The 16 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers of 2024 for Lightweight Hydration

We know it might seem counterintuitive, but acne-prone skin needs to be moisturized, too. However, nothing can be worse than slathering on face cream and looking shiny for the rest of the day—or worse, clogging our pores and sparking yet another breakout. Thankfully, oil-free moisturizers exist—trust us when we say they’re a godsend. So we've rounded up our favorite products that’ll leave your face silky smooth and shine-free, no matter your skin type or concerns. These virtually weightless lotions and gels pack in all the hydrating power of traditional creams, delivering the moisture our skin needs while keeping sebum production in check. The result: soft, supple skin, but without the heavy, greasy feeling. Plus, unlike their oil-based counterparts, they magically absorb in an instant, saving you time in between skin care and makeup application.

To determine exactly which ones were the cream of the crop, we tested a variety of formulas, first taking into account their ingredients, then evaluating how they felt, absorbed, and how well they hydrated our skin. We consulted with a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Ava Shamban, MD, as well, ultimately coming up with this list of standout oil-free moisturizers.  

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Peter Thomas Roth Cloud Cream Moisturizer at Amazon
  
• Best Budget: The Ordinary Moisturizing Factors + HA at Sephora
• Best Budget, Runner Up: The Inkey List Omega Water Cream at Amazon
• Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel at Ulta
• Best for Dry Skin: Ole Henriksen C-Rush Gel Moisturizer at Amazon
• Best for Combination Skin: Shani Darden Moisturizer at Amazon
• Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer at Ulta
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer at Amazon
• Best Anti-Aging: Tatcha The Water Cream at Amazon
• Best With SPF: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer at Sephora

Best Overall

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

$42 at Amazon $23 at Sephora $23 at Ulta

What We Like: Long-lasting results, plumps fine lines and wrinkles, and softens skin.

What We Don't Like: Jar packaging isn't the most hygienic.

Active Ingredients: 3 molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed silk, pentavitin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

As the name suggests, this moisturizer is as light as a cloud. It contains actual hydrolyzed silk, which makes skin soft and smooth without the heavy feeling that some moisturizers can leave behind. Don’t be fooled by its light-as-air texture, though, as it also packs in some serious hydration power. Formulated with the brand’s Hyaluronic Acid Complex at a 30% concentration, as well as Pentavitin, a potent hydrating ingredient, this cream will keep your skin dewy and moisturized for up to 72 hours. Bonus? Not only does it leave the skin supple and plump, but it’ll help keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.

Best Budget

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

$7 at Sephora $14 at Ulta $14 at Target

What We Like: Affordable, and non-greasy.

What We Don't Like: It doesn't always absorb well.

Active Ingredients: Amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination, dry, sensitive | Size: 1 ounce, 3.3 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s typically unheard of to find a quality moisturizer for a super low price, but—as always—The Ordinary proves us otherwise. This treatment is composed of a powerful combination of moisturizers, including 11 different amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid, that help with dryness without leaving behind a greasy residue. Aside from being oil-free, it’s also free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, silicone, and fragrance—and it’s vegan and cruelty-free.

Best Budget, Runner Up

The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

$12 at Amazon $12 at Sephora $11 at Theinkeylist.com

What We Like: Affordable, and comes in recyclable packaging.

What We Don't Like: Not suitable for some with sensitive skin.

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another example that you can get a great oil-free moisturizer without breaking the bank, this lightweight gel relies on glycerin for featherweight hydration. It also contains niacinamide to help reduce excess oil; we were impressed with how non-oily our skin looked after using it. And while we were a little bit surprised by the thinner consistency initially, it still goes on and absorbs nicely. 

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel

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

What We Like: Affordable, non-comedogenic, and alcohol-free.

What We Don't Like: Contains fragrance.

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced to oily | Size: 0.5 ounces, 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

The cult-favorite moisturizer has some pretty impressive ratings—and for good reason. A powerful remedy for thirsty skin, the water-based gel deeply hydrates with hyaluronic acid, yet absorbs ultra-fast, leaving behind a smooth, plump finish that makes a great base for makeup. In addition to being oil-free, it’s also non-comedogenic and dye-free, meaning it won’t cause any irritation or breakouts, making it the perfect option for those with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin types. To that point, we were impressed that even after using this for a week we experienced no new breakouts.

Best for Dry Skin

Ole Henriksen C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer

$35 at Amazon $52 at Sephora $45 at Walmart

What We Like: Long-lasting results, provides antioxidant benefits, and boosts radiance.

