Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin

Our pick: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — A dermatologist-recommended ceramide cream that restores and maintains the skin barrier.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($16 for 16 oz) is the best moisturizer for oily skin because its three essential ceramides restore the skin barrier without adding oil, and the lightweight texture absorbs fully in under a minute with no greasy residue. It hydrates through hyaluronic acid rather than heavy occlusives, which actually helps regulate sebum production rather than making oiliness worse.

Texture and formulation make all the difference. Lightweight, water-based, gel, or gel-cream moisturizers work best for oily skin types. These deliver hydration through humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) rather than heavy occlusives (petrolatum, shea butter). What you want: hydration without a film.

Every recommendation reflects our product evaluation process.

Companion guides: Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin, Best Niacinamide Serums, and Skin Barrier Repair: How to Fix a Damaged Moisture Barrier.

What to Look For

• Water or aloe as the first ingredient — indicates a lightweight base
• Humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, beta-glucan) for water-binding hydration
• Niacinamide — regulates sebum production and refines pores
• Oil-free formulation — avoids adding lipids to already lipid-rich skin
• Non-comedogenic testing — crucial for acne-prone skin