Samantha Holender
Even though I have oily skin, I learned very quickly that I can’t skip moisturizer. Here’s the thing: When you wash your face, you can strip your skin of its natural oils, which may leave it feeling tight or dry, explains board-certified dermatologist Mara Weinstein, MD.. In response, “our oil glands will go into overdrive and produce more oil” to try to compensate. Using a moisturizer helps replenish hydration and support your skin barrier, which can help keep oil production more balanced over time. While avoiding rich, creamy, and occlusive products is usually a smart idea for oily or acne-prone skin, incorporating the best oil-free moisturizers into your skincare routine can help keep breakouts and excess shine in check.
Board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD,, adds that skipping moisturizer can also lead to dehydration at the surface level of the skin, known as epidermal water loss. “This can trigger compensatory responses,” she says, including inflammation, barrier disruption, and—in some people—increased oil gland activity. To avoid that cycle, Dr. Marmur recommends using a lightweight, oil-free option to keep the skin calm and hydrated without leaving your complexion excessively shiny.
And as an added bonus, an oil-free moisturizer feels much more breathable than the richer alternatives. “Most oil-free moisturizers have a lighter feeling and consistency to them,” says Dr. Weinstein. “Because of this, they don’t feel heavy on the skin, tend to absorb more easily, and are not thick or sticky.”
So to help you find the best oil-free moisturizer for you, I've taken the liberty of rounding up the highest-performing formulas out there that have been staples in my skincare routine. From weightless water creams to surprisingly hydrating gels, shop my 19 favorite products ahead.
The Best Oil-Free Moisturizers
- The Overall Best Oil-Free Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer
- The Best Oil-Free Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer
- The Best Oil-Free Moisturizer with Collagen: Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
- The Best Lightweight Oil-Free Moisturizer: Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer
- The Best Fast-Absorbing Oil-Free Moisturizer: Shani Darden Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer
“This product has been a staple in my skincare stash for years because of its light texture and inclusion of hyaluronic acid to help hold water in the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, MD. It feels bouncy and water-like when you first touch it, which makes its powerful hydration powers that much more surprising. But leave it to hyaluronic acid to work some wonders. Your skin will have an immediate glow and gradually become more supple, soft, and balanced the more you use this moisturizer.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin (hydrating)
Who it's For: Normal, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Dermatologist-approved; Affordable
What We Don't: Has fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin types
Review for MC: " A hill I’ll die on? You don’t have to invest most of your paycheck in luxe skin results. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer is the perfect example, as it has a lightweight, silky texture that’s on par with some of the more expensive moisturizers on this list. It glides across my thirsty cheeks and oily t-zone like butter and makes my skin feel soft, plump, and moisturized—nothing more, nothing less. And since this moisturizer is basically like a mega dose of hyaluronic acid, I find that my skin feels firmer over time, which is always welcome as someone who is nearing 30. This moisturizer checks all the boxes for something that's the overall best: it's affordable, great for most skin types, and, above all else, effective." —Isabella Sarlija, Contributing Beauty Writer
Isabella Sarlija uses the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.
Even if you're someone with dry or sensitive skin, you may benefit from an oil-free moisturizer. The lightweight texture absorbs quicker, the formula won’t contribute to breakouts, and if the moisturizer is packed with the right ingredients, you'll still get proper hydration. Take this Glow Recipe option for example. It’s specifically designed with hydration at the forefront and with sensitive skin in mind. Watermelon extract, one of the key ingredients, has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and calm the skin. It also includes hyaluronic acid, an MVP in the humectant department, so you still get hydration, all while the texture of the cream remains airy and bouncy.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin (hydrating)
Who it's For: Normal, combination, oily, and sensitive skin types
Size: 1.69 oz
What We Love: Redness reducing; Calming
What We Don't: Drier skin, or those in harsh climates, might want to layer with a richer moisturizer
Review for MC: "While I don’t have sensitive skin, my skin is easily sensitized and is known to sport some redness, especially around my nose and mouth areas. While a quick fix for this is typically a little concealer, I always look for products that will relieve redness over time, whether I'm wearing makeup or not. The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer does the job for me by diminishing redness, evening my skin tone, and helping to brighten my skin. It almost feels like the juicy, bouncy glow that this moisturizer gives me (much like the rest of Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow line) is an added bonus." — Isabella Sarlija, Contributing Beauty Writer
Isabella Sarlija uses the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer.
