Yes, your oily, acne-prone skin needs (non-greasy!) hydration.
It might seem counterintuitive to moisturize oily, acne-prone skin, but acne-fighting products can leave skin feeling extra dry as result. Fortunately, there are plenty of face creams and moisturizers that work wonders for oily and acne-prone skin to give it the hydration it needs without causing breakouts.
Keep scrolling for our picks of the best moisturizers for acne-prone and oily skin: a combination of top-tested products, GH Seal Stars and GH Beauty Awards winners, as well as beauty expert and editor favorites.
“A good moisturizer for oily skin will provide hydration without feeling heavy,” says Chiara Butler, a Good Housekeeping Institute reviews analyst. “It should feel light and refreshing on skin, and may even provide oil control, mattifying or acne-fighting benefits.”
The Institute regularly tests moisturizers of all kinds, including for oily and acne-prone skin. Our most recent facial moisturizer test included 12 products with 22 women testing each one, and six of those moisturizers were also evaluated in the Lab using a Corneometer, an instrument that measures skin hydration. We compiled a total of 1,920 Corneometer data points taken and 2,160 questions tallied from surveys that the testers filled out after use, all of which contributed to our selection.
1
Best Overall Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Night Cream – Combination/Oily
A GH Seal holder and editor favorite for good reason, this Mary Kay night cream works its magic while you sleep and when skin is in repair mode. It re-energizes skin’s youthful glow, helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and helps skin look firmer. Plus, our Lab has reviewed the data: it truly moisturizes skin for 12 hours like it claims. Testers loved that it absorbs quickly, isn’t greasy and works on even the most sensitive skin. Some did note that while it absorbs well, it is a thicker texture so it may not be ideal for summer time.
Key ingredients | Japanese apricot extract, resveratrol, vitamin B3 |
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Formula | Cream |
Size | 1.7 oz |
2
Best Value Moisturizer for Oily Skin
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Consider this lotion a triple threat: it’s a major bang for your buck, XL-sized and a winner in our GH Lab moisturizers test for its moisturizing capabilities — it increased skin hydration by 48.1% over six hours, according to our Corneometer data. It also absorbs quickly, isn’t greasy and leaves skin super soft. One of our editors who is on prescription acne medication finds that this moisturizer pairs nicely with it and “hydrates skin instantly without feeling heavy or greasy.” If skin is irritated though, testers found that this one doesn’t soothe skin as well as other lotions.
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides |
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Formula | Lotion |
Size | 12 oz |
3
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin in Summer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer
This non-greasy gel moisturizer is made with hyaluronic acid, which “draws moisture to the skin and helps it stay plump and dewy,” according to Deirdre Hooper, M.D., a New Orleans-based dermatologist. The GH Beauty Award winner is super popular among all skin types for a reason: It’s light, gentle and feels refreshing on your skin. Plus, our Beauty Lab tests found that it kept skin hydrated for 12 hours — and even Jennifer Garner is a fan! If you have mature skin, take note: it may not provide enough hydration, according to a reviewer.
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid |
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Formula | Gel |
Size | 1.7 oz |
4
Best Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin
RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer
Looking for a do-it-all daily product? Try RoC’s moisturizer — it hydrates your skin, protects from the sun with SPF 30 and claims to “fight the major signs of aging,” all in one bottle. It’s a favorite of Danusia Wnek’s, a Senior Chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who says it’s “perfect for anyone with oily skin who isn’t looking for heavy moisturizer,” and that it’s her preferred daytime lotion. While most reviewers didn’t mind the fragrance, some noted that it was strong.
Key ingredients | Hexyl-R complex, antioxidants, niacinamide |
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Formula | Cream |
Size | 1.7 oz |
5
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin with SPF
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Gel-Lotion
In a recent GH Institute facial sunscreens test, Bare Republic’s SPF moisturizer received the highest scores for both not leaving skin oily or shiny, making it our top oily skin pick. Testers noted that it is easy to apply and doesn’t interfere with makeup, cause irritation or breakouts. “I was impressed from the first use,” shares one tester. “The texture and application was smooth, it wasn’t greasy at all and it almost seemed to blur my pores and give a matte finish which is so nice because facial sunscreens usually seem to magnify my pores.” The one downside: testers with darker skin tones noted that it can leave a white cast.
