28 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers, According To An Esthetician (2024)

Your skin, no matter the type, needs thorough hydration every day. That is why the best oil-free body lotions and moisturizers are of utmost importance. It can be hard to find a good moisturizer or lotion for combination and oily skin types as they tend to get too oily and eventually breakout. Therefore, the products need to be oil-free and should help you get rid of dull, dry, and bumpy skin. In this article, we have listed 28 moisturizers and lotions that received top ratings and positive reviews from the users. Swipe up to grab them now!

Top Picks	Check Price
Best Overall:CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion	Price on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting:Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion	Price on Amazon
Best Gentle:StonyBrook Botanicals Oil-Free  Body Lotion	Price on Amazon
Best For All Skin Types:Mill Creek Sleepy Hollow Oil-Free Moisturizer	Price on Amazon
Best Matte Finish:Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion	Price on Amazon
Best For Irritated Skin:Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion	Price on Amazon
Best Water-Based:Re' Equil Oil Free Mattifying Moisturiser	Price on Amazon
Best For Daily Use:Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser	Price on Amazon
Best Uv Protection:Pond's Light Moisturiser	Price on Amazon
Best Non-Greasy Formula:Lotus Herbals Alphamoist	Price on Amazon

Benefits Of Using An Oil-Free Moisturizer

If you have oily or combination skin, you probably might feel that moisturizers might make your skin more oily and sticky. But oil-free moisturizers are either water or gel-based lotions. They are lightweight and absorbed easily into the skin. They also absorb excess natural oil and reduce shine as well. This is especially important during the summer months when air tends to be humid and our skin is more oily. Here are some benefits of using an oil-free moisturizer:

• Keeps the skin clear
• Absorbs excess natural oil
• Hydrates your skin without making it oily or heavy
• Improves skin quality and texture
• Does not clog pores
• Boosts collagen production and improves skin elasticity
• Protects against sun damage and external aggressors

Now that you know how beneficial these oil-free moisturizers are to your skin, scroll down to check out our top picks!

28 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers We All Need

1. Best Overall:CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion uses a patented MVE controlled-release technology that replenishes ceramides and provides 24-hour moisturization. It also restores the skin’s protective barrier and has been reviewed by over 74,000 users for its innumerable beneficial properties. This lightweight formula contains hyaluronic acid that retains the skin’s natural moisture and works on immediate hydration. It is dermatologist recommended and has the NEA seal of acceptance to help soothe eczema and sensitive skin. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get a better idea about the product and its functions.

2. Best Long-Lasting:Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion

The Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion has no less than 40,500 reviews on Amazon that say how much it is loved by all for its moisture retention and skin softening properties. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and strong humectants. This tested replenishing lotion is infused with hyaluronic acid that soothes dry and itchy skin and helps retain moisture. This gentle formula provides intense moisturization and can be used under makeup for a glass skin effect. It is absorbed into the skin easily and provides immediate hydration. This lightweight lotion is dermatologist-tested and best suited for combination and sensitive skin types. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product.

3. Best Gentle:StonyBrook Botanicals Oil-Free  Body Lotion

The StonyBrook Botanicals Oil-Free Body Lotion is an oil-free and unscented herbal moisturizer that soothes dry hands and skin. This gentle and lightweight lotion is formulated with chamomile, green tea, grape seed extract, aloe vera, kelp, and vitamins A, D, and E. These ingredients smoothen and soften the skin. NaPCA seals in moisture to keep the skin healthy.

4. Best For All Skin Types:Mill Creek Sleepy Hollow Oil-Free Moisturizer

Mill Creek Botanicals Sleepy Hollow Moisturizer is a lightweight, oil-free, and rich body lotion that helps rejuvenate dry, irritated, and flaky skin. It is a pH-balanced formula that makes your skin soft, glowing, and nourished. It properly moisturizes oily skin without feeling heavy or clogging the pores. The key ingredients of this moisturizer are walnut leaves, white nettle leaves, wild chamomile, and birch leaves. This oil-free moisturizer is made with all the natural ingredients and is suitable for all skin types.

5. Best Matte Finish:Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion

The Origins Moisture Lotion is non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. It is formulated with active ingredient coffee, saw palmetto, mint, and salicylic acid. Saw palmetto has antiseptic properties that help clear the skin, control oil production, and prevent breakouts. Salicylic acid minimizes pores, reduces shine, improves skin texture, and imparts a matte finish to the skin. Mint refreshes the skin. It also contains jojoba esters that moisturize the skin.