While Medicube's Collagen Jelly Cream went viral on TikTok as a companion to the brand's Age-R Booster Pro, I often find myself using this moisturizer on its own for a glass-like glow. This oil-free moisturizer contains collagen, soluble collagen, and hydrolyzed collagen to help firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. What's more, thanks to ingredients like niacinamide and squalane, it locks moisture while brightening skin over time.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (brightening); Hydrolyzed collagen (firming); Squalane (moisturizing); Hydrolyzed elastin (hydrating)
Who it's For: Dry, normal, combination, oily, sensitive, and mature skin types
Size: 3.71 oz
What We Love: Creates an instant glow; Great for all skin types; Works well under makeup
What We Don't: It can feel sticky if not blended in well; Not travel-friendly
Review for MC: "Whenever I need glowy, just-left-a-facial skin fast, I reach for the Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream. Upon first scoop, this moisturizer’s texture is more reminiscent of a tacky hair gel than anything that I’d put on my face. However, the magic happens when I work this through my hands before applying it to my skin — it turns into a silky cream-like consistency that my skin drinks up almost instantly with no sticky-icky feel in sight. This moisturizer gives me an unbeatably firm glow that, honestly, makes it look like my Botox just set it (even though I've never tried the injection in my life). While it plays really well with my go-to makeup routine of just a little concealer and cream complexion products, I also dip into this as a nighttime moisturizer whenever I want to wake up extra-glowy the next day." — Isabella Sarlija, Contributing Beauty Writer
Isabella Sarlija using the Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream.
I’m obsessed with the brand’s Jet Lag mask—especially when my skin is a dry, flaky mess. But when it’s extra humid out or my skin is going through an oily phase, the oil-free gel cream is the way to go. It still gives me a little plumping action thanks to both hyaluronic acid and ceramides, but manages to feel entirely breathable and lightweight on my skin. It also has very, very gentle exfoliating powers, which help get rid of dead skin cells and create a brighter complexion without causing dryness or irritation.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Amino acids (promotes collagen production); Pineapple enzymes (exfoliating)
Who it's For: Dry, normal, combination, and oily skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Lightweight; Plumping
What We Don't: Can pill under makeup if you don't let it properly dry
Review for MC: "Have you ever gotten a mini of a product and realized immediately that you wasted time trying to save money, because you’re going to need a full size five times over? That’s me and Cloud Dew Gel Cream. I live for a light, juicy-feeling moisturizer, and Summer Fridays’ gel texture was love at first application. Actually, even before putting it on my face, when I scooped it up with my fingers, I knew I was in for something special. It’s so lightweight and makes my skin feel quenched and silky. Plus, as a somewhat scent-sensitive girlie, I love the no-fragrance simplicity. (I’ll save all those good Summer Friday smells for my Lip Butter Balm, thanks.)" — Sophia Vilensky, Freelance Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky using the Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer.
With an incredible client roster (think: Shay Mitchell, Jessica Alba, January Jones), it’s safe to say Shani Darden knows how to create gorgeous, glowing skin. And the esthetician’s namesake products are an integral part of the process. This moisturizer, in particular, is a cult favorite. It absorbs quickly, feels weightless, and keeps skin balanced with an adequate amount of hydration.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Hydrolyzed collagen (firming); Red algae extract (softening)
Who it's For: Normal, combination, and oily skin types
Size: 2.5 oz
What We Love: Silky texture; Fast absorbing; Oil control
What We Don't: Leans serum-like in texture, so it might not be hydrating enough for some on its own
Review for MC: "I first fell in love with Shani Darden’s brand when I tried its incredible Triple Acid Signature Peel—it gave me baby face in all the right ways (taught skin and juicy glow galore). So, when the Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer arrived at my doorstep, I knew it’d be something special. As someone with combination and acne-prone skin, I appreciated this moisturizer’s lightweight texture that seeps into my skin without feeling like it’s clogging my pores. Plus, it only takes about two pumps to cover my entire face and neck area, which makes me believe this hefty 2.5 oz bottle (most moisturizers are 1.7 oz, BTW) will last me a while, making it worth the investment. In my experience, the Shani Darden Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer plays well under makeup, gives me soft skin and an unbeatable glow, and it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a heavy mask, even on warmer days—is there anything more a girl can want from her oil-free moisturizer?" — Isabella Sarlija, Contributing Beauty Writer
Isabella Sarlija using the Shani Darden Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer.
