Top 20 Moisturizers For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin in India – 2024

Even oily and acne-prone skin needs moisturization. Before you think I am out of my mind, here’s what you need to know – moisturization helps to keep the skin barrier intact. This is especially true if you are using acne medication for your skin. Such medications tend to dry out the skin and damage the skin barrier. This is where an excellent oil-free moisturizer comes to your rescue.

Picking the right moisturizing lotion for oily and acne-prone skin can be very tricky. To save you the confusion, here is a list of best moisturizers for oily and acne-prone skin. Scroll down. (Psst! We have listed products to suit every budget!)

Top Picks	Check Price
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel	Price On Amazon
Olay Regenerist Whip Day Cream UV SPF 30	Price On Amazon
St. Botanica Bulgarian Rose Otto Glow Day Cream	Price On Amazon
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion	Price On Amazon
Origins Zero Oil	Price On Amazon
Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer	Price On Amazon
Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer	Price On Amazon
Murad Oil Control Mattifier	Price On Amazon
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion	Price On Amazon
Olay CC Tone Correcting Moisturizer With Sunscreen	Price On Amazon

Best Moisturizers For Oily Skin

If you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks, indulge your skin with these moisturizers:

High-End Options

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Product Claims

This is a gel-based moisturizer that provides intense hydration to your skin without making it oily

. It has a water-gel formula that keeps your skin soft and smooth. It can also double as a makeup primer.

Pros

• Contains hyaluronic acid
• Quickly absorbed
• Non-comedogenic
• Oil-free
• 100% alcohol-free
• 48-hour hydration

Cons

None

2. Olay Regenerist Whip UV SPF 30

The days of watery moisturizers are over. Olay Regenerist Whips belong to a new range of light-weight products that focuses on reversing the visible signs of aging. Olay Regenerist Whip UV SPF 30 is a revolutionary moisturizer with a whipped cream base. It has numerous benefits starting with its non-sticky, grease-free texture. The moisturizer gives a smooth matte finish and could be the perfect primer to help make-up stay on until removed. It uses the Active Rush Technology for easy absorption and is replete with anti-aging ingredients.

Pros

• Whipped cream base for light and airy feeling
• Turns to liquid on contact for ease of absorption
• Smooth, non-sticky finish
• Lightweight
• Anti-oxidants and other anti-aging ingredients
• SPF 30 UVA/UVB Protection

Cons

None

3. St. Botanica Bulgarian Rose Otto Glow Day Cream

Product Claims

St. Botanica Bulgarian Rose Otto Glow Day Cream provides all-day hydration with natural ingredients like Bulgarian rose essential oil, rosewater, and rosehip oil. These ingredients have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm the skin. It restores the natural moisture barrier and elasticity of the skin. This lightweight cream is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from sun damage and the harmful free radicals. It lightens blemishes and evens out the skin tone to make your skin look lighter and brighter.

Pros

• Provides all-day hydration
•   Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
• Eliminates skin dryness
• Reduces dark spots and pigmentation
• Non-greasy
• Lightens blemishes
• Broad spectrum SPF 30
• Made with natural ingredients
• Suitable for normal to dry skin
• Paraben-free
• Phthalate-free
• Sulfate-free
• No mineral oil

Cons

None

4. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Product Claims

This moisturizing lotion contains a blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid that keeps your skin moisturized. It is gentle and suits sensitive skin. This lotion keeps your skin oil-free, and the vitamin B3 further strengthens the skin barrier.

Pros

• SPF 30
• Non-comedogenic
• Developed by dermatologists
• Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation

Cons

None

5. Origins Zero Oil

Product Claims

This moisturizer is completely oil-free (as the name suggests). It prevents breakouts and keeps your skin moisturized without overdrying it.

Pros

• Oil-free
• Lightweight
• Contains salicylic acid
• Non-comedogenic
• No parabens
• No SLS and SLES
• No harmful chemicals (such as formaldehyde and mineral oils)
• No synthetic fragrance

Cons

None

6. Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer

Product Claims

This lightweight moisturizer provides instant hydration. It tightens the skin and also has an anti-aging effect. It regulates excess oil production and minimizes breakouts.

