The 15 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers

Non-greasy picks for every complexion.

model with moisturized skin
(Image credit: Monica Schipper/Getty)

I don’t care if you have the oiliest skin imaginable, using a moisturizer is non-negotiable. Here’s the thing: “When we don’t moisturize, our skin realizes that it’s dry—especially after cleansing. If moisturizer is not applied and hydration is not replenished, our oil glands will go into overdrive and produce more oil,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mara Weinstein. While avoiding rich, creamy, and occlusive products is a smart idea (you don’t want to cause breakouts or look greasy), including one of the best oil-free moisturizers in your skincare routine will actually help balance your complexion.

And as an added bonus: They’ll probably feel better and more breathable than any alternative. “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.” Intrigued? You should be. And to help you find the best oil-free moisturizer for you, we’ve taken the liberty of rounding up the most high-performing formulas out there. From weightless water creams to surprisingly hydrating gels, shop our favorites ahead.  (If you want to complete your acne routine, check out the best acne spot treatments, the best sunscreens for acne, and the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin.)

The Best Oil Free Moisturizers

Meet the Dermatologists

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Mara C. Weinstein Velez, M.D.

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. She earned her bachelor's degree from Princeton University and completed her Dermatology residency training at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Weinstein has been invited to present at national professional meetings, published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and co-authored chapters in dermatologic textbooks including Surgery of the Skin, Treatment of Traumatic and Burn Scars and Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology. She has been working in clinical research for over 4 years as both a sub-investigator and principal investigator and has participated in over 15 clinical research trials for state-of-the-art laser devices, minimally invasive cosmetic treatments and new acne medications. 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

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Dr. Angelo Landriscina

Angelo Landriscina, MD is a Dermatologist and site director for Dermatology at Mount Sinai Doctors-Brooklyn Heights seeing patients of all ages Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. 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 Dermatology residency at the George Washington University Hospital where he served as chief resident in his final year. Having trained between 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.

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Dr. Jeannette Graf

Dr. Jeannette Graf, M.D. is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Dr. Graf has been a Member of 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 skin care line based on her continuing research on natural active ingredients and deep scientific understanding of the aging processes that take place in the skin. She has also contributed to many publications as well as books on this subject, including her best seller Stop Aging, Start Living. In addition, Dr. Graf has made multiple television and news appearances on national news and cable programs including: The Dr. Oz Show, Fox And Friends, MSNBC, The View, Inside Edition, Focus On Women, CBS Early Show, Good Morning America, Mike and Juliet and Sirius Radio. One of the most widely quoted dermatologists in the country; 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. Graf is a board certified, clinical and research dermatologist with a private practice in Great Neck, NY. She received the "Teacher of the Year" award from the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Dr. Graf did a residency in pediatrics at Schneider's Children's Hospital in New York, followed by 2 years as a Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda where she received an award for Outstanding Achievement and obtained a patent on peptides in 1987 and by a residency in dermatology at the New York University Medical Center, which she completed in 1990.

Samantha Holender
Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and keeps up with the latest trends in the beauty space. She has previously written for Us Weekly, Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Follow her on Instagram @samholender.