15 best moisturisers for oily skin that will hydrate and control shine

We'll admit it was the cute packaging that initially drew us in here, but scrutinise that ingredients list and you'll see Byoma's moisturiser is more than just a pretty bottle.

The formula is spot on. It's oil-free and jam-packed full of niacinamide and glycerin. An added bonus, there’s also green tea which helps to soothe irritation and inflammation.

La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo+M moisturiser can tackle any stubborn spot that comes its way. The cream is formulated with salicylic acid to unblock pores and control sebum levels. The combination of niacinamide and zinc also helps to combat existing blemishes.

It has everything you need to manage oily and blemish prone skin, while the lightweight gel-like texture keeps the skin hydrated and supple.

Many oil-controlling moisturisers promise to mattify but simply dry out the skin barrier in the long run. This is, of course, where CeraVe's Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream comes in.

The nourishing gel targets oil production with ingredients like silica, which helps to reduce shine, while niacinamide and ceramides regulate sebum production to restore the skin barrier and prevent future breakouts. Besides its stellar ingredients list, the sensorial element is worth shopping too, with a lightweight texture that sits well under makeup.

Cosrx's Oil-Free Ultra Moisturising Lotion spotlights birch sap, a natural ingredient found in the birch tree that has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness, sensitivity and skin barrier irritation.

Not only this, but the high percentage of birch sap also keeps the skin hydrated and mollified. It's deffo worth trying if you're after a nourishing formula that keeps oily skin in check.

This may look like something your dermatologist would recommend you – and that's because they do. No7's Derm Solutions is the brand's expert-backed skincare range, so it's perf for anyone with oily and sensitive skin.

A fave from the collection is this lightweight lotion. It offers brilliant hydration while feeling light and supple on oily skin. Packed with niacinamide to regulate sebum production, and ceramides to nourish, it'll help reduce that midday shine while keeping your skin plump 'n juicy.

This featherweight moisturiser gives the skin a welcome shot of hydration, but still manages to shrink the look of pores and keep oil production to a minimum – all thanks to salicylic acid.

The green tint to the cream (stick with us here) helps to even out your complexion – so it’s one we’d recommend if you struggle with redness – and if you pop it into your fridge it wakes you up better than any espresso shot could.

In our humble opinion, The Ordinary is the G.O.A.T for its affordable yet sophisticated skincare. But while we’re junkies for its potent bottles, we equally love this gentle moisturiser.

The gel-like formula feels undetectable on your skin, which then instantly sinks in for a grease-free result. It doesn't clog pores or boost unwanted shine but still offers ample hydration.

P.S. For those who have overdone it with retinoids, it also contains ceramides to support your poor ol’ skin barrier back to health.

We may be crushing over this adorable packaging, but then we dipped into the refreshing formula and a full-on romance sparked.

It’s powered by ‘blue’ hyaluronic acid – an amplified version which uses algae to increase hydration – as well as mint leaf extract to combat speedy oil production and enlarged pores. Apply twice daily and your skin will drink it like water.

Hydrating? Of course. Pore refining? Absolutely. Oil controlling? Check. There's nothing about this formula we don’t like.

Firstly, the ingredient credentials are top tier: it combines salicylic and hyaluronic acid to decongest blocked pores while ensuring your skin gets the all-important moisture.

Secondly, with the brand’s mineral-rich water thrown in, it’ll also strengthen your skin barrier, defending you from all the nasties (think: pollution and smog).

Oskia’s Violet Water range was created for those with oily skin – and because we have a checklist on what makes a great moisturiser in this department, we can see that its Hydra-Gel cream ticks a lot of boxes.

The silky moisturiser absorbs excess sebum, reduces the appearance of pores and supports your microbiome to prevent breakouts. Bish, bash and bosh. It’s a little spenny, but one we recommend trying if your pores can’t locate their ‘off’ switch.

This gel-like cream contains the perfect cocktail of ingredients to hydrate without clogging your pores. Glycerin and omega fatty acids help to restore and hydrate the skin’s barrier, while niacinamide works its magic to keep oil levels balanced.

A 10/10 option if you don’t like the feeling of claggy creams, and it’s very respectful of your bank balance too. A win-win.

This is the kind of multi-tasking hero anyone with oily skin needs in their kit. Not only does its high-factor SPF protect your skin from damaging rays, but the oil-free formula helps to control that midday shine.

Plus, teeny tiny microspheres reduce the appearance of pores while delivering a matte, soft-focus effect. It’s a little pricey, but totally worth it.

We’d say that Vichy’s Minèral 89 Serum is a cult classic in the beauty sphere, so we’d like to personally thank whoever's idea it was to formulate it into a cream 🙏.

The lightweight gel leaves your skin feeling baby-soft, while feeding it with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to bolster your hydration barrier.

See this as an interim moisturiser if you want to take a break from the salicylic-acid-packed creams.