How do I know if my moisturizer is oil-free?

You’ll know if your moisturizer contains oil or not by looking at the ingredient list. If it lists any type of oil, then it isn’t oil-free. This isn’t limited; whether you’re talking jojoba or emu, any moisturizer ingredient that ends in the word “oil” will contain oil. Don’t want to have to read tiny labels? Opt for a moisturizer that declares it’s oil-free in its marketing materials or right on the front of the product.

Does oil-free moisturizer dry out the skin?

No, an oil-free moisturizer should not dry out the skin. Ideally, your oil-free moisturizer will contain several different moisturizing ingredients, and you’ll never even notice that no oil is involved. If you find that the one you choose doesn’t hydrate your skin as much as you want it to, you might want to try a different product or one that caters more specifically to the needs of your skin type.

Will oil-free moisturizers cause acne?

Oil-free moisturizers shouldn’t cause acne, but there’s always a chance that an ingredient won’t react with your skin the way you want it to. Oil is one factor that can contribute to acne , but there are countless more, from hormones to environmental stressors, that can lead to breakouts. Don’t immediately jump to the conclusion that your oil-free moisturizer is the culprit if you experience a breakout but do take note if it is the only thing in your routine that has changed.

The 13 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers of 2023

We know it might seem counterintuitive, but acne-prone skin needs to be moisturized, too. However, nothing can be worse than slathering on 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—trust us when we say they’re a godsend.

We've rounded up our favorite products that’ll leave your face silky smooth and shine-free, no matter your skin type or concerns. These virtually weightless lotions and gels pack in all 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 skin-care and makeup application.

Read on for the best oil-free moisturizers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Moisturizer at Amazon

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Best Budget:

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors

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Best Drugstore:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:

Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Combination Skin:

Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Oily Skin:

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Anti-Aging:

Tatcha The Water Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With SPF:

Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Brightening:

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer at Sephora

Jump to Review

4.6

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Long-lasting results
Plumps fine lines and wrinkles
Softens skin

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Who else recommends it? The Strategist, CNN, and Healthline all picked Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream.

What do buyers say? 89% of 3,700+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

As the name suggests, this moisturizer is as light as a cloud. It contains actual hydrolyzed silk, which makes skin soft and smooth without the heavy feeling that some moisturizers can leave behind. Don’t be fooled by its light-as-air texture, though, as it also packs in some serious hydration power. Formulated with the brand’s Hyaluronic Acid Complex at a 30% concentration, as well as Pentavitin, a potent hydrating ingredient, this cream will keep your skin dewy and moisturized for up to 72 hours. Bonus? Not only does it leave the skin supple and plump, but it’ll help keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.

Price at time of publish: $54

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Affordable
Non-greasy

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it doesn't absorb well

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 moisturizers, including 11 different amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid, that help with dryness without leaving behind a greasy residue. Aside from being oil-free, it’s also free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, silicone, and fragrance—and it’s vegan and cruelty-free.

Price at time of publish: $6

Active Ingredients: Amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination, dry, sensitive | Size: 1 ounce, 3.3 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

The 10 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Affordable
Non-comedogenic
Alcohol-free

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel Review

The cult-favorite moisturizer has some pretty impressive ratings—and for good reason. 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 that makes a great base for makeup. In addition to being oil-free, it’s also non-comedogenic and dye-free, meaning it won’t cause any irritation or breakouts, making it the perfect option for those with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin types.

Price at time of publish: $20

Lightweight Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel — Byrdie / Joline Buscemi

What Our Testers Say

"I’m always wary that new products will break me out—especially with a fragrance as strong as this one—but even after a week of use, I didn’t have any new out of the ordinary acne." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester

Olehenriksen C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Walmart

What We Like

Long-lasting results
Provides antioxidant benefits
Boosts radiance

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Just because a product is oil-free doesn’t mean it’s necessarily only meant for oily or acne-prone skin types; dryer complexions can also benefit from a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. According to studies by the brand, this gel boosts the skin’s hydration levels by 140% for up to 24 hours — essentially a fresh-squeezed juice for your face. It’s powered by three sources of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, 3-0-ethyl ascorbic acid, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) to boast brightening, anti-aging, and antioxidant benefits.

Price at time of publish: $39

4.6

Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Net-a-Porter View On Violet Grey

What We Like

Non-greasy
Absorbs fast
Improves elasticity

What We Don't Like

Expensive

When celebrity esthetician Shani Darden launched her eponymous skincare line over the summer, we knew it was gonna be good. Her Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer truly delivers—light as air but super hydrating, this fast-absorbing formula is perfect for balancing combination skin. It nourishes dry patches, but the shine-free, non-greasy formula won’t clog the pores of your oilier regions. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it’s also formulated with red algae extract and hydrolyzed collagen.

