The 8 Best Face Moisturizers for Oily Skin, Tested and Reviewed (2023)

If you’re prone to oils taking over your face, consider this Tatcha moisturizer that’s completely oil-free. This noncomedogenic formula protects against blocked pores, smooths and hydrates your skin, and is made from a blend of non-irritating botanical extracts. “It’s a super lightweight mix between a gel and a cream (Water Cream is a perfect name) and feels like those products that will just instantly melt into the skin,” said our tester.

Board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, agrees, saying, “This ultralight, water-based moisturizer hydrates without leaving the skin feeling heavy or greasy.” He adds that the botanical extracts also help “soothe and calm the skin.”

This moisturizer passed our tests seamlessly. “It sunk into the skin instantly, but in a way where you can still feel the hydration without a sticky or greasy feeling,” our tester said. “My skin doesn't feel oily at all, it feels nicely hydrated and even a little bit dewy.” She added that there was even a slight plumping effect on the fine lines across her forehead.

While the cost is higher than many on our list, it’s a quality worth paying for (if feasible). The sleek packaging is reminiscent of a Tiffany’s box — and though not as portable — it reflects the high quality of the product within. There’s also a golden spatula applicator to keep contamination to a minimum. Plus, “a small dollop goes a long way,” according to our tester, so it will last you a while. “I think this is a great oily or combination skin moisturizer that feels lightweight and dewy without a slick feeling or appearance,” she said.

Price at time of publish: $69

Size: 1.7 oz/ 50 mL | Key Ingredients: Rose, lily, and a blend of green tea, rice, and algae | Consistency: Cream

This compact moisturizer contains a gorgeous blend of niacinamide (which calms the skin), amino acids, and squalane (hydrates and smooths). “This cream moisturizes without being sticky or blocking the pores,” said Dr. Marcus. She added that the niacinamide helps “soothe and even skin tone.” These ingredients create a lightweight formula that absorbs into your skin rather than just sitting atop it. Our tester said it “feels sheer” and “refreshing” when applied.

There’s a “light floral fragrance,” which might bother some and delight others (depending on sensitivity to smells). Once applied, this creamy moisturizer passed our tests of appearance. Our tester said it didn’t look or “feel greasy or oily” and that her skin “felt hydrated.” The tester also noted that it “created a good base for my foundation and makeup.”

Thanks to the niacinamide, our tester also said her skin felt soothed after applying this moisturizer. While the container isn’t large, and you may have to restock more often, it’s small enough for travel, and the low price makes regular replacements more feasible. “I would recommend it,” said our tester. “It’s affordable and a good value.”

Price at time of publish: $10

Size: 1.35 fl oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, amino acids, squalane | Consistency: Cream

If you want to treat your skin to a hydration surge that will keep the oil shine away, this creamy moisturizer will “melt” into your skin. Made without parabens and oils, this is also a completely vegan product, meaning it’s plant-based without animal byproducts. “It’s a nice consistency and feels very soft on my face,” said our tester, adding that it “absorbed quickly” and “left no residue behind.”

With ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B), this moisturizer soothes inflammation and softens the texture of skin. “My skin doesn’t feel sticky at all, but [rather] soft and dewy,” our tester said. She noted the bulky packaging and said it might not be good for travel, but at least it will last a while. And as part of the sustainability of this product, you can buy refills for the jar, which gives the package extra points in our book.

Though on the pricey side, this moisturizer’s cost matches the value. “My skin looked very refreshed, moisturized, and plump after applying the product,” said the tester. “The texture of my skin definitely feels softer than usual, and it also looks brighter. I'd say overall I'm very pleased with the way my skin looks and feels.”

Price at time of publish: $68

Size: 1.7 oz/ 50 mL | Key Ingredients: Pomegranate spheres, orange blossom peptides, macro hyaluronic acid | Consistency: Cream

With a blended consistency of gel and cream, this moisturizer is slightly thicker than the other standouts on our list, but testers said it still feels lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin. “The gel cream had a nice texture and consistency,” said one, adding that it “spread easily” and “had almost a cooling effect” when applied.