6. Best For Irritated Skin:Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion

The Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion hydrates your skin and improves its tone and texture. It is made with 70% birch sap and ultra-moisturizing ingredients that retain skin moisture. The natural ingredients contain vitamins and antioxidants that calm and treat irritated skin effectively.

7. Best Water-Based:Re’ Equil Oil Free Mattifying Moisturiser

The Re’ Equil Oil Free Mattifying Moisturiser is a water-based gel formula suitable for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It reduces enlarged pores and helps soothe the skin. This dermatologist-tested moisturizer controls oil production, reduces shine from the face, and imparts a 6-hour matte finish.

8. Best For Daily Use:Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser

This daily facial moisturizer hydrates and refreshes the skin. It is non-comedogenic, absorbed easily, and has a refreshing fragrance. The lightweight moisturizer smoothens and even out the skin tone and provides 24-hour hydration. It contains pink grapefruit that refreshes and clears the skin. The Microclear technology reduces spots and blemishes.

9. Best Uv Protection:Pond’s Light Moisturiser

The Pond’s Light Moisturizer is a non-oily lotion that hydrates the skin without making it greasy. The moisturizer is backed by 5051 rave reviews on Amazon. It is loved by all for it easily spreads and absorbs into the skin. It is formulated with vitamin E, glutamic acid, glycerin, and vitamins B3 and C. Vitamin E penetrates deep into the skin layers and moisturizes it. Glutamic acid, an amino acid, retains moisture balance and softens and smoothens the skin. Glycerin provides 24-hour skin hydration. Vitamins B3 and C restore the skin’s protective barrier. This lightweight lotion also contains SPF 15 that protects the skin from UV rays.

10. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Lotus Herbals Alphamoist

The Lotus Herbals Alphamoist makes the skin soft and supple. This lightweight and non-greasy formula is absorbed easily and imparts a natural glow to the skin. It is formulated with almond oil, basil leaf extracts, milk enzyme, and aloe vera.

The almond oil is enriched with vitamin E, which prevents aging. It also contains vitamin A that soothes acne-prone skin. Basil leaves are rich in antioxidants and have antifungal and antibacterial properties. They also lighten the skin tone, reduce skin blemishes, and tighten skin pores. Aloe vera soothes the skin and provides a protective layer to seal in essential natural oils. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals that rejuvenate the skin and prevent environmental damage.

11. Best For Blackheads:Clean & Clear Oil Free Moisturiser

The Clean & Clear Oil Free Moisturizer reduces and prevents pimples and blackheads. It moisturizes and soothes dry and irritated skin. This non-greasy formula contains salicylic acid, which clears pimples without clogging the pores. It is absorbed into the skin easily, making it soft and smooth.

12. Best Anti-Aging:Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture

The Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture employs Helioplex technology to rejuvenate the skin. This clinically-proven lotion contains SPF 35 and provides enhanced broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. The lotion also prevents the signs of premature aging caused by regular sun exposure. This ultra-light moisturizer is absorbed easily into the skin without clogging pores. It hydrates the skin, making it firm, smooth, soft, and youthful. It has been backed by 8500+ reviews for its versatile nature which allows you to wear it under makeup.

13. Best For Dry Skin:Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer rejuvenates dull and uneven skin. It is formulated with watermelon extracts, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts. Watermelon is rich in vitamins that moisturize, refresh, and nourish the skin. Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration, and the botanical extracts soothe oily and combination skin, particularly after you’ve used a detoxifying mask or one that helps with dead skin cell removal. This lightweight moisturizer also calms irritated, dry skin, and makes it radiant, soft, and healthy.

14. Best Nourishing:Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer

The Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer is made with ‘Queen Of The Night’ cactus, South African resurrection plant infusion, and aloe vera flower extract. The succulent cactus rejuvenates, hydrates, and nourishes your thirsty skin. The plant infusion soothes skin redness, improves textures, provides skin barrier reinforcement, and revitalizes the skin. The aloe vera flower extract has antibacterial properties that refresh and soothe the skin. It binds water to the skin, providing long-lasting hydration to dry and sensitive skin. This moisturizer is best suited for combination to oily skin types and can be used as a primer.

