There’s a common myth that if you have oily skin, your moisturiser doesn’t need to be hydrating. Much like acne brands used to define products for oily skin as those that strip the skin of its natural oils, moisturising advice for us shine-prone individuals has often toyed with the idea of skipping the hydrating step altogether. However, now’s the time to axe that attitude.
In reality, oily skin lacks hydration, while dry skin lacks moisture (and sometimes hydration, too). Confused? Well, in the world of skincare, ‘hydration’ relates to the skin’s water level, whereas ‘moisture’ is to do with oil levels. In a nutshell, this means the best moisturisers for oily skin should be both hydrating and water-based.
While it might seem counterintuitive, oily skin still craves hydration to stay balanced and healthy. Skipping this step can actually make the skin produce more oil, leading to extra shine and congestion.
There’s a wealth of different formulas on the market, so, whittling down the options to the top performers can seem quite the daunting task. Fear not, though, as I’ve been busy testing myriad moisturisers – from budget-friendly formulas to premium picks – in a bid to bring you the cream of the crop. Here’s how I got on...
The best moisturisers for oily skin 2025 are:
How I tested
After browsing the most searched for moisturisers for oily skin, alongside cult buys and beauty newness, I created a long list of the best budget, mid-range and premium options. After testing them over a five-month period, I then narrowed down my options to a shortlist of the best-performing formulas for oily skin. During testing, I considered:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Lucy Smith is a beauty writer at The Independent who has written extensively about skincare, from hyaluronic acid serums to the best creams for psoriasis. Lucy has frequently spoken with dermatologists to glean more information about the best skincare solutions. She’s also tested many other oily skin saviours for IndyBest, from foundations to SPF. For this review, she leveraged her understanding of active ingredients while drawing on her own personal experience with each of the moisturisers featured.
Avène hydrance aqua-gel hydrating cream-in-gel
Best: Moisturiser for oily skin overall
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and squalane
Fragrance-free: No
Comedogenic: No
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Smells fresh and clean
- Absorbs into the skin instantly
French pharmacy skincare is always a delight to use, and this cream-in-gel from Avène is no exception. With a lightly floral and fresh scent, it feels like a douse of cool water on the skin and, price-wise, isn’t too hefty. I’ve been using it intermittently for months and, every time I do, my skin feels quickly hydrated and ready for my SPF and make-up thereafter. Plus. being a slippery gel, a little bit goes a long way, so you get even more bang for your buck.
Ingredients-wise, I enjoy that the formula isn’t overly complicated, which means it can slot more easily into my routine.
Buy now £18.94, Boots.com
Neutrogena hydro boost water gel moisturiser
Best: Budget moisturiser for oily skin
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin and hyaluronic acid
Fragrance-free: No
Comedogenic: No
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- The scent is pleasant and refreshing
- Hydrates without provoking excess shine
Whenever my disposable income has been spread a little thin, this moisturiser has been my affordable go-to. It’s easy to pigeonhole Neutrogena as the brand you used in your teenage acne era, but the hydro boost range is a bit of an unsung hero. This, the water gel moisturiser, is just as easy to slather on in a 6am haze as it is as part of a seven-step skincare routine and, with hyaluronic acid, it’ll keep your skin hydrated from dawn until dusk, whether you pair it with a serum or apply it on its own.
For me, the water gel description is accurate – the product does feel instantly cooling on the skin. Don’t be too generous with your application, though, as the formula can leave a film on the skin.
Buy now £6.96, Amazon.co.uk
Clinique moisture surge 100-hour auto-replenishing hydrator
Best: Luxury moisturiser for oily skin
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, antioxidant green tea extract, aloe vera, caffeine and hyaluronic acid
Fragrance-free: Yes
Comedogenic: No
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Suitable for oily and sensitive skin
- Wakes up the skin upon application, with a cooling, instantly hydrating feel
Six years after I purchased my first tub of this formula, the product proved to be just as enjoyable to use during recent testing. ‘Reliable’ is the word I’d use when it comes to moisture surge, as it’s the sort of formula that will sort you out whether your skin’s deeply irritated or in dire need of hydration. The product sits beautifully under make-up and the packaging is timeless, if a little impractical for travel – in my experience, something about the pressure changes on a flight causes the gel to build up around the rim.