This moisturizer is a favorite of both of our dermatologists. “The original Double Repair is one of my favorite moisturizers, and I am thrilled that LRP came out with a mattifying version for oily skin,” said Dr. Marcus. “Glycerin is a top-choice hydrating ingredient, while niacinamide helps to regulate oil production and improve the appearance of pores. [It’s a] great choice for those with oily skin!” Dr. Zeichner agrees and explains how it “contains thermal spring water,” which helps “restore a healthy microbiome. The light texture fully rubs into the skin, so it’s a great option, even for people who are oily.”

The matte finish was evident from the first application, and despite the thickness of this cream, our tester said that it set pretty quickly and “looked dewy upon application.” The mattifying effect is honestly ideal for those with oily skin who are constantly fighting shine, because it still supports hydration but without leaving residue that’s amplified by natural oils.

Clinically tested, in addition to our own tests, this moisturizer has been shown to work well for acne-prone skin too because it’s noncomedogenic so it doesn’t block pores. Our tester said, “It didn’t plump fine lines, but if you were most concerned with oil, this would be a good pick.”

Price at time of publish: $20

Size: 2.5 oz | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Ceramide NP | Consistency: Gel-cream

If you have oily and sensitive skin, it can be frustrating to find products that tame oils while calming your skin with moisture. This rich formula is made with a blend of green tea extracts and oils, as well as panthenol, which softens skin for a smoother finish. Our tester said her skin “absorbed it right away.”

In terms of feel and appearance, our tester did notice a slight shine, but said her face “looked fresh and hydrated” rather than greasy. The strong green tea scent surprised our tester, who described the fragrance as “overwhelming” when first applied to the face. Nevertheless, the lightweight coverage dries quickly, and the scent will likely fade throughout wear.

Considering the medium price and sizeable jar —our tester noted that a little goes a long way with this product — we think this moisturizer is a great value. “If you need moisture and a dewy look, this is a great brand,” our tester said.

Price at time of publish: $24

Size: 50mL / 1.69 fl oz. | Key Ingredients: Jeju green tea extract, Jeju green tea seed oil, panthenol | Consistency: Cream

When a formula is so light that you can barely feel it on your face, it earns the name “invisible” like this moisturizer from Paula’s Choice. “The feel of this product is incredible,” our tester said. “It’s hydrating, reduces oil, [and] leaves my skin feeling supple.” She loved that it restored moisture to her skin without creating a shine. Dr. Marcus loves this moisturizer for its ingredients. “I love that this contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, superoxide dismutase, and green tea,” she said. “Niacinamide [helps balance] oily skin.” Though she cautions that “algae extracts can be acnegenic for those who are acne prone, so beware if you are prone to breakouts.”

Also made with hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer is extremely hydrating and aced the appearance and feel tests. “[It] easily absorbed while leaving no sheen,” noted our tester, adding that their skin felt like it was “glowing.” The results spoke for themselves, but our tester had a few words too. “After just a short amount of time, I already see results in my skin. A little goes a long way with this product. It feels, smells, and looks beautiful.”

It’s suggested to use this product in the morning, followed by SPF or as the last step of your skincare routine at night. Our tester confidently said there is “nothing” she would change about this moisturizer, so the only con we can come up with is that the price might be too high for some budgets. Still, we think it’s worth the cost.

Price at time of publish: $33

Size: 2 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, oat extract, hyaluronic acid | Consistency: Gel

This whipped cream is a delicacy for your skin — it smooths and softens with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and it uses whipped coconut milk to protect the barrier from free-radical damage. Dr. Marcus is a fan of the ingredients, too. “Hyaluronic acid is a fantastic ingredient for drawing moisture into the skin,” she said. “Ceramides are fabulous for repairing and maintaining the skin barrier.” She also appreciates that the formula is fragrance-free.

