This post shows you the best drugstore moisturizers for oily skin that help control shine.
Oily skin can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding the right moisturizer.
While it might seem counterintuitive to add more moisture to already oily skin, the right product can balance sebum production, hydrate without causing breakouts, and give you that coveted glow without the grease.
If you’re on the hunt for the best moisturizers for oily skin, combination skin and acne-prone skin, we’ve rounded up our favorite affordable products from the drugstore that will give you results!
The Best Moisturizers For Oily Skin
1. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer is a perfect for oily, acne-prone skin, expertly combating breakouts and blackheads while ensuring hydration without clogging pores.
Its lightweight formula, enriched with niacinamide and ceramides, soothes flakiness, minimizes pores, and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
Antioxidants from pumpkin and blueberry alleviate redness, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and shine-free.
2. Blur London Cloudskin Moisturizer
The Cloudskin Moisturizer, designed for combination and oily skin, offers hydration without a greasy feel, thanks to ingredients like Bixa Orellana, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic acid that regulate sebum production.
Being pH-neutral, it supports the skin’s natural barrier, ensuring balance and health.
Free from alcohols and fragrances, it’s suitable for sensitive skin, and with its vegan, cruelty-free formulation and sustainable packaging, BLUR LONDON prioritizes both skin and environmental well-being.
3. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel
A great, affordable drugstore moisturizer for oily skin is the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel.
Developed with dermatologists, offers immediate and long-lasting hydration in a lightweight formula that’s easily absorbed without leaving skin greasy or sticky.
It’s fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, ensuring it won’t clog pores and is suitable for all skin types.
Key ingredients include MVE Technology for sustained hydration, ceramides to maintain the skin’s protective barrier, and hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture.
4. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer
If you’re aiming for a dewy look without the grease, this is your go-to.
This cooling gel-emulsion moisturizer, infused with watermelon extract, is celebrated in Korean beauty for its skin-restoring vitamins and antioxidants that soothe irritation.
Hyaluronic acid ensures deep, lasting hydration, while botanicals like peony and jasmine give oily skin a dewy, luminous finish without excess shine. It’s the ideal prep for an oil-balanced day ahead.
5. Cetaphil Face Moisturizer For Oily & Combination Skin
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 offers lightweight hydration tailored for sensitive combination skin, ensuring 24-hour moisture without clogging pores.
It boasts broad spectrum SPF 35 for protection against UVA and UVB rays, while edelweiss flower extract and ProVitamin B5 nourish and soothe the skin.
Being fragrance-free, oil-free, and paraben-free, it’s an ideal choice for oily skin types seeking protection and hydration without excess shine.
Understanding Oily Skin
It’s essential to understand what causes oily skin.
Overactive sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, leading to a shiny appearance and often, enlarged pores.
While genetics play a role, external factors like humidity, diet, and the wrong skincare products can exacerbate the issue.
Why Should You Moisturize Oily Skin?
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin needs hydration.
Skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to produce even more oil as a defense mechanism.
The key is to choose a product that offers hydration without adding oil, helping to balance sebum production and reduce the appearance of pores.
Ingredients to Look in Moisturizers For Oily Skin
When shopping for a moisturizer for oily skin, certain ingredients can make a difference:
- Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration hero, it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, ensuring your skin stays moisturized without feeling greasy.
- Salicylic Acid: Known for its ability to unclog pores, it’s a boon for oily skin types. It can also reduce sebum production over time.
- Niacinamide: This versatile ingredient can regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and improve the skin barrier function.
Additional Tips for Oily Skin
- Avoid Over-Cleansing: Over-cleansing can strip your skin of its natural oils, prompting it to produce even more sebum. Opt for a gentle cleanser and avoid washing your face more than twice a day.
- Use a Clay Mask: Clay masks can help absorb excess oil and reduce the appearance of pores. Use once a week for best results.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water can help regulate oil production from the inside out.
Finding the best moisturizer for oily skin might require some trial and error, but with the right knowledge, you can make an informed decision.
Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate oil but to balance it.
With the right products and a consistent skincare routine, you can achieve radiant, healthy-looking skin without the unwanted shine.
