I've had oily skin for as long as I can remember, so I know just how frustrating it can be sometimes. I feel like I'm constantly shiny, my pores feel clogged the minute I apply any kind of skincare product and I'm always battling breakouts and blemishes. That being said, I also suffer from dry patches on my cheeks and chin, so finding one of the best moisturisers for my skin has been no mean feat. Sure, I want a moisturiser for glowing skin, but I also want one that feels hydrating without feeling greasy. Enter the best oil-free moisturisers.
If you're not yet familiar with this product, then you've come to the right place. Swapping my usual moisturiser for one specifically formulated without oil has been a huge game-changer for me. These moisturisers are now my secret to getting hydrated, glowing skin without feeling greasy, oily or shiny throughout the day. In fact, I love them so much that I've rounded up the best oil-free moisturisers below, and I've also spoken to top skin experts to find out how these products can benefit oily skin types.
I have oily skin that can get very shiny throughout the day.
What Is an Oil-Free Moisturiser?
As the name suggests, these moisturisers have been formulated without oil. "Oil-free moisturisers are typically less greasy in formulation than other moisturisers and as such, can help to reduce flare-ups of acne and improve the appearance of enlarged pores, both of which can be caused by excess sebum production," says consultant dermatologist, Dr Derrick Phillips.
There's often a misconception that if you have excess sebum, you should skip moisturiser altogether, but that's simply not the case. "If you are struggling with pesky blemishes or acne, it means your skin is overproducing oil, so the last thing you want to do is layer even more oil on top of that and risk aggravating skin further, but it doesn't mean you can skip your moisturiser altogether," Kate Somerville, esthetician to the stars and founder of Kate Somerville Skincare, tells me. "Your skin still needs hydration and certain things from a moisturiser to keep it looking healthy without being greasy or oily."
I've been busy putting the best oil-free moisturisers to the test.
Who Should Use an Oil-Free Moisturiser?
While many skincare oil ingredients make for great moisturisers for dry skin, they aren't always great for everyone. "Many people assume that oil-free moisturisers are just for people with oily skin, and that’s certainly not the case," explains Dr Phillips. "While they are particularly beneficial to people with oily, stressed or combination skin, they can actually be used by anyone. The fact that they’re lightweight and absorb quickly makes them perfect for anyone wanting a hydrating daytime moisturiser that can also be worn under makeup."
Somerville agrees. "[These moisturisers] are great primarily for oily or breakout-prone skin types, but also make an amazing base for makeup! If you want something lightweight or long-lasting, they will help prevent that typical t-zone oiliness throughout the day," she says. "They also make great summer and holiday moisturisers when your skin is in need of something a little lighter during the day in a hotter climate."
So yes, they are one of the best moisturisers for oily skin, but they can also be used by all skin types when you want someting more lightweight.
Some of my favourite oil-free moisturisers that I am using at the moment.
The Best Oil-Free Moisturisers 2025
- Best oil-free moisturiser overall: Tatcha The Water Cream
- Best affordable oil-free moisturiser: CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream
- Best luxury oil-free moisturiser: Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream
- Best mattifying oil-free moisturiser: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
1. Tatcha The Water Cream
This is, hands down, my favourite oil-free moisturiser of all time. Tatcha's Water Cream is great for those of you who have oily skin but still love a hydrated, dewy base. It's packed full of skin-loving ingredients, including calming leopard lily and wild rose to help control excess oil. Oh, and I can't forget the fact that it contains 23-karat gold to add the ultimate glow.
It has an incredibly lightweight, refreshing texture that leaves your skin feeling silky soft, but never greasy. It's definitely more of a gel than a cream, and I love applying this both under makeup and as my nighttime moisturiser of choice when I don't want something really rich.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Refreshing to apply
- Adds a subtle glow
Cons
- An investment
2. CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream
Next up is an affordable moisturiser staple of mine. In fact, I don't think I would ever be without this product since getting my hands on it, especially throughout the summer months. It has an incredibly lightweight texture that sinks into the skin in seconds, and the pump format makes it easy to apply whenever my skin is in need of a boost.