15. Best For Clear Skin:Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel moisturizes the skin instantly, making it smooth and supple. It is made with hyaluronic acid, which seals in moisture. This non-comedogenic formula offers clinically-proven results to clear the skin, and can also be worn under makeup. It is dermatologist recommended and does not contain oil or dyes.

16. Best For Skin Barrier:La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair Moisturizer

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair Moisturizer is infused with a pack of powerful skin softening ingredients like niacinamide, neurosensine, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, etc. It helps to make the skin smooth, restore the skin’s hydration level. Additionally, it acts as a protective moisture barrier.

17. Best Non-Comedogenic:Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer

The Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer provides broad-spectrum sun protection with SPF 32. It is physician-formulated and made with an antioxidant-rich base that protects the skin. The microsponge technology absorbs excess oils from the skin and imparts a matte finish. This calming oil-free moisturizer contains an additional ingredient called apple stem cells that combat aging signs and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin and also acts as a primer.

18. Best For Acne-Prone:Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer

The Mario Badescu Oil-Free Moisturizer protects the skin from premature aging. It prevents UVA/UVB rays from damaging the skin and darkening acne scars. This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is formulated with antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea extracts that deeply hydrate the skin. Aloe vera and St.John’s Wort have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe acne-prone and irritated skin.

19. Best For Skin Brightening:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel moisturizes the skin instantly, making it smooth and supple. It is made with hyaluronic acid, which seals in moisture. This non-comedogenic formula clears the skin and can be worn under makeup. It is dermatologist recommended and does not contain oil or dyes.

20. Best Refreshing:Solimo Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer

Solimo Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer is specially formulated for sensitive skin. The gentle and lightweight formula moisturizes normal to oily skin types well without clogging pores. It is unscented and is free from alcohol and parabens. The watery texture of the moisturizer spreads easily and absorbs well into the skin, making your skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

21. Best For Natural Glow:Tatcha The Water Cream

The Tatcha Water Cream is formulated with powerful Japanese nutrients and botanicals that hydrate the skin. It contains a Japanese wild rose that tightens the pores and evens the skin texture. The moisturizing cream contains leopard lily, which absorbs excess oil and clarifies and refines the skin. It also contains Hadasei-3, a blend of green tea, rice, and algae, that rejuvenates the skin, making it radiant and youthful. This moisturizer has 23-karat gold that imparts a shine-free natural glow for a glass skin effect.

[ Read – Tatcha The Water Cream Benefits ]

22. Best Quick Absorbing Formula:Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer

The Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer seeps into the skin quickly and hydrates it. It makes the skin smooth and supple, controlling excess oil production. It is formulated with essential amino acid derivatives, red marine algae, algae-based tighteners, and oil-absorbing spheres. The derivatives reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The marine algae firm the skin and improve skin elasticity. The tighteners tone and tighten the skin, minimizing the appearance of pores. The spheres absorb excess oil, keeping the skin shine-free.

23. Best For Redness:Anthony Oil Free Facial Lotion

Anthony Oil Free Facial Lotion is formulated with aloe, chamomile, and glycerin that improve the skin’s overall appearance. It hydrates the skin, reduces signs of aging, and conditions skin, making it smooth and soft. The aloe vera, chamomile, and ginger extract soothe any redness, inflammation, or skin irritation, while sodium PCA, retains moisture for a plump skin tone. Additionally, the lightweight moisturizer absorbs quickly and doesn’t clog your pores.

24. Best Clinically-Proven:Tula Breakout Star Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer

The Tula Breakout Star Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer is formulated with FDA-approved 2% salicylic acid. Salicylic acid treats and inhibits mild to severe acne breakouts. The azelaic acid lightens marks and blemishes. This anti-acne moisturizer also contains niacinamide, probiotics, watermelon, and aloe vera that offer clinically-proven results. Niacinamide evens out the skin and clears and minimizes pores. The probiotics, watermelon, and aloe vera hydrate and soothe the skin. This moisturizer is easily absorbed into the skin and keeps it hydrated, healthy, balanced, and glowing with no greasy feeling.

25. Best For Silky-Smooth Skin:Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

Peter Thomas Roth Water Hydrating Moisturizer helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, providing a silky-smooth feel. The cream is infused with Pentavitin, which helps keep the skin hydrated for 72 hours even after cleansing the skin. It makes the skin look youthful. The concentrated 30% Hyaluronic Acid Complex cream soaks your skin with the moisture drawn from the atmosphere and keeps the skin hydrated.

