Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Oily skin still needs moisturizer, just the right kind. Here are the 5 best lightweight picks.
Our #1 pick
Heads up: this post has affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy something, at no extra cost to you. We only link to stuff we'd actually tell a friend about. Prices shown are approximate and change often; check the retailer for current pricing.
Quick answer: moisturizer for oily skin
- Best overall: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Lowest price tier: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (Under $25)
- Splurge: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream (Under $100)
Oily skin needs hydration without occlusion. Gel-creams with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid provide barrier support without triggering more sebum production. Avoid petrolatum-heavy creams that clog pores.
| # | Product | Price tier | Why it made the list |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CeraVePM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | Under $25 | Universal pick, lightweight enough for oily skin |
| 2 | La Roche-PosayToleriane Double Repair | Under $25 | Slightly elevated upgrade from CeraVe |
| 3 | Kiehl'sUltra Facial Cream | Under $50 | Squalane-based lightweight cream |
| 4 | Drunk ElephantProtini Polypeptide Cream | Under $100 | Peptide cream for oily skin |
| 5 | The OrdinaryNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Under $25 | Not a moisturizer, but pairs with any moisturizer for oil control |
Our top 5 picks
The Ordinary
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Not a moisturizer, but pairs with any moisturizer for oil control
More on moisturizer for oily skin
Frequently asked
Can oily skin skip moisturizer? +
No, skipping triggers more sebum production as skin compensates for dehydration.
Should oily skin use gel or cream moisturizer? +
Gel-creams or lightweight lotions are usually best. Heavy creams work only for very dry patches.
What is the best moisturizer for oily skin? +
Our top pick for moisturizer for oily skin is CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. Universal pick, lightweight enough for oily skin. The runner-up is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair.
How much should I spend on moisturizer for oily skin? +
The 5 picks here run from the Under $25 tier (The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%) up to the Under $100 tier (Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream). The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the lowest-cost way in, and Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is the splurge.
Premium Beauty
More Premium Beauty picks
If money isn't the object, these are our Premium Beauty favorites site-wide.
CurrentBody
Under $500Skin LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2
236 LEDs. Red 633nm + NIR 830nm. Flexible fit.
Buy on Amazon →Dr. Dennis Gross
Under $500DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Rigid shell. 100 red + 62 blue LEDs. Sephora's bestseller.
Buy on Amazon →Omnilux
Under $500Men LED Face Mask
Omnilux's in-stock flexible LED face mask (the Contour Face is out of stock on Amazon).
Buy on Amazon →Therabody
Under $500TheraFace PRO
Microcurrent, red light and percussive therapy in one handheld. Replaces three single-purpose gadgets.
Buy on Amazon →Therabody
Under $500TheraFace PRO
Red light + microcurrent + percussive + cleansing. Sci-fi gadget.
Buy on Amazon →Augustinus Bader
Under $500The Cream
TFC8 tech. The one celebrities keep talking about.
Buy on Amazon →