These Moisturizers Are Key to Plump, Hydrated Skin Without the Greasy Feel
Think moisturizing will make you oilier? Not exactly.
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Having oily skin is not for the faint of heart. By 2 p.m., your T-zone can look like a grease pit, no matter how many blotting papers you’ve sacrificed or how aggressively you’ve dusted on setting powder. So yeah, it’s fair to wonder: Do I even need moisturizer if my face already looks shiny enough? Unfortunately for the skincare-averse, the answer is yes. Skipping moisturizer can actually make things worse, since dehydrated skin may overcompensate by producing even more oil. You’d also be missing out on key benefits, like supporting your skin barrier, reducing irritation and inflammation, and softening fine lines and wrinkles. The trick isn’t ditching moisturizer altogether; it’s finding a formula that hydrates without clogging pores or feeling heavy.
Oily skin has always been one of my biggest insecurities, which is probably why I’ve made it my mission, and my literal job, to test every promising cream and gel I can get my hands on. After years of trial and error, I know what actually keeps things in check without effing up your skin. Ahead, oil-prone Cosmo editors have rounded up the nine best moisturizers for oily skin that deliver lightweight hydration, leaving your complexion feeling anything but greasy.
The best moisturizers for oily skin, tested by editors:<em></em>
With that, here's an exhaustive list of the best moisturizers for oily skin—and why they're worth adding to your skincare lineup, pronto.
Pros
- Gel consistency is ultra-lightweight and absorbs in seconds
- Fragrance-free and designed with sensitive skin in mind
- Easy to snag at basically any drugstore
Cons
- Not rich enough if your skin leans dry or dehydrated
Why we love it: There’s a reason this blue jar has been living on our vanities since the Hannah Montana era. This oil-free gel-cream is essentially a tall glass of water for your face: lightweight, bouncy, and absorbed within seconds. It also layers like a dream under SPF and foundation and won’t leave your T-zone looking like a glazed donut by noon. Fragrance-free and friendly for sensitive skin, it’s one of those rare drugstore moisturizers that works whether you’re building your first skincare routine or already double cleansing like a pro.
One Cosmo editor says: "I have never gone through so many tubs of a product as I have this moisturizer. I love the gel-cream formula on my combination skin legit all year 'round, but I especially lean on it in the winter. It hydrates my skin better than $$$$ creams I've used." —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, amino acids |
| Oil free? | Yes |
Pros
- Cloud-like consistency that feels more substantial
- Absorbs quickly without leaving residue
Cons
- Better suited for the AM if you prefer a richer cream at night
Why we love it: Pretty much everything from Dieux has a reputation for being thoughtfully formulated–and Air Angel is no exception. Known for vegan, non-comedogenic, and gentle formulas that are clinically tested and third-party verified, it’s basically a peace-of-mind potion for sensitive, acne-prone skin. The texture? Think jelly meets cloud: airy enough for oily skin but still packs a serious hydration punch.
One Cosmo editor says: "I've emptied a few bottles of this moisturizer since it released a few years ago, which is high praise for a beauty editor who is constantly testing new products. But this formula is so reliable for my oily, acne-prone skin. The lightweight gel consistency doesn't sit on top of my skin; it actually sinks in. But it still leaves my face plump and hydrated."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Glycerin, hydro lipid blend, vegan collagen amino acids |
| Oil free? | Yes |
Pros
- Cosmo Acne Award 2025 winner
- Has a not-too-dewy finish
- Very rich and hydrating, but made with entirely non-comedogenic ingredients
Cons
- Product leak from the cap when you twist it
Why we love it: If your skin is going through it from cold-weather dryness, consider this your rescue plan. The omega-rich formula helps replenish and repair a compromised barrier without clogging pores, which is a major win for anyone who’s breakout-prone but craving something more nourishing. The texture is plush and comforting, yet never suffocating or greasy. Normally, anything labeled “rich” would send me running, but this one somehow proved me wrong.
