The 17 Best Drugstore Moisturizers for Oily Skin of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Best Overall

Cetaphil Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

$15 at Amazon $15 at Target $17 at Walmart

There’s a reason Cetaphil has been a drugstore staple since 1947. Their affordable products, including this moisturizer, are fan favorites. Not only is this option super lightweight and non-comedogenic (hooray—no clogged pores!), but it also touts micro pearl technology, which works to absorb excess oil on the surface of the skin, leaving your face with a matte finish. This product has the added benefit of delivering your daily dose of necessary broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection, too. Plus, in true Cetaphil fashion, it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, so you don’t have to worry about irritation if you also have sensitive skin.

Omar Noor, MD, FAAD, of Rao Dermatology is also a fan. "An individual, man or woman, has to appreciate that not all products work at the same intensity level and therefore can be too rough or irritating to their skin," he says. "This is why I like Cetaphil's Pro Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer. It is a balance of effectiveness while still having an elegant vehicle to deliver that effectiveness."

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 4 fl. oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Budget

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer

$10 at Amazon $17 at Walmart $13 at CVS

These days, even drugstore products can cause you to do a double take at the price tag. That’s not the case with this water-based Neutrogena moisturizer. This pick boasts a low price and high quality—win/win. Oily skin and breakouts often (and unfortunately) go hand-in-hand, but that won’t be an issue when you add this one to your skincare routine. Best of all, you won’t be left with a greasy feel either. 

How does it work? First and foremost, this formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic, both non-negotiables when you’re battling blemishes. It also has the added benefit of containing a small amount of salicylic acid, an oil-dissolving ingredient that can both help treat existing pimples and keep future ones from forming. Beware of overusing it though, since it can be drying. (Yes, even oil-prone skin can get dry!) Those sensitive to fragrance may want to keep scrolling too, since it’s infused with a pink grapefruit scent. 

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 4 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Mattifying

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer

View on Amazon $34 at Ulta $36 at Target

This moisturizer automatically gets points for being oil-free. The benefits for oily skin don’t stop there though. The formula features a unique sebulyse (say that three times fast) technology, which the brand claims both mattifies your complexion and helps tighten pores, as well as a form of zinc, which it credits to further neutralizing shine. The result: skin that feels hydrated but looks matte. We recommend making this your morning moisturizer since it helps create the perfect canvas for makeup.

It's also got an expert's seal of approval, specifically from Dr. Adam Friedman, associate professor of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine. He loves this La Roche-Posay moisturizer for oily skin, as well as the above Cetaphil pick. "Both are designed specifically for oilier skin, with ingredients that can bind or break up sebum like diisopropyl sebacate, silicates, and starches to help reduce shine rather than contribute to it," he says. "Both are produced by companies that have a long-standing history of supporting their marketing claims with scientific evidence, which is my general rule for recommended products: Go with the brands that can put their money where the science is."

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone, salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1.4 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Gel

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

$10 at Amazon $28 at Ulta $20 at Target

Gel moisturizers, like this Neutrogena option, are a great pick for any skin type, but especially for those prone to oil. Why? They contain a higher content of water rather than relying on richer oils and butter. This one also uses hyaluronic acid, which attracts water to and holds it in the skin, locking in moisture and helping to improve skin elasticity. It plumps and hydrates, leaving behind noticeably softer skin without leaving behind any greasy residue. 

We love how lightweight it feels—a must for oily skin types—and how quickly it absorbs, making it an exceptionally solid choice if you’re hoping to avoid looking shiny. (Raises hand!) Word of warning to those who are sensitive to scents: this one contains a fragrance that lingers long after it’s applied. Otherwise, we give this one the thumbs up for all skin types. Follow our lead and stash it in the fridge; that way it’ll feel extra cooling and soothing when applied.

