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DISCOVER OUR BEST MOISTURISERS FOR OILY SKIN TYPES

Oily skin can be tricky to manage – and, when it comes to moisturiser for oily skin, myths and misconceptions abound.

So, is moisturiser good for oily skin?

The answer is yes – and with the right moisturiser, it’s possible for people with oily skin to achieve a clear, balanced, and healthy-looking complexion.

Below, we’ll explain what causes oily skin, help you find the right oily skin moisturiser, and dismantle three of the most common myths about whether moisturiser is good for oily skin. We’ll also unpack some of the top SkinCeuticals moisturisers for oily skin and provide expert advice on which ingredients to look for – and which to avoid.

WHAT IS OILY SKIN?

Skin is considered oily when it produces too much sebum (your skin’s natural oils). If you’re wondering how much oil production is too much, you can observe how your skin behaves after cleansing. If you have visibly shiny skin within an hour of cleansing, this is a telltale sign that you have oily skin. However, if the oiliness is restricted to only some areas of your face – commonly your forehead, nose, and chin – you may have combination skin.

Whether you’re dealing with persistent shine, enlarged pores, or the occasional breakout, it’s crucial to choose an oily skin moisturiser that hydrates your skin without clogging your pores.

WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN?

An oily complexion can be attributed to genetics, hormones, and stress. It can also be exacerbated by factors such as using the wrong products – or using the right products in the wrong way. Your skin concerns can also change with the seasons or when travelling to a different climate.

People with oily skin frequently make two fundamental skincare mistakes: cleansing too often and skipping their daily moisturiser.

CLEANSING TOO OFTEN

Although it seems rational for people with oily complexions to remove excess oil, washing too frequently can actually dry out the skin. When you over-cleanse, your sebaceous glands can respond by going into overdrive and producing even more oil.

NOT USING A DAILY MOISTURISER

All skin – regardless of type – needs adequate and appropriate hydration. Dehydrated skin can’t function properly without a balanced oil-to-water ratio.

Oily skin moisturisers are designed to not only add hydration, but hold it within the skin, where it balances the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. Because oily skin types naturally produce more oil, it's even more important to keep the skin hydrated and balanced.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MOISTURISER FOR OILY SKIN

Choosing the best moisturiser for oily skin comes down to finding a formula that hydrates without clogging pores or increasing shine.

Below are three key points to consider.

SELECT YOUR PREFERRED TEXTURE

Oily skin often feels greasy, so the texture of your moisturiser matters. Look for lightweight oily skin moisturisers in gel, fluid, or oil-free cream formulas. Gel-based options offer a refreshing, non-sticky finish, while emulsions and light creams can provide added comfort without feeling rich. The right texture should absorb quickly, leaving a smooth, matte feel on the skin.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS

The ideal oily skin moisturiser contains hydrating and oil-regulating ingredients, such as:

Hyaluronic acid: attracts and retains water without feeling heavy on the skin
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): balances oil and minimises the look of pores
Salicylic acid: exfoliates the skin and helps unclog pores
Zinc PCA: helps manage surface oil and support the skin moisture barrier
Glycerin: a powerful humectant that keeps skin soft and hydrated
Panthenol (Vitamin B5): helps reduce visible signs of skin dryness or stress

To learn more, explore our in-depth guide to the best ingredients for oily skin.

KNOW WHAT TO STEER CLEAR OF

Certain ingredients can contribute to excess oil – or even trigger breakouts. So, it’s best to avoid:

Heavy occlusives in high concentrations (such as coconut oil or shea butter)
Fragrance-heavy formulations, which may cause skin sensitivity
Alcohol-rich products, which may disrupt the skin moisture barrier

Choosing a non-comedogenic oily skin moisturiser that supports – rather than overwhelms – your skin is key to keeping oily skin clear, balanced, and healthy-looking.

THE BEST SKINCEUTICALS MOISTURISERS FOR OILY SKIN

METACELL RENEWAL B3: FOR OILY + AGEING SKIN

Metacell Renewal B3 is an oily skin moisturiser that is also suitable for combination skin. This lightweight aqueous emulsion is formulated with niacinamide (vitamin B3), combined with a tripeptide concentrate and 15% pure glycerin. Metacell Renewal B3 improves the appearance of premature signs of photodamage and skin ageing: supporting the skin moisture barrier, while respecting the needs of oily skin.

Phyto Corrective Mask: for oily + sensitive skin

Ideal for those with oily or mild blemish-prone skin, our Phyto Corrective Masque has an oil-free and lightweight gel texture. This hydrating facial mask acts as a moisturiser for oily skin. Containing highly concentrated botanical extracts, a conditioning dipeptide, and the benefits of hyaluronic acid, it can also help reduce visible redness after cosmetic treatments.

Designed for skin prone to sensitivity, this comforting face mask provides a cooling sensation on contact and can support a visibly even tone and radiant-looking complexion. Use daily after workouts, sun exposure, or hot baths – and after swimming in chlorine or saltwater.

What oily skin really needs: busting 3 moisturiser myths

When it comes to the question “is moisturiser good for oily skin?”, there’s plenty of confusion – and even more misinformation. And unfortunately, many people with oily or breakout-prone skin avoid moisturiser for oily skin altogether, fearing they’ll only make things worse.

But the truth is, the right hydration can actually help regulate oil production, and support a healthier, more balanced-looking complexion.

Read on as we bust three of the most common oily skin moisturiser myths.

Myth 1: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser

Fact: Dehydration can increase oil production.

Perhaps counter-intuitively, skipping moisturiser may lead to an increase in surface oil.

When skin lacks adequate hydration, it can respond by producing more sebum, which may contribute to visible shine and congestion. Using a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser for oily skin helps maintain balanced hydration, without feeling heavy on the skin.

Myth 2: Gel textures don’t hydrate enough

Fact: Hydrating gels with hyaluronic acid can deeply hydrate oily skin.

Not all hydration needs to be through rich or creamy products. Advanced gel-based moisturisers for oily skin, especially those containing hyaluronic acid, offer long-lasting hydration while retaining a lightweight and breathable feel on oily skin.

Myth 3: All oils clog pores

Fact: Some emollients, such as squalane, are non-comodogenic.

While certain oils may contribute to breakouts, others (like squalane or jojoba oil) are skin-compatible and non-comedogenic. These ingredients work to soften and nourish the skin without blocking pores – making them suitable for oily or blemish-prone skin types.

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Where can I find out more?

For further help choosing the best moisturiser for oily skin, or advice on how to order your skincare routine, explore our step-by-step guide to building a skincare routine for oily skin.