According to an Expert, These Are the Best Moisturisers to Help Balance Oily Skin

We all have different skin types. Some of you will find your skin getting dry throughout the day, while others (like me), may find that your skin gets shiner due to having an oilier complexion. You can also have combination skin, which means that parts of your skin will be dry while others, such as your t-zone, will be oily. Whatever your skin type, there are lots of different products out there designed to work for you.

While I've always been an advocate for embracing the skin that you're in, I also totally understand how frustrating having an oily complexion can be. Ever since I was a teenager I've carried multiple blotting papers and face powders in my handbag to try and tackle shine, and no matter how much primer I use, I always find that my makeup slides off my face throughout the day.

That being said, over the years I've found a selection of skincare products that have really helped to control any excess oil, and one of those products is a moisturiser. I know what you're thinking, how can a moisturiser help with oily skin? We all know that moisturiser is a key part of our skincare routine, and as it turns out, there are lots of moisturisers out there specifically designed with oily skin in mind. To find out more about how these products can help, and to shop the best expert-approved moisturisers for oily skin on the market, keep on scrolling...

@mexicanbutjapanese taking a selfie with glowing skin

(Image credit: @mexicanbutjapanese)

Does Oily Skin Need Moisturiser?

As mentioned above, when I was growing up, my skin was incredibly oily. So much so, that I did everything I could to try and strip it of these oils. One of those things was not using moisturiser and avoiding any products such as facial oils or hydrating serums. As it turns out, this was probably one of the worst things I could have done. As explained by skin expert and medical director and founder of Adonia Medical Clinic, Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, "Oily skin can still be dehydrated. When skin lacks moisture, it can overcompensate by producing more oil, leading to even oilier skin."

When I started hydrating my skin properly I definitely noticed that my skin looked (and felt) a lot less oily and my complexion was a lot healthier overall. "Regardless of skin type, everyone needs to moisturise," says Dr Ejikeme. "Moisturisers help maintain the skin's natural barrier, protecting against environmental damage and irritation." However, as Dr Ejikeme tells me, the key is to choose the right formulation for you.

@tylynnnguyen taking a selfie with glowing skin

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

What Type of Moisturiser Is Best for Oily Skin?

So, that leads me onto my next question, what type of moisturiser is best for oily skin? "Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers that balance moisture without clogging pores or adding excess oil," says Dr Ejikeme. Lightweight moisturisers will often be water-based and have a gel-like consistency that can be easily absorbed.

Of course there are also certain ingredients to look out for too. Dr Ejikeme recommends choosing a moisturiser with salicylic acid, as this will help to unclog pores and reduce oil production. Niacinamide can also help regulate oil production.

Hyaluronic acid is another key ingredient, as it will hydrate skin without adding extra oil. Glycerin also draws moisture into the skin, while aloe vera will both soothe and hydrate the complexion without clogging pores.

Finally, if you want a mattifying effect, Dr Ejikeme says to look out for dimethicone. For those of you who want to improve your skin texture, look for lactic acid. This ingredient will gently exfoliate and can be beneficial for oily skin types.

@emmahoareau with glowing skin

(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

The Best Moisturisers for Oily Skin

  1. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
  2. Lumene Water Gel
  3. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
  4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
  5. Tatcha The Water Cream
  6. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
  7. Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream
  8. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream

1. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream

2. Lumene Water Gel

3. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA

4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser

5. Tatcha The Water Cream

6. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat

7. Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream

8. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream

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Grace Lindsay
Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.

AsBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from Wholesale Replica Bag hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.