Active Ingredients: Dimethicone, glycerin, polyacrylamide | Skin Type:Oily | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Lightweight

L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius

$14 at Amazon $20 at Walmart $19 at Ecosmetics.com

Not a single pick on this list is heavy or rich—oily skin needs moisture, but not that much moisture—but if you’re on the hunt for a super featherweight formula, this one is the winner. Its water-based formula contains aloe water and hyaluronic acid, delivering lasting hydration with an ultra-clean feeling. Who’s that with the luminous, supple skin? Oh, just you. 

We love that this formula glides on silky smooth and melts into skin almost immediately, so you don’t need to worry about losing half of it to your pillowcase come bedtime. It also wears well under makeup, and since it absorbs quickly you don’t have to wait long before unzipping your makeup bag. As for your unwanted oil, this moisturizer gets to work immediately with its mattifying benefits. This isn’t our first pick for acne-prone skin, since there are other formulas made specifically to address that issue, but for other oily skin types looking for a lightweight moisturizer, this one gets our stamp of approval. 

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone, aloe leaf juice | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 3 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Anti-Aging

Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer

$28 at Amazon $30 at Target $18 at Walmart

Fine lines and wrinkles are often associated with dry skin, but the truth is that, no matter your skin type, everyone is prone to those natural steps of aging. For those with oily skin, you have to be extra intentional with your moisturizer though, fending off signs of aging while not choosing a product that’s too heavy for you. The solution: this featherweight formula from Olay (which—fun fact!—took 10 years to develop) that has the same anti-aging prowess as the brand’s beloved Regenerist Serum.

This small but mighty bottle contains a complex of peptides that, according to Olay, can have a youth-boosting effect since it plumps skin with plenty of hydration to improve elasticity while fading fine lines and wrinkles. We love that its whipped texture absorbs into skin lightening-fast, thanks to a special technology that transforms it from cream to liquid upon contact with your skin. Ultimately you’ll be left with a silky, matte complexion that leaves you feeling smooth and looking shine-free. Fine lines and wrinkles? Where?

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl dipeptide-7 | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Combination Skin

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

$14 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $17 at Target

If you’re oily on certain parts of your face—hello, t-zone!—but dry in other spots, add this CeraVe pick to your A.M. and P.M. routine. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it a major win for the oily parts. It also has the added benefit of containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, supporting the dry-prone parts of your face. Even better? It doubles as your SPF, too.

From the first application, we loved how smooth it felt on our skin. Though it went on white to start—thank or blame the SPF for that—that ghost face look disappeared quickly since it absorbs almost immediately. It can tend to pill when used with other skincare, but we found a light layer of translucent powder that solved that issue, leaving a smooth, even look all day long. We also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free and, like all CeraVe products, has been developed by dermatologists. 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No

Best with Antioxidants

Avalon Organics Gel Cream Moisturizer with Vitamin C

$14 at Walmart View on Vitacost $17 at Newegg.com

To score a little more bang for your well-earned buck, seek out a moisturizer that contains skin-protecting antioxidants. We especially like this one, which touts one of the most potent and effective antioxidants out there: vitamin C. The superstar skincare ingredient not only helps neutralize pesky free radicals formed by exposure to UV rays and pollution, but it can also help fade dark spots and stimulate collagen production. This particular pick contains two different forms of the vitamin, rejuvenating your skin and giving it a (not at all greasy) glow. 

We like what it does and doesn’t include. It’s formulated with plant-based botanicals (like turmeric, licorice root, and milk thistle) and essential oils, but without harsh preservatives or synthetic fragrances, so it’s friendly for all skin types—even the most sensitive ones. We especially love it for those with oily types though, since it’s lightweight and oil-free. It’s fast-absorbing too, so you can apply makeup in the morning or hit your head to the pillow at night without needing to wait for it to soak in. Radiant glow, here you come.  

Active Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, ascorbic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Multi-Tasking

Garnier SkinActive 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer

$18 at Amazon $14 at Walmart View on Newegg.com

When one product can pack a powerful three-in-one punch, it’s worthy of a spot in your medicine cabinet. That’s the case with this Garnier moisturizer, which is a solid pick for anyone with oily or combination skin since it’s infused with green tea, which hydrates while giving you a matte look. So long, shine!

