Look, we totally get it – you probably think we’re crazy for telling you to reach for a moisturiser because moisturising is likely the last thing you want to do when your face is overproducing natural oils, right?
Sure, it can seem counter-intuitive to do so but in actual fact, your oily skin could just be a cry for hydration. That’s because your sebaceous glands sometimes produce more sebum (that’s the main ingredient in what you might think of as your body’s natural oils) than normal because it’s dehydrated.
Why do you need the best moisturisers for oily skin?
That’s why you need the best moisturisers for oily skin – one that you can use daily to help with the overall health, texture, and appearance of your skin.
It also helps that moisturisers nowadays come with sunscreen, antioxidants, and anti-pollutants to give your skin an extra-protective barrier, which can greatly benefit oily skin.
The bottom line: You need to use a moisturiser regularly, no matter your skin type. The key lies in finding the right formula for you, particularly if you have an oily complexion. For those with oily skin, that’s also acne-prone, it’s crucial to look for one that’s labelled as oil-free or non-comedogenic.
Ahead, the 25 best moisturisers for oily skin that fit the bill and help you hydrate your way to clearer skin.
Best moisturisers for oily skin
Eucerin ProAcne Solution A.I. Matt Fluid
Eucerin is known for its skincare range developed especially for problematic skin, and this mattifying fluid is no different.
Considered one of the best moisturisers for oily skin in the market, it can help banish pimples and blackheads effectively and control these reactive factors in the long term courtesy of its soothing, antibacterial cocktail of salicylic acid, licochalcone A, mattifying particules, and sebum-regulating technology.
Eucerin ProAcne Solution A.I. Matt Fluid retails for RM85 at Watsons and RM80 on Hermo. Discounts are available at the time of writing. Check the links to see if they’re still applicable.
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream
Powered by a concoction of tea tree leaf water, centella asiatica extract, 4-Cica Care plus a trio of skin-friendly acids, this moisturise can help improve the appearance of troubled skin by strengthening skin barrier to keep fungus and bacteria at bay.
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream retails for RM89 at Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Check the links to see if they’re still applicable.
Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer
Considered the best moisturiser by many oily skin sufferers, this ultra-absorbent, lightweight formula provides lasting hydration with lemongrass extract and allantoin without leaving a sticky residue on the skin. It claims to also help shield skin from harmful UV rays to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer retails for RM129 on Sephora.
Cosmoderm Tea Tree Oil Day & Night Moisturiser
This alcohol-free, water-based formulation incorporates licorice leaf extract, tea tree leaf oil, hyaluronic acid, and alpha-bisabolol to fight acne and skin oiliness while brightening blemished complexion simultaneously. Vitamin E is added in the formula to help combat any dryness that your skin may experience.
Cosmoderm Tea Tree Oil Day & Night Moisturiser retails for RM19.90 at Watsons.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture – Combination Skin
This non-greasy formula uses a unique Microsponge system to moisturise dry skin while mopping up sebum and shine at all the oily areas of the face so that skin stays fresh and matte all day long without any signs of breakout.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture – Combination Skin retails for RM35.70 at Watsons.
Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap
Packed with 70% birch sap to provide the ultimate comfort, you can count on this feather-light gel to be the best moisturiser for oily skin that’s also dry and sensitive. The formula spreads like a dream to provide oil-free hydration while repairing damaged skin to improve the appearance of your skin tone and texture.
Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap retails between RM83 at Watsons and Hermo. Discounts are available at the time of writing. Check the links to see if they’re still applicable.
Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb
Get a matte glow-up with this cocktail of pink rock rose, chestnut seed extract, Canadian willowherb, and sodium hyaluronate that’s formulated to instantly boost hydration and radiance while refining skin texture and fortifying skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Those whose skin don’t bode well with essential oils need to tread carefully though, as the moisturiser is laced with a blend of sweet orange, lavender, and geranium essential oils to give a refreshing, therapeutic aroma.
Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb retails for RM158 at all Origins stores and online at Sephora.
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Cream EX
This award-winning moisturiser is loaded with green mineral water that’s known for replenishing skin with moisture. On top of that, it also has a moisture bomb in the formula that bursts upon application to release moisture, as well as a water zipper effect to help ensure that moisture won’t evaporate from your skin.
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Cream EX retails for RM155 at all Laneige boutiques and Sephora.
Philosophy Hope In A Jar Smooth-Glow Multi-Tasking Moisturiser
This is a multitasking moisturiser with pro-vitamins, glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid to give you the deepest hydration you require. It also treats uneven texture, wrinkles, and dullness in the long term, while respecting the skin’s natural functions.
The Philosophy Hope In A Jar Smooth-Glow Multi-Tasking Moisturiser retails for RM174 on Sephora.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream Moisturiser
To keep skin feeling smooth, moisturised, and refreshed, this employs a time-release technology to deliver continuous hydration throughout the day. Its formula consists of hyaluronic acid as well as damask rose extract to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream Moisturiser retails for RM210 on Sephora.
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
Infused with six rare African oils, plant ceramide complex, and omega acids, this rescue cream can help defend the skin against everyday stressors and boosts its moisture retention ability. In addition, you’ll also find sodium hyaluronate cross polymer and fermented green tea in the formula to offer intense hydration while combating signs of ageing.
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream retails for RM265 on Sephora.