Whenever I use it, however, my skin feels cooled and plumped, and one tub lasts a surprisingly long time. I wouldn’t hesitate to repurchase, and there’s even an intense version for combination and drier skin types.
Buy now £31.50, Lookfantastic.com
Murad nutrient-charged water gel
Best: Anti-ageing moisturiser for oily skin
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, urea to soften, ceramides, peptides, taurine to energise, niacinamide
Fragrance-free: No
Comedogenic: No
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Has so many benefits, from anti-ageing to oil-balancing and nourishing
Take note
- You can’t really detect the fragrance, so, it’s a shame it’s included, as it could upset sensitive skin
For the slightly higher price point here, I was pleased to see a wide-ranging list of skin-loving ingredients. Indeed, from taurine (to help the skin appear brighter and tighter) to peptides (for irritation-free anti-ageing), Murad’s nutrient-charged water gel is a cocktail of goodness for the complexion.
Upon application, it’s smoothing and quick to absorb. A small amount (about the size of a 5p coin) is all you need, as it will stretch across the whole face. When I had a touch of irritation on my cheek, however, this formula wasn’t as soothing as I might have liked – a result of the added fragrance, I’d argue. I also felt the pink-tinge is a tad gimmicky, if I’m being picky. Although, it does make for a good skincare #shelfie, if that’s your thing. Overall, though, I was impressed with the benfits this formula brings to the table.
Buy now £50.00, Amazon.co.uk
CeraVe oil control moisturising gel-cream
Best: Oil-absorbing moisturiser
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Fragrance-free: Yes
Comedogenic: No
Size: 52ml
Why we love it
- The packaging is more hygienic than a tub-style container
- Effectively keeps shine at bay and nourishes
Take note
- Can pill
CeraVe is always a good option if you’re looking for affordable no-nonsense skincare, and this oil control moisturiser – a newer addition to the brand’s range – is no exception. For less than £20, this formula offers multiple benefits, including shine management and all-day hydration. It’s also super kind to the skin barrier.
Whether you’ve flown to close to the AHA/BHA sun or your skin is suffering irritation from the changing seasons, this moisturiser should be the ultimate reset for redness, inflammation and more. Plus, with included starch, it’ll keep excess grease at bay – even if it does cause a touch of pilling. My top tip to negate this issue? Try not to overwork your application, and pat rather than drag any subsequent formulas onto the skin.
Buy now £12.38, Lookfantastic.com
Beauty of Joseon red bean water gel
Best: Korean moisturiser for oily skin
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, peptides and vitamin E-rich sunflower seed oil
Fragrance-free: No
Comedogenic: No
Size: 100ml
Why we love it
- Oh-so-cooling to apply, would make a great summer moisturiser
- Double the size of most
Korean beauty brands are having a moment, and this water gel from Beauty of Joseon is a perfect example of what makes such skincare formulas so popular. With lots of natural elements, from skin barrier-strengthening japonica root to moisture-maximising sunflower oil, this gel moisturiser combines herbal traditions with more modern skincare elements, such as peptides. Together, these make for a ‘cover all angles’ approach and, in actuality, a formula that feels equal parts potent and gentle.
The generously sized tube is a definite bonus, and the feel of the gel on the skin was akin to a sorbet: cooling and soothing. I frequently reach for it when I’m not sure what my skin wants, comforted in the knowledge I can still integrate some anti-ageing elements, without the potential reactivity of a retinol or retinal.
Buy now £15.50, Lookfantastic.com
La Roche-Posay toleriane dermallergo soothing cream
Best: Moisturiser for oily, sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Water, shea butter, sensitive skin-friendly salvia root and squalane
Fragrance-free: Yes
Comedogenic: No
Size: 40ml
Why we love it
- Suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types
- Packaging ensures you’re able to use every last drop of product
This is a one-stop shop when it comes to addressing all your sensitivity and shine woes. The formula is lightweight, calming and, regarding that latter characteristic, can be applied to even the most delicate of sunburns and sensitivities. I’ve reached for it in pretty much every circumstance (having used it in excess of five years) and it never causes so much as a tingle upon application.
