Introduction
Oily skin is a common skin type that is characterized by excess sebum production, enlarged pores, and a shiny appearance. Oily skin can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, hormones, environment, diet, and stress. While oily skin has some benefits, such as being more resistant to aging and environmental damage, it also poses some challenges, such as being more prone to acne, blackheads, and clogged pores.
One of the most important steps in caring for oily skin is moisturizing. Moisturizing helps to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin, as well as balance its oil production and prevent dehydration. However, not all moisturizers are suitable for oily skin. Some moisturizers can be too heavy, greasy, or comedogenic, which can worsen the skin’s condition and cause more problems.
In this article, we will guide you on how to choose and apply a moisturizer for oily skin, as well as recommend some of the best moisturizers for oily skin in 2024.
How to choose a moisturizer for oily skin
When choosing a moisturizer for oily skin, there are some key factors to consider, such as:
Ingredients: Look for ingredients that are oil-free, noncomedogenic, and beneficial for oily skin, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, green tea, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and zinc. Avoid ingredients that are too rich, occlusive, or irritating, such as mineral
oil, petrolatum, lanolin, alcohol, and artificial fragrances and colors.
Texture: Opt for a lightweight, gel-like, or water-based texture that can absorb quickly and leave a matte finish. Avoid a thick, creamy, or oil-based texture that can feel heavy and greasy on the skin.
SPF: Choose a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Look for a broad-spectrum, mineral-based, or oil-free SPF that can provide adequate and gentle protection without clogging the pores or leaving a white cast.
Price: Depending on your budget and preference, you can find a moisturizer for oily skin at various price points, from affordable drugstore options to luxury high-end ones. However, the price does not always reflect quality or effectiveness, so do your research and read reviews before buying.
How to apply a moisturizer for oily skin
Applying a moisturizer for oily skin is not much different from applying a moisturizer for any other skin type, but there are some tips and tricks to make it more effective and comfortable, such as:
Cleanse your skin: Before applying a moisturizer, make sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gentle, oil-free, and pH-balanced cleanser that can remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Tone your skin: After cleansing, you can apply a toner that can help to balance the skin’s pH, refine the pores, and prepare the skin for better absorption of the moisturizer. Choose a toner that is alcohol-free, hydrating, and soothing, such as rose water, witch hazel, or green tea toner.
Apply a serum: If you want to boost the benefits of your moisturizer, you can apply a serum that can target specific skin concerns, such as acne, aging, or hyperpigmentation. Choose a serum that is lightweight, potent, and compatible with your moisturizer, such as a vitamin C, retinol, or hyaluronic acid serum.
Apply a moisturizer: Finally, apply a moisturizer that is suitable for your oily skin, as discussed above. Use a pea-sized amount and spread it evenly over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Massage it gently until it is fully absorbed. You can apply a moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and at night, or as needed.
Best moisturizers for oily skin in 2024
To help you find the best moisturizer for your oily skin, we have compiled a list of 10 of the best moisturizers for oily skin in 2024, based on their ingredients, texture, SPF, price, and customer reviews. Here they are:
Best overall: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer. This moisturizer is specially formulated for oily skin with ingredients like nebulize, zinc, and vitamin B6, which can help to reduce excess oil, tighten the pores, and mattify the skin. It also has a lightweight,
oil-free, and non-comedogenic texture that can hydrate the skin without clogging the pores or leaving a shine. It has no SPF, so you need to apply a separate sunscreen on top of it. It costs around $32 for 1.35 oz.
Best drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. This moisturizer is a popular choice for oily skin with its water-based, oil-free, and noncomedogenic gel formula that can deliver intense hydration with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethicone. It also has a refreshing, cooling, and fast-absorbing texture that can leave the skin smooth, plump, and supple. It has no SPF, so you need to apply a separate sunscreen on top of it. It costs around $16 for 1.7 oz.
Best luxury: PCA Skin Clearskin Moisturizer. This moisturizer is a high-end option for oily skin with its advanced blend of ingredients, such as niacinamide, bisabolol, marigold flower extract, and lemongrass extract, which can help to control oil production, soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and prevent breakouts. It also has a silky, lightweight, and non-greasy texture that can moisturize the skin without feeling heavy or sticky. It has no SPF, so you need to apply a separate sunscreen on top of it. It costs around $50 for 1.7 oz.
Best for acne: Origins Clear Improvement Moisturizer. This moisturizer is designed for acne-prone oily skin with ingredients like salicylic acid, bamboo charcoal, and Canadian willowherb, which can help to unclog the pores, clear the skin, and reduce the appearance of pores. It also has a creamy, oil-free, and non-comedogenic texture that can hydrate the skin without causing irritation or dryness. It has no SPF, so you need to apply a separate sunscreen on top of it. It costs around $36 for 1.7 oz.
Best vegan: Yes To Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer. This moisturizer is a vegan-friendly option for oily skin with ingredients like tomatoes, watermelon, and red tea, which can help balance the skin’s pH, replenish moisture, and protect the skin from environmental stressors. It also has a natural, oil-free, and non-comedogenic texture that can nourish the skin without leaving a residue or a scent. It has no SPF, so you need to apply a separate sunscreen on top of it. It costs around $15 for 1.7 oz.