Key ingredients | Zinc oxide, antioxidants |
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Formula | Gel-lotion |
Size | 1.7 oz |
6
Best Moisturizer for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer
Formulated with breakout busting salicylic acid, this grapefruit-scented GH Beauty Award winner is recommended for acne-prone skin. It’s affordable, lightweight and won’t clog your pores. “I was first drawn to this moisturizer because of the pink grapefruit scent (which is amazing by the way), but it really cleared up my acne!” wrote one verified purchaser. Others, however, find the citrus scent a little overbearing.
Key ingredients | Salicylic acid |
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Formula | Lotion |
Size | 4 oz |
7
Best Multi-Tasking Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Garnier SkinActive 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer with Green Tea
This moisturizer is formulated specifically for oily skin and it absorbs quickly, so it hydrates without feeling greasy. One GH beauty editor with self-described oily and acne-prone skin has been using it for nearly a year and it’s never caused any breakouts. Use it in the morning, at night and even as a face mask. One reviewer did note that it is a thicker formula, which may be too heavy for some with oily skin.
Key ingredients | Green tea |
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Formula | Cream |
Size | 6.75 oz |
8
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Face Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay’s mattifying moisturizer is great for anyone with super oily skin. It’s made with dimethicone — a.k.a. a silicone-based ingredient that leaves a smooth, matte finish on your face. That makes it a good option for underneath makeup, so you can hydrate your skin without looking greasy or shiny. One thing to note: a few reviewers commented on the small size of the bottle and that it doesn’t last very long.
Best Mattifying Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Key ingredients | Dimethicone, lipo-hydroxy acid |
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Formula | Cream |
Size | 1.4 oz |
9
Best Moisturizer for Combination Oily Skin
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin
This GH Beauty Award winner is an ideal moisturizer for people with combination skin — meaning your face is dry in some areas and oily in others (like your T-zone, for example). The oil- and fragrance-free formula absorbs quickly and is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores. It is extremely light though, so you may need additional moisture in the evening. If you need something with SPF, try Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer With Broad Spectrum SPF 35 — another Beauty Award winner!
Key ingredients | Glycerin, oil-absorbing system |
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Formula | Lotion |
Size | 4 oz |
10
Best Lightweight Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer
When you have oily or acne-prone skin, lightweight is a big buzzword for a moisturizer. This GH Seal star from Olay lives up to its “light-as-air” promise; a study performed by the brand revealed that the majority of testers felt that the whipped formula was extremely light and breathable, while still being super hydrating and helping to lessen the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It also absorbs quickly and doesn’t clog pores. This may not be ideal for those who need to use fragrance-free products.
Key ingredients | Peptides |
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Formula | Cream to liquid |
Size | 1.7 oz |
11
Best Korean Beauty Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer
In addition to having a cooling gel texture, this oil-free K-beauty star soothes and hydrates skin with watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid. Plus, it contains antioxidants to protect skin from free radical damage. “This product is amazing,” shares one reviewer. “It is so moisturizing, feels so nice and cool and refreshing and it is great for my oily skin!” As a lightweight moisturizer, it may not be hydrating enough for the drier winter months, one reviewer noted.
Key ingredients | Watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid |
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Formula | Gel |
Size | 2 oz |
12
Best Exfoliating Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
Think double duty for the ultimate glow. Paula’s Choice’s lotion gently exfoliates skin with 2% beta hydroxy acids, while simultaneously moisturizing skin. It also helps to reduce the appearance of pores. The best part: no irritation afterwards. “This is a really nice lotion with salicylic acid,” says Wnek. “It gives skin instant lightweight hydration and then when you wake up in the morning, your skin feels smooth and soft.” If you don’t see results right away, stick with it — some reviewers say it can take time to see a change in skin.
Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, glycerin |
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Formula | Lotion |
Size | 3.3 oz |
13
Best Water-Based Moisturizer for Oily Skin
COOLA Refreshing Water Cream SPF 50
Lightweight, cooling and a power protector? Yes, please. Coola’s Refreshing Water Cream nourishes and shields skin from sun damage, blue light and pollution. It also acts like a primer and plays nicely with other products (meaning, no pilling). “I am currently using this product and I really like it for someone with oily/combination/acne-prone skin,” says Wnek. “It absorbs quickly, doesn’t irritate my skin and lays nicely under my makeup.” Take note of the waxy/chemical-like scent; a few reviewers were not fans of it.
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, coconut water, sunscreen |
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Formula | Cream |
Size | 1.5 oz |
14
Best Night Moisturizer for Oily Skin
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin, this lotion has all the benefits of a heavier cream without the feel. It’s extremely lightweight and absorbs into skin almost instantly. Reviewers love how light it feels on their skin. It may not be ideal for all skin types, as a few users with sensitive skin noted irritation after using.
Key ingredients | Ceramides, hyaluronic acid |
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Formula | Lotion |
Size | 3 oz |
15
Best Soothing Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
When you are using acne medication as many with oily skin are, it can leave skin dry and flaky. And it can be hard to find the right moisturizer that hydrates skin without irritating. “This is a nice lightweight cream that pairs nicely with any drying treatments that people with acne-prone skin might be using,” says Wnek. “It feels silky upon application, yet leaves my skin feeling soft without any heaviness.” Stick with using this at night — a few reviewers noted it didn’t lay nicely under makeup.
Key ingredients | Lipids, peptides hyaluronic acid, shea butter |
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Formula | Cream |
Size | 3.04 oz |
16
Best Oil-Absorbing Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
You may know Differin as one of the few brands on the market that has a prescription-strength retinoid. The dermatologist-favorite brand also has an oil-absorbing moisturizer, which helps give skin a matte finish after application. “It’s hydrating and keeps shine and oil under control,” says one Amazon reviewer. “It also helps prevent breakouts.” Another plus? It’s SPF 30, so it will help keep your skin shielded from the sun’s harmful rays. Be careful to keep it away from eyes as it can sting if it gets too close.
Key ingredients | Sunscreen, micropearl technology |
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Formula | Lotion |
Size | 4 oz |
17
Best Moisturizer for Oily, Sensitive Skin
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream
Kiehl’s gel cream controls shine and works to keep your skin hydrated for 24 hours after you apply it. Once you smooth it on, it delivers a cooling sensation, so your skin feels calmed. “[The] gel texture is amazing, skin feels hydrated and without this oily layer that some moisturizers leave,” says one reviewer. While many love the formula, a few reviewers commented didn’t love the non-matte finish.
Key ingredients | Glycerin, glacial glycoprotein |
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Formula | Gel cream |
Size | 1.7 oz |
18
Best Gentle Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream Face Moisturizer
Ideal for sensitive skin, this gel cream doesn’t make you feel greasy. The formula feels like a shot of hydration. “It’s amazing,” raves one reviewer. “Completely transformed my skin. It’s so soft and smooth. My skin has honestly never felt this good.” Users love it so much, they tend to fly through the product; a few complained about how little was in the bottle.
Key ingredients | Minerals, plant extract |
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Formula | Gel cream |
Size | 1.7 oz |
19
Best 2-in-1 Moisturizer for Oily Skin
KORRES White Pine Meno-Reverse Volumizing Serum-In-Moisturizer
Korres Serum-in-Moisturizer doesn’t just help hydrate skin; it also builds elasticity and improves skin texture. Since it’s a serum-moisturizer hybrid, you can cut out the need for extra serums that might make you greasy — and the lightweight formula is hydrating without weighing you down. While most reviewers didn’t find the scent overpowering, a few didn’t like it.
