Although oily skin may seem like the last skin type in need of a moisturiser, a face cream is actually a vital step in an oily skin care routine.
Oily skin is only oily in the first place because the skin’s oil glands go into overdrive when the skin is dehydrated, overcompensating for the lack of moisture with excess oil production. However, when you keep oily skin moisturised, a magical thing happens — those overzealous oil glands get the message and take a much-deserved break — resulting in a less oily and more balanced complexion.
It bears mentioning; not all moisturisers are made for oily skin. But there are a few rules of thumb that will ensure you always stock up on the right face cream for your skin type.
First of all, an oil-free moisturiser is a must as they tend to be water-based, which means they provide lightweight hydration that penetrates deep into the skin rather than sitting on top of it (thus exacerbating an already oily complexion).
Secondly, try to stick to gel or gel cream textured moisturisers as they’re designed to be lightweight on the skin and absorb quickly without leaving any oily or sticky residue on the skin.
Finally, if you can find a moisturiser with a mattifying finish it’ll not only help to keep your skin hydrated and balanced throughout the day, but it can also double as an effective makeup primer.
Ready to (finally) find the best moisturiser for your oily skin? Keep reading to discover a handful of carefully curated standouts in the category…
The best moisturisers for oily skin 2024
01
Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
from $49.99 at Chemist Warehouse
As the name might suggest, Clinique’s Moisture Surge Hydrator helps to keep skin hydrated for up to 100 hours. Although that might sound like overkill for oily skin, the lightweight, gel-textured, oil-free formula has been designed to cooperate with even the oiliest of skin.
Key features:
- Oil-free
- Lightweight gel texture
- Plump and radiant finish
- Contains hyaluronic acid, aloe and vitamins C and E
- Suitable for all skin types
Available at:
- $49.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $62 from Sephora
- $62 from MYER
02
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
from $32.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Designed to mattify shiny complexions, this matte-cream moisturiser contains oil-regulating technology to minimise shine and refine the appearance of pores.
Key features:
- Mattifying finish
- Contains oil-regulating technology
- Minimises shine
- Refines the appearance of pores
- Suitable for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin types
Available at:
- $32.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $35.15 from Look Fantastic
- $37.95 from Priceline
03
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Face Cream
from $58 at Woolworths
This lightweight take on Kiehl’s’ signature ultra facial moisturiser is perfect for oily skin. It boasts an oil-free formula, as well as a fast-absorbing gel-cream texture that’s comfortable all day long.
Key features:
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Fast-absorbing
- Gel-cream texture
- Suitable for oily and normal skin types
Available at:
- $58 from Woolworths
- $66 from Kiehl’s
04
Bioderma Sebium Mat Control Mattifying Moisturiser
from $25.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Minimise your beauty routine with this sebum-controlling moisturiser turned makeup primer in your kit. The mattifying and smoothing formula contains a blend of mattifying and perfecting powders and moisturising agents, designed to refine and prep the complexion prior to makeup application.
Key features:
- Contains mattifying and perfecting powders
- Moisturising agents keep skin hydrated
- Fluidactiv™ patented complex, zinc and vitamin B6 regulate sebum production
- Keratolytic active ingredients tighten pores and refine skin texture
- Suitable for oily and combination skin types
Available at:
- $25.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $29.99 from Adore Beauty
- $30 from Sephora
05
Estée Lauder DayWear Matte Oil-Control Anti-Oxidant Moisture Gel Creme
from $90 at Sephora
Estée Lauder has blessedly created a matte finish moisturiser that’s also formulated to maintain a youthful-looking complexion by combatting the first signs of ageing, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and oil free.
Key features:
- Lightweight gel-cream texture
- MoistureMatte Technology minimises shine and controls oil
- Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
- Targets the first visible signs of ageing
- Suitable for oily skin types
Available at:
- $90 from Sephora
- $90 from MYER
- $90 from David Jones
06
Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Renewal Firming Aqua-Cream-in-Gel
from $61.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Formulated with firming and plumping in mind, this cream-in-gel moisturiser boasts a fresh and lightweight texture, as well as a slew of effective hydrating ingredients, features which make it a great year-round pick for all skin types.
Key features:
- Contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and avocado oil
- Boosts elasticity and plumpness
- Smooths and softens skin
- Fresh light texture
- Suitable for all skin types
Available at:
- $61.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $72.99 from Priceline
- $72.99 from Adore Beauty
What is the best type of moisturiser for oily skin?
The best type of moisturiser for oily skin is a lightweight, oil-free formula that hydrates the skin without making it look greasy. Gel textures are the perfect option for oily skin, but a mattie-finish moisturiser will also do a great job at prepping the skin for the day, especially if you like to wear makeup (and want it to last past lunchtime) .
Does oily skin need moisturiser?
Despite the fact that oily skin may seem like it doesn’t need moisturiser, the skincare step is actually very effective in helping the skin to regulate oil production. Why? Oily skin overproduces oil, because it is overcompensating for a lack of moisture, but if you regularly moisturise, it helps to train your skin to not produce as much oil throughout the day.
Looking to save money on moisturiser? Check out our coupon codes for MECCA, Sephora and more.
Related article:
- The Best-Selling Face Creams In Australia To Slather Yourself With
- The 10 Minute Detox: 4 Face Masks To Reset Your Skin
- 10 Lightweight, Summer Moisturisers To Both Hydrate Your Face *And* Beat The Heat
Main image credit: Getty
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