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Beauty

Best Moisturisers for Oily Skin

6th January 2025 • 5 min read

Finding the right moisturiser for you can feel like a daunting task, right? With so many ingredients, buzz words, and options, it’s easy to stick with the same old cream you’ve used for years – even if it’s never truly delivered the results you hoped for.

And if you have oily skin, the idea of adding another layer of moisture feels a bit of a no-no. Why add more shine? But that’s a common misconception. Your skin needs hydration! In fact, skipping on moisturiser can make your skin work overtime, producing even more oil to compensate. The key to finding the best face moisturiser for oily skin is looking for lightweight textures and oil free formula’s that hydrate without clogging pores. Ingredients that give you glow, not grease. And you’re in luck! We’ve done the research and plenty of testing to bring you the best face moisturisers for oily skin. From mattifying gels to water-based creams we’ve rounded up our top picks to have you finally ditch that emergency powder compact and embrace balanced, radiant skin.

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What to Look for in a Moisturiser for Oily Skin

When you’ve got oily skin, finding the right moisturiser is all about balance. You want something that hydrates (yes, oily skin needs hydration!) without clogging pores or adding extra shine. To make your search a little easier, we’ve rounded up the key things to look for next time you’re scanning the beauty shelves in search of the best moisturisers for oily skin.

Reviewing the Best Moisturisers for Oily Skin

Best Overall Moisturiser for Oily Skin - ESPA 24-Hr Balancing Moisturiser

Our go-to pick is this moisturising champion from ESPA. With gentle notes of lavender and chamomile, it’s designed to calm and soothe the skin whilst providing that much needed hydration. The lightweight, water-based formula sinks into the skin with no greasy residue, leaving you with a great base for make-up. White thyme helps to clarify the skin and keeps excess oil firmly in check. Plus, with its luxurious spa like scent, applying this moisturiser feels like a little dose of self-care. It’s total spa in a jar!

ESPA 24hr Balancing Moisturiser

Best Budget Moisturiser for Oily Skin - Caudalie VinoHydra Gel Moisturiser

Priced at a purse friendly £20, this gel moisturiser from French favourite brand Caudalie packs a punch for the price. Focusing on hydration without an oily finish, it feels like giving your skin a good old drink thanks to its star ingredient of natural hyaluronic acid. Silky gel texture soaks into the skin and leaves a smooth and plump finish. If you’re prone to sensitive skin, you’ll also love the cooling effects of added Aloe Vera and Grape water which help reduce signs of redness.

Caudalie VinoHydra Gel Moisturiser

Best Luxury Moisturiser for Oily Skin - ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

Since its launch in 2003, this cult product from luxury brand ELEMIS is a favourite amongst beauty editors! It’s loaded with antioxidant rich marine and plant ingredients that plump skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines. Lightweight and non-greasy texture make it a perfect match for those with oily skin and it layers like a dream with other skincare products. This intensely hydrating formula also leaves you with a glow so gorgeous you’ll be tempted to ditch the make-up.

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

Best Moisturiser with SPF for Oily Skin - OLAY Regenerist Whip Spf30

Simplify your mornings and keep your skin protected without the extra step! This SPF30 moisturiser from OLAY is a game-changer for oily skin. Intensely hydrating yet lightweight, it absorbs quickly and leaves a smooth, matte finish without the greasy residue we’re used to with SPF’s. Packed with Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) to help regulate oil production, it keeps shine under control while providing protection against UVA and UVB rays.

OLAY Regenerist Whip Spf30

Best Night Moisturiser for Oily Skin - Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial Moisturiser

A rich night cream might seem off limits if you’re prone to oily skin but trust us -the Superfood Night Moisturiser is a skincare staple. Packed with nourishing prebiotics it works to target signs of fatigue and improve skin tone, all while you catch up on your beauty sleep. Lightweight texture means you don’t have to worry about clogged pores, yet nourishing notes of Banana Flower Extract make this still feel like an indulgent end to your day.

Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial

Best Moisturiser for Acne Prone Oily Skin - NIPFAB Vitamin C Fix Hybrid Gel Cream

For skin that’s feeling a bit dull and prone to breakouts, this NIPFAB moisturiser is for you. It’s packed with three (yes, three!) forms of vitamin C for a seriously effective brightening boost. Designed to protect from environmental aggressors (think pollution, blue lights) which can be sneaky contributors to congested skin. As a natural antioxidant vitamin C also helps to regulate your skins oil production. Translation? Less greasiness, fewer clogged pores and skin that is balanced and fresh.

NIPFAB Vitamin C Fix Hybrid Gel Cream

Best Anti-Aging Moisturiser for Mature Oily Skin - Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Hydragel Cream

If you’re looking for a moisturiser that does it all, look no further. Rich in wrinkle-busting ingredients but light in texture, the Visible Difference Hydragel Cream has a refreshing, gel-like quality that feels cooling on the skin. Tree mushroom extract helps to minimise pores and smooth skin offering a perfectly plump finish that makes a great base for make-up. And because its gel based and super lightweight it’s a dream for oily skin; you get all the hydration without the heaviness!

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Hydragel Cream

Best Men’s Moisturiser for Oily Skin - ESPA The Hydrator

Because men need self-care too! The clue is in the name with this one. Packed with natural hydrating ingredients to target areas of dryness, The Hydrator moisturiser makes use of birch sap, aloe vera and our favourite Hyaluronic acid to target dehydration. The lightweight finish soaks easily into your skin making it perfect for those suffering from oily skin. Plus, it’s packed with vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant which protects and nourishes the skin.

ESPA The Hydrator

Common Mistakes When Moisturising Oily Skin

  • Skipping moisturiser altogether – Skipping this step makes your skin panic and rush to create more oil to compensate

  • Using heavy, rich creams – Tune into texture. Avoid heavy creams which are often packed with rich butters and oil that can lead to congestion

  • Over-cleansing – Be mindful of over-cleansing or using too many products as this can lead to stripping your skin and triggering excess oil production

  • Not using SPF –If you don’t like the thought of adding another product to your skincare routine, try a day cream enriched with SPF

  • Applying too much product – A pea-sized amount is plenty to effectively nourish your face and neck

Moisturiser Routine for Oily Skin

Good morning glow: Your quick and easy AM routine for oily skin

Step-by-step:

  1. Gentle cleanser – Foam or gel based are best to clean the skin without stripping

  2. Toner – Great for balancing oil and unclogging pores!

  3. Serum – Vitamin C is a great option to help strengthen the skin barrier and brighten your complexion. New to vitamin C? Take a look at our handy guide to help you choose the best serum for you, Vitamin-c-skincare-benefits

  4. Moisturiser – Keep to gel or water based formulas that are free from heavy oils

  5. SPF – A must even through the winter! Look for lightweight, fragrance-free products to avoid clogging pores

Unwind + De-Shine: Your Oily Skin PM Routine

Step-by-step:

  1. Double cleanse – a skincare game changer! Use a gentle oil-based cleanser to remove any make-up and sunscreen, before using a foaming cleanser to deep clean pores.  The double action really works to effectively clean your face and remove excess oil. For more information around cleansing, check out our How To Use A Cleansing Balm | guide.

  2. Exfoliate – Look for liquid exfoliators containing Salicylic Acid (BHAU) over harsh scrubs that may irritate sensitive skin. Keep this to two or three times a week to avoid stripping skin.

  3. Treatment serum – Elevate your routine by adding a serum. Niacinamide is an oily skin saviour as it helps to regulate oil production and can help sooth redness

  4. Moisturiser – For extra nourishment reach for a night cream, but stick to gel-formulas and avoid anything too rich

Shop Moisturisers for Oily Skin at Very

It’s easy to get confused by skincare or let’s face it some days we just don’t have the energy. However, if there is one non-negotiable in your routine, it’s moisturiser.  Hopefully this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to shop smartly for your next moisturiser and transform your skin from shiny and congested to balanced, happy and glowing! Browse our full range of moisturisers and skincare here at Very. You can also browse our other beauty guides for more expert advice.

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