How To Choose a Facial Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Should I Skip Moisturizer if I Have Oily Skin?

It’s a common misconception that people with oily skin don’t need to moisturize. As mentioned above, oily skin produces an excess of sebum. This abundance of natural oils can give oily skin a greasy appearance—leading some people to believe that their skin doesn’t require any additional moisture. But this isn’t actually the case. It may seem counterintuitive, but oily skin needs plenty of moisture, too. 

I usually advise my patients with oily skin to apply moisturizer twice per day (in the morning and at night) to their face and neck. For all-day shine control, I recommend looking for moisturizers that are designed to help absorb excess oil. Lightweight moisturizers with mattifying ingredients are a great option for oily skin, as these formulas provide a matte finish that can help disguise a shiny-looking complexion.

Does Moisturizer Cause Acne Breakouts?

Because oily skin is prone to clogged pores, some of my patients worry that applying moisturizer may contribute to acne breakouts. However, applying moisturizer to oily skin should not exacerbate oil production, which is primarily influenced by genetics and various other factors (like stress and fluctuating hormones).

Moisturizers themselves don’t necessarily clog your pores—it all depends on the formulation and what’s included in your moisturizer. So, it’s important to know what to look for and what to avoid. For those with oily, acne-prone skin, I generally recommend avoiding moisturizers that are oil-based.

How Do I Choose the Right Moisturizer for Oily Skin?

Everyone’s skin is unique, and, as mentioned earlier, your skin’s oiliness can fluctuate depending on many factors. This means that the ideal moisturizer for your skin’s needs can vary depending on your lifestyle, age, personal preferences, and the season (since skin tends to be oilier during the summer months).

With that said, there are a few general recommendations to keep in mind when choosing a good moisturizer for oily skin. As a dermatologist, I typically recommend opting for oily skin moisturizers that include the following features and benefits: 

Lightweight formula

Facial moisturizers come in many different varieties to suit different texture preferences and skin types—including gels, lotions, and creams. Many of my patients tell me that rich, heavy moisturizers leave their skin feeling oilier, and that they often avoid thick creams and ointments because they don’t like the way they feel on their skin. Therefore, I usually tell my patients with oily skin to opt for gels, serums, or lightweight lotions. Gel moisturizers are often the most lightweight moisturizer option, which can make them an especially great pick for those with oily skin. They generally have a thin consistency that feels refreshing and light on your skin.

Non-comedogenic

This is one of the most important considerations when choosing a moisturizer for oily skin. The most suitable facial moisturizers for oily skin will usually be labeled “non-comedogenic”—this means that the product has been formulated not to clog your pores or contribute to acne breakouts. 

Formulated for oily skin

When choosing an oily skin moisturizer, you’ll want to make sure that the formula is suitable for your skin type. The product packaging should tell you which skin types the moisturizer is intended for. Look for labels that say “for oily skin,” “oil control,” and/or “oil-free.” If you’re not sure whether or not a particular formula is suitable for oily skin, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. 

Broad-spectrum sunscreen (for daytime)

All skin types, including oily skin, require daily sun protection. I recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (or facial moisturizer with sunscreen) that includes SPF 30 (or higher) every day and reapplying it at least every two hours. It’s also important to follow other sun protection measures like wearing protective clothing and seeking shade during peak hours.

Beneficial ingredients for oily skin

One of the best ways to manage oily skin is with ingredients that moisturize the skin and help absorb excess oil. CeraVe’s face moisturizers for oily skin are formulated with a variety of beneficial ingredients that help support balanced, hydrated skin without clogging your pores. Some examples include niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides (which are a key component of your skin’s protective barrier).

It can also be helpful to look for oily skin moisturizers that contain oil-absorbing ingredients, like perlite, silica, and starches from corn or rice. These ingredients can help provide a mattifying effect and help absorb excess oil. This, in turn, helps reduce the appearance of greasiness—providing shine control throughout the day. 

Formulated to help maintain the skin barrier

Maintaining your skin’s protective barrier is essential for promoting healthy-looking skin. However, there are many daily practices that can weaken your skin barrier, such as skipping moisturizer. CeraVe’s moisturizers with three essential ceramides are developed with dermatologists to help maintain and restore your skin’s natural barrier. 

4 CeraVe Facial Moisturizers for Oily Skin

CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Ideal For: Hydrating and Rebalancing Combination to Oily Skin

Texture: Gel-Cream
Key Ingredients: Oil-Absorbing Technology, Ceramides, and Hyaluronic Acid

CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream is an excellent product that I’ll be recommending to my patients because it effectively addresses oily skin concerns. This mattifying gel-cream moisturizer provides all-day hydration and is specially designed to rebalance oily skin—so that it doesn’t feel too oily or too dry. The formula offers a perfect balance: It combines the lightweight, non-greasy feel and smooth absorption of a gel moisturizer with the cushiony hydration of a cream. It is absorbed quickly and feels refreshing on the skin. Plus, it features key ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which help enhance its efficacy.

It also includes oil-absorbing technology (with silica and other powders), which makes it a great option for minimizing shine and visibly reducing the look of pores over time. For effective shine control and all-day moisture, apply this moisturizer for oily skin in the morning before starting your day. This can help keep oiliness at bay and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Derm Tip: If you wear makeup, try using this gel-based moisturizer as a makeup primer. The hydrating formula layers well under makeup, creating a smooth base for your foundation.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel

Ideal For: Providing Ultra-Lightweight Hydration for All Skin Types
Texture: Gel

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel is a fast-absorbing, water-based gel moisturizer with a weightless feel and a non-comedogenic formula that’s ideal for all skin types—especially oily skin. It delivers continuous, all-day hydration without clogging your pores or leaving your skin feeling greasy or sticky. This facial moisturizer also layers well under makeup and sunscreen and glides on easily without tugging or pulling your skin.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen

Ideal For: Hydrating and Helping to Protect Normal to Oily Skin

Texture: Lotion

Key Ingredients: Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, Ceramides, and Hyaluronic Acid

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen makes an ideal pick if you’re looking for a daytime moisturizer for oily skin that includes sunscreen in its formula. Ideal for normal to oily skin, this non-comedogenic moisturizer hydrates your skin while helping to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays with broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. The non-greasy formula leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth with a matte finish. For sun protection, this formula must be reapplied at least every two hours in addition to other protective measures, such as seeking shade during peak hours and wearing protective clothing.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

If you’re someone who prefers a richer moisturizer texture, you can still try a face lotion for oily skin (as long as the lotion is non-comedogenic). CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is one great example of a lightweight lotion formula that works well with oily skin. It features three essential ceramides and is formulated to help restore the skin’s natural barrier while helping to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. For sun protection, this product must be reapplied at least every two hours in addition to other protective measures.

For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.