Article Overview
- Moisturizers for oily skin are specifically formulated to provide hydration without adding excess oil or clogging pores.
- Oily skin still needs moisturization to maintain a healthy balance and prevent dehydration.
- Formulations such as Daily Moisture, Hydrating B5 Gel and Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment offer a rang of hydration levels and formulas weights, designed specifically for oily skin.
Skin is considered oily when it produces too much sebum. If you’re unsure how much is too much, visible oil an hour or less after cleansing is a reliable sign you have oily skin. Excess shine can be attributed to genetics, hormones, humidity, and stress. On the positive side, oily skin tends to be thicker and experience less wrinkling.
People with oily skin tend to make two main skincare mistakes. One is over-washing, which can dry out the skin and stimulate oil production. The other is not using a daily moisturizer, because all skin types can experience dehydration. Even with extra sebum, oily skin cannot function optimally without the proper water-to-oil balance.
In general, the best moisturizer for oily skin provides hydration without leaving a feeling of “weight” or a greasy residue on the skin. Weightless, featherweight, and lightweight formulas can all be appropriate for oily skin. Some with oily skin may prefer an oil-free moisturizer, but this is not imperative since some oils can deliver beneficial moisture without contributing to clogged pores.
The most important consideration when shopping moisturizers for oily skin is that they are formulated with this specific skin type in mind—and those with oily skin should shy away from overly rich products that can clog the pores.
SkinCeuticals Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin
SkinCeuticals offers several moisturizers for oily skin that provide the essential hydration the skin needs while accommodating a variety of preferences as well as other skin concerns.
Weightless: Hydrating B5 Gel
This oil-free moisturizer serum features only four ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to promote the skin barrier’s natural repair. Just a few drops replenish the moisture and nutrients oily skin needs for enhanced skin smoothness and radiance without clogging pores. Many customers say this is SkinCeuticals best oil-free moisturizer because it can be used on its own or layered beneath other hydrating products when the skin is in need of extra moisture.
Featherlight: Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
In addition to essential hydration, this gel-based, oil-free moisturizer is clinically proven to reduce surface oil by 28%, while also helping improve skin brightness, clarity, and texture. Its stand-out ingredients include azelaic acid to promote cell turnover (and prevent clogged pores), alpha arbutin to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, and our signature soothing Phyto botanical blend of cucumber, thyme, olive leaf, and rosemary extracts.
Lightweight: Daily Moisture and Metacell Renewal B3
SkinCeuticals lightweight moisturizers for oily skin leave the skin feeling hydrated, nourished, and smooth. Daily Moisture features three nutrient-rich algae extracts, antioxidant vitamin E, and a blend of seven skin-purifying botanicals to help improve the appearance of pores. Metacell Renewal B3 is another one of our moisturizers for oily skin, and this emulsion is formulated with niacinamide, a firming tri-peptide complex, and pure glycerin to improve early signs of photodamage, support cellular renewal, and strengthen the skin’s barrier while respecting the needs of oily skin.
Masques That Double as Moisturizers for Oily Skin
While there’s no replacement for daily moisturizers for oily skin, there are additional ways to infuse your skincare regimen with extra hydration that won’t clog pores.
Designed for weekly use, Hydrating B5 Masque is formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and an advanced moisture complex that mimics the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF) to restore balanced hydration.
Ideal for those with oily, acne-prone skin, Phyto Corrective Masque replenishes hydration with hyaluronic acid and instantly soothes skin with a calming dipeptide and botanical blend of cucumber, thyme, and olive extracts to help relieve skin discomfort and visible redness.
Remember, moisturizers for oily skin are just one step in a comprehensive skincare regimen. It’s also important that those with oily skin ensure all products are appropriate for this skin type. Here are a few additional SkinCeuticals suggestions for oily skin.
- Cleanser: Purifying Cleanser
- Toner: Conditioning Toner
- Antioxidant: Silymarin CF
- Serums: Phyto Corrective Gel and Blemish + Age Defense
- Sunscreen: Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50
For help choosing the best face moisturizer for oily skin or building the ideal product regimen for oily skin, use our online Regimen Finder, visit one of our SkinCeuticals SkinLab locations, or schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals Skincare Professional for a one-on-one consultation.
Next: How to Transition Your Skincare Regimen as the Seasons Change
Shop Featured Products
Hydrating B5 Gel
Vitamin B5 serum with hyaluronic acid
Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
Oil-free brightening moisturizer cream for sensitive, redness-prone and acne-prone skin
Daily Moisture
Face moisturizer for oily skin
Metacell Renewal B3
Lightweight anti-aging face cream with niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Hydrating B5 Mask
Hydrating gel face mask
Phyto Corrective Mask
Calming face mask for blotchy skin
Purifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid
Skin cleansing gel face wash
Conditioning Toner
Clarifying acid toner
Silymarin CF
Vitamin C serum for oily and blemish-prone skin
Phyto Corrective Gel
Hydrating botanical gel serum
Blemish + Age Defense
Salicylic acid acne serum
Physical Matte UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
Mineral suncreen for oily skin
About Gretchen Wobensmith
Gretchen Wobensmith is a licensed aesthetician with 27 years of experience. She has been training professionally for large global brands for the last 20 years. Gretchen brings her skill set of having a deep understanding of skin histology and ingredient technology to the SkinCeuticals Global Education Team as their Product Lead. Gretchen shares her passion for mentoring skin care professionals, to elevate their knowledge and skill set in the medical skin care industry.
