The 7 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin in 2021

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Sorry oily skin types, but you're not exempt from moisturizing just because your skin produces more sebum than others. Everyone—we repeat, everyone—should moisturize daily to prevent dryness, and that includes oily-skinned folks. Sure you can leave the rich creams to your dry skin counterparts, but there's plenty of lightweight mattifying moisturizers and gels that can keep excess grease under control while balancing the skin's moisture barrier. You probably guessed it already, but we went ahead and picked our favorites.

Below, discover the best moisturizers for oily skin.

Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb

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A shiny T-zone will be a distant memory when you use this magically mattifying moisturizer. It spotlights willowherb, the magenta flower that is admired for being able to withstand even the toughest environments. The water cream formula also contains pink rock rose to leave a gorgeous glow, plus it minimizes the look of pores.

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This water-based gel moisturizer has racked up plenty of awards and earned quite the fanbase—and for good reason. Made particularly for sensitive skin, this cult classic brings the ultimate in hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid (which is naturally found in the skin and can absorb as much as 1,000 times its weight in water), glycerin, and dimethicone. It instantly moisturizes, leaving skin looking smooth and plumped with hydration.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer

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The smash success of the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask inspired this daytime version that also harnesses the power of top hydrator, watermelon extract. Its gel-like formula is essentially watermelon juice for your face, delivering vitamins and amino acids, mixed with hyaluronic acid and botanicals to soothe and brighten, while antioxidants ward off damage from free radicals to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

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The last thing acne sufferers want is a moisturizer that leaves their skin even shinier, but there’s no need to fear that with this oil-free moisturizer made for oily and acne-prone skin. It utilizes sebulyse technology to sop up excess oil to deliver visibly tighter-looking pores and a matte finish, all while delivering moisture. The non-comedogenic moisturizer also works as a great base for makeup.

peter thomas roth water drench cloud cream

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It doesn’t get much lighter than this aptly-named cloud cream that still manages to pack a punch when it comes to moisturizing. Thanks to its concentration of 30% hyaluronic acid, it delivers powerful hydration for up to 72 hours. It also contains ceramides which lock in moisture and elderberry, which is packed with antioxidants to reduce the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles. This multitasker also makes you look younger by evening out skin tone and reviving dull skin, leaving you with a glowing complexion.

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Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has quite a legacy: It was the official moisturizer of the “Greenland First Ascent” expedition, a group of six explorers who were the very first to climb Greenland’s ice-covered peaks in 2005. If it’s good enough to protect them from the elements, imagine what it can do for your skin in a less aggressive climate. This one is the same cult-favorite formula, just with the addition of broad-spectrum SPF 30. Expect it to leave skin hydrated for 24 hours, boosting firmness and elasticity along the way.

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If there’s anything on earth that can withstand dryness, it’s cacti, so it makes perfect sense that the hearty plant is at the center of this moisturizer. Incredibly lightweight, the quick-absorbing moisturizer is a gel formula that contains Queen of the Night Cactus Succulent to hydrate, nourish, and condition; aloe vera flower extract to ease sensitive skin and mend damage from sun exposure and the elements; and South African resurrection plant infusion to decrease redness, boost texture, and reinforce the barrier.

23 Facial Moisturizers for Hydrated, Healthy Skin All Year Long