“I love how smooth this felt applying to my skin,” said our tester, adding that it also created a “cooling” sensation. It passed our absorption and appearance tests, with our tester noting that it absorbed evenly. “I not only feel hydrated, but I look [hydrated], and my skin has that smooth matte look without the stiff feeling,” she said. And the oil stayed away. “My skin does not feel oily at all — not even my nose, which usually exhibits the most oil on my face,” she said. The only notable hesitation was the price, paired with the smaller jar size. “I’m not sure I would spend this much on a product I have to use daily,” she said, but acknowledged that “given its amazing qualities, I can see why this is a bit pricey.”

One of our tester’s favorite aspects of this moisturizer was that it left her skin looking completely natural, with no tint or residue. “I would buy it because of its consistency, how well it works with Black skin without the worry of a pale look, and how it left my face feeling hydrated but without being ultra-shiny.”

Price at time of publish: $42

Size: 2.1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vegan dessert milk, whipped coconut milk | Consistency: Cream

When a product is created by a skin expert like esthetician Shani Darden, you know it’s going to have some incredible ingredients your skin can drink up. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid to boost moisture, hydrolyzed collagen to stimulate skin cell growth and plump the skin for a more supple appearance, as well as red algae extract to help both aims of hydration and softer skin.

Our tester praised this moisturizer for its “super-lightweight and milky feeling.” She said, “My skin immediately absorbed the product. It left my skin feeling nourished and rejuvenated without leaving any residue on my skin.” It’s suggested to use between two to four pumps of this product and massage it into your face and neck. The pump is super-user-friendly — our tester said she “loved it.”

As this moisturizer passed our oil tests and left our tester’s skin hydrated and glowing without feeling oily or greasy, we would definitely recommend this product for those with oily skin. You might enjoy some of the added benefits beyond hydration, too. “My skin’s texture felt noticeably smoother, and it gave me a subtle glow,” our tester said.

Price at time of publish: $48

Size: 2.5 oz/ 75 mL | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, red algae extract | Consistency: Cream

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are gel or cream moisturizers better for oily skin?

  In terms of applying makeup, those with oily skin should keep a few things in mind. “If you have oily skin, you're already used to producing enough oil versus being dry,” makeup artist Ashley Rebecca tells PEOPLE. “I prefer to use gel-type moisturizers for skin that tends to be more oily, as they hydrate the skin without leaving any excess slip that richer, thicker creams can tend to leave behind.” Regarding general skin care, Dr. Marcus said, “A gel is lighter than a cream, which means that it’s less likely to sit on top of the skin and contribute to excessive shine. For oily skin, a gel moisturizer may feel more comfortable.”

  “Combining hyaluronic acid with moisturizers is a great trick to hydrate skin without excess shine before applying makeup,” said Rebecca. The makeup artist said her “favorite product for this is Saro de Rue freeze-dried hyaluronic acid capsules — they absorb beautifully into the skin and pair well with other products. Oily skin will feel hydrated but not look excessively shiny.”

• What ingredients should you avoid for oily skin?

  While there are ingredients that help tame oils, there are also those that exacerbate them. “I would avoid anything that is not labeled noncomedogenic, especially,” said Dr. Marcus, meaning anything that might block your pores. “Also avoid rich creams, as these are usually too heavy for those with oily skin and can contribute to unwanted excess shine.”

• Should you switch your moisturizer depending on the season?

  Sometimes, this can help balance out your oils. “Many climates are more humid in the summer and drier in the winter, which means that your skin will naturally be drier in winter and may require a heavier moisturizer,” said Dr. Marcus. “In more humid environments, a lighter moisturizer will often be sufficient. It may be possible to use a light moisturizing serum in a humid environment, whereas a richer emollient cream would be more appropriate for drier weather. Ideally, it’s best to have a few different moisturizers on hand, monitor your skin daily, and adjust as needed.”