Plus, it’s adequately hydrating, while keeping shine to a minimum, and, paired with a niacinamide or mattifying SPF, it will keep your complexion looking Photoshop-smooth all day.
Read my full La Roche-Posay toleriane dermallergo review
Buy now £23.00, Lookfantastic.com
Tatcha the water cream
Best: Japanese moisturiser for oily skin
Key ingredients: Water, antioxidant Japanese rose, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and alcohol
Fragrance-free: No
Comedogenic: No
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Included applicator wand is handy
- Jam packed with soothing ingredients
Take note
- Perhaps a little too greasy for the oiliest of complexions
Much like Korean skincare, Japanese skincare is equally hype-worthy and designed to leave skin in tip-top condition. Tatcha’s water cream fits this bill to a tee, thanks to its inclusion of Japanese rose, to help hydrate and soothe; green tea and algae, to ensure an even, youthful complexion; and rice to protect the skin against irritation. I was, however, slightly disappointed to spot alcohol among the formula’s ingredients but I personally didn’t experience any dryness as a result.
For those with acne-prone skin, the included spatula negates the worry of excessive face touching – though, you’ll have to keep on top of cleaning the tool – and the whipped-like texture of the cream is indulgent upon application. It’s a real treat to use this at the end of a long day, that’s for sure.
Buy now £67.00, Sephora.co.uk
Simple soothing water face cream
Best: Moisturiser for a damaged skin barrier
Key ingredients: Glycerin, aloe vera, water
Fragrance-free: Yes
Comedogenic: No
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Feels calming upon application
Take note
- It’s not a “clean” formula, as there are a fair few unintelligible ingredients and synthetics, such as hydroxyacetophenone
Another good option if you’re looking to save a few pennies, this brand’s skincare lives up to its name: it’s simple. This formula features just two notable ingredients – glycerin and aloe – in addition to its water base, and keeps skin hydrated without any bells and whistles. Upon testing, I was pleased with the feel of the moisturiser on my skin (creamy yet lightweight) and found it easy to apply my subsequent primer, concealer, and so on. Granted, it took a couple of seconds longer than some premium options to adequately permeate the skin, but it did keep my oily skin on the right side of dewy. For its cheap-as-chips pricing, I couldn’t ask much more of it.
Buy now £5.99, Amazon.co.uk
Kate Somerville oil-free moisturiser
Best: Moisturiser for oily and combination skin
Key ingredients: Water, algae extract to tighten, skin health-boosting xylitylglucoside
Fragrance-free: Yes
Comedogenic: No
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Signature push-button packaging
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Take note
- Not as shine-controlling as you might want
I’m a huge fan of Kate Somerville – from the goat milk cleanser to the delikate serum, the brand rarely lets me down. With a push-button dispenser to perfectly distribute one application’s worth, the packaging of this oil-free moisturiser is of a high calibre – something I’ve come to expect from this brand. Upon using this formula, I did find the cream to be a tad greasier than I might have liked but, on those at-home days when my skin needed some TLC, I wasn’t averse to the lingering moisture.
Indeed, the formula was a wonder when it came to calming flare ups – no surprise, given Somerville herself created the brand as a solution to her own skin sensitivity. I’d recommend the cream for night-time use or for days when a long-lasting matte finish isn’t paramount.
Buy now £67.00, Lookfantastic.com
E.l.f. holy hydration! face cream
Best: Value for money moisturiser for oily skin
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, peptides and niacinamide
Fragrance-free: No
Comedogenic: No
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Great value
- Pleasant scent
- Fragrance-free version available, too
Take note
- Can pill
For the price, this moisturiser packs a punch, with four skin benefits, from oil-balancing to hydrating. As someone who enjoys scented skincare, I found the clean fragrance a pleasant way to kick off my day, though, I know a hoard of #skinfluencers who’d disagree with me. For those who are anti-fragrance-inclined, the formula handily comes in a naked iteration, so you can wave goodbye to any worries of perioral dermatitis.