“CeraVe is a good oil-free moisturizer that can be worked into your skincare routine. The ingredients in this moisturizer will protect your skin barrier and keep your skin moisturized,” says board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD. She adds that it contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which are key to protecting your skin barrier from environmental aggressors. "The oil-free formulation also makes it lightweight.”
Key Ingredients: Ceramides 1, 3, 6-11 (moisturizing); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
Who it's For: Normal to dry skin types
Size: 8 oz
What We Love: Dermatologist-approved; Affordable
What We Don't: Some say hydration doesn’t last long
Glowing Customer Review: "I use this cream in the morning after showering. It's not too thick and isn't perfumed. With the three essential ceramides, my skin is protected, and the hyaluronic acid keeps my skin moisturized. It has a lightweight feel and does not leave my skin feeling greasy." — Target
“This is a good moisturizer for daily use,” says Dr. Graf. “It can be beneficial to clear blemishes and even out your skin tone.” Dr. Weinstein is also a big fan of this moisturizer, dubbing it her “favorite” overall. “It creates balanced, healthy-looking skin. The product is formulated with salicylic acid and the Total Soy Complex, which really helps even skin tone and texture for radiance,” she explains.
Key Ingredients: 0.5% Salicylic acid (exfoliating); Soy (brightening)
Who it's For: Normal, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types
Size: 4 oz
What We Love: Dermatologist-approved; Good for acne; Non-comedogenic
What We Don't: Might be drying to some, thanks to the salicylic acid
Glowing Customer Review: "This is the *perfect* daily moisturizer for oily, acne-prone skin! Please never discontinue it! It's really gentle and non-irritating, provides just the right amount of moisturization for oily or combination skin, leaves your skin smooth & matte (not greasy & shiny), is a great base underneath makeup, and it really does help keep you breakout-free! I absolutely love it, and have no idea what I'd do without it!" — Target
If visible pores are your biggest pain point, allow us to introduce you to the Tatcha water cream. While nothing can actually reduce the size of your pores (it's genetics!), this moisturizer works to visibly reduce their appearance to the naked eye. This is due to its water-based formula that prevents oil from highlighting the pore size. Plus, the silky texture leaves a blurred effect on the surface of the skin, further smoothing its appearance.
Key Ingredients: Antioxidants (protects from environmental aggressors); Tatcha's signature Hadasei-3 (boosts radiance)
Who it's For: Normal, oily, and combination skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Cooling effect; Minimizes the appearance of pores
What We Don't: Some say it has a very strong tea tree smell
Glowing Customer Review: "Noticeable improvement in my skin and pore size. I use it in the morning and also along with my evening skincare. Pretty expensive, but I can’t find anything that compares, so I will continue to purchase." — Sephora
This clean-standard formula is packed with all the skin-loving and barrier-supporting ingredients and will make your skin feel and look healthy. It’s loaded with active ingredients, a handful of which help to regulate oil production. Take niacinamide and galacturonic acid, for example. This dynamic duo absorbs excess oil and regulates sebum production, so there’s no unwanted shine in sight.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, galacturonic acid (hydrating); Niacinamide (brightening); Moringa (soothing); Papaya (exfoliating)
Who it's For: Normal, combination, and oily skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Feels lightweight; Absorbs oil; Clean at Sephora Seal
What We Don't: Doesn’t have a silky, smooth texture
Glowing Customer Review: "Love, love, love this product! If you have combination or oily skin, this product is for you. It moisturizes my face, but doesn’t leave an oily residue or make me look super shiny in a sweaty way. It’s super lightweight and cooling." — Sephora
While anyone can use an oil-free moisturizer, those prone to acne are most definitely going to want to seek one of them out, thanks to their non-pore-clogging ingredients. This Caudalie option goes above and beyond—in addition to its oil-free composition, it also highlights a range of naturally-derived ingredients that control sebum production to prevent pores from getting clogged. An added benefit? The gel moisturizer gives a mattifying finish that keeps shine at bay.
