Many people assume that moisturizers are reserved for dry skin only and might actually aggravate the condition of oily skin. But in reality, oily skin needs hydration too, and that's where oil-free moisturizers come into the picture. Formulated without any oil-based ingredients, they have a lightweight texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin without clogging your pores or leaving your face feeling greasy. Some products might even tighten your pores and regulate oil secretion!
Wondering which oil-free moisturizers are the highest-ranked in the beauty community? Check out our list of favorites! Have you ever heard of Origins' Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer? It's infused with nourishing ingredients such as caffeine, ginseng, and cucumber fruit extract to deliver long-lasting moisture. If you're curious about other products on our list, read on. We've also included a buying guide at the end to help you quickly figure out a product that can improve your skin condition.
Quick List - Top Oil-Free Face Moisturizers
Origins
Caffeine and Ginseng to Energize Your Skin
COSRX
Dermatologist-Tested Moisturizer With Birch Sap to Soothe Your Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
There are many great things an oil-free moisturizer can do for your skin! They have a light consistency that can penetrate quickly into the skin and is less likely to block your pores. That means you won't have to worry too much about acne breakouts.
The lightweight consistency also makes oil-free products ideal to use under a makeup layer. Moreover, they won't add an extra layer of shine to your skin and are, therefore, recommended for oily and acne-prone skin.
Meanwhile, those with dry skin might find oil-free products not hydrating enough. But if you need something that is quickly absorbed by the skin and delivers light moisturization, oil-free products do the trick! They're also great for summer or humid weather during the daytime when your skin might not need as much moisture.
Those with oily skin at baseline or who are acne-prone should definitely use an oil-free moisturizer. These moisturizers still provide enough hydration to the skin without increasing oil production, making the skin feel greasy, or clogging pores.
Now, let's jump right into the exciting part - finding an oil-free moisturizer that does the trick for your skin! You'll have to consider important factors such as the effectiveness of the ingredients and the consistency. Check out this buying guide to know more details.
Oil-free is technically a marketing buzzword. Since the FDA doesn't regulate this label at all, manufacturers can create their own oil-free standards as they feel like. So a strict oil-free product would contain none of the ingredients that don't mix well with water such as oils, plant butters, waxes, silicones, and similar.
However, a lax oil-free standard usually accepts any ingredients that don't contain the word "oil". And that might explain why some oil-free moisturizers feel extremely greasy! In fact, some oil-free ingredients might still contain the characteristics of an oil.
Let's take dicaprylyl carbonate, a skin-conditioning agent, as an example. Its chemical name might make you think that it's not an oil at all. However, this ingredient is synthetically derived from vegetable oil or animal fat and can make your skin look shiny and feel oily.
Some other ingredients that are in the same boat as dicaprylyl carbonate include C12-15 alkyl benzoate, dicaprylyl ether, isononyl nanoate, and more. While they might make your skin feel greasy, they are safe to use on the skin!
Silicones such as dimethicone are not usually regarded as oils but function in a similar way. However, they're lighter in consistency and less likely to aggravate your oily skin condition. So don't be afraid of them if your skin is not too oily.
Those with extremely oily skin might want to go for products with purely lightweight moisturizers like humectants (which are explained in the next section). To make sure that the product won't leave any greasy residue behind, check reviewers' comments!
Moisturizers often pack a punch of nutrients for your skin. And in addition to their main function of hydrating your skin, they might be able to soothe inflammation and rejuvenate your skin depending on how they're formulated. So take into consideration what effects you want your moisturizer to have and choose one that fits the bill!
Humectants are lifesavers for dehydrated skin. They can draw moisture to the top layers of your skin, either from the environment or from your skin's lower layers.
When it comes to oil-free face moisturizers, humectants are often the main agents that deliver long-lasting moisture to your skin, as they're lightweight and won't make your skin feel greasy. An extra plus: they won't clog the pores and can strengthen your skin's moisture barrier!
One of the most widely-used humectants is hyaluronic acid. It's a sugar molecule naturally existing in the body and can help boost your skin's water content directly. Its ability to retain moisture is insane as well! This moisture-binding ingredient can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, thus keeping your skin hydrated for a long time.
Glycerin, a sugar alcohol derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, is another moisturizing powerhouse you might want to consider. As well as increasing your skin's moisture level, it can accelerate the regeneration of your skin cells to improve the skin's elasticity.