Pros

• Contains amino acid derivatives
• Shine-free
• Water-based formula
• Lightweight

Cons

None

7. Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer

Product Claims

This face moisturizer regulates the activity of your sebaceous glands and reduces excessive oiliness. The micro pearl technology reduces shine and gives your skin a matte finish.

Pros

• SPF 30
• Non-greasy
• Quickly absorbed
• Lightweight
• Unscented

Cons

• Not sweat-proof or waterproof
• May need reapplication

8. Murad Oil Control Mattifier

Product Claims

This product claims to provide oil-free skin for up to 8 hours. It helps regulate oil production while preserving skin hydration levels to give you a matte finish.

Pros

• No parabens
• No sulfates
• No phthalates
• Gluten-free
• Lightweight

Cons

• Expensive for the quantity

9. COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion

Product Claims

This moisturizing lotion is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. It keeps the skin oil-free and hydrated all day long.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Non-greasy
• Oil-free
• Contains birch sap
• Contains tea tree oil

Cons

• May not suit those who are allergic to essential oils (tea tree and lemon)

10. Olay CC Tone Correcting Moisturizer With Sunscreen

Product Claims

This is a boon for anyone who is looking for a tinted moisturizer. This color correcting cream from Olay has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce excess sebum and keep your skin happy.

Pros

• Contains SPF 15
• Provides sheer coverage
• Hydrating

Cons

• Overpowering fragrance

11. Minimalist Sepicalm 3% Oats Moisturizer

Product Claims

This moisturizer from Minimalist is formulated with 3% sepicalm and oat extracts to moisturize sun-damaged skin, reduce dullness and redness. It further has polyglutamic acid that retains moisture for plump-looking skin, while colloidal oat, vitamin B5, and shea butter calm and nourish your skin. The lightweight creamy texture absorbs quickly and makes your skin nourished, soft, and healthy.

Pros

•  Suitable for all skin types
•  Fragrance-free
•  Dye-free
•  Sulphate-free
•  Paraben-free
•  Cruelty-free
•  Non-comedogenic

Cons

•  May make your skin sweaty

We have got something for every budget. If you are looking for top oil-free moisturizers that won’t cost a bomb, here’s a list for you.

Budget-Friendly Options

1. Plum Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer

Product Claims

This matte finish moisturizer suits all skin types, especially oily and acne-prone skin. It provides controlled hydration and reduces acne and pimples to give you clear skin.

Pros

• 100% silicone-free
• Non-comedogenic
• Paraben-free
• SLS-free
• Phthalate-free
• Contains green tea extracts
• Contains glycolic acid

Cons

None

2. Re’equil Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer

Product Claims

This moisturizer has an oil-free formula that regulates excess sebum production and keeps your face shine-free for hours. It also reduces the size of the pores on your face.

Pros

• Non-greasy
• Clinically proven
• Non-comedogenic
• Dermatologically tested

Cons

None

3. Himalaya Herbals Oil-Free Radiance Gel Cream

Product Claims

This lightweight cream gently hydrates your skin and gives it an oil-free radiance. It contains herbal extracts that nourish your skin and keep it healthy.

Pros

• Oil-free
• Non-comedogenic
• Dermatologically tested
• No mineral oils
• No parabens
• Hypoallergenic

Cons

None

4. Kaya Acne-free Purifying Nourisher

Product Claims

This moisturizer from Kay Clinic is formulated with almond oil, rose extracts, and aloe vera. It is  effective in providing deep moisturization without clogging the pores. Its mild and non-irritating formula is easily absorbed into your skin for a mattifying effect.

Pros

•  Hypoallergenic
•  Perfume-free
•  Gentle and lightweight
•  Non-greasy
•  Dermatologist-developed
•  Non-comedogenic

Cons

•  Contains paraben

5. Pond’s Light Moisturizer

Product Claims

This nourishing cream is lightweight, doesn’t make your skin excessively oily, and can be used on the face and other body parts. It spreads easily and is absorbed instantly.