Best fragrance-free: BeautyStat Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream. This moisturizer is a fragrance-free option for oily skin
with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and probiotics, which can help to hydrate, strengthen, and balance the skin’s barrier and microbiome. It also has a luxurious, oil-free, and non-comedogenic texture that can melt into the skin and provide a soft, smooth, and radiant finish. It has no SPF, so you need to apply a separate sunscreen on top of it. It costs around $50 for 1.7 oz.
Best nighttime: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. This moisturizer is a great choice for oily skin at night with ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, which can help to calm, repair, and hydrate the skin while you sleep. It also has a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic texture that can moisturize the skin without feeling greasy or heavy. It has no SPF, so you don’t need to worry about sun protection at night. It costs around $12 for 3 oz.
Best lightweight: SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer. This moisturizer is a lightweight option for oily skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, which can help to hydrate, protect, and brighten the skin. It also has a sheer, oil-free, and non-comedogenic texture that can absorb quickly and leave a silky, smooth, and matte finish. It has no SPF, so you need to apply a separate sunscreen on top of it. It costs around $58 for 2 oz.
Best tinted: Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer. This moisturizer is a tinted option for oily that can provide light to medium coverage and even out the skin tone. It has SPF 20, which can offer some sun protection, but you may need to apply more sunscreen for adequate protection. It costs around $36 for 1.7 oz.
Best with SPF: Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – Sensitive. This moisturizer is a good option for oily skin with SPF with ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and zinc oxide, which can help to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin from the sun and free radicals. It also has a gentle, oil-free, and non-comedogenic texture that can moisturize the skin without causing irritation or clogging the pores. It has SPF 30, which can provide sufficient sun protection for daily use. It costs around $9 for 4 oz.
Conclusion
Moisturizing oily skin is not as difficult as it may seem, as long as you know how to choose and apply a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and needs. By following the tips and recommendations in this article, you can find a moisturizer that can help you achieve healthy, balanced, and beautiful skin. Remember to always patch test a new product before using it, and consult a dermatologist if you have any skin issues or concerns.
FAQs
Q: What is oily skin and what causes it?
A: Oily skin is a skin type that produces more sebum than normal, resulting in a shiny, greasy, and sometimes acne-prone appearance. Oily skin can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, hormones, environment, diet, and stress.
Q: Why do I need a moisturizer for oily skin?
A: Moisturizing oily skin is important because it helps to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin, as well as balance its oil production and prevent dehydration. Without a moisturizer, oily skin can become dry, irritated, and more prone to breakouts.
Q: How do I choose a moisturizer for oily skin?
A: When choosing a moisturizer for oily skin, you should look for ingredients that are oil-free, noncomedogenic, and beneficial for oily skin, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, green tea, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and zinc. You should also opt for a lightweight, gel-like, or water-based texture that can absorb quickly and leave a matte finish. You should also choose a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from the sun.
Q: How do I apply a moisturizer for oily skin?
A: To apply a moisturizer for oily skin, you should first cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gentle, oil-free, and pH-balanced cleanser. Then, you can apply a toner that can help to balance the skin’s pH, refine the pores, and prepare the skin for better absorption of the moisturizer. Next, you can apply a serum that can target specific skin concerns, such as acne, aging, or hyperpigmentation. Finally, you can apply a moisturizer that is suitable for your oily skin, using a pea-sized amount and spreading it evenly over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. You can apply a moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and at night, or as needed.
Q: What are some of the best moisturizers for oily skin in 2024?
A: Some of the best moisturizers for oily skin in 2024 are:
Best overall: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer. This moisturizer is specially formulated for oily skin with ingredients like zinc, and vitamin B6, which can help to reduce excess oil, tighten the pores, and mattify the skin. It also has a lightweight,
oil-free, and non-comedogenic texture that can hydrate the skin without clogging the pores or leaving a shine. It costs around $32 for 1.35 oz.
Best drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. This moisturizer is a popular choice for oily skin with its water-based, oil-free, and noncomedogenic gel formula that can deliver intense hydration with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethicone. It also has a refreshing, cooling, and fast-absorbing texture that can leave the skin smooth, plump, and supple. It costs around $16 for 1.7 oz.
Best luxury: PCA Skin Clearskin Moisturizer. This moisturizer is a high-end option for oily skin with its advanced blend of ingredients, such as niacinamide, bisabolol, marigold flower extract, and lemongrass extract, which can help to control oil production, soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and prevent breakouts. It also has a silky, lightweight, and non-greasy texture that can moisturize the skin without feeling heavy or sticky. It costs around $50 for 1.7 oz.
Best for acne: Origins Clear Improvement Moisturizer. This moisturizer is designed for acne-prone oily skin with ingredients like salicylic acid, bamboo charcoal, and Canadian willowherb, which can help to unclog the pores, clear the skin, and reduce the appearance of pores. It also has a creamy, oil-free, and non-comedogenic texture that can hydrate the skin without causing irritation or dryness. It costs around $36 for 1.7 oz.
Best vegan: Yes To Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer. This moisturizer is a vegan-friendly option for oily skin with ingredients like tomatoes, watermelon, and red tea, which can help balance the skin’s pH, replenish moisture, and protect the skin from environmental stressors. It also has a natural, oil-free, and non-comedogenic texture that can nourish the skin without leaving a residue or a scent. It costs around $15 for 1.7 oz.