One Cosmo expert says: “This is the moisturizer I’ve been waiting my whole life for—no joke! It’s just the right consistency to quench dry skin, while leaving just enough moisture on the surface of the skin. It’s amazing for acne-prone skin, especially to balance the use of other actives in your routine.” —MADALAINA CONTI, LICENSED AESTHETICIAN
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, squalane, jojoba and argan oils Oil free?: Yes |
| Oil free? | Yes |
Pros
- Under $20 (!)
- Helps fight breakouts with salicylic acid
- Extremely lightweight texture that sinks in quickly
Cons
- Small bottle that could run out quicker than others we've tested
Why we love it: As someone who’s acne-prone and constantly restocking my stash of Starface Hydro-Stars, I had high expectations. And this oil-free moisturizer absolutely delivered. Don’t let the playful packaging fool you–this cream means business. It helps keep breakouts in check while still giving the skin the hydration it needs, striking a balance between treatment and moisture. The formula features my big three (yes, like astrology): salicylic acid to unclog pores, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and niacinamide to calm and even things out.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’m picky about moisturizers for my oily, acne-prone skin. But it was true love when I started using this one. The gel-cream hybrid cools my face and quickly sinks in, hydrating and plumping up my skin while gently fighting acne with salicylic acid.” —BG
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
| Oil free? | Yes |
Pros
- Cuts down on shine for hours
- Lightly moisturizing
- Layers well under makeup
Cons
- Has a strong scent that some might not appreciate
Why we love it: If you’re a die-hard for French skincare or you’re dealing with acne scars and blackheads, clear some shelf space. This gel texture melts in fast and dries down to a true matte finish, so you get hydration without the midday shine spiral. And yes, it has a light scent, but it’s subtle and fresh.
One Cosmo editor says: "This has been my go-to morning moisturizer for months now. It provides a smooth base for makeup, but actually helps it grip onto my skin and even decreases oil throughout the day."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Grape seed polyphenols, silica powder and java tea extract, natural olive squalane |
| Oil free? | Yes |
Pros
- Calms irritated skin with nettle
- Protects against pollution
Cons
- Not oil-free (but it doesn't feel heavy on my skin)
Why we love it: I discovered this Georgian brand last fall and was instantly intrigued. The formula spotlights plant-based ingredients–like nettle, which I never really considered in my usual rotation. I’ll admit, I was hesitant to try the “rich” product, but the name truly says it all. It’s rich, but light. I’ll note the cream isn’t gel-based, but it still sinks in beautifully without leaving the skin overly shiny.
One Cosmo editor says: “I reach for this moisturizer every time I feel like I need to hit the reset button. The nettle ingredient is my favorite part, with such great benefits and tending to my redness. I’ve not tried a non-oil free moisturizer that didn’t leave me super oily, but this one has a firm place in my medicine cabinet.”—AMANDA LE, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Nettle, plantago |
| Oil free? | No |
Pros
- Helps soothe irritated skin with niacinamide
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not as moisturizing as others on this list
Why we love it: We love to see a Korean skincare brand win time and time again! You may have seen this product blow up on TikTok, and reasonably so. I’ve used my tube of Dr. Althea’s Relief Cream down to the last drop, which should tell you everything you need to know. It’s incredibly gentle but still effective, making it a dream for post-acne skin, irritated complexions, or anyone dealing with eczema flare-ups. The texture is silky smooth and light, leaving skin supple and calm. It layers beautifully under makeup but is just as good on bare skin days when you want that low-effort glow.
One Cosmo editor says: “This one gelled perfectly with my skin. It’s a K-beauty staple that I fall back to all the time. I love that it can calm my skin overnight, and the fact it’s not a zillion dollars is just the cherry on top.” –AL
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, ceramides, camellia sinensis leaf water) |
| Oil free? | Yes |
Pros
- Already affordable, but also goes on sale often
- The jelly consistency is cooling and lightweight on my oily skin
Cons
- Can feel a little bit sticky
Why we love it: I’ll save you the endless TikTok scroll: Yes, this blue jelly cream is worth the hype. This moisturizer packs 10 types of hyaluronic acid to deliver long-lasting hydration (up to 120 hours to be exact) and visibly plump, bouncy skin. You’re not just getting a surface-level glow, but you’re def locking it in. Bonus: It pairs especially well with the Medicube Booster Pro device if that’s already in your routine.
