The 20 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers for Lightweight, Shine-Free Hydration

When it comes to moisturizing acne-prone skin, the idea of slathering on just anything for the sake of hydration is simply unruly. Nothing can be worse than applying face cream and looking shiny for the rest of the day—or worse, clogging our pores and sparking yet another breakout. Thankfully, oil-free moisturizers exist.

The right oil-free moisturizer is virtually weightless and is packed with the hydrating power of traditional creams, delivering the moisture our skin needs while keeping sebum production in check. The result: soft, supple skin, but without the heavy, greasy feeling. Plus, unlike their oil-based counterparts, they magically absorb in an instant, saving you time in between skincare and makeup application.

To determine exactly which ones are crème de la crème, we tested a variety of formulas, taking into account their active ingredients, how quickly they were absorbed, and how well they hydrated our skin. And of course, each oil-free moisturizer we tested had to answer the most important question of all: Will this product cause an unwanted flare-up? We consulted with a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Ava Shamban, M.D., to get her expert insights, too. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Peter Thomas Roth Cloud Cream Moisturizer at Amazon
  
• Best Budget: The Ordinary Moisturizing Factors + HA at Sephora
• Best Budget, Runner Up: The Inkey List Omega Water Cream at Amazon
• Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel at Ulta
• Best for Dry Skin: Ole Henriksen C-Rush Gel Moisturizer at Amazon
• Best for Combination Skin: Shani Darden Moisturizer at Amazon
• Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer at Ulta
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer at Amazon
• Best Anti-Aging: Tatcha The Water Cream at Amazon
• Best With SPF: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer at Sephora

Best Overall

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

$44 at Amazon $54 at Sephora $23 at Target

Active Ingredients: 3 molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed silk, pentavitin | Skin Type: Combination, Oily Skin | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

As the name suggests, this Peter Thomas Roth moisturizer is as light as a cloud, which is just what we need when the summer months roll in. It contains hydrolyzed silk, which makes skin soft and smooth without the heavy feeling that some moisturizers can leave behind. Plus, it’s got the Goldilocks of texture—it’s not too runny and not too liquid-y. Formulated with the brand’s hyaluronic acid complex at a 30% concentration, as well as pentavitin, a potent hydrating ingredient, this cream will absorb into the skin quickly while keeping the skin barrier feeling breathable and nourished with ceramides.

Best Budget

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

$7 at Sephora $14 at Target $14 at Ulta

Active Ingredients: Amino acids, urea, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination, dry, sensitive | Size: 1, 3.3 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s typically unheard of to find a quality moisturizer for a super low price, but (as always) The Ordinary proves us otherwise. This treatment is composed of a powerful combination of anti-inflammatory and exfoliating hydrators, including 11 different amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid, that help with dryness without leaving behind a greasy residue. Its consistency does skew on the thicker side, though for $14, you’ll only have to go in with a little bit of product for a fully moisturized complexion, mimicking the properties of a rich and prestige option.

Best Budget, Runner Up

The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

$12 at Amazon $12 at Sephora $11 at Theinkeylist.com

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another example of scoring a well-formulated, oil-free moisturizer without breaking the bank is this lightweight gel by The Inkey List, which relies on glycerin for featherweight hydration. It also contains niacinamide to help reduce excess oil; we were impressed with how our typical oil-prone areas responded to this gel moisturizer. And while we were a little bit surprised by the thinner consistency initially, it still smears and absorbs nicely.

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel

$13 at Amazon $20 at Target $27 at Ulta

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced to oily | Size: 0.5, 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

A powerful remedy for thirsty skin, the water-based gel deeply hydrates with hyaluronic acid, yet absorbs ultra-fast, leaving behind a smooth, plump finish. In addition to being oil-free, it’s also noncomedogenic and dye-free, meaning it won’t cause any irritation or breakouts, making it the perfect option for those with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin types. However, if you have sensitive skin, stay weary of the fact that this gel moisturizer is fragranced, so it may cause a skin reaction if fragranced products are something your skin just simply cannot handle (always patch test first!).

