The Best Gel Moisturizers for Oily Skin Are Weightless Wonders

Though it has the weightless feel of a gel, its fragrance-free formulation has an intensive hydrating effect and non-irritating composition that’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones. That said: If you have combination skin (like our tester), you might not find this nourishing enough for drier seasons or climates.

Tester feedback: "My combination skin contains multitudes: It's dry on my cheeks, prone to acne everywhere, and losing collagen at a rapid clip," says contributing editor Deanna Pai, who's entering her late 30s. "While this lightweight cream doesn't quite cut it during the dead of winter, it still does the trick most of the year: It hydrates my cheeks, doesn't trigger or exacerbate breakouts, and, of course, uses peptides to support collagen production. Plus, it's fragrance-free, which is just my personal preference."

Key ingredients: glycerin, squalane, ergothioneine, peptides | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinFix Barrier Water Cream

Why it's worth it: The SkinFix Barrier Water Cream is branded as a cream for oily and acne-prone skin, but we believe its ultra-light texture formula, which is free of fragrances and potentially irritating ingredients, is also a godsend for sensitive skin types, especially during the warmer months when they may need something less rich. This moisturizer is ever-so-slightly thicker than any usual gel cream but immediately dries down to a plush, oil-free veil of cushiony moisture. Two of SkinFix’s complexes power this formula: The balancing complex, which is an oil-absorbing trio of zinc PCA, niacinamide, and green tea extract, and the humectant blend, a hydrating mix of hyaluronic acid and saccharide isomerate.

Tester feedback: “As someone who wears sunscreen every day and makeup pretty regularly, I need a daytime moisturizer that's lightweight—or rather, I can't even feel it once it's absorbed—doesn't clog my pores, and doesn't make my makeup pill,” says commerce editor Sarah Han. “I like Balancing Water Cream even more than the Restoring Gel Cream (which was my favorite prior) because my pores are my biggest skin gripe and the sebum-targeting trio of zinc PCA, niacinamide, and green tea makes my T-zone less shiny and congested—whereas the Restoring Gel Cream leaned a tad more hydrating. In fact, if I opted for an especially hydrating sunscreen, I could layer the Balancing Water Cream underneath; but I'd skip the Restoring Gel Cream.”

Editor's note: The Restoring Gel Cream offers separate refill pods, whereas the Balancing Water Cream doesn't have them yet—if that's something you care about.

Key ingredients: balancing complex (zinc PCA, niacinamide, green tea extract), humectabt blend (hyaluronic acid, saccharide isomerate) | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dehydrated Skin: First Aid Beauty Hydrating Dewy Gel Cream Moisturizer

Why it's worth it: Even if you have a grease-prone complexion, your skin can still be dehydrated (which could actually be the reason why your skin is oily in the first place, since your skin overcompensates for a lack of water by creating more oil—go figure). Enter: First Aid Beauty’s Hydrating Dewy Gel Cream Moisturizer, an intensively hydrating face cream with the featherweight feel of your average gel-based pick. As hyaluronic acid binds water to the surface of your skin, ceramides seal it in by filling in the cracks along your damaged moisture barrier, which prevents further transepidermal water loss. While this cream’s key moisturizing ingredients do their thing, niacinamide balances oil production and brightens skin to reveal a more radiant, even tone.

Tester feedback: “I’m absolutely, positively obsessed with this moisturizer,” says senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick. “This is everything I have ever wanted in a daily and nightly face cream. It hydrates my skin incredibly well, and I have never had a product instantly make my skin this soft.”

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Discoloration: Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb

Why it's worth it: Belif's True Cream Aqua Bomb is a lightweight moisturizer with a cushiony, gel-like base that cools skin upon contact—making it a must-have for those who run hot (and sweaty) during the warmer months. Aqua Bomb, as its name would suggest, is a burst of refreshing moisture that's infused with a conditioning mix of ceramides and glycerin, as well as niacinamide to even out skin tone (perfect for anyone dealing with post-acne dark spots). Though Belif’s cream doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances, you’ll notice its citrusy scent from rosemary leaf oil and lime flower oil, both of which provide antioxidant properties to enhance this cream’s hyperpigmentation-reducing powers.

