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Struggling with shine and breakouts? Our expert-tested guide reveals the best face moisturizers for oily skin that hydrate without greasiness in 2025.
Choosing the right face moisturizer for oily skin isn't just about hydration—it's about balancing your skin's natural oil production while preventing excess shine, clogged pores, and breakouts. Oily skin types often produce more sebum, leading to a greasy T-zone and potential acne flare-ups. However, skipping moisturizer can trigger overcompensation from your skin's oil glands, worsening the problem. In 2025, with rising awareness of skin barrier health, the best face moisturizers for oily skin focus on lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that deliver moisture without adding fuel to the fire.
The challenges for oily skin are unique: heavy creams can exacerbate oiliness and lead to milia or pimples, while overly drying products strip the skin, causing rebound oiliness. Key factors to consider include oil-free or mattifying ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and silica; gel or lotion textures for quick absorption; and SPF integration for daytime use. Look for products labeled non-comedogenic to avoid pore-clogging, and prioritize those with soothing elements like green tea or zinc to control inflammation. Fragrance-free options are ideal to minimize irritation on sensitive oily skin.
At Review Atlas, our team of dermatologist-backed experts rigorously tests face moisturizers for oily skin in real-world conditions. We evaluate over 50 products annually, assessing texture, absorption speed, 8-hour shine control, hydration levels via corneometer readings, and long-term effects on acne-prone skin. Our 2025 lineup draws from lab data, user trials with 200+ oily skin participants, and consultations with skincare pros. Whether you're battling teenage acne or adult hormonal oiliness, this guide ensures you find face moisturizers for oily skin that work seamlessly into your routine, promoting a matte, healthy glow without compromise.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat stands out as the best overall face moisturizer for oily skin in 2025, thanks to its innovative mattifying formula that controls shine for up to 8 hours without drying out the skin. Specifically designed for oily and acne-prone complexions, it features Sebulyse technology—a blend of micro-exfoliating agents and oil-absorbing powders—that regulates sebum production while hyaluronic acid provides lightweight hydration. The oil-free, non-comedogenic gel-cream texture absorbs instantly, leaving a velvety matte finish ideal for humid climates or daily wear under makeup.
Pros: Exceptional shine control and pore refinement; fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin; improves texture over time with consistent use. Cons: May feel slightly tight for very dry patches in winter; higher price point. This is perfect for those with combination-oily skin seeking a multi-tasker that hydrates, mattifies, and preps for flawless application—ideal for busy professionals or teens fighting breakouts.
As the best budget face moisturizer for oily skin, CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion provides ceramide-rich hydration at an unbeatable price, restoring the skin barrier without exacerbating oiliness. Tailored for oily and combo skin, it uses niacinamide to calm inflammation and regulate sebum, while hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides lock in moisture lightly. The lotion's featherweight texture sinks in quickly, making it a staple for nighttime recovery in 2025 routines focused on simplicity and efficacy.
Pros: Fragrance-free and non-greasy; supports acne treatment compatibility; dermatologist-recommended for sensitive oily skin. Cons: No SPF, so not ideal solo for day; minimal mattifying effect. This is ideal for students or budget-conscious users with oily, irritated skin needing gentle, effective daily care that prevents breakouts while promoting long-term balance.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream earns its spot as the best premium face moisturizer for oily skin, blending Antarctic ice grass and hyaluronic acid for superior 72-hour hydration in a featherlight gel. Engineered for oily skin's needs, it balances sebum with impersebile technology, reducing shine while strengthening the barrier—luxury at its finest for 2025's sophisticated skincare enthusiasts.
Pros: Luxurious texture with visible pore-minimizing; eco-friendly sourcing; excels in humidity. Cons: Premium pricing; jar packaging may introduce contamination risks. This is for affluent users with oily skin seeking high-end, science-backed indulgence that delivers matte elegance and resilience against urban stressors.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel offers the best value as a face moisturizer for oily skin, with a water-packed gel formula that hydrates for 8 hours while controlling oil via cucumber and aloe. Non-comedogenic and allergy-tested, it's perfect for oily skin's hydration needs without greasiness, aligning with 2025's focus on gentle, effective daily essentials.