Best for Dry Skin

Ole Henriksen C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer

$42 at Amazon $52 at Sephora $52 at Ulta

Active Ingredients: Ascorbic acid, rose of winter extract | Skin Type: Dry, oily, combination, sensitive | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Just because a product is oil-free, doesn’t mean it is only meant for oily or acne-prone skin types. Individuals who consider dryness their main skin concern can also benefit from a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer such as Ole Henriksen’s vitamin C-packed choice. According to clinical studies conducted by the brand, this peach-tinted gel boosts your skin barrier’s hydration levels by 140% for up to 24 hours—essentially, consider this a fresh-squeezed juice for your face. It’s powered by three sources of vitamin C and boasts the intention of targeting dark spots and dull skin, while feeding the skin barrier with antioxidant benefits.

Best for Combination Skin

Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

$50 at Amazon $50 at Sephora $48 at Net-a-Porter

Active Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed collagen, red algae extract | Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily skin | Size: 2.5 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden launched her eponymous skincare line we knew her mastery would bring about formulas that stop breakouts right in its tracks. Her weightless moisturizer truly delivers: It’s as light as air but super hydrating. Plus, this fast-absorbing formula is perfect for balancing combination skin—we love how fast it soaks into the skin without residue. It nourishes dry patches and for oilier regions, the nongreasy formula lets the skin breathe while keeping unwanted shine away. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it’s also formulated with red algae extract and hydrolyzed collagen; a finish that is neither super dewy nor super matte just hydrating in every which way.

Best for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer

View on Amazon $36 at Target $34 at Ulta

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, salicylic Acid | Skin Type: Oily skin, sensitive skin | Size: 1.45 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re yet to find a solution for overwhelmingly oily skin, you’ll need a nongreasy moisturizer that’ll neutralize excess oil. This one does just that, using the brand’s patented technology that targets excess oil and shine without depleting the skin barrier of hydration. The formula features LHA (lipohydroxy acid), which also tightens enlarged pores and micro-exfoliates your skin texture. It's a lightweight lotion that leaves behind a perfect matte, yet hydrated finish.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

$13 at Amazon $14 at Target $16 at Ulta

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 4 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re dealing with acne-prone skin, you're probably well aware of the greasy, heavy feel that many moisturizers with sunscreen leave behind (which can lead to irritation and, unfortunately, more zits). That’s why Differin’s Oil Control Moisturizer with sunscreen is an absolute morning must for anyone prone to breakouts. This formula thoroughly hydrates skin and uses SPF 30 Oleosome, a form of sunscreen that still offers protection against UV rays while taking into account the triggers those with acne-prone skin need to be especially mindful of. The moisturizer also features micro pearl technology and absorbs pesky surface oil that might creep up during the day, keeping the skin matte and shine-free.

Best Anti-Aging

Tatcha The Water Cream

$72 at Amazon $23 at Sephora $72 at Violet Grey

Active Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, hadasei-3 complex | Skin Type: Combination, oily | Size: 0.34, 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

More than just a daily moisturizer, Tatcha’s beloved Water Cream also boasts skin-refining (and plumping) benefits. According to the brand, this cream is powered by a number of Japanese nutrients such as wild rose and leopard lily that deliver water-light hydration while tightening pores, smoothing skin texture, controlling excess oil, and improving cell turnover. It also contains the brand’s Hadasei-3 complex, an anti-aging powerhouse combination of green tea, rice, and algae that helps keep the complexion radiant. Oh, also, it is infused with a casual touch of 23-karat gold, leaving behind a serious (and shine-free!) glow. We raved about how it left our (oily) skin feeling fresh, light, and hydrated all day—and all night.

Best With SPF

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

$36 at Sephora View on Fentybeauty.com $34 at Kohls.com

Active Ingredients: Kalahari melon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe, baobab | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination, dry | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A 2-in-1 moisturizer and sunscreen, this lightweight cream offers SPF 30 protection sans chalkiness, and niacinamide to help even out skin tone. The formula, with ingredients like Kalahari melon, baobab, hyaluronic acid, and aloe, helps to hydrate the skin. It won’t pill under makeup or cause any flashback, making it the perfect makeup base. We can’t fail to mention that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, reef-safe, and refillable, making this a conscious choice for both the animals and the environment.

