Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin, From Matte Gels to Daily SPF

Picks at a glance

1. CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream: Best overall for oily skin

CeraVe calls this a lightweight moisturizer with oil-absorbing technology. It says silica and other powders help absorb excess oil, giving all-day hydration and shine control with a non-greasy, matte finish, and that it rebalances oily skin so it is neither too oily nor too dry. The formula has niacinamide, three ceramides (NP, AP and EOP) and hyaluronic acid.

CeraVe labels it non-comedogenic and free of added fragrance, and says it suits all skin tones, layers well under makeup and can be used by anyone 13 or older. Apply it liberally to the face and neck in the morning and at night after cleansing. It has no sunscreen, so add one on mornings you go outside.

Best for: A twice-daily moisturizer for oily or combination skin that wants a matte finish.

Skip it if: You want SPF built into your morning moisturizer.

2. PanOxyl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30: Best mineral SPF

PanOxyl calls this a 3-in-1 daytime moisturizer that absorbs excess oil, nourishes skin and protects it from UV rays. It is made for acne-prone and oily skin, labeled non-comedogenic, and PanOxyl says it leaves a matte finish. The sunscreen is mineral broad-spectrum SPF 30, and the only active ingredient is zinc oxide 17%. PanOxyl says the sheer formula leaves no white cast.

PanOxyl also says the moisturizer helps minimize the chance of breakouts by keeping excess oil from clogging pores. Other ingredients include hyaluronic acid, caffeine, antioxidants and bisabolol, which PanOxyl says helps reduce the look of redness, and fragrance doesn’t appear in its published ingredient list. Shake well, apply liberally to dry skin 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every 2 hours. It comes in a 1.7 oz size.

Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin that wants a mineral sunscreen in the moisturizer step.

Skip it if: You want a night moisturizer. PanOxyl makes this one for daytime.

3. Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30: Best SPF for sensitive skin

Cetaphil makes this oil-free lotion for oily skin and calls it ideal for sensitive, oily skin. It says the formula hydrates for 24 hours while its MicroPearl technology absorbs surface oil and reduces shine for a matte finish. It has broad-spectrum SPF 30 from avobenzone 3%, octisalate 5% and octocrylene 7%, and Cetaphil says its oleosome technology lets it use a lower concentration of sunscreen filters for less irritation.

Cetaphil labels it fragrance-free, paraben-free, oil-free, oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free, hypoallergenic and won’t clog pores. It says the lotion is dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin. The ingredient list includes ceramide NP, glycerin and panthenol. Apply it generously about 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply often, especially after sweating or swimming.

Best for: Oily skin that is also sensitive and wants SPF and a matte finish in one step.

Skip it if: You prefer a mineral sunscreen. PanOxyl uses zinc oxide instead.

4. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel: Best for combination skin

Clinique describes this as a dermatologist-developed, oil-free gel that lightly hydrates and helps boost the skin barrier. Its skin types are combination, oily and sensitive. Clinique says it gives 8 hours of lightweight, oil-free hydration and replenishes the skin’s oil-water balance, refreshing oilier skin types.

Clinique labels it non-acnegenic and free of alcohol, fragrance, parabens, phthalates, SLES and SLS. The ingredient list includes dimethicone, barley extract and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid). It comes in the most sizes here: 0.5, 1.7, 4.2 and 6.7 fl oz.

Best for: Combination skin, or oily skin that’s also sensitive, when you want a plain fragrance-free gel.

Skip it if: You want sunscreen in the same step.

5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: Best lightweight water gel

Neutrogena makes this ultra-lightweight water gel for normal, oily and combination skin and says it is suitable for acne-prone skin. It is labeled non-greasy and noncomedogenic, and Neutrogena says it won’t clog pores. The gel has hyaluronic acid, and Neutrogena says it is clinically proven to deliver 24 hours of hydration, absorbs quickly and leaves skin refreshed and dewy.

It contains Neutrogena’s signature fragrance, and the ingredient list includes dimethicone. Apply it evenly to the face and neck daily after cleansing. It comes in a 1.7 oz size. Neutrogena makes richer Hydro Boost textures for drier skin, and our moisturizer picks for dry skin cover that side.

Best for: Normal to oily skin that wants the lightest texture and a dewy rather than matte finish.

Skip it if: You avoid fragrance in face products.

How to choose a moisturizer for oily skin

Look for oil-free and noncomedogenic labels

The AAD suggests skin care products labeled “oil free” and “noncomedogenic,” and says products with those labels won’t clog your pores. All five picks carry a pore claim from the maker: non-comedogenic (CeraVe, PanOxyl, Neutrogena), won’t clog pores (Cetaphil) or non-acnegenic (Clinique). Cetaphil and Clinique also call their formulas oil-free.

Decide whether you want SPF in it

To save time, the AAD suggests a moisturizer that also contains broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. PanOxyl and Cetaphil both have SPF 30. For acne-prone skin, the AAD suggests sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and without fragrance or oils. PanOxyl’s only active is zinc oxide, while Cetaphil uses avobenzone, octisalate and octocrylene. With CeraVe, Clinique or Neutrogena, add a separate sunscreen in the morning.

Pick a finish

CeraVe, PanOxyl and Cetaphil all say they leave a matte finish. Neutrogena describes refreshed, dewy skin instead, so choose it if you prefer a dewy look to a matte one.

Check fragrance

CeraVe, Cetaphil and Clinique label their picks fragrance-free or free of added fragrance, and PanOxyl’s ingredient list has no fragrance. Neutrogena’s Water Gel contains fragrance.

Keep the rest of the routine gentle

The AAD suggests a gentle, foaming face wash for oily skin and warns that a harsh wash can irritate skin and trigger more oil. Our gentle cleanser guide includes a foaming pick for oily skin. The AAD also suggests seeing a board-certified dermatologist if you’re concerned about how much oil your skin makes or are dealing with blackheads or acne.

Related reading

If your skin feels tight after washing, see when to add a hydrating toner for oily skin . For shine that breaks through makeup, see how to make oily-skin makeup last longer .

FAQ

Does oily skin need moisturizer?

Yes. The American Academy of Dermatology says to apply moisturizer after cleansing even if your skin is oily, to keep it hydrated. It suggests products labeled oil free and noncomedogenic.

Should my moisturizer for oily skin have SPF?

It saves a step. The AAD suggests a moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. PanOxyl and Cetaphil are the two picks here with SPF 30. With CeraVe, Clinique or Neutrogena, add a separate sunscreen in the morning.

What does noncomedogenic mean?

The AAD says products labeled oil free and noncomedogenic won’t clog your pores or cause acne. CeraVe, PanOxyl and Neutrogena label their picks non-comedogenic, Cetaphil says its moisturizer won’t clog pores, and Clinique calls its gel non-acnegenic.

Sources

• CeraVe: Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream
• PanOxyl: Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30
• Cetaphil: DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
• Clinique: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
• Neutrogena: Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to control oily skin