You might think we’re crazy for suggesting that you use a moisturiser when your face is already producing too much oil, but hear us out – we know what we’re talking about.

Believe it or not, moisturising your skin can actually help balance out the excess oil. It may seem counter-intuitive, but the truth is that your oily skin could be a sign that it’s lacking hydration. Sometimes, your sebaceous glands go into overdrive and produce more sebum (the main ingredient in your body’s natural oils) because your skin is dehydrated.

Here we share the best moisturisers for oily skin!

Best moisturisers for oily skin under RM100

Cosmoderm Tea Tree Oil Day & Night Moisturiser

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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 RM20.50 at Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Check the links to see if they’re still applicable.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture – Combination Skin

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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 Lazada.

The Inkey List Vitamin B, C And E Moisturizer

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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 RM52 on Sephora.

Naruko Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Lotion

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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.

The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

To help repair your skin’s barriers, this lightweight moisturising cream comes with a simple combination of Omega Fatty Acid Complex, Glycerin, Betaine and Niacinamide. Together, they work to optimise long-lasting hydration, help control oil levels and even out your skin tone.

The Inkey List Omega Water Cream retails for RM63 (50ml) on Sephora

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.

This moisturiser for oily skin provides hydration without leaving any sticky residue behind. Its fast-absorbing formula hydrates and helps protect the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, which can cause dark spots and premature ageing.

It’s designed to hydrate oily, congested skin without clogging pores.

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer retails for RM118 after 40% discount at the time of writing on Sephora. There’s a 40% discount at the time of writing. Tap in to see if it’s still available.

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream – For Combination To Oily Skin

Despite having oily skin, do you often find yourself dealing with redness, large pores, and an uneven skin tone? If so, it might be time to try Laneige’s hyaluronic cream.

This gel-like formula helps soothe redness, reducing it by 10.3% after just one use. Plus, it gives your skin an instant moisture boost, increasing hydration levels by 139%.
The unique Melting Cream Beads melt into your skin upon application, creating a protective barrier that keeps your skin moisturised for up to 48 hours. And don’t worry about looking shiny, its formula absorbs quickly and is safe for acne-prone skin.

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream retails for RM86 (20ml) on Sephora. There’s a 10% discount offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see if it’s still available.

Sephora Collection All Day Hydrator

Oily Skin Moisturiser - 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 RM79 on Sephora.

Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap

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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 RM92 at Watsons

Eucerin ProAcne Solution A.I. Matt Fluid

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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 RM89 at Watsons. 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

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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.

Best moisturisers for oily skin between RM100 to RM200

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel

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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 RM185 at the Paula’s Choice website.

Related: 25 best face washes to keep skin feeling fresh, especially in hot and humid weather

Philosophy Hope In A Jar Smooth-Glow Multi-Tasking Moisturiser

Oily Skin Moisturiser - 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 RM189 on Sephora.

Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Bright Power Soft Crème Moisturizer

Another great option from Estée Lauder for oily skin is the Revitalizing Supreme + Bright Power Soft Crème Moisturizer. It deeply hydrates without feeling heavy on the skin, and works wonders in reducing visible dark spots, including those from acne marks, giving your skin a vibrant, youthful glow.

Formulated with 99% naturally derived Beautyberry Extract and Vitamin C, this moisturiser helps to reveal clearer, more radiant skin while also smoothing out lines and wrinkles. Plus, it contains exclusive Moringa Extract technology, which boosts your skin’s natural collagen production for added firmness and elasticity.

Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Bright Power Soft Crème Moisturizer retails for RM180 (15ml) at Estee Lauder counters and Sephora

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturiser

Oily Skin Moisturiser - 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 RM109 (25ml) on Sephora.

Best moisturisers for oily skin above RM200

Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Smooth Sip Lightweight Moisturizer

A gel-cream moisturiser that’s lightweight and smooths your pores while keeping your skin hydrated for 12 hours. It leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished, without clogging pores, making it suitable for all skin types.

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 in this moisturiser, helps make your pores look smoother too!

This retails for RM210 (50ml) on Sephora

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream Moisturiser

Oily Free Moisturiser - 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 RM220 (50ml) on Sephora.

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

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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 RM300 (50ml) on Sephora.

Dior Hydra Life Matte Dew Hydration Sorbet Droplet Emulsion

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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.

Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel Moisturizer

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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 RM288 at all Murad stores and authorised facial salons as well as online at the official Murad website.

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion

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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 RM335 at Sephora.

Dermalogica Active Moist

 

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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 RM229at all AsterSpring outlets and authorised salons.

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 RM400 at Sephora.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Moisturizer

Ceramide in Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Moisturizer provides long-lasting, oil-free hydration and strengthens the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

You’ll notice softer, more hydrated skin every day thanks to bioidentical hydrators like squalene found in this daily moisturiser. Additionally, AHAs/BHAs in the formula gently remove dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven texture while encouraging the turnover of new skin cells.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Moisturizer retails for RM375 (50ml) on Sephora

Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Moisturizer Youth Power Creme

Enjoy this luxurious moisturiser as it gives your skin everything it needs – firmness, strength, radiance, and a rejuvenated appearance. It boasts a rich texture that feels incredibly indulgent on your skin, thanks to the infusion of Moringa.

The inclusion of Hibiscus-8 Fraction helps reveal a sculpted contour with a more youthful appearance. With continued use, experience fuller and firmer cheeks, while smile lines and wrinkles visibly diminish.

This retails for RM515 (50ml) at Estee Lauder counters and on Sephora

La Mer The Moisturizing Matte Lotion

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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 RM1,520 at all La Mer counters as well as online at Sephora.

What is a Moisturiser and How it Benefits My Skin?

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A moisturiser is a skincare product designed to hydrate the skin by preventing water loss and maintaining its natural moisture barrier.

Using a moisturiser daily offers numerous benefits for the skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated, which is essential for maintaining its elasticity and preventing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Additionally, moisturisers can improve the skin’s texture, enhance its natural radiance, and create a smooth canvas for makeup application.

Should I Moisturise Daily?

Source: Freepik

Yes, using moisturiser daily is highly recommended for all skin types. Moisturising consistently helps keep the skin healthy and resilient against environmental stressors. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination, incorporating a moisturiser into your daily skincare routine can help maintain optimal hydration levels and promote overall skin health.

Should I Moisturise Even When I Have Oily Skin?

Of course! While it may seem counterintuitive, oily skin can still be dehydrated, leading to issues like excess oil production which may lead to breakout and clogged pores.

Opting for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser formulated specifically for oily skin can provide the hydration it needs while also helping you achieve clear skin, minimise shine, as well as help balance oil production.

How to Know Which Moisturiser Suits My Oily skin?

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Find the best moisturisers for oily skin that you can use daily which will help improve your overall health, texture, and appearance of your skin.

To find the right moisturiser for oily skin, look for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas that are specifically designed to hydrate your skin without adding excess oil. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide are beneficial for oily skin types.

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.

Ahead, the 25 best moisturisers for oily skin that fit the bill and help you hydrate your way to clearer skin.

Related: 25 best cleansing oils in Malaysia for the softest, cleanest skin of your life

Featured images from Abillion and OMGBART.