Best Brightening

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer

$21 at Sephora $39 at Kohls.com View on Glowrecipe.com

Active Ingredients: Watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, jasmine extract, peony extract | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, balanced, oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 0.84, 2.02 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This moisturizer is as refreshing on the ingredient front as it is when applied to the actual complexion. The daytime version of the Glow Recipe’s fan-favorite Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, this bouncy gel—which includes watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants—hydrates, soothes irritation, and calms redness, as well as protects against environmental stressors. The result: An instantly dewy and bouncy complexion that’s visibly more hydrated from the moment you apply it. It’s suitable for all skin types, either as a nongreasy moisturizer for oily or combination skin or a hydrating serum for dry skin that needs an extra boost. We appreciated how fresh it felt on our skin and the fact that after a full night of rest, our skin texture was still reaping the benefits of this product the morning after. Just keep in mind that because it’s exfoliating, you may not want to pair it with other actives to avoid sensitivity.

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide

$65 at Amazon $65 at Sephora $65 at Anthropologie

Active Ingredients: Patented vine sap-derived viniferine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

Caudalie’s oil-free Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide is potent, specifically focused on evening-out skin tone and fading the look of dark spots. Niacinamide is paired with viniferine in this formula—an extract of grapevine sap that’s 62% more effective than vitamin C—and white peony extract. Suitable for normal to dry skin types, it offers deep hydration, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and olive squalane, and boosts radiance and glow with natural pearlizers. The formula encapsulates shimmery pigment as some reviewers describe it, so take that into account before you make the final buy.

Best for Large Pores

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance

$26 at Sephora $26 at Glossier.com

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, apple fruit extract | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Glossier’s top-rated Priming Moisturizer Balance was developed for folks with oily skin in mind. Its shine-controlling formula has marine extract, which keeps an oily T-zone feeling balanced and areas prone to dryness patch-free. On the other hand, niacinamide and willow bark extract reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and help smooth skin. You'll get soft, plump, and hydrated skin to start, and once makeup comes into play, this oil-free moisturizer grants a powdery matte finish.

Best Gel

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

$44 at Amazon View on Farmacybeauty.com $44 at Kohls.com

Active Ingredients: Moringa seed extract, papaya extract, kale, cucumber, eucalyptus, willow herb, niacinamide | Skin Type: Balanced, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Farmacy’s Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer employs moringa and papaya extract to purify and protect the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution. On top of featuring four different forms of hyaluronic acid, the formula contains polyglutamic acid, moringa seed extract, and moringa water to refresh the skin while willowherb clears pores of impurities and fights shine. Papaya extract is a gentle exfoliant too, lending a hand in the skin-smoothing department. In addition to being clean, it’s also vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and comes in recycled packaging.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Osea Seabiotic Water Cream

$54 at Ulta $54 at Nordstrom $54 at Bluemercury.com

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, bisabolol | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.6 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sensitive skin? The Seabiotic Water Cream soothes irritation and reactive concerns at every stage of life. This oil-free moisturizer leans on bisabolol (an extract of chamomile) to soothe inflamed, reactive complexions, and you can count on the lightweight, silky formula to keep your skin hydrated. Its scent is very present though, think of it as the ocean breeze of aromas if you will. The only thing we don’t love is that the product doesn’t come with a spatula to scoop out the formula; you’ll have to go in with your fingers, which can be unhygienic if they’re dirty.

Best Fragrance-Free

Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer

$76 at Amazon $76 at Sephora $76 at Ulta

Active Ingredients: Amino acids, algae extract | Skin Type: Oily, sensitive, acne-prone, mature | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Added fragrance (whether synthetic or from essential oils) can be irritating, especially for those with particularly sensitive skin. That's one reason we love this unscented moisturizer from Kate Somerville—but definitely not the only reason. The lightweight formula calls on amino acids to plump your skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines, while algae extract works to tone and tighten the skin.