Key ingredients | White pine, artichoke peptides |
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Formula | Cream |
Size | 1.4 oz |
20
Best Long-Lasting Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Whind Medina Dew Melting Rose Water Cream
Butler loves that this gel cream, albeit a pricey option, gives an instant boost of soothing hydration while still feeling light on skin. “This product has an incredible ‘melting’ texture that transforms from a gel to a refreshing liquid as you apply it,” she says. It claims to hydrate skin for up to 72 hours, according to the brand. “It also boasts a great blend of humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and saccharide isomerate to provide much needed hydration to oily skin.”
Key ingredients | Glycerin, rose water, hyaluronic acid |
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Formula | Gel cream |
Size | 1.7 oz |
21
Best Gel Moisturizer for Oily Skin
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Moisture-Enhancing Gel
This lightweight gel works to boost moisture with superstar ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. While expensive, this is a cult-favorite for reviewers: Many say that cannot imagine living without it. “My skin is loving this for its hydrating ability; I use it in the morning before putting on my foundation and makeup,” shares one reviewer with combination/oily skin. “It glides on very well and really soaks into my skin.”
Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 |
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Formula | Gel |
Size | 1 oz |
How we test the best moisturizers for oily skin
The GH Beauty Lab consistently tests all different kinds of moisturizers in our Lab and on consumers with a range of skin types, including oily and acne-prone.
For our most recent moisturizer test, we evaluated 12 moisturizers with consumers, with 22 women testing each moisturizer. The moisturizer labels were covered so that brand names wouldn’t influence the testers’ opinions. After using the product daily for two weeks, testers completed a survey where they rated multiple attributes of the moisturizer including its texture, scent and ability to absorb into skin. They also rated how well the product moisturized, smoothed, plumped and soothed their skin.
We also tested six moisturizers in the Lab with a Corneometer, an instrument that measures skin hydration. Eight women in the Institute participated. The testers’ baseline hydration levels were measured after a three-day “washout” period in which they used only a non-moisturizing soap and no other products on their forearms.
Two test moisturizers and one control moisturizer were applied in the same amounts to their forearms in marked areas. Six hours later, the areas where moisturizer was applied and a control area were measured again to determine how much the products improved skin hydration.
Philip Friedman
What to look for when shopping for the best moisturizer for oily skin
Pay attention to labels when choosing a moisturizer for acne-prone and oily skin. Here’s what you’ll want to look for, according to both Butler and Danusia Wnek, a chemist at the Institute’s Beauty Lab:
✔️ “Non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” formulas are less likely to clog your pores, which is great for any skin type but particularly oily skin.
✔️ A drug facts label that lists active ingredients on any products that claim to help treat acne (like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, for example).
✔️ Viscosity, as creams are generally thicker and heavier than lotions and serums, which may not be great for super oily or acne-prone skin.
✔️ Gel creams use lightweight ingredients and feel refreshing and hydrating on skin. They tend to be high in water and humectant ingredients and low in oily ingredients.
✔️ A mattifying moisturizer can be helpful if shine is a concern, as it can control oil visibility throughout the day.
Does oily skin need moisturizer?
Yes. “While oily skin does a good job of restoring its own protective lipids, it can still lack hydration, meaning the skin cells have a low water content,” says Butler. Using a moisturizer will help provide hydration to oily skin. “Some moisturizers can also provide additional benefits to oily skin such as mattifying skin and oil control.”
How should I moisturize my face if I have oily skin?
Butler recommends applying a lightweight moisturizer immediately after washing your face at night and in the morning. “This will restore the lipids and hydration that can potentially be stripped by cleansing,” she says.
Is heavy moisturizer good for oily skin?
“Generally, no,” says Butler. “A heavy moisturizer can cause oily skin to feel coated and sweaty as the skin’s lipids mix with those of the moisturizer over the course of the day.” However, texture is generally a matter of preference, so it’s okay to use something heavier if that’s what you prefer and your skin can tolerate it.