Moisturisers For Oily Skin You Didn’t Know You Needed

By Shammi Mondal

If you have oily skin, moisturising it often falls low in the hierarchy of skincare priorities. Did you know that your skin needs hydration too, and skipping a moisturiser is not a considerable choice? While a heavy moisturiser may leave your skin feeling greasy, there are moisturisers for oily skin as well. A lightweight or mattifying moisturiser helps restore your skins hydrations sans the greasiness.

If you’re troubled by a shiny T-zone and greasy-looking makeup, applying moisturiser will be a solid solution to most of your oily skin woes. We know you’re wondering about the irony of this, but when your skin is dehydrated (either due to skipping a moisturiser or low water consumption), your skin compensates it by producing more sebum, which results in excessive oiliness and acne.

Hydration is the most underestimated way of balancing your skin’s oil production, so pick up a moisturiser for oily skin and pave your way ahead.

To help you fix your oily skin concerns, you first need to choose the right kind of moisturiser

Understanding moisturisers

The first step to finding the best face moisturiser for your oily skin is to consider the different textures.

Gel moisturiser- This is a lightweight water-based moisturiser that generally has a clear, jelly-like texture. It quickly absorbed into your skin without making it feel oily or heavy. The consistency of the cleanser makes it the best moisturiser for oily skin types.

Cream Moisturiser- This variant is generally more emollient and richer in texture, that feels thick and sits like a protective layer on your skin to avoid moisture loss. Cream moisturisers are best suited for dry skin types as it soothes flakiness and maintains its moisture needs.

Liquid moisturiser- This moisturiser has a runny, lotion-like texture, and is a fusion of gel and crème moisturisers. Liquid moisturisers have both hydrating and oil-free properties making it a perfect fit for combination skin types.

Now that you’ve figured out which type of moisturisers cater to your skin type. Check out our top picks of best moisturiser for oily skin.

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If your skin is excessively oily and acne-prone, you’d want a moisturiser that not only feels matte but also does not clog your pores. This face moisturiser for oily skin does that exceptionally well. Enriched with oblonga leaf extracts and glycerine, it effectively hydrates your skin and regulates sebum production.

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Made with soothing ingredients like black tea, vetiver and kombucha in a gel base, there is nothing this hydrating hero can’t do. It ensures deep hydration for your skin while feeling lightweight and cooling. The moisturiser is perfect for oily skin as it controls sebum production while strengthening your skin barrier.

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Designed for oily skin types, this moisturiser is a great option for those with pigmented skin. Packed with powerful actives like niacinamide, glycolic acid and hyaluronic, this is the one-stop-solution for all your hydration and de-pigmentation concerns. Make sure you layer your moisturiser with a good sunscreen to avoid further sun damage.

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This gel-crème formula is a boon for your oily skin. Whether you wear it under your makeup or apply it as your night-time moisturiser, this one knows the assignment. Thanks to salicylic acid, this moisturiser ensures balanced hydration while regulating the sebum production in your pores.

Look out for these actives in oily skin moisturisers

Sometimes finding the best moisturiser for your oily skin type takes a little bit of research. As your skin is oily, it naturally grabs dirt, dust and makeup particles, which often leads to clogged pores and acne.

To meet your skin’s moisture needs and to avoid clogged pores, it’s important to take a look at the ingredients in your moisturisers. Here are some actives that you must consider while choosing your face moisturiser for oily skin.

Salicylic acid
Niacinamide
Glycolic acid
Tea tree
French green clay
Zinc
Citric acid
Honey
Retinol

Here are some more moisturisers that will effectively look after your oily skin:

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Guide to choosing the best moisturiser for your oily skin

There are 3 cues that help you pick a face moisturiser for your oily skin.

Skin type: Know the tendencies of your oily skin. Is it excessively oily? Is it oily and acne-prone? Do you suffer from hyperpigmentation along with having oily skin?  

Moisturiser type: Choose the right type of moisturiser based on your oily skin. Oil-free, lightweight and gel textures work best for your oily skin. 

Ingredients: Look for actives that target your concern and do not clog your pores.

A good rule of the thumb is to use a moisturiser that is non-comedogenic, something that’ll hydrate your skin, but stay out of your pores. Ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil are great for hydration, but they can also lead to clogged pores. Pick out those fast absorbing, lighter moisturisers to promote your skin’s overall health.

Still have doubts about moisturising? Read to know more

Is moisturiser good for oily skin?

Moisturising your skin is a no-brainer, no matter what your skin type. This means your oily skin needs a moisturiser too. A thicker cream might make your skin feel heavy and greasy, opting for a mattifying or lightweight moisturiser will ensure your skin stays hydrated and balanced.

Does oily skin need less moisturiser?

Your oily skin needs just as much moisturiser as other skin types. We understand your skin feels greasy already, which may discourage you from hydrating your face. But to ensure a healthy skin barrier, it’s important that you use a face moisturiser for your oily skin.

How often should I moisturise my oily skin?

Moisturising twice a day, once in the morning and once during your night-time skincare routine will make sure your skin stays hydrated whilst saving it from producing more oil.