How you put this moisturizer to work is up to you. You can start by slathering this on in the morning as an effective all-day mattifying moisturizer. Then, come bedtime, it doubles as an ultra-hydrating non-greasy night cream. You could also use it as a facial mask, leaving a thin layer on for 10 minutes, to nourish and balance oily skin. Either way, you get plenty of good-for-your-skin ingredients—97 percent of which are naturally derived—and no mineral oil, parabens, silicones, or dyes. Plus, take a peek at that price. You can’t beat it. 

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter | Skin Type: Balanced | Size: 6.8 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

Best with SPF

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer

$13 at Amazon $16 at Ulta $14 at Target

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: wearing sunscreen (a broad-spectrum formula with at least an SPF 30) every day daily is an absolute must. Yes, even on cloudy days. We’ve heard the “sunscreen makes me break out” excuse countless times—perhaps you’ve even used it—but that trick doesn’t fly when you can use this oil-free SPF moisturizer. Acne-prone people, rejoice! This lightweight formula was dermatologist-formulated specifically for acne-prone skin, absorbing oil as it shields you from the sun.  

The result: A non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula that also contains micro pearl technology to absorb excess oil. It packs serious hydration and sun protection, all without clogging your pores. There is a downside though. Keep in mind that the SPF only lasts for so long. You’ll need to reapply it at least every two hours for full, consistent coverage. 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 4 fl. oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer

$28 at Amazon View on Boldenusa.com

This moisturizer does triple duty, not only hydrating but also protecting against UV damage and helping to fade dark spots for a more even skin tone. It’s formulated with superhero ingredient vitamin c, a stable form of the brightener that helps stimulate collagen production and fades skin discoloration. So long, sun spots! This formula is sulfate-, paraben-, and phthalate-free, but packed with squalane, which improves skin at a cellular level, and safflower oil, which repairs the skin’s barrier.

We found it to be creamy in texture, yet lightweight in feel—ideal all around. It hydrates without feeling greasy (hallelujah!) and doesn’t leave behind a white cast or sticky residue like other SPF products can. Don’t expect your hyperpigmentation to be cured overnight though. You’ll have to consistently use this moisturizer to see those effects, but over time you’ll be impressed by your skin’s improved texture and overall brighter complexion. 

Active Ingredients: Homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 fl. oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Sensitive Skin

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Oil Free Moisturizer

$13 at Amazon $5 at Kohls.com

Sure, sensitivity is more likely to occur in those with dryer skin, but that doesn’t mean that oily skin can’t also be sensitive. When you have sensitive and oily skin, daring to bring a new product into your skincare routine can feel especially risky. You have our word on this oil-free and hypoallergenic moisturizer though. It will tend to all of your needs: soothing skin, avoiding irritation, and lightly hydrating. 

We took a critical eye to its list of ingredients. It doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, dyes, or synthetic fragrances, which are all common irritants for the sensitive set. Green tea delivers a dose of antioxidants, while aloe and cucumber work to soothe skin. We love how well it wears under makeup too, providing a fresh, dewy look all day long.  

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, octyl palmitate, aloe leaf juice | Skin Type: All | Size: 3 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Cream

Botanics Revive & Protect Postbiotic Moisturizer

$15 at Target $23 at Walgreens

Crave a little bit more hydration? Reach for this creamy (yet fast-absorbing) option. Granted, it’s not oil-free, but it is formulated for all skin types—oily included. Packed with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, it’ll infuse your skin with much-needed antioxidants, helping to restore its natural moisture barrier and protect against environmental factors. Thank the inclusion of black tea kombucha and vitamin E for their pollution-fighting power, which actively tackles the effects of environmental stressors like dryness and overall blah-ness. 

Its creamy texture is extra soft-to-the-touch and its understated packaging sits pretty in your medicine cabinet too. We also love its subtle scent, an invigorating blend of blood orange, cedarwood, and ginger essential oils. Healthy, vibrant, pollution-protected skin is just a little jar away. 