Price at time of publish: $48

4.4

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Non-comedogenic
Non-greasy
Gently exfoliates

What We Don't Like

Bottle doesn't last long

If you’re plagued with oily skin, you’ll need a non-greasy daily moisturizer that’ll keep shine under control. This one does just that, using the brand’s Sebulyse Technology to target excess oil and other oily skin woes. The formula features LHA (lipohydroxy acid), which tightens enlarged pores and micro exfoliates to refine the skin’s texture. Made with zinc pidolate, it also neutralizes any signs of shininess. It's a lightweight lotion that leaves behind a perfect matte, yet hydrated finish.

Price at time of publish: $32

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Non-comedogenic
Offers UV protection
Absorbs oil

What We Don't Like

Can sting eyes

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 must for anyone prone to breakouts. This lightweight, non-greasy formula thoroughly hydrates skin and uses SPF 30 Oleosome, a non-irritating form of sunscreen that still offers protection against UV rays. 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.

Price at time of publish: $12

Tatcha

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Walmart

What We Like

Cooling
Works well under makeup
Absorbs oil

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Tatcha The Water Cream Review

More than just a daily moisturizer, Tatcha’s beloved Water Cream also boasts anti-aging, skin-refining benefits. According to the Tatcha, 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 and helps keep the complexion youthful and radiant.

Oh, and this clean, non-irritating, noncomedogenic, and non-sensitizing formula is also infused with a casual touch of 23-karat gold, leaving behind a serious (and shine-free!) glow.

Price at time of publish: $69

tatcha water cream — Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca

What Our Testers Say

"I'm happy to report that Tatcha’s The Water Cream kept my oily skin feeling fresh, light, and hydrated all day and through the night." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester

Fenty Beauty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Fentybeauty.com

What We Like

Oil-free
Non-comedogenic
Offers UV protection

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

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.

Price at time of publish: $38

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora View On Glowrecipe.com

What We Like

Gently exfoliates
Reduces redness
Protects against environmental damage

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer Review

This refreshing moisturizer is the secret to glowing, radiant skin. The daytime version of the brand’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, radiant complexion that’s visibly more hydrated. It’s suitable for all skin types, either as a non-greasy moisturizer for oily/combination skin or a hydrating serum for dry skin.

Price at time of publish: $39

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer Texture — Emily Algar

What Our Testers Say

"Glow Recipe is one of those brands that rarely gets it wrong, and the Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer is no exception. It’s super fresh, a delight to apply, feels good on the skin, and provides long-lasting hydration without any grease." — Emily Algar, Product Tester

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Dermstore

What We Like

Fades dark spots
Boosts radiance
Great for winter

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Bye, bye, dark spots! Caudalie’s oil-free Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide visibly evens out the skin tone and fades the look of dark spots thanks to skin-brightening powerhouses niacinamide, viniferine—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 lightweight but deep hydration, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and olive squalane, and boosts radiance and glow with natural pearlizers.

Price at time of publish: $65

View On Amazon View On Glossier.com

What We Like

Absorbs oil
Minimizes pores
Matte finish

What We Don't Like

May not be hydrating enough for some

A favorite of Byrdie email editor Karli Bendlin, Glossier’s top-rated Priming Moisturizer Balance was developed with oily skin in mind. Its shine-controlling formula with marine extract keeps the skin balanced while niacinamide and willow bark extract reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and help smooth skin. You'll get soft, plump, and hydrated skin with a powdery matte finish—the perfect base for makeup.

Price at time of publish: $25

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer with Moringa and Papaya

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Farmacybeauty.com

What We Like

Gently exfoliates
Smells good

What We Don't Like

Can leave a sticky residue

Farmacy’s Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer is like a tropical smoothie for your skin, and it smells like one, too! The formula, an impressive four different forms of hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, acts as moisture magnets, keeping skin supple and hydrated without ever feeling heavy or greasy. Moringa seed extract and moringa water help refresh the skin and protect against pollution, while willowherb clears pores of impurities and fights shine, and papaya extract acts as a gentle exfoliant, according to the brand. In addition to being clean, it’s also vegan-cruelty-free, gluten-free, and comes in recycled packaging.

