If you have oily skin, the thought of adding more moisture might seem completely counterintuitive. Why would you want to put a moisturizer on skin that already feels greasy? The truth is, moisturizing is a crucial step for every skin type, including oily. The key is finding the right formula. At ScentSphere, we have done the research to help you find the best moisturizer for oily skin that will leave your face feeling balanced, hydrated, and shine-free.
Why oily skin needs a moisturizer
One of the biggest mistakes people with oily skin make is skipping moisturizer. Harsh cleansers and acne treatments can strip the skin of its natural oils. When this happens, your skin’s defense mechanism kicks in, and it starts producing even more oil to compensate. This can lead to a vicious cycle of oiliness and breakouts. A good, lightweight moisturizer helps to restore balance, hydrate the skin, and keep your skin barrier healthy and strong, which can actually help control oil production over time.
What to look for in a moisturizer for oily skin
When searching for the perfect hydrator, texture and ingredients are everything. You want a product that provides hydration without adding extra weight or clogging your pores.
- Texture is key The best choices are often a gel moisturizer or other lightweight moisturizer formulas. These have a water-based, airy texture that absorbs into the skin almost instantly without leaving a greasy film.
- Look for non-comedogenic and oil-free An oil-free moisturizer is a great place to start. Also, always check for the term ‘non-comedogenic,’ which means the product has been formulated in a way that is not likely to clog your pores.
- Hydrating ingredients Seek out ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which are humectants that draw moisture into the skin without adding oil. Niacinamide is another hero ingredient for oily skin as it can help regulate oil production and minimize the appearance of pores.
Our top 7 moisturizer picks
Here are seven fantastic options that tick all the boxes for oily and acne-prone skin. While we can’t name specific brands here, these descriptions will help you identify the right type of product for your needs.
1. The Classic Gel Cream: A lightweight, cooling gel-cream that provides instant hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. 2. The Niacinamide Balancer: A serum-like lotion featuring niacinamide to help control oil and refine pores. 3. The Water-Burst Moisturizer: A unique formula that feels like a splash of water and delivers oil-free hydration. 4. The Simple Hydrating Gel: A no-frills, fast-absorbing gel moisturizer perfect for sensitive and oily skin. 5. The Mattifying Lotion: A lotion that hydrates while also providing a matte finish, perfect for under makeup. 6. The Calming Water Cream: A cream that soothes redness and irritation while delivering lightweight moisture. 7. The Barrier-Repairing Fluid: A light fluid that helps to strengthen the skin barrier with ceramides without feeling heavy.
Finding the right moisturizer can transform your skincare routine. Explore the ScentSphere shop to find your perfect match and say goodbye to excess shine for good.
Why is it important to use a moisturizer even if you have oily skin
If you dry out oily skin it can overcompensate by producing even more oil. A good moisturizer helps to balance oil production and keep the skin barrier healthy and hydrated.
What kind of texture should I look for in a moisturizer for oily skin
Look for lightweight textures like gels gel creams or lotions. These formulas absorb quickly and hydrate the skin without feeling heavy greasy or occlusive.
What ingredients are good for hydrating oily skin without clogging pores
Hyaluronic acid glycerin niacinamide and ceramides are excellent choices. They provide hydration and support the skin barrier without being comedogenic or clogging pores.