Aloe vera can also work wonders in keeping your skin hydrated. Plus, it's packed with anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe skin irritation.
And don't miss out on bamboo sap and birch sap. Due to their soothing properties, both of them have long been used to calm and heal the skin. They can also act as humectants, increasing the skin's water content.
Hyaluronic acid can help fight signs of skin aging by providing a plumping effect to the skin. Hydrating the skin can help reduce the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles. Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid are a great option for those using acne medications as they can help fight any dryness or irritation that may occur with these products.
Going out means exposure to a lot of environmental aggressors such as UV rays, pollution, heat, and so on. All of those factors can, unfortunately, cause unflattering skin blemishes such as wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. They can also accelerate the breakdown of your skin's collagen, leading to loose and saggy skin.
Fortunately, many moisturizers are enriched with antioxidants that help you reverse the effects of environmental aggressors and aging on your skin. Some wonderful antioxidant-rich ingredients that are loved by the beauty community include green tea extract, jojoba oil, and moringa seed extract.
Meanwhile, some products are formulated with antioxidants such as niacinamide and vitamins C and E, and can help revive your skin's condition. All of those ingredients can effectively fade skin blemishes, brighten up your complexion, and boost your collagen synthesis to enhance your skin's elasticity.
If you have rosacea or acne, look for a moisturizer that has antioxidants that can act as anti-inflammatories with ingredients like niacinamide. Vitamin C can help with hyperpigmentation and skin signs of aging, so this is a great ingredient to look for if you have any of these skin concerns.
Dryness can facilitate the accumulation of skin debris and eventually steal your skin's natural luster. It is also one of the causes of clogged pores, acne breakouts, and excess sebum, which are perpetual issues for those with oily and acne-prone skin.
So if you're struggling with any of the above issues, or find your skin with a dull complexion, you might want to find a moisturizer formulated with gentle exfoliating agents such as lipo-hydroxy acid, perlite, or others.
Fruit extracts such as papaya, strawberry, grapefruit, and cranberry can also slough away impurities for a more radiant complexion.
Choosing an oil-free product is already a great way to help you prevent clogged pores and breakouts. However, there might still be some ingredients that can potentially aggravate your skin condition or trigger allergic reactions.
For instance, fragrances, alcohol, and parabens might cause dryness, cystic acne, and rashes to those with highly sensitive skin. In the long run, they might even enlarge your pores, accelerate oil secretion, and lead to acne scars.
Technically, most people are fine with those ingredients. But you might want to do a patch test before applying the product to be on the safe side. Allergy- or dermatologist-tested moisturizers are less likely to trigger allergic reactions as well.
If you have a known history of contact dermatitis or a history of atopic dermatitis, you may be prone to developing a reaction to a moisturizer. Check the ingredient list and avoid moisturizers with fragrances as these are most likely to cause reactions.
If you have facial eczema, you should definitely use a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and protect the skin barrier, so finding the right moisturizer is important and may take some trial and error.
Compared to regular moisturizers that feel a bit thick and creamy, oil-free products often have a lightweight texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin.
If you're looking for a product that can sink in instantly without any greasiness, a watery or gel-like moisturizer is the way to go. Since it's light and fast-absorbed, you can wear it as a base under your makeup layer without worrying about pilling issues. This kind of consistency is also great for the summer!
However, during the winter, watery or gel-like moisturizers might not be able to provide enough hydration. So you'll want to switch over to a light lotion or a cream. It can feel greasy at first, but the tackiness will soon disappear as you wait for the moisturizer to be fully absorbed.
They may also be better for nighttime skincare so you won't have to worry about the heavy feeling so much.
