Take it from us: narrowing down the best moisturisers for oily skin is far from an easy task. Considering how important it is to tailor your skincare routine to your skin type, picking the right cleansers, face toners, facial serums and moisturiser can make the biggest difference. “Oily skin usually presents itself with more visible pores and greater sebum (oil) production. Sometimes those with oily skin types may also present with blemishes or acne,” explains Daniel Isaacs, director of research at Medik8.
For those reasons, those whose skin is on the oily side may want to opt for a hydrating yet non-comedogenic formula (one that doesn’t clog the pores). You also might want to avoid something that will feel way too greasy on the skin (especially when it comes to layering it with a healthy dose of your daily sunscreen for face).
Instead of richer formulas, opt for something lightweight and potentially oil-free, gel-like or water-based. Mattifying formulas are always a great option, too, especially for the day time because they can help regulate the oil production and help control it. You also definitely want something that will perform well underneath your makeup too. After all, there’s nothing worse than having your foundation disappear into nothing after only a few hours of wear.
Best moisturisers for oily skin at a glance – our top picks:
While we know it’s all too easy to think you should be using products that’ll dry skin out in order to counteract the oil, that’s far from the truth. Contrary to popular belief, oily and acne-prone skin types most definitely need moisturising too, regardless of your sebum production levels. But we get it: figuring it all out on your own can be quite intimidating, especially considering the sheer amount of brands and options out there. Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you by not only quizzing the most renown skincare experts in the biz but also testing out the formulas first-hand.
That’s right, the GLAMOUR beauty team is trialling hundreds of moisturisers on the daily, from new innovative products as well as dermatologist-approved and science-backed formulations. Below, we’ve put together a handy guide to the very best moisturisers for oily skin on the market right now, including premium buys that are worth the investment to affordable must-haves, cult-favourites and couple of new releases too. Now, scroll ahead…
Unsure whether you have oily skin? If your skin tends to fall on the tighter, more easily-irritated side, then chances are, your skin is likely more likely dry, sensitive or perhaps both rather than oily. Or, if you’re somebody that has a few dry patches dotted around and an oily T-zone, consider yourself team combination skin.
In the mood to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the face masks, anti-ageing creams, night creams, hyaluronic acid serum, vitamin C serums, retinol creams and the best sunscreens for face. We can also help you pick the best moisturisers and face creams, the best moisturiser for dry skin and the best moisturiser for combination skin.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.