The best moisturisers for oily skin that won’t break the bank

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best moisturiser for oily skin - closer

by Georgia Scott |
Updated on

Have you been trying different moisturisers for oily skin, but can’t seem to settle on a new fave? Finding the best moisturiser that suits an oilier skin can be tricky. Some may feel too greasy, or some may feel too drying on the skin. We'll guide you through a range of affordable moisturisers available to save you the stress of trialling new products, in the hope of finding a winner.

If your skin is on the oilier side and you find yourself reaching for the blotting papers throughout the day, you may be wondering why your skin needs moisturiser. Think of moisturiser as the coat for your outfit. Its job is to add a layer of protection and comfort, whilst keeping the skin balanced depending on your skin type. So, whether you're looking for a mattifying formula or a tip-top moisturiser for acne, we've got all the info you'll need below.

The best moisturisers for oily skin at a glance:

Best moisturiser for oily skin (Editor's Choice): Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Face Moisturiser, £9.66 on Amazon

Best celeb-recommended moisturiser for oily skin: Weleda Skin Food Light, £14.95 on Look Fantastic

Best mattifying moisturiser for oily skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT+ Moisturiser Oily Skin, £20 on Boots

We have highlighted our go-to moisturisers that keep oiliness at bay, whilst reducing any shine and importantly those that work well under your makeup. These picks definitely won’t break the bank.

SHOP: Our fave moisturisers for oily skin types that are purse-friendly

Best moisturiser for oily skin (Editor's Choice)

A picture of the Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Face MoisturiserCetaphil
Price: £25.99

Keep it simple with the Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Face Moisturiser. This oil-free, hyaluronic acid-based moisturiser is a great pick for anyone with oily but sensitive skin. This keeps the skin feeling comfortable and hydrated without being overloaded with moisture but controls any excess oil sitting on the surface of the skin.

Customer review: "Didn't want to get a moisturiser as I thought moisturising would make my face oily. This Cetaphil is brilliant, makes the dry areas on my face smooth and supple yet it has no oily feel. When I put it on, it just dries instantly and I can't even feel that it's there. Perfect."

Pros

  • Hyaluronic Acid locks in moisture for 24 hours
  • Quick-absorbing and non-sticky
  • Non-comedogenic formula with no-added fragrances, non-irritating
  • Does not clog pores

Cons

  • For drier skin, you may need to apply two layers
  • Not rich enough for a nighttime face cream

Best celeb-recommended moisturiser for oily skin

We all know and love the celebrity fave Weleda Skin Food Light moisturiser, and now those with oilier skin can fall in love with it, too. A lighter version of the original icon, ideal for those who prefer a light moisturiser in the summer months but with the added benefits of the skin-loving ingredients. This will ensure the skin is hydrated, your oil levels are balanced, and the skin continues to look radiant - without looking or feeling greasy.

Celebrities such as Kaz Kamwi say: "I love Weleda Skin Food which was introduced to me by the girls on the show [Mary Bedford and Chloe Burrows are both big fans]. I use it as a primer and it's so good. It really hydrates the skin and gives you a glowy, healthy look. You literally look like you've put a little bit of oil on your face, it's so good. It's a really great primer but it's universal. It works for all skin types and tones, too."

Pros

  • Organic Sunflower Oil, Calendula, Pansy and Chamomile hydrate and calm
  • Perfect primer underneath makeup
  • Protective barrier cream against environmental aggressors
  • Can be used as a face or body moisturiser

Cons

  • Some people aren't keen on the strong fragrance

Best mattifying moisturiser for oily skin

A picture of the La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat+ MoisturiserLa Roche Posay

The La Roche Posey Effaclar range is made specifically for those with oily, combination and blemish-prone skin. The MAT+ moisturiser is for those who are craving some shine control. Forget using blotting sheets, this moisturiser is what you've been looking for. It features micro-powders to absorb any excess oil to keep the skin feeling matte throughout the day.

Customer review: "Finally found the best moisturizer for my oily skin. Lightweight, non-greasy and the best thing is I don't have to keep using blotting paper throughout my day. Will definitely purchase again."

Pros

  • Mattifying, daily moisturiser for oily skin prone to excessive shine
  • Minimises the appearance of enlarged pores
  • Reduces excess sebum, even in humid weather
  • Absorbent micro-powders limit shine

Cons

  • It will flake if you add too thick a layer onto your skin
  • Only offers 8 hours of hydration

Best gentle moisturiser for oily skin

A picture of the The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HAThe Ordinary

A super gentle moisturiser is full of skin-loving ingredients. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA moisturiser keeps it simple and focuses on ingredients that benefit the skin in their products. This moisturiser keeps your skincare routine nice and easy, ensuring that your skin is coated and hydrated with hyaluronic acid, but any shine is controlled.

Customer review: "I love this moisturiser!  I’d describe my age 46/skin as oily and acne-prone, however, the older I get, the drier it feels!  It feels tight and itchy.  Traditional acne treatments are too harsh and strip my skin.  This moisturiser provides the moisture I need without making my spots worse. I use it as my day moisturiser, the texture is nice - not too heavy.  The price point is amazing.  I love The Ordinary’s products.  My skin has changed for the better since introducing this, Squalane Cleanser and the Niacinamide serum twice a day. Great light moisturiser at a great price point!"