You may want to switch to an oil-free moisturizer in the summer or humid months since these are usually lightweight and easier to tolerate in the humidity. You can definitely use oil-free moisturizers all year round and still get enough skin hydration.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Origins GinZing™ Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer | ![]() | Caffeine and Ginseng to Energize Your Skin | |
2 | L'Oreal Paris Hydra Genius | ![]() | Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Water to Deliver Instant Moisture | |
3 | COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion | ![]() | Dermatologist-Tested Moisturizer With Birch Sap to Soothe Your Skin | |
4 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel | ![]() | This Moisturizer Shields Your Skin From UV Rays | |
5 | Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Moisturizer With Moringa and Papaya | ![]() | Papaya Extract to Remove Impurities and Excess Oil | |
6 | Vichy Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster | ![]() | Volcanic Water to Enhance and Maintain Your Skin Barrier | |
7 | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer | ![]() | Unique Formula to Refine Your Pores and Reduce Shine | |
8 | Glo Skin Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer | ![]() | Antioxidants to Shield the Skin From Environmental Aggressors | |
9 | humane Oil-Free Moisturizer | ![]() | Fragrance-Free Moisturizer With Refreshing Ingredients | |
10 | Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturizer | ![]() | Aloe Vera and Bamboo Water to Hydrate the Skin |
It might come as a surprise, but did you know that caffeine not only boosts your energy level but also brightens your skin and reduces blemishes? Indeed, many studies have shown that this ingredient can deliver tons of antioxidant benefits and can even reduce inflammation.
Ginseng is another secret ingredient that sets this moisturizer apart. It packs a punch of antioxidants that transform a dull-looking complexion into a vibrant and healthy one. There are also other various ingredients that can deeply moisturize your skin, including shea butter, jojoba butter, and cucumber fruit extract.
A few buyers weren't happy with this product as it made their skin break out. Nonetheless, most reviewers concurred that this product delivered an invigorating burst of hydration that helped recharge their skin and improve their overall complexion.
Many also found their pores appeared smaller and the texture of their skin became much softer. Another selling point for others was the lightweight consistency that didn't feel greasy on their skin.
Infused with three types of hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer can deliver instant moisture to plump your skin and leave it looking and feeling much more silky-smooth. The lightweight, water-like texture is quickly absorbed by the skin and won't leave behind any greasy residue.
Additionally, aloe water supplies your skin with various amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to brighten your complexion.
A few buyers were concerned by the fragrance ingredients in the product. If you have fragrance sensitivity, be aware. Nonetheless, many reviewers called this product a must-have in their skincare routine, saying it felt ultra-light and not at all greasy on the skin.
They also appreciated the non-irritating formula that didn't cause any acne breakouts or skin irritation. After using the product, many noticed a major improvement in their skin condition; their complexion looked more radiant and youthful, and their skin felt soft to the touch.
Enriched with birch sap, this moisturizer is the ultimate weapon to recondition your skin. In fact, birch sap is well-known as an antioxidant that can help neutralize the effects of free radical damage as well as soothe your irritated skin.
This moisturizer can also deliver long-lasting moisture to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. The pump bottle makes dispensing the product easy and completely mess-free!
Some buyers doubted the authenticity of this moisturizer, so we've included a link to another website for you. Regardless, this oil-free moisturizer was a holy-grail product for many reviewers.
They commented that it helped quench their skin's thirst and soften it significantly. Especially those with acne-prone and oily skin appreciated the lightweight formula that penetrated quickly into the skin without turning their face into an oily mess. This moisturizer was also gentle on sensitive skin and didn't trigger any breakouts.
This 2-in-1 product will not only keep your skin moisturized but also shield it from the damages of sun rays; it's formulated with effective chemical UV blockers and various antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental aggressors and improve your tired complexion.
For those who don't want to wear an extra layer of sunscreen, this is the right choice for you! It also boasts hyaluronic acid, an ultra-hydrating ingredient that can lock in moisture and enhance your skin's protective barrier.
This product didn't work for some people and actually caused irritation, redness, and itching. If you have sensitive skin, definitely do a patch test to make sure it works for your skin. Nevertheless, most reviewers were pleased with the gel-like consistency that went on smoothly and sank right into the skin.
The quick absorbency of this product made it ideal to wear under makeup. Others also loved its sun-blocking function and further mentioned that it didn't have any off-putting sunscreen scent like the regular sunscreens.
If you're struggling with skin issues like enlarged pores, dull-looking complexion, and excess oil on the skin, this product can be the remedy you're looking for! Crafted with powerful moisturizers such as four types of hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, it can draw moisture from the environment to your skin to deliver much-needed hydration.
Meanwhile, papaya extract works as an exfoliating agent that drives away impurities, daily grime, and excess oil from your pores, leaving you with fresh, healthy skin. This product also harnesses power from moringa seed extract and moringa water, which can prevent pollution particles from damaging your skin cells!
There were various points about this product that made reviewers infatuated with it. It's lightweight, didn't clog pores, and worked well under makeup layers. Those with oily skin were also thrilled that it had a mattifying effect and left their skin oil-free for a while.