26. Best For Healthy Glow:BareMinerals Poreless Oil-Free Moisturizer

The BareMinerals Poreless Oil-Free Moisturizer rejuvenates the skin, keeping it healthy and hydrated. It minimizes the appearance of pores, reduces oily shine, and hydrates the skin. This oil-free moisturizer contains chia seed extract, which absorbs excess oil from the skin, keeping it fresh and balanced.

27. Best Ph Balanced:Earth Science Perfect Hydration Oil-Free Moisturizer

The Earth Science Perfect Hydration Oil-Free Moisturizer is formulated with green tea, calendula, chamomile, panthenol, vitamin E, and organic aloe vera. Green tea clears the skin, while calendula soothes the skin. Chamomile smoothens the skin, improves its texture, and reduces shine to impart a matte finish. The panthenol, vitamin E, and aloe hydrate and plump the skin, improve skin tone and texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. This moisturizer also contains hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture and makes the skin appear soft and smooth. It is suitable for oily and combination skin and has a pH between 6 and 8.

28. Best Dermatologist-Tested:First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream

The First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream is a refreshing moisturizer that revitalizes the skin with a burst of electrolyte-filled hydration. It makes the skin soft, smooth, and healthy. The main ingredient is coconut water, which is rich in electrolytes, amino acids, enzymes, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. This dermatologist-tested moisturizer also contains sodium hyaluronate and alteromonas ferment filtrate. These two ingredients protect and plump the skin, while addressing dry and rough skin.

[ Also Try – Patanjali Moisturizer Cream ]

These are the best oil-free moisturizers that you can buy for yourself. However, consider these factors before picking one.

Things To Consider Before Buying An Oil-Free Moisturizer

• Ingredients

Glycerine is the essential ingredient you should be looking for while buying an oil-free moisturizer. It is non-greasy and soothes the skin making it a popular ingredient in moisturizers. Avoid anything that contains oils and silicones as these ingredients may clog the skin pores. Look for ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, lavender, and green tea as these ingredients soothe and moisturize the skin without making it oily. Also, try choosing the ones that are dermatologist-recommended or expert-recommended for effective results.

• Non-Comedogenic

Pick an oil-free moisturizer that is labeled as non-comedogenic to ensure it does not contain any ingredient that may clog the skin pores and cause acne or aggravate existing acne. Also, always remember to do a patch test before using any skin care product to avoid allergic reactions.

• SPF

It is best if your oil-free moisturizer has good SPF so that your skin is protected from harmful sun rays. Check for a moisturizer that contains at least SPF 30.

In addition to this, look for the ones with a good number of reviews and positive testers’ experiences,

Why Trust Stylecraze?

Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. She knows about skin, its needs, and the different ingredients that help keep the skin healthy. She has gone through several online platforms to analyse user feedback and pick only the top-rated and best oil-free body lotions. These oil-free moisturizers keep the skin hydrated and soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my moisturizer is oil-free?

You can easily figure out whether your moisturizer is oil-free or not by reading the ingredients. An oil-free moisturizer will not contain any mineral, plant, or animal oil.

Will oil-free moisturizers cause acne?

No, oil-free moisturizers don’t clog pores and clear out excess oil; so, it doesn’t cause acne.

Which oil-free moisturizer is the best?

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair Moisturizer is the best oil-free moisturizer without any side effects.

Which is the best moisturizing body lotion?

Any body lotion that hydrates and nourishes your skin with safe ingredients is ideal for your daily routine. The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion checks every feature that a top-quality moisturizer should have.

Is body lotion and moisturizer the same?

No, a body lotion is a moisturizer applied on the body, but a moisturizer is a skincare product that comes in the form of lotion, gel, and cream, which can be used on the body and the face.

Can I use any oil-free moisturizing lotions daily?

Yes, you can use oil-free moisturizing lotions like the Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion, the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, the Earth Science Perfect Hydration Oil-Free Moisturizer, etc. daily.

Is applying sunscreen necessary while using an oil-free moisturizer?

No, you can apply only an oil-free moisturizer alone if you are not you go out in the sun. However, if you plan to spend some time outdoors, sunscreen is a must on top of your moisturizer to protect your skin.

What oil-free moisturizing lotion can I use for kids?

For a kid, always choose an oil-free moisturizer without harmful chemicals and alcohol that is specially made for their gentle, sensitive skin.

---