Best for Summer

Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer

$17 at Sephora View on Summerfridays.com View on Revolve

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid complex, pineapple enzyme, | Skin Type: Dry, combination, oily skin | Size: 0.5, 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Skincare is fun until summer rolls around and your nose is already riddled with sweat seconds after walking out of the house. This gel moisturizer doesn’t have an intensely rich texture, but does have all the ingredients necessary to keep the skin feeling breathable and plumped during warm weather. Specifically, pineapple enzymes feed and exfoliate your skin tone with loads of vitamins E and C while three forms of hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin barrier.

Best With Snail Mucin

Peach Slices Snail Rescue Oil Free Moisturizer

$17 at Amazon $17 at Ulta $17 at Walmart

Active Ingredients: Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily skin | Size: 2.8 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

K-beauty darling ingredient snail mucin is nothing new, and once it took the beauty industry by storm here in the U.S., individuals have decided to tailor their entire skincare lineup around it. Peach Slices has an entire product dedicated to the moisturizing and collagen-stimulating ingredient. For one, this oil-free moisturizer is comprised of 95% snail mucin, and the rest is a touch of hyaluronic acid, cica, and birch juice. This moisturizer offers a bit of a cooling sensation upon application and while it may look a tad sluggish at first, the product absorbs into your skin quickly and leaves it looking shine-free and hydrated.

Best Cooling

Dieux Air Angel Collagen & Peptide Hydrating Gel Cream

$44 at Sephora View on Dieuxskin.com

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, vegan collagen amino acids | Skin Type: Normal, combination, dry, oily skin | Size: 2.53 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This gel cream opens up the floodgates for dry, dehydrated skin. Anytime we’re experiencing a depleted skin barrier, we turn to this moisturizer to get our skin back to its supple state. The brand doesn’t claim this moisturizer to be oil-free but does point out it is water-based, which means that it doesn’t grease, slick, or latch onto extra dry areas, and offers us a lightweight option that hydrates our skin barrier just as much as our rich moisturizer does at nighttime.

Best for Makeup Application

Laura Mercier Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturizer

View on Lauramercier.com $66 at Bluemercury.com View on Bloomingdales

Active Ingredients: French Lavender floral water, honey | Skin Type: Oily skin | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

The trick to a shine-free complexion is Laura Mercier’s Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturizer. It reduces surface oil in all the right places and will help your full face of glam last longer with a hydrating mix of rose water and French spring water. Rose water acts as an ingredient that brings moisture to the skin, which is one of the reasons the founder hand-selected it to star in this formula.

What to Look for in Oil-Free Moisturizers

• Skin Type and Concerns: Consider your skin type—oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. This will dictate the type of ingredients you’ll want to look for. For example, if you have oily skin, look for something that can mattify. If you have dry skin, look for something rich and hydrating. 
• Ingredients: An ultra-moisturizing ingredient, hyaluronic acid couldn’t be a better fit for those looking to keep their face dewy without oil. Because it holds so many times its weight in water, its effects are instantaneous, leaving you glowing after application. Dr, Shamban says that "it’s a superstar at alleviating dry skin.” Consider rosewater or rose extract, too, as Dr. Shamban says that it fights inflammation, helping to reduce redness and blotchiness. Niacinamide, also known as B3, offers hydration and can even minimize the look of dark spots. Plus, it’s a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to anti-aging. 
• Packaging: The packaging is another element to consider. Moisturizers come in a whole slew of options (jars, tubes, bottles, etc.), each of which can work well for different people. Jars are great since they’re generally more recyclable, however, if they don’t come with a spatula, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria if you dip dirty fingers directly into it. Tubes are best for travel or those concerned about cleanliness since you can toss them in your bag and go and don’t have to worry about it being compromised by external factors.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Jenna Igneri has over six years of experience writing about beauty and has had thousands of skincare products come across her desk over her career. She's skilled at extracting the need-to-know details about the latest moisturizers on the market. To get more in-depth insights into the benefits of oil-free moisturizers we spoke:

• Dr. Ava Shamban, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California.

Chelsea Avila is a contributing commerce writer at Byrdie who reports on the beauty, fashion, and wellness market. To help update this article, Chelsea researched the ingredients in each oil-free moisturizer listed and highlighted their replenishing and hydrating properties. 

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough oil-free moisturizers from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.