Pros

• Water-based, non-oily formula
• 24-hour moisture block
• Lightweight
• Contains vitamin E
• Travel-friendly

Cons

• No SPF

6. Lotus Herbals Alphamoist Oil-Free Moisturizer

Product Claims

This oil-free moisturizer is enriched with AHA and milk enzymes. This product rejuvenates your skin and nourishes it. This moisturizer has an anti-inflammatory effect on your skin and is extremely gentle.

Pros

• Can double as a makeup base
• Doesn’t clog skin pores
• Lightweight
• Hydrating

Cons

• Contains parabens

7. Derma Essentials Mattifying Moisturizer

Product Claims

This moisturizer maintains skin hydration, reduces sebum secretion, softens your rough skin,and removes impurities to reduce your pore size. It adds a natural shine to the skin by providing a radiant complexion and also soothes irritations. In addition, it aids in restoring the protective skin barrier to prevent hydration loss.

Pros

•  Oil-free
•  Dermatologist tested
•  Paraben-free
•  Non-greasy
•  Unisex
•  Non-comedogenic
•  pH balanced

Cons

None

8. Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer With SPF

Product Claims

This daily facial moisturizer claims to protect your skin from sun damage and prevent sun-induced aging. This oil-free moisturizer nourishes your skin without making it greasy.

Pros

• Fragrance-free
• Non-comedogenic
• Hypoallergenic

Cons

• Contains alcohol
• Contains parabens

9. Lacto Calamine Oil-Balance Daily Face Care Lotion

Product Claims

This product contains kaolin clay extracts that absorb excess oil and keep your face shine- and oil-free for hours. It also helps to balance the moisture level of your skin so that it doesn’t feel dry.

Pros

• pH-balanced
• Non-greasy
• Matte effect

Cons

• Strong fragrance

The moisturizers listed above work best on oily skin, but before you invest in any of them, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind. Listed below are some vital points to consider when buying a moisturizer for oily and acne-prone skin.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Moisturizer For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin

• Non-Comedogenic

Oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers do not clog pores and cause breakouts. Besides, they keep away sticky and greasy feelings. When choosing a moisturizer for oily skin, go for a lotion rather than cream as creams are oil-based, and lotions are water-based and lighter.

• Exfoliation

When buying a moisturizer for acne-prone skin, look for exfoliating ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids. These ingredients help prevent acne-causing bacteria. However, avoid using these products simultaneously with any acne medication and ointment containing similar ingredients. This might irritate your skin.

• Fragrance-Free

Always use fragrance-free moisturizers. Synthetic fragrances can further irritate the skin and may cause redness and breakouts.

• UV Protection

Choose a moisturizer that contains SPF to prevent UV damage and photoaging. The sun’s rays can aggravate acne and irritate the skin. Choose a mineral sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen. Check for ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in your moisturizer.

• Quality

The quality of the moisturizer is utmost when it comes to acne-prone skin. Look for a moisturizer that contains clinically approved ingredients or is dermatologically tested.

These moisturizers will keep your skin glowing without the excess sebum. Hope this list is helpful! Let us know if you found the perfect match for your skin in this list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a moisturizer be used in the under-eye area for oily and acne-prone skin without causing milia or congestion?

Yes, you can. However, because the skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, use a very light moisturizer. Heavy-duty creams may cause milia or congestion.

Can a moisturizer help in preventing or reducing blackheads?

Yes, applying a non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturizer can help regulate oil production and keep your pores clear, thus reducing blackheads formation.

How long does it typically take to see results when using a moisturizer for oily and acne-prone skin?

It takes two to four weeks for your moisturizer to work its magic. You may see visible results like plump and radiant skin after consistently using it.

Can a moisturizer be used during acne treatments like chemical peels or retinoid therapy?

Yes, you can use lightweight and gentle moisturizers that are free from chemical exfoliants along with acne treatments to heal your skin.

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