One Cosmo editor says: “I apply this before my makeup and it not only moisturizes my skin to be plump and evened out, but it has a sticky finish to it. That tackiness doubles as the perfect gripping base to help everything stay put!” –AL
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides |
| Oil free? | Yes |
Pros
- Lightweight enough to use under makeup, but also rich enough for nighttime
- Comes in a refillable jar with included spatula for more hygienic use
Cons
- The most expensive moisturizer on this list
Why we love it: It would honestly be a crime not to include this water-cream icon. If you have not experienced the cooling water-burst gel yet, consider this your sign. It breaks into a rush of weightless hydration on contact, delivering moisture without a hint of heaviness. It’s infused with Japanese superfoods to help plump, support the moisture barrier, and protect against everyday skin stressors. Oh, and it comes with a tiny spatula so you can scoop it out hygienically and feel a little luxe like the skincare pro you are.
One Cosmo editor says: “The water cream is such an O.G, for me. It sinks into my skin like a dream, and I fly through jars of this stuff. I def reach for it in the summer because it’s so lightweight, but it honestly holds up year-round. It’s one of those moisturizers that would never betray me!”—AL
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Japanese wild rose, hadasei 3 |
| Oil free? | Yes |
How we tested moisturizers for oily skin:
Cosmo editors are constantly testing moisturizers to find the best formulas for every skin type (and to consider for our Beauty Awards). To compile this list, we…
- Narrowed down dozens of lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizers based on ingredient lists, texture, and reviews—focusing specifically on options suited for oily and acne-prone skin
- Put each one to the test ourselves—two editors with oily, breakout-prone skin—to make sure they hydrate without clogging pores, feeling greasy, or triggering breakouts
- Vetted our top picks based on absorbency, finish, wear under makeup, packaging, and how well they balanced moisture with oil control
- Analyzed thousands of customer reviews to spot consistent pros and cons for shine control, hydration levels, and acne friendliness
What causes oily skin?
Blame your parents. A combo of genetics, hormones, and even your age can contribute to oily skin. But the time of year can also play a factor, with research finding that skin gets more oily in hot, humid weather.
Does oily skin need moisturizer?
People who struggle with oily skin tend to have dehydrated skin, meaning their skin lacks water (versus oil), board-certified dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, MD previously told Cosmopolitan. And dehydrated skin is thought to produce extra oil to compensate for this lack of hydration.
Plus, it's not like oil simply protects your skin barrier from all the aggressors out there, especially if you're using retinoids for acne, exfoliants like salicylic acid, or just too many harsh products. A good moisturizer with barrier-friendly ingredients like ceramides and squalane can go a long way in keeping things comfortable and balanced.
How to choose the best moisturizer for oily skin:
Keep track of your actives.
You can look for active ingredients that have a mattifying effect, like salicylic acid. Bonus: These can also help fight acne, if you have trouble with breakouts. However, “you can still overdo it with harsh products, which can trigger inflammation and breakouts,” Atlanta, GA-based board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Clay, MD, previously told Cosmo.
Consider the texture.
Nothing feels worse than a rich, heavy cream on top of already oily skin—which is why a gel or gel-cream formulation is ideal when you've got a ton of grease. That said, some creams and lotions have a lightweight texture and do sink in quickly.
Meet the experts:
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. Her areas of study include cosmetic injectables and laser technology.
- Tiffany Clay, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Clay's interests include treating skin of color, skin cancer prevention and awareness, and cosmetic injectables.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Amanda Le is a beauty contributor at Cosmopolitan and has been writing about beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and home for a host of publications.
Additional reporting for this story was completed by Deanna Pai who was the interim deputy beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, as well as Beth Gillette, Cosmo's beauty editor.
Amanda Le is a contributing writer at Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment. In her free time, you can find her thrifting her next outfit, traveling to new cities, crushing a boxing class, or eating her way through NYC!
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