If you have oily skin, using a moisturizer might feel like asking for a breakout but the truth is, your skin still needs hydration. The key? Choosing moisturizers that are lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. Below are 10 moisturizers that hydrate without clogging pores or making your skin feel greasy, tested and loved by oily skin types.
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1. COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Why it’s a favorite: This K-beauty cult product feels like water on the skin but delivers deep hydration with birch sap.
Key Ingredients: 70% birch sap, betaine, panthenol
Pros:
✓ Fast-absorbing and ultra-light
✓ Soothes redness and irritation
✓ Great under sunscreen or makeup
Cons:
✗ Slight natural scent
✗ May not be enough for extremely dehydrated skin
Price: ~$19
Texture: Lightweight gel-lotion
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Why it’s a favorite: A drugstore classic with hyaluronic acid that gives instant hydration and a cooling finish.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Pros:
✓ Oil-free, non-comedogenic
✓ Cooling, gel texture
✓ Great for layering
Cons:
✗ Contains fragrance
✗ Not ideal for very sensitive skin
Price: ~$18
Texture: Cooling water-gel
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
Why it’s a favorite: Designed specifically for oily, acne-prone skin, this mattifying moisturizer doubles as a primer.
Key Ingredients: Sebulyse, zinc PCA, silica
Pros:
✓ Controls oil production
✓ Refines pores
✓ Matte finish all day
Cons:
✗ Slightly thicker texture than a gel
✗ May not suit dry-combo skin
Price: ~$35
Texture: Lightweight cream
4. Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream
Why it’s a favorite: A minimalist moisturizer that hydrates and calms without any fluff or oil.
Key Ingredients: Oat extract, squalane
Pros:
✓ Fragrance-free
✓ Calms irritation
✓ Great for sensitive/oily skin
Cons:
✗ Not mattifying
✗ Can feel too light in colder climates
Price: ~$28
Texture: Watery cream
Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream
5. iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
Why it’s a favorite: Perfect for oily, acne-prone skin that needs hydration and soothing without heaviness.
Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, tea tree, niacinamide
Pros:
✓ Cooling gel texture
✓ Calms breakouts and irritation
✓ Non-sticky
Cons:
✗ Slight herbal scent
✗ May not suit very dry skin
Price: ~$15
Texture: Lightweight gel
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
6. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Why it’s a favorite: Hydrating without heaviness, this gel cream sinks in fast and leaves skin bouncy—not greasy.
Key Ingredients: Lady’s mantle, glycerin, oat kernel
Pros:
✓ Lightweight and plumping
✓ Long-lasting hydration
✓ Refreshing feel
Cons:
✗ Contains fragrance
✗ Pricey for a daily moisturizer
Price: ~$65
Texture: Aqua-gel cream
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
7. Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
Why it’s a favorite: Combines the soothing power of aloe with the antibacterial benefits of propolis—perfect for acne-prone skin.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, propolis extract, allantoin
Pros:
✓ Calms redness and inflammation
✓ Hydrating but non-greasy
✓ Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons:
✗ Slight tackiness before drying
✗ More of a gel than a traditional moisturizer
Price: ~$10
Texture: Thin, calming gel
Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
8. Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
Why it’s a favorite: A no-fuss, minimalist formula that hydrates without clogging pores.
Key Ingredients: Coptis japonica root extract, shea butter (small amount)
Pros:
✓ Non-irritating
✓ Great for oily but dehydrated skin
✓ Fragrance- and oil-free
Cons:
✗ Slightly richer texture than others on this list
✗ Takes a moment to absorb fully
Price: ~$30
Texture: Cream-gel hybrid
9. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
Why it’s a favorite: Water-based, lightweight moisturizer that’s perfect for oily skin with compromised moisture barriers.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, omega fatty acids, glycerin
Pros:
✓ Budget-friendly
✓ Lightweight hydration
✓ Reduces redness over time
Cons:
✗ Not deeply moisturizing
✗ Can pill under some sunscreens
Price: ~$11
Texture: Watery gel-cream
The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
10. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream
Why it’s a favorite: Delivers hydration in layers with 5 types of hyaluronic acid—without leaving a shiny finish.
Key Ingredients: Multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, green tea, centella
Pros:
✓ Refreshing hydration
✓ Non-greasy, non-sticky
✓ Soothes and strengthens skin barrier
Cons:
✗ Light citrus scent
✗ May feel slightly slippery under some makeup
Price: ~$17
Texture: Cooling gel-cream
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream
Final Thoughts
Oily skin needs hydration too, just in the right texture and formula. These moisturizers prove you can keep your skin plump, calm, and healthy without feeling like an oil slick. Whether you’re breakout-prone, shiny by noon, or battling dehydration, there’s a lightweight, non-greasy option here for you.