Active Ingredients: Black tea kombucha | Skin Type: Dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Texture

ROSEN Skincare Tropics Moisturizer

$20 at Ulta $20 at Ulta $20 at Target

If you have oily and textured skin, whether from acne scars or otherwise, this moisturizer is the perfect pick for you. It has the Goldilocks effect—light enough not to clog your pores, yet substantial enough to leave your skin feeling hydrated and plump. In other words, it’s just right. This moisturizer is able to regulate oil with the help of hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating enzymes, which balance oil levels and even skin’s texture. As a bonus, it also puts kojic acid to work to fade and prevent acne scars, adding to your skin’s newfound smoothness. 

We love its feel, which isn’t oily or sticky. Instead, it goes on smooth and matte. It works well to prep your makeup routine too, since it doesn’t cause any slipping or sliding of your foundation or concealer. Overall it’ll leave your skin feeling pretty and plump, and you’ll soon forget you ever even had acne scars. 

Active Ingredients: Pineapple extract, kojic acid, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Combination, oily, acne-prone | Size: 2 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Gentle Formula

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture

$56 at Walmart View on Walgreens $15 at Herbspro.com

Neutrogena has always been a popular brand for drugstore skincare, but this gentle oil-free moisturizer might just take the cake. Specifically made for sensitive skin types, it has an especially lightweight formula that hydrates and nourishes in the gentlest of ways. That means it won’t clog your pores, cause breakouts, or flare up any sensitivities. 

This oil-free and water-based moisturizer absorbs in no time, giving you a quick boost of hydration without unwanted shine or grease. Even better—it's hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, alcohol, and dyes, so there's an extremely low chance that it'll irritate your skin. You can trust us, or you can trust the dermatologists who have tested it too. 

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone, petrolatum | Skin Type: Oily, sensitive | Size: 4 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer

$29 at Ulta $17 at Target View on Neutrogena.com

SPF coverage? Yep. Non-comedogenic? Also yes. Non-greasy, ultra-lightweight, and packed full of antioxidants? Check, check, and check. Consider this Neutrogena option a two birds, one stone situation. Not only can it act as your daily moisturizer, but with the addition of broad-spectrum SPF 50 it shields you from UVA and UVB rays too. Two other star ingredients are also key: vitamin E, which helps protect against everyday environmental stressors, and ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid.  

What’s not in the formula is just as remarkable. It’s free from parabens, dyes, oxybenzone, fragrance, and mineral oil, making for a hypoallergenic product that won’t clog your pores—necessary if you have oily or sensitive skin. That means you receive a much-needed boost of hydration that absorbs weightlessly into your skin, and it does so without a white cast that other sunscreens are prone to leaving. (Though remember that you’ll have to reapply every couple hours for proper sunscreen coverage.) All that for a drugstore price? We’re sold. 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Multi-Purpose

Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer

$39 at Amazon $48 at Sephora $48 at Ulta

We take notice when products extra work hard for us, and that’s exactly what this multi-tasking moisturizer does. Consider purchasing this one little bottle to streamline your makeup bag, since it’s a primer, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen all in one. Its lightweight formula (that is paraben- and mineral oil-free) has a water-like gel texture that goes on with an invisible finish, leaving behind no white residue. 

Throughout our testing period, it proved to be an especially impressive primer, prepping the skin with a  healthy, dewy glow that looks beautiful bare or layered under makeup. It has the slight scent of traditional sunscreen, but whether you consider that a pro or con is a personal choice. While we’d consider it a makeup bag staple, if you’re spending extended time in the sun you may want to consider another SPF, since this one is a pricey option to repeatedly reapply. You can take our word for how high-quality this moisturizer is, but we’re not the only ones who give it a thumbs up; this product has been tested under dermatological control. 

Active Ingredients: Vitamin E, Moringa seed extract, and Edelweiss | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz | SPF: 50+ | Cruelty-Free: No