Price at time of publish: $42

Active Ingredients: Moringa seed extract, moringa water, papaya extract, 4 types of hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, kale, cucumber, eucalyptus, willow herb, niacinamide | Skin Type: Balanced, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What to Look For in Oil-Free Moisturizers

Hyaluronic Acid

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. Board-certified dermatologist and founder of SKIN FIVE by AVA MD and the AVA MD full-service dermatology centers, Ava Shamban, MD, tells Byrdie that "it is a superstar at alleviating dry skin.”

Rose

Listed in the ingredient list of oil-free moisturizers as rose water or rose extract, this flower has numerous skincare benefits. It helps to moisturize dry skin, and if you experience redness, you’ll potentially receive benefits in that realm, as well. Dr. Ava Shamban says that “rosewater fights inflammation, helping to reduce redness and blotchiness.”

Niacinamide

Known as B3, and also often referred to as a “powerhouse ingredient,” niacinamide offers hydration, can help your skin glow, and can even aid in preventing acne. Because it evens your skin and prevents signs of aging, it’s a key ingredient in assorted skincare products, and moisturizers are no exception. And if you use products such as retinol, it may combat the dryness and irritation associated with that.

Vitamin C

A top antioxidant for anti-aging, vitamin C fits in the ingredient list of an oil-free moisturizer. If you’re thinking you can just have an extra squeeze of lemon in your morning water instead, though, be aware that actually won’t work—cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat Cosmetics Ron Robinson says that it’s best applied topically, and the results won’t be the same from simply ingesting it.

FAQ

How do I know if my moisturizer is oil-free?

You’ll know if your moisturizer contains oil or not by looking at the ingredient list. If it lists any type of oil, then it isn’t oil-free. This isn’t limited; whether you’re talking jojoba or emu, any moisturizer ingredient that ends in the word “oil” will contain oil. Don’t want to have to read tiny labels? Opt for a moisturizer that declares it’s oil-free in its marketing materials or right on the front of the product.
Does oil-free moisturizer dry out the skin?

No, an oil-free moisturizer should not dry out the skin. Ideally, your oil-free moisturizer will contain several different moisturizing ingredients, and you’ll never even notice that no oil is involved. If you find that the one you choose doesn’t hydrate your skin as much as you want it to, you might want to try a different product or one that caters more specifically to the needs of your skin type.
Will oil-free moisturizers cause acne?

Oil-free moisturizers shouldn’t cause acne, but there’s always a chance that an ingredient won’t react with your skin the way you want it to. Oil is one factor that can contribute to acne, but there are countless more, from hormones to environmental stressors, that can lead to breakouts. Don’t immediately jump to the conclusion that your oil-free moisturizer is the culprit if you experience a breakout but do take note if it is the only thing in your routine that has changed.

The 11 Best Drugstore Moisturizers with SPF for Hydrated, Protected Skin

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

The 11 Very Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin. The Strategist. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-moisturizers-for-oily-skin.html
Best face moisturizer for every skin type. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/best-face-moisturizer
10 of the Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/best-moisturizer-for-oily-skin
Telang PS. Vitamin C in Dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593
Ahmed IA, Mikail MA, Zamakshshari N, Abdullah AH. Natural Anti-aging Skincare: Role and Potential. Biogerontology. 2020;21(3):293-310. doi:10.1007/s10522-020-09865-z
Wohlrab J, Kreft D. Niacinamide - Mechanisms of Action and Its Topical Use in Dermatology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-315. doi:10.1159/000359974
Cefali L, Ataide J, Donega R, Godoy K, de AraAjo F, Mazzola P. Development of Emulsion Containing Watermelon Extract for Skin Aging. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 2017;11(46):749-754. doi:10.5897/JMPR2017.6484
Yun CY, Mi Ko S, Pyo Choi Y, et al. α-Viniferin Improves Facial Hyperpigmentation via Accelerating Feedback Termination of cAMP/PKA-Signaled Phosphorylation Circuit in Facultative Melanogenesis. Theranostics. 2018;8(7):2031-2043. doi:10.7150/thno.24385
Seiwerth J, Tasiopoulou G, Hoffmann J, et al. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Novel Topical Herbal Composition (VEL-091604) Consisting of Gentian Root, Licorice Root and Willow Bark Extract. Planta Med. 2019;85(7):608-614. doi:10.1055/a-0835-6806

Best Overall

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

Best Budget

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel

Best for Dry Skin

Ole Henriksen C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer

Best for Combination Skin

Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

Best for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

Best Anti-Aging

Tatcha The Water Cream

Best With SPF

Fenty Beauty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Best Brightening

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide

Best for Large Pores

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance

Best Clean Formula

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

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