Tester feedback: "The cooling jelly texture of the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb was a godsend for my dry, red skin," says contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman. "It feels so comforting to rub on, and I know the hyaluronic acid is doing me favors I can't even understand yet." While it's free of synthetic fragrances, Blackman says it still smells pleasant and refreshing, "like clean, cold water," she notes.

Key ingredients: ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide, calendula extract, oat kernel extract, lady's mantle, rosemary leaf oil, lime flower oil | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Fine Lines: Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream

Why it's worth it: For a cloud-like gel-cream that packs a moisturizing punch, look no further than the Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream, which uses an innovative system to deliver hyaluronic acid at a more effective level. The brand’s AquaPort Technology mimics in-clinic micro-channeling treatments (albeit not nearly as intensely) to deliver the hydrating humectant quickly and deeply into the skin. The 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner offers immediate hydration that helps plump skin and smooth fine lines—all without feeling overly heavy on your skin. Meanwhile, antioxidant-rich algae extract provides an added layer of hydration along with a brightening boost for brighter results.We're also fans of the dispenser, which delivers a perfectly measured dose with a single push.

Tester feedback: "I love how lightweight the Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream is," says associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey. "It sinks in quickly but leaves my skin moisturized all day and never greasy."

Key ingredients: spirulina extract, calendula extract, hyaluronic acid, algae extract | Fragrance-free: no

More gel moisturizers for oily skin we love:

Best Under Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream

Why it's worth it: If mid-day greasiness ruins your daily glam, allow us to introduce you to Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream. This ultra-light version of the brand’s best-selling cream features a similarly makeup-friendly formula—which also acts as a primer—but in a lighter texture. The key ingredient of this water-based moisturizer is aquaporins, a protein that’s naturally occurring on our skin and maintains the flow of materials that run both in and out of your cells including glycerin and water, according to cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. "The right levels of water and glycerin are essential to proper skin hydration,” she says. The aquaporins in this formula allow for enhanced product absorption, allowing your skin to fully reap the benefits of other ingredients features in its formula, like complexio-evening vitamins C and E.

Tester feedback: Shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis swears by the original cream for overnight use, but prefers this version in her morning routine. “It’s great for daytime because it not only leaves my oily skin looking dewy and fresh, it layers extremely well under my makeup. It gives glass-like skin and never feels greasy or slimy,” she says. “I've yet to see any texture- or acne-improving results, but I've only been using the new formula for a few weeks. I'll continue to use this water-based moisturizer during the day and switch to the OG option for nighttime to achieve the ultimate dewy effect.”

Key ingredients: aquaporins, vitamin C, vitamin E | Fragrance-free: yes

Best With SPF: Supergoop Triple Prep SPF 40 Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer

Why it's worth it: It’s just makes sense: Adding an extra layer to your routine can just lead to more greasiness, so better to combine your SPF and moisturizing steps with one simple product, like the Supergoop Triple Prep SPF 40 Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer. (That’s especially the case in the summer, when you might be dealing with a combination of sebum and sweat.) As its formula guards skin against damaging UV rays, a hydrating combination of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ectoin plump, smooth, and calm redness and irritation. Red algae extract also appears in this custardy cream for its high antioxidant concentration, which targets free radicals to reduce the chances of environmentally-related skin damage. Our tester’s only gripe was that the packaging could be tough to open; plus, she would rather it be in a squeezable tube so she doesn’t have to scoop from a jar (which isn’t the most sanitary option).

Tester feedback: "Compared with other sunscreens I've used, this one blends in really easily,” says senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen. “At first, it feels like it's going to be kind of heavy, but then it melts in after just a few swipes. It dries down rather quickly but stays super dewy, which I like — like my cheekbones are blinding. I'm not entirely sure how much product constitutes the correct amount of SPF to apply, but I feel that way about all moisturizers with SPF.”

Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (7%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (6%), hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ectoin, red algae extract | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Caudalie Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid

Why it's worth it: Excess oil and clogged pores are no match for Caudalie’s Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid, which has a truly weightless feel and leaves not a trace of oiliness behind. This mattifying moisturizer contains grape-derived polyphenols, an antioxidant and key ingredient for minimizing sebum oxidation—and therefore blackheads. As polyphenols minimize blackheads, tapioca starch provides this moisturizer’s mattifying effect while squalane replenishes much-needed moisture to keep skin soft and supple. "This mattifying formula is great for super-shiny people as it does a great job of absorbing extra oil and keeping skin matte," says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD.