Pros

  • NMF (chemical protective coat) holds hydration of the outermost part of the epidermis
  • Multiple amino acids, fatty acids, hyaluronic acids
  • Free from alcohol, oil, silicone and nuts

Cons

  • Bare bones formula - won't get rid of breakouts, reduce pores etc.

Best budget moisturiser for oily skin

A picture of the Lu2019Oreal Paris Hydra Genius 72hr’ Liquid MoisturiserL'Oreal Paris
Price: £6.63 (was £12.95)
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A lightweight moisturiser that hydrates the skin whilst making sure any excess oil is kept at bay, whilst working as a great base under make-up. The most budget-friendly on our list, L'Oreal Paris Hydra Genius 72hr’ Liquid Moisturiser keeps the skin comfortable yet hydrated throughout the day, ensuring your make-up stays put without any disturbance from oil production.

Customer review: "Bought this on Imogen's (beauty blogger) recommendation and OH MY!! This is the best skincare I've ever had in my life. I have combination skin but the dry and sensitive formula works great for me. It is not greasy AT ALL and leaves your skin soft and hydrated, soaks right in and serves as an amazing make-up base. For £6 it is the dream in the bottle, just try it you'll never go back to your regular moisturiser."

Pros

  • Locks in moisture for 72 hours
  • Enriched with Aloe Water & Hyaluronic Acid
  • Instantly refreshes, and works well as a makeup primer
  • A moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin with oil-level problems

Cons

  • Will leave skin dewy, not suited to those who want matte finish

Best luxury moisturiser for oily skin

The Caudalie Vinopure Mattifying Fluid is a lightweight moisturiser that keeps the skin hydrated whilst controlling oil and shine by gently mattifying the skin. Caudalie features grape water throughout its skincare products to suit all skin types whilst keeping the skin flooded with light hydration. If you want to spend a little more on something luxurious (but still under £30), this is the ideal option for you.

Customer review: "I got a free sample of this and woah, it was amazing. I have suffered with such oily skin for years and believe me I have tried everything and nothing worked. This is amazing, just from the sample I got, it made me buy it straight away. It has stopped my oily skin 100%... made my skin feel like silk. 10/10 for me."

Pros

  • Long-lasting hydration, while helping to mattify skin
  • Infused with non-oily olive squalane
  • 93% of customers saw spots and blackheads reduced
  • 96% natural origin ingredients, vegan

Cons

  • Too drying for any other skin type apart from oily

Best SPF moisturiser for oily skin

A picture of the Revolution Skincare Moisture Cream SPF30Revolution Skincare

The Revolution Skincare Moisture Cream SPF30 is a great daily moisturiser to regulate any oil and reduce shine while protecting the skin from sun damage with SPF30. This moisturiser works well as a make-up base for those with an oilier skin type. A perfect everyday moisturiser you can use throughout the year.

Customer review: "If you're an oily skin guy or girl listen up! I'm on my fourth jar of this stuff and I cannot believe it's not gone viral. It is the BEST moisturiser/SPF if you have oily skin. It's lightweight but does really hydrate your face. It's so cheap and one jar lasts me ages!"

Pros

  • A moisturiser with SPF included
  • Niacinamide helps regulate oiliness and even skin tone and texture
  • Glycerin helps draw water into the skin to prevent dehydration
  • Urea and Allantoin help to soothe irritation

Cons

  • Not moisturising enough for combination skin, best suited to oily

Top tips to care for oily skin:

Use a detoxifying, exfoliating yet moisturising face mask once or twice a week to remove any dead skin cells and excess oil. This will deeply cleanse the skin to help improve any texture.

Using products with salicylic acid will gently exfoliate and help break down the build-up of any blackheads caused by excess oil on the surface of the skin. Plenty of Vitamin C moisturisers include gentle exfoliates like this to brighten the face.

When choosing a foundation, look for one that is oil-free so it will sit flawlessly on the skin. Using a mattifying primer will also help keep any oil at bay and help your makeup to last. Or, why not opt for a tinted moisturiser to combine the two?

Do I need to moisturise if my skin is oily?

Yes. It's best to keep the skin comforted and hydrated whilst controlling any oil production.

Should moisturisers be oil-free?

Not necessarily, it depends on your skin. Some skincare oils can be beneficial but also using an oil-free moisturiser can help those with an oilier skin type by reducing the look and feel of any excess oil production.

Can my skin still be oily as well as dry?

Yes. Your skin can typically fall into the category of 'combination' and can be treated as dry or dehydrated as well as possibly having an oily t-zone - so opt for a moisturiser for combination skin. We also have a guide for the best moisturisers for dehydrated skin if your oily skin is going through a dry phase.

Georgia Scott is a beauty and fashion product writer writing for heat specialising in all things lifestyle and trending. Before starting at Bauer, Georgia completed her degree in Journalism at University and worked as a retail beauty advisor and make-up artist.

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