Upon application, the gel feels cooling and, as its name suggests, instantly hydrating. I did find it prone to peeling/rolling off my skin if I worked my SPF into my face too eagerly, but it wasn’t a constant qualm.
Buy now £14.00, Boots.com
Lush cosmetic lad moisturiser
Best: Men's moisturiser for oily skin
Key ingredients: Shea butter, anti-inflammatory tangerine oil, glycerine (a slightly less pure version of glycerol, versus glycerin) and anti-fungal chamomile
Fragrance-free: No
Comedogenic: Yes, because of its included cocoa butter
Size: 45g
Why we love it
- A top pick for those who suffer from redness or irritation
Take note
- Not suitable for those prone to blackheads or acne
Perhaps more of a winter-specific moisturiser for oily skin, Lush’s cosmetic lad formula is thick in feel and floods patches of irritation with its comforting lubrication. You don’t need a lot with this cream – which justifies its slightly smaller tub size – and it doesn’t drag, instead slipping from chin to cheek with just a dollop about the size of a chickpea.
For me, it was too greasy for everyday wear and unsuitable for my regrettably blackhead-prone skin. Then again, I’ve plenty of pals with oily complexions who are comfortable with more heavily textured creams. So, if you fall into that camp, this Lush option might be the perfect pick for you.
Buy now £22.00, Asos.com
Kiehl's ultra facial gel-cream
Best: Moisturiser for oily skin that tackles redness
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, hydration boosting grass root extract (carbomer imperata cylindrica root) and moisture-sealing antarcticine (an Antarctic marine-derived protein)
Fragrance-free: Yes
Comedogenic: No
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Will bring damaged skin barriers back from the brink
- Takes to skin like a quick drink of water
Take note
- I’d have liked a few more skin benefits, for the price
I really enjoyed using this gel-cream – I’d liken it to Clinique’s moisture surge, in terms of feel and performance. Much like Clinique’s product, Kiehl’s formula is king of quenching the skin. However, apart from hydration, this gel-cream doesn’t really offer much else on the skin benefits front. I do think there’s space in the market for this type of formula – indeed, there’s something to be said for the products that know their worth away from the latest beauty industry buzzwords – but perhaps not for nigh on £40. Would I repurchase it? Yes, I would, but I don’t doubt you can get similar benefits elsewhere, for less cash.
Buy now £29.60, Lookfantastic.com
The Inkey List omega water cream
Best: Moisturiser for dehydrated, oily skin
Key ingredients: Water, niacinamide, anti-inflammatory oleic acid and barrier-boosting lipids
Fragrance-free: Yes
Comedogenic: No
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- A good pick for damaged, overworked skin
Take note
- Needs a little more rubbing in than its gel counterparts
This cream has a cult fan base, thanks to its relatively affordable, no-nonsense formula. I’d actually liken the brand to CeraVe on that front and, you’ll notice, The Inkey List does away with unnecessary costs on fancy packaging, fragrance and expensive botanicals. Here, your skin will be met with moisture, shine-control and oleic acid to calm flare ups, without any frills.
Does it do the job? Absolutely – it’s a lovely day-to-day moisturiser and a good pick for those with a more varied skin type (oily in the summer, combination in the winter), owing to its slightly thicker formula. That’s not to say it’s too thick for oily skin, but I did find it took a little longer to work it into the skin.