Key ingredients: squalane, tapioca starch, grapefruit water | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Large Pores: Tatcha The Water Cream

Why it's worth it: Tatcha's refreshing water-based cream is way more than just a pretty package. This oil-free cream may feel slightly denser than other creams at first, but as you massage it in, you’ll notice it instantly absorbs into your skin and practically vanishes before your eyes. This creamy formula contains Japanese botanicals like vitamin C-rich wild rose and leopard lily, which never leave skin feeling slick or greasy and decrease the appearance of pores, smooth skin texture, and make your overall complexion glowier than ever. Bonus: Applying it can be a luxurious experience. "The tactile experience of massaging the cooling gel over my face adds to the relaxing feel that skin care gives me," our tester said.

Key ingredients: heartleaf herb, wild rose, green tea extract | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Combination Skin: Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer

Why it's worth it: Tata Harper may have left denser conditioning ingredients out of its lightweight Water-Lock Moisturizer, but it didn't skimp on some of the most effective and luxurious components. It contains peptides to firm skin and reduce the look of fine lines while hyaluronic acid hydrates without forming a greasy film on your skin—thanks to this formula's lack of oil-inducing silicones. It also addresses dullness and breakouts with an exfoliating combination of citric and lactic acids so skin can get glowing ASAP.

Tester feedback: "This is my ultimate moisturizer,” says content director Kara McGrath. “It has a fast-absorbing formula that's really hydrating despite how lightweight it is. After using it for about a month, my skin looks really smooth and even, which is great since I'm not trying to wear much foundation while working from home."

Key ingredients: peptides, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, citric acid, lactic acid | Fragrance-free: No

Best Budget: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat

Why it's worth it: Sensitive skin types, La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Mat is practically made for you. Sure, its main focus is minimizing oiliness and excess sebum production, but Dr. Nazarian says this matte-finish, non-comedogenic moisturizer is also a gentle, oil-free formulation that won't irritate delicate skin. As zinc picolinate (also known as zinc PCA), perlite, and silica absorb excess oil, lipohydroxy acid (a derivative of exfoliating salicylic acid also known as LHA) unclogs pores and soothing, antioxidant-rich thermal water seals in moisture. A little goes a very long way, so start with pea-size amounts for your cheeks and forehead, and only apply more if needed.

Key ingredients: lipohydroxy acid, salicylic acid, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Even if you have an oily complexion, your skin can still become dehydrated, so it still needs moisture on the reg. "Those with oily skin can still have dehydrated skin, which means it can have high sebum levels, but low water content," New York City-based dermatologist Claire Chang, MD shared on the hydration episode of Allure's The Science of Beauty podcast. So if richer, heavier face moisturizers meant for dry skin seem to lead to excess oil or even clog pores, switching to the a gel moisturizer for oily skin can help. These tend to deliver hydration in a lighter, more refreshing manner.

The good news is that there are many mattifying, oil-balancing ingredients out there for grease-prone complexions. One of the most popular is niacinamide, an antioxidant that brightens skin as well as evens tone and minimizes sebum production. "Niacinamide works with your skin's natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimizing the appearance of pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation as an antioxidant," says Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle. Dr. Irwin adds that niacinamide is also helpful in reducing breakouts, making it a great addition to any acne-prone skin type’s routine.

For a more intensive oil-minimizing treatment, we recommend an exfoliating acid like salicylic acid. This beta-hydroxy acid is the smallest in molecular size of all exfoliating acids, meaning it penetrates the skin at a deeper level. “[Salicylic acid] can deeply penetrate the skin to unclog pores and work on the skin's surface to dissolve dead skin cells and balance excess sebum," says Howard Sobel, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. He notes that salicylic acid also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for targeting blemishes.

• Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist
• Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle
• Howard Sobel, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best gel moisturizers for oily skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Want more oily skin recs? We've got you:

• 15 Best Primers for Oily Skin to Minimize Mid-Day Sheen
• The 12 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin to Provide Grease-Free Sun Protection
• The Best Foundations for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Types

Now, watch Anitta take you through her 10-minute sweat-proof beauty routine:

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