The 13 Best Drugstore Moisturizers for Oily Skin

Look, we totally get it—if you happen to be dealing with the plight that is perpetually oily skin, moisturizing is likely the last thing you want to do. After all, your goal is to remove excess oil, not add more, right? Breaking news, though: Oily skin still needs moisture, and if you skip moisturizer, it’s believed that your oil glands may potentially go into overdrive, producing more oil. As Alanis so eloquently said, isn’t it ironic? 

“Many of those with oily skin do not realize that they still need to moisturize to help with the overall health, texture, and appearance of their skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein. “Not to mention that many moisturizers contain sunscreen, antioxidants, and anti-pollutants for an extra-protective barrier. For oily skin, and especially those who are acne-prone, it’s important to look for moisturizers labeled as oil-free or non-comedogenic.” The bottom line: You need to use a moisturizer regularly, no matter your skin type. The nuance lies in finding the right formula for you, particularly if you have an oily complexion.

Ahead, the best drugstore moisturizers for oily skin that fit the bill.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:
Cetaphil Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Mattifying:
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Gel:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Acne-Prone Skin:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:
L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Anti-Aging:
Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Combination Skin:
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with Antioxidants:
Avalon Organics Intense Defense Oil-Free Moisturizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Multi-Tasking:
Garnier SkinActive 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with SPF:
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Expand

• Our Picks

• Final Verdict

• What to Look For

• Why Trust Review2Coupon?

• How We Test

Best Overall:
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

4.7

View On Ulta
View On Target
View On Walgreens

What We Like

• Creamy formula

• Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics

• Shields skin from pollution

What We Don’t Like

• Contains alcohol

If you crave a little bit more hydration, reach for this creamy (yet fast-absorbing) option. Granted, it’s not oil-free, but it is formulated for all skin types—oily included. Packed with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, as well as black tea kombucha, this antioxidant-rich formula aims to shield skin from pollution and environmental stressors while keeping it healthy and vibrant.

Active Ingredients: Black tea kombucha | Skin Type: Dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: None | Review2Coupon Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict 

You better believe you still need to use a moisturizer if you have oily skin, so why not make it one of the great, affordable options found at the drugstore? Case in point: Cetaphil’s DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 offers the hydration you need (and SPF, too) but also absorbs excess oil in the process. If you’re after some anti-aging benefits, try the Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer, which has the same wrinkle-reducing prowess as the beloved serum in a lighter-than-air cream. Bolden’s SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer is our top choice for anyone trying to fade spots, while Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Moisturizer earns our vote for those battling blemishes and oily skin.

What to Look For in a Drugstore Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Oil-free

It should go without saying that if you have oily skin, you do still need to use a moisturizer. However, you likely don’t need extra oil, so Dr. Marchbein recommends seeking out an oil-free formula. However, not all oils are created equal, and those that are generally considered non-comedogenic can also be a beneficial option—but more on those below.

Non-comedogenic

Since oily skin is more prone to clogged pores and breakouts, make sure the moisturizer you pick is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t gunk up your pores. If you do choose a formula that contains oil, Dr. Marchbein says to opt for oils that fall into this category. “Testing for comedogenicity is not standardized; however, certain oils like mineral oil and jojoba are virtually non-comedogenic, while others, like coconut oil, are extremely comedogenic,” she says. With that in mind, definitely skip coconut oil-based formulas.

Lighter moisturizing ingredients

Rather than richer oils (remember, you’re going oil-free!) or butter, Dr. Marchbein says to seek out hydrating ingredients that are lighter in texture and feel. “Look for ceramides, glycerin, dimethicone, shea butter, petrolatum, and hyaluronic acid in the list of ingredients, as these are deeply hydrating even in a lighter lotion formulation,” she says. Many of these ingredients work by attracting water to the skin and trapping it in without feeling too greasy or heavy. 

Why Trust Review2Coupon?

Review2Coupon contributor Melanie Rud has more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there.