Key Ingredients: Grape seed polyphenols (barrier repair); Silica powder (mattifying); Squalane (moisturizing)
Who it's For: Combination and oily skin types
Size: 1.35 oz
What We Love: Mattifying; Sebum-regulating; Lightweight texture
What We Don't: Some reviewers report pilling
Glowing Customer Review: "I have sensitive skin that is prone to redness and irritation, especially on my chin. I tend to have a normal skin type, but my t-zone can sometimes be a bit more on the oily side. I have been repurchasing this moisturizer for over 3 years, and love it. It helps mattify my t-zone, while leaving my skin happy and very soft after application." — Sephora
Yes, you can use an oil-free moisturizer even if you have dry skin, especially with this formulation. Two dry skin heavy hitters: Collagen amino acids (a firming and barrier-supporting naturally occurring agent) and hyaluronic acid (a plumping hydrator) combine to leave skin with a gorgeous dewy glow, a plumping effect, and all-day-long hydration. But fear not: It’s not going to clog your pores or contribute to a slick complexion. It’s a great oil-free option for those who err on the drier, more sensitive side.
Key Ingredients: Japanese marine algae (Barrier protecting); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Aloe (soothing)
Who it's For: Dry, normal, combination, oily, and sensitive skin types
Size: 2 oz
What We Love: Hydrating; Plumping
What We Don't: There are better options for super oily skin
Glowing Customer Review: "I usually don't write reviews, but only when I find something outstanding. I was looking for cruelty-free products, and I found the best oil-free moisturizer. My face feels hydrated and 'silky'. I had been using a more expensive oil-free brand that left my skin greasy and caused lots of whiteheads. However, since I started using this moisturizer, I don’t get them anymore. I love it!" — Nordstrom
Combination skin is tricky, and while cocktailing your moisturizer is one way to address dry patches and oily areas, this Chantecaille moisturizer is a much simpler solution. Not only is it going to boost hydration levels, but it will also reduce shine and the appearance of large pores in a non-drying manner. Just an FYI: You will need a few pumps to coat your whole face.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E (protects with antioxidants); Hyaluronic acid, glycerin (hydrating); Valine (supports collagen production with amino acids)
Who it's For: Dry, normal, combination, and oily skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Balancing; Hydrating; Minimizes the look of pores
What We Don't: Expensive
Glowing Customer Review: "I use a serum and an oil in my regimen. So I thought adding in a moisturizer that was oil-free would make my face less slick. I was right. It’s not greasy (obviously), sinks in and doesn’t clog my pores, which is huge for me. This is now my staple moisturizer." — Bluemercury
A dermatologist-loved brand and moisturizer, this sensitive skin-approved formulation is going to hydrate and soothe without the use of any heavier emollients or oils. Instead, it leverages hyaluronic acid to seal in moisture and ensure a healthy and strong skin barrier. That's not all, though. This super-powered moisturizer uses caffeine to temporarily firm skin, willow extract for gentle exfoliation, and niacinamide for its brightening effects.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine (temporarily firms); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Niacinamide (brightening)
Who it's For: Dry, normal, combination, oily, sensitive, and mature skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Brightening; Hydrating; Anti-inflammatory; Testers love it for sensitive skin
What We Don't: Thicker texture
Glowing Customer Review: "The Elta MD AM moisturizer is beneficial to all of our family members. This moisturizer doesn’t cause acne for the teens, and it even helps with rosacea outbreaks for the adults. We keep this on hand for everyone to use." — Dermstore
The hallmark of an oil-free moisturizer is that it won’t clog pores or cause pimples. But this moisturizer for acne-prone skin goes above and beyond by actually treating active acne. It’s formulated with allantoin and totarol, two ingredients that help heal breakouts, calm inflammation (looking at you, cystic acne), and reduce redness. While this may not take the place of any acne treatments, depending on the severity of your skin, it does serve as the perfect, hydrating counterpart.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera (hydrating); Allantoin, honeysuckle flower extract (soothing); Phytosphingosine, niacinamide (acne-reducing)
Who it's For: Combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Treats acne; Reduces redness
What We Don't: Might not be hydrating enough for some
Glowing Customer Review: "This is an awesome product. I have very sensitive skin that tends to get very dry and flaky with easy breakouts, so I can't use products that are too harsh or complicated, and this moisturizer is perfect!! Not greasy, smells great, feels great, and has truly changed my skin for the better." — Dermstore
If you’re in the market for an anti-aging moisturizer that won’t contribute to excess oil, Kate Somerville has you covered. This hydrator was specifically designed with mature skin in mind, featuring a mix of amino acids and algae derivatives, all of which plump fine lines, boost elasticity, and create a healthier, more youthful-looking complexion. And while it works wonders under the surface of the skin, it’s simultaneously going to impart a silky, velvety finish on top.