The formula itself is packed with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, so it's super hydrating, but it also comes with oil-absorbing technology to help control shine throughout the day. I always reach for this in the mornings before applying foundation for the perfect finish.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Fragrance free
- Affordable
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Works better as a morning moisturiser
3. Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream
Best Oil-Free Moisturiser for Skin Longevity
Another luxury favourite of mine is Kate Somerville's Hydrakate Recharging Water Cream. It's a lightweight, refreshing gel formula that feels amazing on the skin. Not only that, but it offers pretty impressive protective powers too. "The HydraKate moisturiser offers protection against digital stress and fatigue with a blue light activated algae extract, making it perfect for anyone spending a lot of time in front of a screen," explains Somerville. As someone who is on their phone and laptop 24/7, this is a big plus.
Another aspect I love is that the pot dispenses the perfect amount of product every single time, so you never have to worry about applying too much (or too little). It gets five stars from me as both a morning moisturiser and a night cream in the summer months when my skin isn't feeling as dry.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Protective ingredients
- Dispenses the right amount of product every single time
Cons
- Expensive
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
Best Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturiser
We all know by now that I love La Roche-Posay. The French pharmacy brand never irritates my sensitive skin, and this particular moisturiser is ideal on days when I want a matte finish. The clever formula helps to reduce excess sebum, making it a perfect choice for applying under makeup. It also features the brand's thermal spring water to ensure that it's providing a hit of hydration, too.
I will say that even though I have oily skin, I do like quite a glowy base, but this is a great option in the summer months when my skin feels extra shiny.
Pros
- Provides a matte finish
- Helps to control excess sebum
Cons
- Some people might prefer a glowy base
5. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
The Inkey List's skincare offerings are not only affordable but effective too, and this moisturiser is no exception. Suitable for even the most sensitive of skin, this lightweight water cream has a refreshing gel formula that moisturises the complexion without leaving a greasy residue.
It features the brand's Omega Ceramide Complex to boost elasticity, alongside glycerin to attract water. Every time I use this, I am left with hydrated, plump, glowy skin. Plus, the formula also contains niacinamide to help regulate oil production and keep excess shine at bay. What more could you want for just £11?
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Refreshing gel texture
- Controls excess shine
Cons
- Packaging is not as luxurious as other options in this roundup
6. Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream
Summer Fridays is my go-to brand when I want a dewy finish, which is why this oil-free moisturiser has become a favourite of mine.
Designed with combination and oily skin types in mind, the gel-cream hybrid is incredibly hydrating while still feeling lightweight enough for blemish-prone or clogged complexions. It features three weights of hyaluronic acid for a surge of moisture, while pineapple enzymes work to add a smooth, radiant finish. Oh, and it comes in the chicest pot to display on your bathroom shelf.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Super hydrating
- Adds a dewy finish
Cons
- Might not be the best option if you like a matte finish
7. Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream
Byoma has quickly become a beauty editor favourite, and for good reason. This brand is all about prioritising skin barrier health with gentle products that really work.
This refreshing, oil-free moisturiser has been formulated with Byoma's Tri-Ceramide Complex to boost moisture and rebuild the skin barrier, so it's perfect if your skin is feeling dry or sensitive. That being said, it's also a great option for oily skin types as it's non-comedogenic and contains niacinamide to help reduce excess shine. Basically, if you have combination skin, you will love this stuff. I know my complexion laps it up.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good for combination skin types
Cons
- Won't provide a super mattifying effect
8. Glossier Priming Moisturiser Balance Oil-Control Gel-Cream
Last but by no means least, Glossier's moisturiser is a great option for applying under makeup, as it doubles up as a primer, too. As the name suggests, the formula works to control oil by absorbing excess sebum thanks to ingredients such as niacinamide and marine extract. Willow bark extract also works to gently exfoliate the skin, creating a super smooth base for your foundation.
I don't tend to reach for this at night as I like to use something really hydrating before I go to sleep, but it's so good for using first thing in the morning.
Pros
- Creates a smooth base for makeup
- Helps to control excess oil
Cons
- Wouldn't recommend as a night cream
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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