But for people with dry skin, this product was a bit too drying. Still, many still highly recommended this moisturizer since it tightened the skin and minimized the appearance of pores effectively.
This moisturizer is infused with light, gentle ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and volcanic water to immediately quench your thirsty skin without irritating it. It's also effective in strengthening your skin's protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
For those with sensitive skin, you'll be delighted to know that this product contains no potential irritants such as fragrance, paraben, or alcohol. It is also allergy- and dermatologist-tested to give you some peace of mind!
Some people with extremely dry skin found the product not moisturizing enough. Nonetheless, various reviewers still deemed it a valuable asset in their skincare regime, mentioning that it nourished and plumped their skin wonderfully.
Many also noticed that their fine lines and wrinkles seemed to fade away, and further commented that the moisturizer didn't cause any breakouts. Others noted that a little went a long way, and usually, one to one and a half pump was enough to cover the whole face.
Feeling frustrated with how your face appears so shiny all the time? This moisturizer can be the solution for your grievance! It features a proprietary combination of lipo-hydroxy acid and perlite, which are both well-known as gentle exfoliating agents, that drive away impurities and significantly minimize the look of your pores.
This product also has a mattifying effect on the skin, so your face will no longer look like an oil slick! And that's not all. Silica, another wonderful ingredient in this moisturizer, can boost collagen production to enhance your skin's elasticity and give it a nice glow.
Some users experienced a mild burning sensation and some got dry patches as well as redness. Since this moisturizer contains a few exfoliating agents and might cater more towards oily skin, those with sensitive and dry skin might be better off with other products!
Still, this moisturizer was an indispensable item in the skincare collection of many reviewers, particularly those with oily and acne-prone skin. Its lightweight texture made it a great base for makeup as well.
This oil-free moisturizer is jam-packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients such as malachite extract and jojoba oil that protect your skin against environmental aggressors. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid seals in moisture within your skin layers and algae extract facilitates the natural repair process of your skin.
Also, you might wonder why this product is oil-free even though it contains jojoba oil. Actually, this ingredient isn't considered an oil but a liquid wax ester. The most important point is that it supplies your skin with tons of nourishing fatty acids!
A few buyers were concerned about the authenticity of the product sold on Amazon, so we've included a link to the manufacturer's website for you.
Various reviewers, even those with sensitive skin, were in love with this moisturizer. It went on seamlessly and was absorbed quickly without causing any greasiness. Plus, it kept their skin moisturized and didn't make their skin look shiny. This moisturizer also worked well under makeup and didn't cause any pilling issues.
This oil-free moisturizer from humane is crafted with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and cucumber extract to drench your skin in moisture. It's also effective in soothing inflammation and can help strengthen your skin's natural barrier.
The addition of grape seed extract helps facilitate the healing of your skin and boost collagen production to improve your overall skin condition. Another selling point about this product is that it's certified cruelty-free by the PETA. So you can rest assured that it's never been tested on animals.
Some buyers were disappointed that the bottle was only half full. Yet, this product was still a game-changer for many reviewers; it felt light on the skin and left their skin feeling incredibly soft.
Most people also experienced no breakouts and further mentioned that this product didn't make their skin look shiny at all. On top of that, people with sensitive skin were impressed with the gentle formula that didn't lead to any allergic reactions.
This oil-free moisturizer is infused with aloe vera and bamboo water that give your skin long-lasting hydration. Aloe vera is also renowned for its soothing power and can calm inflammation while softening your skin. Meanwhile, bamboo extract can remove excess oil, so you won't have to worry about your skin looking oily at all.
For some reviewers, the consistency was too watery. A few others noted that this moisturizer contained fragrance ingredients. So be careful if you have fragrance sensitivity.
On the other hand, many buyers considered this product an essential item they couldn't go without. It's hydrating and truly did the trick in preventing excess oil on the face. Reviewers were actually quite surprised at how shine-free their skin looked.
If you are in search of some beauty products that can effectively nourish your skin without making your skin feel too greasy, check out our other articles for some suggestions!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Origins |GinZing™ Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer
No. 2: L'Oreal Paris|Hydra Genius
No. 3: COSRX|Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
No. 4: Neutrogena|Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel
No. 5: Farmacy|Daily Greens Oil-Free Moisturizer With Moringa and Papaya
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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