Key Ingredients: Adenosine (barrier repairing); Xylitylglucoside (prevents transepidermal water loss); Algae (improves skin elasticity)
Who it's For: Normal, combination, and oily skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Anti-aging benefits; Smooth texture; Hydrating
What We Don't: Testers say that it's hard to get the last bit out of the packaging
Glowing Customer Review: "Absolutely LOVE this moisturizer. Works perfectly for my oily-combination skin and keeps my oil production under control. I’ve also found that it has significantly helped reduce breakouts and whiteheads. It sure is pricey, but definitely worth it!!!" — Sephora
Truly a do-it-all moisturizer, this luxe gel will cut your morning skincare routine in half. It has a high concentration of vitamin C, which is going to offer a boost of antioxidants, give a brightening effect, and create a firmer, healthier-looking complexion. It’ll even lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation left behind from old breakouts. It dries down in seconds and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and most importantly, refreshed.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen (firming); Vitamin C (brightening)
Who it's For: Normal, combination, oily, and mature skin types
Size: 2.5 oz
What We Love: Brightening; Anti-aging benefits; Reduces hyperpigmentation
What We Don't: Not ideal for people with vitamin C sensitivities
Glowing Customer Review: "This is an excellent moisturizer. It's light and perfect for those hot summer days!" — Natura Bissé
Dr. Marmur recommends Skinfix's Barrier Balancing Ater Cream because "it provides lightweight hydration without clogging pores or leaving a greasy finish." This formula contains a proprietary complex consisting of zinc PCA, niacinamide, and green tea to help absorb oil and reduce redness, which is always welcome in acne-prone skin. Plus, prebiotic peptides help to restore the skin barrier for a balanced, calm complexion.
Key Ingredients: Squalane (moisturizing); Niacinamide (brightening); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Zinc PCA (oil- and acne-reducing); Green tea extract (soothing)
Who it's For: Combination and oily skin
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Lightweight; Long-lasting hydration; Hygienic airless packaging
What We Don't: Some people report it may not be hydrating enough
Glowing Customer Review: "Genuinely HYDRATING, I don’t even need a hydrating toner underneath. Zero breakouts, zero sensitivity, replaced Tatcha Water Cream, which is amazing because Tatcha has fragrance. I’m a fan!!!" — Sephora
It's no secret that retinol is a great ingredient for minimizing breakouts in acne-prone skin, as well as diminishing fine lines and wrinkles in mature skin. The caveat? Retinol can be drying for some skin types. Board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, notes this pick as the answer to that problem: "This oil-free moisturizer not only delivers weightless hydration but also a stable form of pure retinol to deliver anti-aging benefits at the same time as hydration." This moisturizer will keep hydration levels in check, thanks to hyaluronic acid, while retinol works to kickstart collagen and elastin production and diminish acne.
