7 Of The Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Oily Skin

I’ve had oily skin pretty much all my life. If you do as well you probably know what it’s like trying to find a face moisturizer that provides moisture but not too much moisture and doesn’t leave your skin looking like a greasy mess.

Finding a good face moisturizer was such a struggle for me that for a while I stopped using a moisturizer on my face and would just apply a primer or serum and go about my day (take it from me that is not the best choice).


Even oily skin needs moisture and when the skin is dehydrated it will produce more oil. Once I started consistently using a face moisturizer and keeping my skin hydrated by using more hydrating skin products and drinking more water I started to see my skin secreting less oil.

woman putting a gel moisturizer on her oily skin.
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The key is to find a moisturizer that hydrates your skin without the heavy emollients so your face feels comfortable, light, and fresh. Here are some of the key things to look for in a moisturizer that you’ll use on oily skin
  • It’s lightweight
  • Oil-free
  • Water-based
  • Doesn’t clog pores (AKA non-comedogenic)
  • Has humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin

Here are 7 face moisturizers that fit that bill


Cetaphil Oil Absorbing Moisturizer

This moisturizer claims to be lightweight and oil-free so it absorbs quickly into the skin. In addition to providing 24-hour hydration, this moisturizer has MicroPearl technology that absorbs surface oil helping to control shine and give the skin a mattifying effect. Plus, it has broad-spectrum SPF 30 providing protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

You can purchase this moisturizer from




Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Hydrating Water Gel with SPF 25

This is my go-to daytime moisturizer all year long because it has SPF in it. In addition to providing sun protection this moisturizer helps fight pollution & environmental stressors, it’s lightweight, oil-free, and provides lightweight hydration. I provide a full review of it here.

You can purchase this moisturizer from


ELF Holy Hydration! Face Cream Fragrance Free

I’ve been trying this moisturizer out for a few weeks now and despite it first coming across as a heavy moisturizer it is much lighter than expected.

Not only does it hydrate the skin, but it also nourishes and plumps the skin, replenishes lost moisture, brightens and evens out skin tone

It contains the following key ingredients:
  • Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture for a plump complexion
  • Niacinamide to minimize pores and evens out skin tone
  • Peptides to help improve skin texture
  • Squalane to improve balance and elasticity
  • Vitamin B5 to soothe and hydrate skin

You can purchase this moisturizer from


ELF Holy Hydration! Hydro-Gel Moisturizer

I haven’t yet tried this ELF face moisturizer but after reading about it I really want to. It claims to provide lightweight all-day hydration from an infusion of Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Peptides. Not only does it claim to hydrate but it also helps to plump up the skin giving it a bouncy and healthy-looking complexion.

You can purchase this moisturizer from
Target 
Walmart 
Amazon 
The ELF site 


Equate Beauty Hydration Gel Facial and Neck Moisturizer

The website notes this compares to the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel so it could be a dupe for that.

This moisturizer provides all-day moisture while being oil-free and fast-absorbing, and contains hyaluronic acid.

This moisturizer is only available at Walmart as it’s the Walmart store brand.


Yes To Watermelon Daily Gel Moisturizer

This moisturizer from Yes To claims to be lightweight and cool-to-the-touch. It’s “loaded with Lycopene and Watermelon Extract to refresh, Vitamin C to brighten, and skin-plumping Sodium Hyaluronate to improve texture.”

You can purchase this moisturizer from Amazon.


Aveeno Positively Radiant Gel Moisturizer

If you’re looking for a moisturizer that can enhance your natural radiance and brighten your complexion this may be the moisturizer for you. Key ingredients in this moisturizer include tone-correcting soy and hyaluronic acid.

One interesting feature of this moisturizer is that it claims to quench the skin for 48 hours. I don’t know that I would go that long without washing my face but I guess it’s nice to know I’d have that option (shrug) 🤷🏾‍♀️.

You can purchase this moisturizer from


What moisturizer would you try?

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