wesley, it's important not to over-dry your skin. Instead, find moisturizers with beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid. These types of acids can take care of all the extra oil and assist in unblocking pores. "Topical vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol and retinoids, help decrease oil gland production with continued use," she says. Just know that visible changes take time to appear and won't emerge overnight.

Which ingredients won't/will make my skin oilier?

You should avoid comedogenic oils, as they clog pores and can lead to even more acne. One oil that doesn't tend to clog pores is jojoba. "Some oils that have a good balance of linoleic acid over oleic acids help to match or balance our skin's natural fatty acid composition and can be helpful for oily skin on a case-by-case basis," Dr. Wesley adds.