Key Ingredients: Retinol (firming and wrinkle-reducing); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
Who it's For: Normal, combination, oily, and mature skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
What We Love: Good for mature skin; Fragrance-free; Retinol is a gold-standard skincare ingredient
What We Don't: Must be extra diligent about wearing SPF due to the retinol, which makes skin more vulnerable to UV damage
Glowing Customer Review: "I have the most sensitive acne-prone skin on the planet, and this works perfectly for me. In fact, my acne cleared up a lot after I started using it. Fades fine lines fantastically. Not drying, fragrance-free, and the price is great! Wear sunblock if you use this. You will not regret this purchase!!!" — Ulta
While hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient for drawing moisture into the skin, it comes in different molecular sizes. A K-Beauty favorite, Laneige's Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer contains Blue Hyaluronic Acid, which has been fermented and refined to a molecular size that can penetrate deep into the skin. The result is more robust hydration, creating a plumper, smoother glow than a traditional hyaluronic acid moisturizer.
Key Ingredients: Blue hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Pepta-panthenol complex (firming); Squalane (moisturizing)
Who it's For: Dry, normal, and combination skin types
Size: 1.6 oz
What We Love: Refillable; Lightweight; Deeply moisturizing
What We Don't: Some testers don't love the packaging as they feel there could be more product in it
Glowing Customer Review: "I absolutely LOVE this moisturizer. When I think of the perfect moisturizer, this is what I think of. I have gone through 3 refills of this product. It's lightweight, very moisturizing, doesn't have an unnecessary scent, and is just the perfect consistency for a moisturizer. When I am done putting this stuff on, it doesn't feel like I have a heavy coating of lotion on me; my skin just feels fresh and rejuvenated." — Sephora
What to Look for In an Oil-Free Moisturizer
"Skin oil production and skin hydration are separate issues," Dr. Zeichner says. "You can be oily but still lack hydration and need a moisturizer." He recommends looking for emollient ingredients, like dimethicone, to lock in hydration without heavy oils. In addition, Dr. Marmur says to "look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera—they hydrate deeply without leaving that greasy feeling."
Who Should Use an Oil-Free Moisturizer?
Oil-free moisturizers can be used across all skin types; that said, they're often the product of choice for people with oily or acne-prone skin, explains Dr. Zeichner. "Traditional moisturizers may feel heavy or greasy on the skin, or in some cases, may cause breakouts." He notes, however, that people with excessively dry skin may feel that oil-free options are not as rich or hydrating as they may want—in that case, you can opt to layer a richer moisturizer over an oil-free formula.
Is Oil-Free the Same as Non-Comedogenic?
Non-comedogenic, simply put, means that a product will not clog your pores. Unfortunately, just because a product isn't formulated with oils doesn't exactly mean it won't clog your pores. "Oil-free means no extra oils added, and non-comedogenic just broadly means a product is less likely to cause acne," says board-certified dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon Lauren Moy, MD. Your best bet is to check the label on any new product to ensure it won't exacerbate existing breakouts or form new ones.
Will an Oil-Free Moisturizer Make My Skin Dry?
While the terms "lightweight moisturizer" and "dry skin" may seem to contradict one another, you can rest assured that this is simply a common misconception. "[Oil-free moisturizers] won’t make you drier," notes Dr. Moy. "Oil-free products can still hydrate the skin by using ingredients linked [to] humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) that will draw water into the skin."
In addition, Dr. Zeichner explains that oil-free moisturizers are simply "lighter alternatives [to traditional moisturizers] that won’t weigh down the skin or cause acne breakouts." Nonetheless, like traditional moisturizers, oil-free options will still moisturize, hydrate, and protect the skin.
If you find that an oil-free moisturizer can use a bit more power for your dry skin, Dr. Marmur notes that you can seal it with something more emollient, like a richer cream or oil.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
To compile this list of the best oil-free moisturizers, we researched ingredients, consulted with board-certified dermatologists, and thoroughly read through verified customer reviews. We also asked the Marie Claire team to share the best oil-free moisturizers in their skincare routines.
For each product we tested, we considered how each product wears on its own, layers into a skincare routine, and performs under makeup. We also applied each product in the morning and night to assess all-day and overnight wear.