Pros: Quick absorption and matte result; iconic brand reliability; great for all ages. Cons: Mild scent; not as innovative as newer formulas. Choose this mid-range gem if you have oily, sensitive skin craving a trusted, balanced moisturizer that enhances your routine without breaking the bank.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel excels as a top face moisturizer for oily skin, delivering intense hydration via hyaluronic acid without any greasy residue. Its gel-based formula mimics water's lightness, making it perfect for oily types who need moisture to combat dehydration-induced oil overproduction. Key features include activated hyaluronic acid for 24-hour plumpness, olive extract for antioxidant protection, and a non-comedogenic profile that won't clog pores—crucial for acne-prone oily skin in 2025's pollution-heavy environments.
Pros: Ultra-lightweight and fast-absorbing; affordable and widely available; layers well under sunscreen. Cons: Lacks mattifying agents, so pair with a primer for extra shine control; subtle scent might irritate ultra-sensitive skin. Choose this if you have oily but dehydrated skin from harsh cleansers, offering a refreshing boost for morning routines without weighing down your complexion.
Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer is a powerhouse for oily, acne-prone skin, formulated to hydrate while targeting blemishes with 0.5% salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation. Its oil-free base with antioxidants like green tea extract soothes redness and controls shine, perfect for the challenges of hormonal oily skin in 2025. The lightweight lotion absorbs seamlessly, providing all-day comfort without pilling under makeup.
Pros: Acne-fighting benefits without dryness; non-comedogenic and paraben-free; improves clarity over weeks. Cons: Salicylic acid may tingle on very sensitive skin initially; not as hydrating for dehydrated oily types. Opt for this if you're dealing with persistent breakouts alongside oiliness, offering a treatment-moisturizer hybrid for clearer, matte skin.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is an excellent, no-frills face moisturizer for oily skin, using amino acids, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid to mimic skin's natural moisturizers without oils. Its minimalist approach suits oily types prone to irritation, absorbing rapidly to hydrate deeply while maintaining a non-shiny finish—affordable efficacy for 2025's clean beauty trend.
Pros: Budget-friendly and customizable; fragrance-free; layers invisibly. Cons: Basic packaging; may need layering for very dry climates. Ideal for minimalists with oily skin who want straightforward, potent hydration that supports barrier health without bells and whistles.
Bioderma Sebium Mat Control Moisturizer is tailored for oily skin, using Fluidactiv technology to normalize sebum quality and mattify with zinc gluconate and copper. The fluid lotion hydrates lightly with glycerin, preventing dehydration-triggered oil surges— a French pharmacy favorite updated for 2025's acne-conscious users.
Pros: Long-lasting matte effect; soothes inflammation; lightweight for oily T-zones. Cons: Availability varies; can feel silicone-heavy. This suits those with excessively oily skin needing targeted control and comfort, especially in warm weather or for makeup prep.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat, Daily Moisturizer For Oily Skin, Visibly Reduces The Look Of Pores, Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer, Smooths Skin Texture, Non-Comedogenic & Dermatologist Tested Rank #1 | 4.5 4.5 | Check price | |
 Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel Face Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 25, Hydrating Facial Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid, Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Face Lotion, 1.7 oz Rank #2 | — | 4.7 4.7 | Check price |
 CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide, Ultra-Lightweight, Oil-Free Moisturizer for Face, 3 Ounce 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Rank #3 | 4.7 4.7 | Check price | |
 Paula's Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Face Moisturizer, Lightweight Facial Cream for Acne-Prone Skin, Hyaluronic Acid, Pore-Minimizing Niacinamide, Soothing Antioxidants, Calms Redness, Fragrance- Free Rank #4 | — | 4.6 4.6 | Check price |
 Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer, Shine-Reducing Gel Cream for Oily to Normal Skin, Hydrates Skin for 24 Hours, Visibly Minimizes Pores, Non-comedogenic, Alcohol-free, Fragrance-free 4.2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Rank #5 | 4.7 4.7 | Check price | |
 The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid, Lightweight Hydrator for Skin Barrier Support & Hydration 3.38 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Rank #6 | — | 4.6 4.6 | Check price |
 Clinique 3-Step Dramatically Different Moisturizing Oil Free Gel | Face Moisturizer For Combination Oily to Oily Skin Types 4.2 Fl Oz Rank #7 | 4.7 4.7 | Check price | |
 Bioderma Sébium Mat Control Cream, Mattifying and Moisturizing Daily Cream for Combination to Oily Skin, 1 Fl Oz Rank #8 | — | 4.4 4.4 | Check price |
Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team
