There’s a fine line between dewy supermodel skin and a slick of sheen. Especially when grease gets worse as the day wears on, leaving planet-sized pores in its wake. One way to outsmart oil is to re-evaluate your skincare: enter, the best moisturiser for oily skin.
After using the best toner and best face serums for combination skin, it makes sense that your moisturiser should be lightweight and, where possible, mattifying.
What to look for in a moisturiser for oily skin
‘Combatting oiliness is a tricky business,’ explains medical and cosmetic consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. ‘If in doubt, look for the words ‘oil-free’ and ‘noncomedogenic’ on the packaging as this means it won’t clog pores.’
Moisturising may seem counterintuitive, but oily skin can still get dehydrated. This is especially true if you are also using acne products to quell breakouts.
‘Many anti-acne products dry out the skin,’ explains consultant dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong. ‘It’s important to rehydrate it in order to prevent sebum levels going into overdrive to compensate for this dryness.’
However, this is obviously not the place for rich, oil-based moisturisers that could further aggravate an already clogged complexion. What’s needed is lightweight creams and gels that sink into the skin quickly. Things like water-based creams work beautifully.
‘What the water does is act as a vehicle to transport other actives in the product so they penetrate the skin better,’ says Benedicte Le Bris, head of research and development at L’Occitane. ‘At the same time, the gel traps the water so it doesn’t evaporate at room temperature.’
Another benefit of gels is that the watery consistency delivers a hit of hydration without blocking pores. Something that makes it ideal for acne sufferers but also helps all skin prone to oiliness. ‘This is because gels are free from the fatty ingredients that normally make moisturisers creamy,’ explains Le Bris.
Many also boast sponge-like ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These are oily skin saviours as they hold on to vast amounts of water, effectively plumping up fine lines and shuttling lost moisture back into dry skin.
And the icing on the cake? Gels play well under make-up, leaving no sticky residue on the skin.
So how did we test these products?
In light of everything that the experts said, we looked for products that were:
- non pore-clogging
- hydrating
- oil-free
So if the thought of treating oily skin makes you break out in a sweat, this tailored arsenal of skincare will help. Keep reading for the Marie Claire beauty editor-approved edit of the best moisturisers for oily skin.
Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF45, £37 | Lookfantastic
This works quickly on contact with the skin to beat shine. Avocado lightly hydrates while oil-absorbing powders prevent the re-appearance of a greasy T-zone for up to 10 hours.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval:
Hydrating | Mattifying | Lightweight
Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser, £30 | Amazon
This is your best night moisturiser for oily skin. There's a combo of niacinamide (improves the look of enlarged pores, refines texture), ceramides (to strengthen that all important skin barrier) and blueberry (calms redness) in the formula. It's a lightweight cream that won't clog your pores or further add to your skin's greasy feeling.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval:
Reduces the appearance of pores | Lightweight | Retexturising
Caudalie Vinopure Moisturising Mattifying Fluid, £24 | Cult Beauty
Our fashion editor's favourite moisturiser. After coming off the pill, her skin went a little nuts and she had uncontrollable blemishes. This, along with rethinking her entire skincare routine, helped to calm inflamation, reduce the appearance of her spots and mattify any shine.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval:
Calming | Blemish-fighting | Mattifying
Medik8 Balance Moisturiser and Glycolic Acid Activator, £47 | Cult Beauty
This dynamic duo was formulated to balance the microbiome. Two to three times a week, appply 4-6 drops of the glycolic acid activator onto your face. This will slough away any dead skin cells. Apply the probiotic and prebiotic-rich Balance Moisturiser once the skin has dried. The moisturiser will be able to penetrate further with no dead skin in its way. By feeding the good bacteria in the microbiome, it encourages a clearer complexion. Use the moisturiser alone the rest of the week.
Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturiser, £41 | Cult Beauty
This gel cream is so lightweight that you can barely feel it on the skin (which is perfect when you feel like an oil-slick). However, that doesn't mean you won't feel the benefits. There are three weights of hyaluronic acid, so your skin will practically sing with happiness at how hydrated it is. There's also ceramides, minerals and amino acids inside which again are known to feed and regulate the skin barrier, making for a very content complexion.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval:
Oil-free | Lightweight | Hydrating
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream, £28.50 | Lookfantastic
The brand's iconic moisturiser now comes in an oil-free formula. Which means that all skin types can know reap the benefits of this super hydrator. It reduces shine on the skin and actually helps to improve the appearance of large pores over time.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval:
Oil-free | Hydrating | Mattifying
Glossier Priming Moisturiser Balance, £23
The best moisturiser for oily skin needs to help balance oil without stripping the skin. This does exactly that. The Marine Extract in the cream reduces visible shine instantly and the Niacinamide works to tackle large pores.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval:
Reduces the appearance of pores | Lightweight | Gel
Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturiser, £65 | Space NK
Just because you have oily skin and are prone to breakouts, doesn't mean that they are your only skin concerns. This cream is ideal for more mature skin that wants a cream that can also supports elasticity, tightens and reduce fine lines. Et voila!
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval:
Oil-free | Hydrating | Mattifying
Vichy Normaderm Skin Corrector 1.5% BHA Daily Moisturiser, £15 | Boots
Everyone knows that Salicylic Acid is the dream ingredient to tackle blemishes. This daily moisturiser both hydrates the skin, whilst also mattifying the skin and exfoliating the skin to tackle blemishes.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval:
Treats spots | Hydrating | Mattifying
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat, £18 | Feelunique
The whole La Roche-Posay Effaclar range is perfect for oily-skinned gals. And there are numerous moisturisers in the range to choose from. This one works on skin that's oily and needs a little extra help with shine control.
Why it gets the Marie Claire seal of approval:
Oil-free | Reduces the appearance of pores | Mattifying
