Which brand moisturizer is best for oily skin?

Hyaluronic acid | Gel-cream | 1.7 ounces (Approx. $11/ounce)

Both Warycha and Hadley King, clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, recommend Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel for oily skin types — though it’s been recommended by experts countless other times for dry skin types, the rosacea-prone, and even pregnant women, too. Derms love this stuff.

In addition to the Hydro Boost being non comedogenic, alcohol- and oil- free, it also contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which, King explains, “are both humectants, so they can hydrate the skin without the need for emollients that may feel too heavy for oily skin.” It’s also a favorite of Dr. Kenneth Howe, a cosmetic dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology, who adds, “Its lightweight gel formulation goes well with oily skin,” and it also happens to be a personal favorite of his 14-year-old son.

THD ascorbate (vitamin C), vitamin E, hyaluronic acid | Lightweight cream | 2 ounces (Approx. $27/ounce)

Alabama-based dermatologist Corey L. Hartman’s patients keep coming back to this moisturizer. “It’s a crowd favorite, and even though it has been around for years it continues to excel,” he says. The allure is in the ingredients. Packed with vitamin E and C (both of which neutralize free radicals in the environment) and hyaluronic acid (an oily skin staple), it moisturizes while still being incredibly lightweight.

Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5 | Serum | 1 ounce (Approx. $16/ounce)

Not your traditional moisturizer, but this serum is another favorite of Howe’s and one he says can be used alone as a light moisturizer. Not only does it contain hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which he says “has a calming, anti-inflammatory effect on the skin,” but it also contains ceramides — the ingredient that makes this moisturizer-esque. Howe explains that ceramides are the fatty component on the outer layers of our skin, or, the “‘mortar’ in the brick and mortar composition of the epidermis.” All of these ingredients combined allow this to constitute “more of a full-service moisturizer” than a serum in Howe’s eyes.

Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Serum | 1 ounce (Approx. $83/ounce)

Brooklyn-based oculofacial plastic surgeon and founder of epi.logic Skincare Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton also likes hyaluronic acid for oily skin. “Hyaluronic acid is an easy choice for oily skin because it won’t clog pores or leave a heavy residue but it still provides an impactful amount of moisture,” she says, adding that a serum with hyaluronic acid is often enough to keep skin hydrated and balanced. She likes this hydrating gel from Skinceuticals in particular, which contains hyaluronic acid and B5, the two ingredients working together to fortify the skin’s barrier and lock moisture into the skin. She also likes the Collagen Renew Growth Factor Serum from her own line, which uses growth factors, hyaluronic acid and peptides to keep skin hydrated, smooth and firm.

Hyaluronic acid | Lightweight cream | 1.7 ounces (Approx. $31/ounce)

Warycha also likes this creamy hyaluronic-acid moisturizer from Peter Thomas Roth that goes on like a whipped soufflé. It’s oil-free, noncomedogenic, and flush in moisture-locking ceramides and antioxidants (so your skin will look plump and brightened, but not greasy).

Lipho-hydroxy acid | Lightweight cream | 2 ounces (Approx. $14/ounce)

Here’s another oil-free and noncomedogenic moisturizer, this one notable for its light matte finish. King says this Effaclar Mat moisturizer from La Roche-Posay uses “sebulyse technology” to target excess oil, “the brand’s proprietary new anti-sebum ingredient.” (Sebum, by the way, is the substance secreted by your body’s oil-producing glands.) She also credits its matte effect to the micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, microspheres, and perlite that “absorb humidity and sebum.” Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, is also a fan: “It gives a nice finish in a lightweight formula that restores the barrier without increasing oiliness,” he says.

Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Lightweight cream | 3 ounces (Approx. $4/ounce)

“A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid tends to provide enough moisture, but if more moisture is needed, a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic lotion is the next step up,” says Jeanniton, who recommends this oil-free, PM moisturizer from Cerave, which she says ticks all the boxes. “It’s a great drugstore find,” she says. She likes that it offers hydration without heaviness, noting that oily skin doesn’t need a thick, heavy moisturizer with lots of emollients. “It has skin barrier strengthening ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing niacinamide,” she says of the formula, which work together to moisturize skin without clogging pores.

Hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter, jojoba oil | Rich cream | 1.7 ounces (Approx. $109/ounce)

Like the rest of our experts, Bondaroff recommends avoiding heavy oils, but for mature skin specifically she recommends looking for something to “help control oil, clear breakouts and reduce signs of aging,” and likes that this Nuori Bio-Catalyst day cream is “packed with so many active ingredients” — oddly enough one of them is an oil. While the recommendation for oily skin is typically to avoid more oils, the jojoba oil in this formula is lightweight enough that it won’t make you any oiler, according to Dr. David Colbert, the lead dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group. This moisturizer also has hyaluronic acid, an oily-skin-care staple, and squalane, which according to the brand, resembles sebum and “prevents moisture loss, and provides a shield from environmental damage without clogging pores and creating a weighty after-feel.” Squalane is also a humectant, and according to Howe, “Oily-skinned patients need humectants more than oils in their moisturizer.” Bondaroff also recommends Nouri’s Infinite Bio-Fusion Serum for mature skin as a natural retinol alternative.

Hyaluronic acid, mineral water | Serum | 1.69 ounces (Approx. $14/ounce)

For a more affordable option, Hartman recommends this hydrating and plumping moisturizer from Vichy, which he describes as a “cool glass of water for the skin.” In addition to hyaluronic acid (a well known humectant), it contains the brand’s signature, mineral-rich volcanic water, which Hartman says act as antioxidants in the skin.

SPF 30, micropearls | Lightweight lotion | 4 ounces (Approx. $2.75/ounce)

For acne-prone oily skin, Dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal recommends opting for something hydrating. “You definitely need something to offset the drying effects of whatever actives you have in your routine.” He likes this one from Differin, which helps to moisturize and mattifies skin too. Differin is a longtime, popular acne brand (their most notable product is adapalene, which functions similarly to retinol) so it stands to reason that their oil-control moisturizer would be good for skin too. This moisturizer contains SPF 30 using oleosome technology, which lowers the concentration of chemical sunscreen filters, which can cause irritation. On the mattifying front, it uses micropearl technology, which absorbs oil and gives skin a matte finish.

SPF 46, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Lightweight lotion | 1.7 ounces (Approx. $23/ounce)

Hangsterfer has combination skin herself and finds that this sunscreen from Elta MD is moisturizing enough to use as a moisturizer on its own, thanks to ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. “It works great under makeup or by itself,” she says. It’s also good for people who deal with hyperpigmentation, which can be common for people with skin of color. Because oily skin is acne-prone, there’s a higher chance of getting dark marks post-pimple. Niacinamide, one of the key ingredients in the EltaMD moisturizer, is an important ingredient for this, It reduces inflammation, regulates oil, and helps to keep skin moisturized. It also contains zinc oxide, which helps to prevent hyperpigmentation from getting any worse.