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The Best Oil-Free Moisturisers That Promise Glowing (Not Greasy) Skin
Because yes, oily skin needs hydration too.
Oily skin types have the joys of experiencing fewer fine lines (yay) but there's also a tendency to be more blemish-prone as the sebaceous glands are overproducing sebum which leads to excess shine and spots. Understandably, those with combination and oilier complexions might be wary of moisturisers, but that doesn't mean you should skip it altogether.
'You may think that not using a moisturiser will reduce oil production, but the exact opposite is actually true,' says CeraVe consultant dermatologist, Dr Derrick Phillips. 'Without proper hydration, the skin barrier is weakened, which can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil.
As for what to look for, medical aesthetician and founder of Bea Skin Care, Bianca Estelle, recommends water-based ingredients that retain water within the skin such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. 'Neither of these ingredients will clog pores and niacinamide in particular will help to balance sebum levels in the skin. Often, breakouts are a common complaint amongst oily skin types and niacinamide can help to reduce the appearance of pigmentation caused by ongoing breakouts,' she says.
If you're on the oilier end of the spectrum but are experiencing dryness due to topical treatments such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, Estelle suggests incorporating a more nourishing cream in the evening, twice a week. Alternatively, try layering a hyaluronic acid serum such as Bea Skin Care Acne Hydrator Serum underneath your face cream for an extra hit of hydration.
From Byoma to Summer Fridays, these are the best oil-free moisturisers to try now...
Celebs like January Jones and Jessica Alba look to facialist Shani Darden to keep their complexions red carpet ready. In this featherlight formula, Darden uses a combination of hyaluronic acid, hydrolysed collagen and red algae extract to flood skin with moisture without clogging pores or feeling heavy.
If excess sebum and clogged pores are a bugbear, this niacinamide-infused ultra lightweight moisturiser will help to restore balance and refine skin texture. It leaves skin feeling refreshed with a gentle healthy glow that looks great under make-up.
A little goes a long way with this skin-plumping moisturiser. It offers a tall drink of water to parched complexions, sinking in instantly without causing a greasy film on the skin. It contains Tatcha's signature's Hadasei3 complex of fermented rice, algae and green tea to keep skin happy and healthy.
For lightweight hydration with a (hefty) side of glow, look no further. Dr Dennis Gross is well known for its brightening products (its peel pads are a classic) and this moisturiser contains radiance-boosters such as lactic and glycolic acid, while salicylic acid keeps blemishes at bay. That said, this also features ceramides to keep the skin barrier intact.
Hollywood's go-to facialist, Kate Somerville, knows a thing or two about good skin. This featherlight hydrator is perfect for oily and combination skin types who are also looking to plump up any fine lines, as it contains amino acid derivatives.
'Cloud' is the perfect way to describe this lightweight moisturiser. It immediately sinks into skin, leaving no greasy residue behind so skin stays matte yet hydrated.
From the founder who brought us the ultra-chic Tan Luxe comes this range of accessible, no-frills skincare. This formula is chock full of ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, niacinamide and soothing green tea.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream
There's a reason Kiehl's original Ultra Facial Cream is their best selling product ever: it works. So, our expectations for the oil-free gel version were high, and luckily we weren't disappointed. Specifically developed for oily skin, this refreshing formula boost hydration without forming a greasy film on skin.
One for all the sensitive skin sufferers out there, CeraVe is your one stop shop for neutral, fragrance-free skincare that soothes and hydrates without exacerbating acne or redness.
Moisturisers that aim to plump up fine lines tend to err towards the heavier side, but thankfully, Bea Skin Care's Master Antioxidant Cream has all the smoothing, brightening and protective benefits without leaving you looking shiny by midday.
The Insta-famous skincare brand has done it again. Hitting us with a hyaluronic acid-rich formula that hydrates your skin without leaving a greasy film, this oil-free cream is a snip at £5.
Suitable for all skin types but particularly effective for those with oily complexions, this cream-gel moisturiser works to plump and hydrate skin for 72 hours.
George Driver was the former Senior Beauty Editor - Digital at ELLE UK.
Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
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