Buy now £8.25, Lookfantastic.com
Dermalogica active moist light hydrating fluid
Best: Moisturiser for bumpy, textured skin
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C and E, soothing cucumber and aloe and amino acids to aid skin resilience
Fragrance-free: Yes
Comedogenic: No
Size: 100ml
Why we love it
- Good value
- Great for overall skin health
Take note
- It’s quite thick
This tube may be on the pricey side but it is double the size of its mid-range competitors (think: Clinique and The Body Shop) and boasts a big list of benefits. Upon application, it’s thicker than anticipated and does need a little working into the skin – that also means you won’t need much, thus making it a touch more cost effective. Thanks to the inclusion of vitamin E, it left my complexion looking more even-toned, while the included vitamin C left my skin looking brightened, too. Ultimately, I think it’s a great choice for slightly older oily complexions.
Buy now £72.00, Lookfantastic.com
Seaweed oil-control gel cream
Best: Natural moisturiser for oily skin
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, shea butter and algae-derived antioxidants (laminaria saccharina extract)
Fragrance-free: No
Comedogenic: No, by all accounts, but this isn’t explicitly confirmed by the brand
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Quick to absorb
- At once oily skin-friendly and nourishing for deeper hydration
Take note
- Scent is quite subtle
The Body Shop has long been my go-to for mid-range skincare with luxury ingredients, and this seaweed gel cream is a model example. With algae-derived antioxidants (royal sugar kelp and Irish moss), it taps into the same benefits as, for instance, the cult Elemis cleansing balm, with a two-in-one moisture-retaining, oil-balancing effect.
In use, the gel feels weightless and water-like, and would be a good formula to pop in the fridge come summer, for an icy cold application. It’s not as slippery as some of the other gel creams I’ve tested, so, you do need a little more product to adequately hydrate all over but, for less than £20, I think it’s a great oily skin option.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon.co.uk
Charlotte Tilbury magic water cream
Best: Refillable moisturiser for oily skin
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, shea butter, squalane, peptides, niacinamide, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid
Fragrance-free: Yes
Comedogenic: No
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Plenty of benefits, from soothing to preventing fine lines
Take note
- Small size for the price
In all honesty, I didn’t have high hopes for Charlotte Tilbury’s water cream, as I found the original magic cream to be thick and heavy on the skin. Reader, I had to eat my words after testing this newer iteration, with its arm-long list of skin gains, from all-day hydration to firming. For starters, the texture of the water cream is sheerer and more gel-like than its magic cream predecessor, and it permeates the skin quickly. It did leave a light sheen around my T-zone, but it skewed on the right side of glowy versus greasy.
At more than £50 for just 30ml, it is on the pricey side but the packaging is luxe – as is standard with Tilbury’s wares – and 50ml refills are available.
Buy now £54.00, Charlottetilbury.com
Augustinus Bader the rich cream
Best: Winter moisturiser for oily skin
Key ingredients: TCF8 (peptides, vitamin E and ceramides) plus glycerin and vitamin C
Fragrance free: Yes
Comedogenic: No
Size: 15ml
Why we love it
- Layers well with other products and make-up, without causing product separation
- Sinks in quickly
Take note
- A little doesn’t go a long way
- Expensive
Now, this is a moisturiser I certainly didn’t expect to find suitable for my oily skin. Indeed, with a title that centres itself around the ‘richness’ of the formula, it’s the sort of thing I’d normally steer clear of. However, after forgetting a moisturiser on a trip with my mum, Augustinus Bader’s the rich cream was her usual tonic of choice and, for that trip, it became mine, too.
I used this moisturiser for a week, morning and night, and found it adequately hydrated my skin, without prompting midday shine, nor an oily, slick feel. For the price, I was slightly disappointed by how much of it I had to use, given its rich branding, but there’s no doubt it helps to plump and rejuvenate the skin. No wonder it’s amassed quite the following – if I had the expendable income to repurchase on repeat, I certainly would.
Buy now £61.60, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Your questions about moisturisers for oily skin answered
What’s the best moisturiser for oily skin?
Overall, the Avène moisturiser walked a perfect line between affordable and luxury with just enough fragrance to feel high-end, and simple enough packaging to keep costs reasonable. I enjoyed its balance of hydration and comfort with both HA and squalane, and it was ideal how quickly it sunk into the skin. Clinique’s moisture surge proved an excellent premium pick, while Neutrogena’s was adequately quenching (and affordable).
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