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Applying moisturizer to oily skin may seem like a contradiction. When dealing with shine and a greasy complexion daily (if not hourly), adding another layer of shine may seem counterintuitive. But experts agree that skipping hydrating products can actually make oiliness worse.
“Dehydration can make excess oil worse because the skin produces extra oil to compensate,” explains esthetician and skin educator Katie Onijekwe. The trick is to choose mild, non-comedogenic (read: non-pore clogging) formulas that add moisture and, over time, help the skin balance its hydration levels.
But finding the best moisturizer for oily skin isn’t the easiest task, which is why I consulted skin care experts for guidance on what to look for in a moisturizer and which products they most recommend. Think: lightweight, oil-balancing formulas packed with hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid.
Which skin care ingredients help oily skin?
“You may have underlying dehydration in your skin,” says Dr. Gail Humble, physician and medical director of the Aesthetic Anti-Aging Institute. “In these cases, ingredients that help reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) may be particularly beneficial.” These ingredients are almost always found in moisturizers, and are typically divided into three categories: humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
Dr. Humble adds, “Humectants deliver water to the skin’s surface – like hyaluronic acid and glycerin – while oils, fats and waxes (emollients and occlusives) seal that water in, creating a protective barrier preventing evaporation.” “If you have oily skin, a hydrator is often enough.”
“Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid are helpful in hydrating,” says Onyejekwe. “Many people are not genetically oily, just dehydrated and have the acid content destroyed. Dehydration can make excess oil worse as the skin produces extra oil to compensate.”
A good moisturizer for oily skin should also contain active ingredients that help control oiliness at the source. “Research shows that two to five percent niacinamide in a formula can help regulate oil production and reduce sebum,” says Onyejekwe. Salicylic acid is also always a favorite of oily skin, due to its ability to decongest the pores deep inside, along with polylysine to soothe and control sebum production.
What skin care ingredients should you avoid if you have oily skin?
Both experts also agree on which ingredients those with oily skin should avoid. “You should generally not use anything too rich and too restrictive (no slugging),” warns Onyejekwe. Slugging – applying thick butters, oils and petroleum jelly to the skin after moisturizer to maintain hydration – is only for very dry skin, and even then, it can easily cause breakouts in anyone by trapping bacteria.
“Try to avoid skin care with high alcohol content, which will only strip the skin and cause it to overproduce oil to compensate,” Onyezekwe advises. “Also stay away from products with fragrances or high concentrations of essential oils — these can irritate oily or acne-prone skin and worsen inflammation or breakouts,” says Dr. Humble.
What are the best moisturizers for oily skin?
Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer
Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%
CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream
Bioma Moisturizing Gel Cream
Dr. Paw Paw SPF50 Day Cream
meet the experts
- Katie Onijekwe: An esthetician and skin educator with over 13 years of experience teaching the beauty industry through masterclasses, video training, and editorials, and founder of the Facial Forum community of solo facialists.
- Dr. Gail Humble, MD: The physician and medical director of the Aesthetic Anti-Aging Institute has published more than 30 research articles in medical journals surrounding skin care and the aging process.
Why can you trust IndyBest US reviews?
indiebest us The ultimate destination for product reviews IndependentThese are all the result of real-world testing. ava welsing-kitcher is a beauty editor who has been helping others create their skin care routines and fix any skin problem for the past decade. She has spent much of her career consulting and learning from dermatologists, renowned dermatologists, cosmetic scientists and leading aestheticians, in turn helping people understand the science and structure of their skin – often from her personal experience with skin issues such as oiliness, sensitivity and dermatitis.