Many people with oily skin mistakenly skip applying moisturizer thinking it will make their face smoother, but research shows this can actually make oilier skin worse over time. A Journal of Skin Research and Technology (2020) reports that oily skin has a significantly higher sebum excretion rate than non-oily skin, often 1.6–2.1 times higher. Even with oily skin, hydration is still needed to balance sebum production. Humidity and environmental factors also play a role: High humidity is linked to increased sebum production, which can contribute to surface shine and breakouts, as reported by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
When skin is dehydrated, it can trigger excess oil as a protective response, a cycle known as rebound oiliness. The right moisturizer for oily skin should be lightweight, non-comedogenic, water-based and made with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which support the skin barrier, replenish hydration without feeling heavy, and can help regulate oil production.
Mamaearth Beetroot Hydraful Moisturizer for Oily Skin is a lightweight formula that hydrates without feeling greasy. It contains beetroot extract and hyaluronic acid to support moisture balance and help reduce surface dryness that can trigger excess oil. With regular use, the moisturizer aims to keep the skin comfortable and hydrated while limiting shine, making it suitable for daily use on oily skin.
reason to buy
Gel-based formula absorbs quickly
Provides 24 hour nourishment as the brand claims
Beetroot is rich in antioxidant properties
reason to avoid
The texture may feel heavy or sticky
Sometimes there may be a burning sensation or itching
customer feedback:
Light, non-greasy moisturizer that hydrates and gives a fresh, natural glow, although the effect of hydration varies according to skin type.
The Derma Company 5% Vitamin C Oil-Free Daily Face Moisturizer is a lighter option designed for oily skin. Its oil-free, non-comedogenic formula absorbs fast and provides hydration without leaving a sticky residue. It helps maintain moisture balance while limiting transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The inclusion of 5% Vitamin C supports an even skin tone and addresses dullness, making it suitable for daily use, especially in hot or humid climates.
reason to buy
With 5% Vitamin C, it helps even out skin tone
Fast absorbing and no white cast
fragrance free
reason to avoid
Slight fragrance may bother some users
customer feedback:
Absorbs fast, keeps skin hydrated without feeling greasy, and removes dullness over time. However, people with very oily skin may find it a little sticky.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer is an oil-free, water-gel formulation designed for oily and combination skin. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly and provides hydration without leaving any greasy or sticky residue. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it helps retain moisture and limits transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Suitable for daily use, it is suitable for all skin types. The brand reports up to 24 hours of hydration under standard testing conditions.
reason to buy
Weightless gel and instant absorption
Instant hydration with hyaluronic acid
Oil-free, non-comedogenic formula
reason to avoid
on the expensive side
Small quantity for frequent use
customer feedback:
Users praise its deep hydration and smooth texture. Many consider it to be worth the price, although some feel that it ends too quickly.
Minimalist Dehydrated Skin Moisturizer with 10% Vitamin B5 is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. The lightweight, gel-based texture absorbs quickly and provides hydration without feeling sticky or greasy. Vitamin B5 (panthenol) supports skin barrier function and helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which can increase in dehydrated skin.
reason to buy
Targets dehydration without the greasiness
Vitamin B5 strengthens and repairs skin
Fast absorbing gel texture
reason to avoid
less hydrating in cold weather
Can sometimes cause breakouts
customer feedback:
Absorbs rapidly and hydrates effectively, leaving skin soft without feeling greasy; Perfect for oily skin, although it may feel a little sticky initially.
Plum Green Tea Oil-Free Face Moisturizer is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, which is common in hot, humid climates. It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil to support hydration without feeling greasy, which is an important factor in areas with high humidity and pollution exposure. The light, non-sticky texture absorbs quickly and can help maintain moisture balance while limiting surface shine.
reason to buy
Removes blemishes and makes your skin glow
fights pimples
Boost hydration with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
reason to avoid
Not suitable for very dry skin
Slight fragrance may bother some users
customer feedback:
Hydrates skin without feeling greasy, helps control oil and reduce breakouts, feels light and refreshed, although very dry patches may require reapplication.
Re’Equil Oil-Free Moisturizer Cream is formulated for oily and combination skin. The lightweight, non-comedogenic formula contains humectants like hyaluronic acid and betaine to support hydration without heavy blockages or greasiness. It absorbs quickly and is designed to help maintain moisture balance while limiting surface shine. Suitable for daily use, the moisturizer comforts the skin and supports barrier function, especially in hot or humid conditions.
reason to buy
Prevents dry patches
Controls excess oil on T-zone
Leaves skin calm and comfortable
reason to avoid
Slight fragrance may bother some users
Not ideal in extremely hot weather
customer feedback:
Light, non-greasy moisturizer that absorbs quickly to hydrate and control oil. Perfect for daily use, although some people may find it a little sticky.
Nutriderm Moisturizing Lotion with Vitamin E is a mild formulation suitable for oily skin. It provides hydration without any greasy residue and absorbs quickly into the skin. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping to support skin barrier function and reduce oxidative stress from environmental exposures. For daily use, the lotion can be applied in a thin, even layer to cleansed skin, with additional focus on areas prone to dryness.
reason to buy
Rich in Antioxidants with Vitamin E
Absorbs quickly and is not sticky
light formula
reason to avoid
on the expensive side
Slight fragrance may bother some users
customer feedback:
Absorbs fast, feels hydrating without being greasy, and improves skin’s suppleness and texture; However, some people find it a little heavy for hot weather.
Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Oil-Free Moisturizer is formulated for oily skin that needs hydration without the heaviness. The mild, non-comedogenic formula contains ceramides and humectants to support skin barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), while Vitamin C helps banish dullness. Its oil-free texture absorbs fast, providing moisture without heaviness, helping manage climate-related oiliness in hot or humid conditions.
reason to buy
Combines ceramides with the benefits of vitamin C
Targets dullness and barrier repair
Light and oil free texture
reason to avoid
Not as hydrating for very dry skin.
Packaging could be more user-friendly
customer feedback:
It helps in repairing shine and blockage. Many people like the oil-free feel, although some people with dry spots find they need to apply another cream.
comparison table:
| products | main components | texture | Consider before buying | barrier function |
| Mamaearth Beetroot Hydraful Moisturizer | Beetroot Extract, Hyaluronic Acid | Gel based; hydrating | Some people may feel heavy/sticky | limited TEWL |
| The Derma Company 5% Vitamin C Oil Free Moisturizer | vitamin C | Oil-free, fast-absorbing gel | Light fragrance for sensitive skin | Helps maintain moisture balance and limit TEWL |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid | hyaluronic acid | water gel | expensive/small quantity | Reduces TEWL through hyaluronic acid |
| Minimalist Dehydrated Skin Moisturizer | 10% Vitamin B5 | light gel | less hydrating in cold weather | Panthenol supports the barrier |
| Plum Green Tea Oil-Free Face Moisturizer | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Tea Tree Oil | light lotion | Not ideal for very dry areas | Niacinamide supports the barrier |
| Reequil Oil-Free Moisturizer | hyaluronic acid, betaine | light cream | Not ideal in extreme heat | Betaine and hyaluronic acid help restore moisture balance |
| Nutriderm Moisturizing Lotion | Vitamin E | light lotion | a little heavy in hot weather | Vitamin E supports barrier, antioxidant protection |
| Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide and Vitamin C Oil-Free Moisturizer | Ceramides, Vitamin C, Humectants | Light, non-greasy cream | Dry patches may require layering | Ceramides support barrier integrity and reduce TEWL |
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