Naruko Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Lotion
This oil banisher contains a string of oily skin-friendly ingredients, including tea tree oil, cellulose, salicylic acid, and witch hazel extract to help regulate skin’s oil production, relieve irritation and prevent future breakouts. Also in the formula is allantoin which primarily functions to repair and soothe sensitive skin.
Naruko Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Lotion retails at RM55 on the Naruko website and RM49 on Hermo.
The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Control Gel Cream
Packed mineral-rich seaweed from the Roaringwater Bay of Ireland, this moisturiser absorbs easily to re-balance sebum production to give skin a natural matte finish.
The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Control Gel Cream retails for RM72 at The Body Shop outlets nationwide as well as online at The Body Shop website.
Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cream EX
With a lightly whipped texture, this formula is what many say is the best moisturiser for oily skin as it packs a punch of amino acid-rich fresh green tea to not only hydrate skin from within, but also help block moisture loss without any sticky after-feel.
Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cream EX retails for RM76 at all Innisfree stores as well as online at Shopee.
Related: 25 best face washes to keep skin feeling fresh, especially in hot and humid weather
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel
Paula’s Choice is known for its myriad of effective skincare that’s formulated with scientifically-backed ingredients, so you know you can count on the brand to create the best moisturiser for oily skin in the market.
On top of age-fighting antioxidants and skin-restoring ingredients, this ultra-light gel moisturiser for oily skin also uses niacinamide to minimise the appearance of enlarged pores while providing hydration and protection from environmental aggressors.
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel retails for RM155 at the Paula’s Choice website.
Clinique iD Dramatically Different Oil-Control Gel + Active Cartridge Concentrate Kit
Clinique’s award-winning Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion has always been a classic favourite amongst beauty editors and gurus – after all, the unassuming lotion was launched some 50 years ago and has amassed a throng of loyal consumers.
And in recent years, the brand launched Clinique iD, a customised hydration system based around the iconic lotion. For oily skin, opt for this combination of the Dramatically Different Oil-Control Gel and a Pores & Uneven Texture Cartridge to re-texturise skin and help shrink pore size.
Clinique iD Dramatically Different Oil-Control Gel + Active Cartridge Concentrate Kit retails for RM166 at all Clinique stores.
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion
This marine-enriched gel-cream is chock full of ‘sea grapes’, a unique Japanese algae harvested from the waters of Okinawa, to infuse troubled skin with all the essential amino acids and vitamin B needed for improved elasticity and moisture content. Another plus point: it doesn’t leave any greasy feeling behind.
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion retails for RM325 at Sephora.
La Mer The Moisturizing Matte Lotion
If a luxe oil-free option is what you’re after, look no further than this oil-absorbing lotion from La Mer that offers healing moisture and protection while controlling shine and the look of pores with the signature Miracle Broth, lime tea, and moisture spheres.
La Mer The Moisturizing Matte Lotion retails for RM1,460 at all La Mer counters as well as online at Sephora.
Dior Hydra Life Matte Dew Hydration Sorbet Droplet Emulsion
This emulsion is enriched with mallow extract to hydrate and plump up skin in a semi-matte finish that lasts all day. Its lightweight sorbet-like texture that absorbs quickly makes the formula the best moisturiser for oily skin that really doesn’t need a thick, heavy layer sitting on the skin surface.
Dior Hydra Life Matte Dew Hydration Sorbet Droplet Emulsion retails for RM278 at all Dior boutiques.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturiser
We’re in love with watermelon, so we’re in love with this totally cute and delicious moisturiser from Glow Recipe. It is a brightening and lightweight oil-free moisturiser which is formulated with vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and soothing botanicals. Its bouncy, gel-like emulsion will easily absorb into your skin and feel cool on contact.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturiser retails for RM182 on Sephora.
Dermalogica Active Moist
This lightweight, oil-free lotion counts silk amino acids, lemon, ivy, watercress, and burdock as its key ingredients to help actively combat surface dehydration while smoothing and refining rough skin texture.
Dermalogica Active Moist retails for RM333 at all Asterspring outlets and authorised salons.
Sephora Collection All Day Hydrator
Formulated with deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing vitamin E, your skin will stay moisturised and shine-free for up to eight hours. This moisturiser also protects your skin from environmental damage too, so you can have naturally radiant skin.
Sephora Collection All Day Hydrator retails for RM75 on Sephora.
Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel Moisturizer
This non-comedogenic formula makes the best moisturiser for oily skin thanks to its blend of deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-refining salicylic acid.
Apart from providing a balanced, non-greasy complexion, it also contains Korean red pine extract helps inhibit quorum sensing, a process known to cause microbiome imbalance and irritation.
Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel Moisturizer retails for RM258 at all Murad stores and authorised facial salons as well as online at the official Murad website.
Tatcha The Water Cream
Using a mix of Japanese botanicals like wild rose and leopard lily, this anti-ageing cream can purify the skin and rein in excess oil by encouraging natural cell turnover. If Japanese plant extracts aren’t exotic enough, the formula also has a touch of 23-karat gold to give skin a shine-free glow.
Tatcha The Water Cream retails for RM350 at Sephora.
The Inkey List Vitamin B, C And E Moisturizer
This concoction of vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and anti-oxidant Phytrox absorbs quickly to give you healthy-looking skin. Plus, it doesn’t feel very greasy once applied, making the formula the best moisturiser for oily skin that’s also incredibly affordable.
The Inkey List Vitamin B, C And E Moisturizer retails for RM40 on Sephora.my.
Related: 25 best cleansing oils in Malaysia for the softest, cleanest skin of your life