Meet the Experts
Mara C. Weinstein Velez, M.D., FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist who completed a prestigious Laser, Cosmetic and Dermatologic Surgery fellowship at SkinCare Physicians in Boston, with clinical faculty from the Harvard and Yale Departments of Dermatology. She is thrilled to be part of the Dermatology Department at the University of Rochester Medical Center and to serve as one of the only Fellowship-trained Cosmetic and Laser Surgeons in Western NY.
Dr. Weinstein has received numerous awards and achievements, including the Excellence in Teaching Award, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the Women's Dermatology Society (WDS) Mentorship Award, and was most recently selected to be a part of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Future Leaders Network. She serves on the Board of Directors for the WDS and holds positions on Diversity, Networking, Fundraising, and educational committees for national societies.
After eight years as Chief of Dermatologic Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, plus 10 years at Marmur Medical, Dr. Marmur is a leading dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon whose expertise includes skin cancer diagnosis and surgery, Mohs surgery, reconstructive surgery, women’s health dermatology, and cosmetic surgery. She is also a master of aesthetic procedures like neuromodulators, fillers, lasers, body sculpting, liposuction, and more.
Dr. Marmur founded Marmur Medical in alignment with her philosophy of Preservation Aging®, which believes in supporting the body’s powerful healing systems with carefully chosen and highly effective treatments. She and the Marmur Medical team strive to find the most convenient and practical methods to treat their patients’ concerns.
In addition to running her private practice, Dr. Marmur serves as a Full Clinical Professor in the Department of Dermatology and was an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Genetics & Genomic Research at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai for her pioneering work on translational research in skin aging.
Angelo Landriscina, M.D., is a Dermatologist and site director for Dermatology at Mount Sinai Doctors-Brooklyn Heights. A native Brooklynite, Dr. Landriscina completed his Bachelor’s in Spanish and Latin American Literature and Culture at New York University where he graduated magna cum laude. He earned his medical degree at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine with distinctions in both Dermatology and Basic Science Research.
He completed a preliminary year in Internal Medicine at Maimonides Medical Center and a Dermatology residency at the George Washington University Hospital, where he served as chief resident in his final year. Having trained at GWU, the Washington DC VA Medical Center, and Children’s National, Dr. Landriscina is looking forward to building a well-rounded practice including medical, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology. His research interests include LGBTQ+-focused dermatology and the growing role of social media in personal health.
Dr. Jeannette Graf, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York with a private practice in Great Neck, NY. Dr. Graf has been a Member of the Scientific Advisory Board at RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation since July 2012. In addition to her private practice and her academic activities, Dr. Graf is also an accomplished product developer who has created her own skincare line based on her continuing research on natural active ingredients and deep scientific understanding of the aging processes that take place in the skin.
Dr. Graf is frequently quoted in national print and online magazines and newspapers, including: Allure, Self, Glamour, InStyle, Prevention, Health, Women's Health, Redbook, Ladies' Home Journal, and Good Housekeeping, O the Oprah Magazine, Essence, Cosmopolitan, Family Circle and The New York Times.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist and the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Dr. Zeichner is considered one of the country's key opinion leaders in treating acne and rosacea, and is an expert in cosmeceuticals, skincare, and cosmetic Dermatology. He is actively engaged in clinical research, and his work has been published in the top peer-reviewed Dermatology journals. As an educator, Dr. Zeichner trains residents and medical students and regularly lectures to international audiences at the major Dermatology meetings.
Dr. Lauren Moy is a double board-certified dermatologist and facial plastic surgeon who is one of the Beverly Hills area's leading cosmetic and facial plastic surgeons. Dr. Moy is also a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Moy earned a bachelor's degree in biology and completed residency training in dermatology at Loyola Medical Center in Chicago, IL, where she also served as chief resident. She then completed her fellowship in Mohs and cosmetic surgery with Dr. Ronald Moy. She has published numerous papers and has been asked to present at scientific meetings related to her research in dermatology.
Dr. Moy is paving a distinct path in the plastics and cosmetics industry and is known for using modern techniques and technology to give her patients a natural result.
