If you have oily skin, you may struggle with finding a moisturizer that doesn’t leave your face looking shiny and feeling greasy after. And Singapore’s hot and humid climate definitely doesn’t help either. Still, moisturizing is a crucial step you shouldn’t leave out from your skincare routine. In fact, skipping your moisturizer can actually cause your skin to become dehydrated and thus, produce more oil throughout the day.

Luckily, there are many oil-free moisturizers that are great at hydrating oily skin, without adding the extra shine. In no particular order, we’ve curated our picks of the 6 best moisturizers for oily skin!

Note: This list is strictly not in order.

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Image credit: Neutrogena

This water-based gel is a favourite among all skin types. While it has the ability to hydrate extra dry skin, this lightweight formula absorbs so quickly that it’s perfect for oily skin as well! Packed with non-comedogenic ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it provides deep hydration without clogging your pores.

Enjoy soft and dewy skin throughout the day without any sticky residue left behind. What’s even better, the gel leaves a cooling effect on your skin when applied – superb for the hot weather in Singapore! 

Available on: Guardian

2. iUnik Centella Calming Gel Cream

Image credit: iUnik

If you’re a K-beauty fan, don’t miss out on Korean brand iUnik’s Centella Calming Gel Cream! It contains 70% Centella Asiatica leaf water, a powerful antioxidant that yields numerous benefits to the skin. For one, it’s great at hydrating and healing irritated skin. This lightweight cream also contains 10% tea tree leaf water which calms acne-prone skin.

Oil and alcohol-free, this formula can be used during both day and night. It’ll give your skin a subtle glow without leaving a tight sensation.

Available on: YesStyle

3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Face Moisturizer

Image credit: La Roche-Posay

If you’re tired of using blotting papers to control the shine on your face, this moisturizer is for you. Not only is it grease-free, it even leaves a light matte effect as well. While this product works to absorb humidity and excess sebum, rest assure that it’ll provide your skin with lightweight hydration.

Apart from that, it also targets acne! It contains lipohydroxy acid to gently exfoliate your skin. Additionally, this moisturizer can be used as a makeup primer to prevent your pores from clogging when you apply foundation next.

Available on: Guardian

4. Cetaphil PRO Acne Prone Oil-Free Moisturizing Lotion SPF25

Image credit: Cetaphil

This moisturizer is ideal if you have oily yet sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, Cetaphil’s formula eases any irritation that you may get from other skincare products. This lotion delivers 24-hour hydration and uses a ‘micro-pearl technology’ to absorb excess oil and leave a matte effect on your skin.

This moisturizing lotion is fantastic to apply in the day as it offers broad-spectrum SPF25. SPF is especially important for oily skin as UV rays can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Pat some of this moisturizer on before stepping out under Singapore’s hot sun rays!

Available on: Guardian

5. Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly

Image credit: Clinique

This lightweight jelly has a similar texture to a serum and is an alternative to Clinique’s award-winning moisturizing lotion under the same name. The formula is targeted towards those with oily skin that isn’t suitable for heavy cream products. It uses ‘clean shield technology’ that provides 24-hour hydration while protecting your skin from external pollution throughout the day.

This works great to fight against contaminants from your surroundings, especially in an urban area like Singapore.

Available on: Sephora

6. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Oil-Free Moisturizing Gel

Image credit: First Aid Beauty

Another moisturizer that fits the criteria for oily and acne-prone skin is this lightweight gel from cult brand First Aid Beauty. It contains natural ingredients that reduce sebum and prevent the formation of blemishes. In addition to mattifying your face, this non-comedogenic formula also hydrates and protects your skin’s barrier with ceramides. 

If you’re struggling with irritated skin, this moisturizer is one you should consider to achieve a clearer and more youthful complexion!

Available on: Sephora

Conclusion

Even with oily skin, getting the right moisturizer is key to protect your skin’s moisture barrier and control the oil production. Now that you’ve understand its importance, we hope you can pick out the best moisturizer for oily skin with our list so your face can enjoy long-lasting hydration with less shine, even in Singapore’s humid weather!