What We Don't Like: Some reviewers note that it can cause irritation.

Active Ingredients: 3 sources of vitamin C, rose of winter extract | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination, dry, sensitive | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Just because a product is oil-free doesn’t mean it’s necessarily only meant for oily or acne-prone skin types; dryer complexions can also benefit from a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. According to studies by the brand, this gel boosts the skin’s hydration levels by 140% for up to 24 hours — essentially a fresh-squeezed juice for your face. It’s powered by three sources of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, 3-0-ethyl ascorbic acid, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) to boast brightening, anti-aging, and antioxidant benefits.

Best for Combination Skin

Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

$50 at Sephora $48 at Net-a-Porter $50 at Violet Grey

What We Like: Non-greasy, absorbs fast, and improves elasticity.

What We Don't Like: May be too lightweight for some.

Active Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed collagen, red algae extract | Skin Type: Balanced, combination, oily | Size: 2.5 ounces, 0.5 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When celebrity esthetician Shani Darden launched her eponymous skincare line we knew it was gonna be good. Her Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer truly delivers—light as air but super hydrating, this fast-absorbing formula (we loved how quickly it soaked into the skin and how light it felt) is perfect for balancing combination skin. It nourishes dry patches, but the shine-free, non-greasy formula won’t clog the pores of your oilier regions; to that point, we also called out its perfect, middle-of-the-road finish, neither super dewy nor super matte. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it’s also formulated with red algae extract and hydrolyzed collagen.

Best for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer

View on Amazon $34 at Ulta $36 at Target

What We Like: Non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and gently exfoliates.

What We Don't Like: Bottle doesn't last long.

Active Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed collagen, red algae extract | Skin Type: Balanced, combination, oily | Size: 2.5 ounces, 0.5 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re plagued with oily skin, you’ll need a non-greasy daily moisturizer that’ll keep shine under control. This one does just that, using the brand’s Sebulyse Technology to target excess oil and other oily skin woes. The formula features LHA (lipohydroxy acid), which tightens enlarged pores and micro-exfoliates to refine the skin’s texture. Made with zinc pidolate, it also neutralizes any signs of shininess. It's a lightweight lotion that leaves behind a perfect matte, yet hydrated finish.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

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

What We Like: Non-comedogenic, offers UV protection, and absorbs oil.

What We Don't Like: Can sting eyes.

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

If you’re dealing with acne-prone skin, you're probably well aware of the greasy, heavy feel that many moisturizers with sunscreen leave behind (which can lead to irritation and, unfortunately, more zits). That’s why Differin’s Oil Control Moisturizer with Sunscreen is an absolute must for anyone prone to breakouts. This lightweight, non-greasy formula thoroughly hydrates skin and uses SPF 30 Oleosome, a non-irritating form of sunscreen that still offers protection against UV rays. The moisturizer also features micro pearl technology and absorbs pesky surface oil that might creep up during the day, keeping the skin matte and shine-free.

Best Anti-Aging

Tatcha The Water Cream

$72 at Amazon $23 at Sephora $72 at Kohls.com

What We Like: Cooling, works well under makeup, and absorbs oil.

What We Don't Like: Jar packaging isn’t the most hygienic.

Active Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, hadasei-3 complex | Skin Type: Combination, oily | Size: 1.7 ounces, 0.34 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

More than just a daily moisturizer, Tatcha’s beloved Water Cream also boasts anti-aging, skin-refining benefits. According to the brand, this cream is powered by a number of Japanese nutrients such as wild rose and leopard lily that deliver water-light hydration while tightening pores, smoothing skin texture, controlling excess oil, and improving cell turnover. It also contains the brand’s Hadasei-3 complex, an anti-aging powerhouse combination of green tea, rice, and algae, and helps keep the complexion youthful and radiant.

Oh, and this clean, non-irritating, noncomedogenic, and non-sensitizing formula is also infused with a casual touch of 23-karat gold, leaving behind a serious (and shine-free!) glow. We raved about how it left our (oily) skin feeling fresh, light, and hydrated all day—and all night.  

Best With SPF

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

$36 at Sephora View on Fentybeauty.com $34 at Kohls.com

What We Like: Oil-free, non-comedogenic, and offers UV protection.

What We Don't Like: Contains fragrance.

Active Ingredients: Kalahari melon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe, baobab | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination, dry | Size: 1.7 ounces, 1 ounce | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A 2-in-1 moisturizer and sunscreen, this lightweight cream offers SPF 30 protection sans chalkiness, and niacinamide to help even out skin tone. The formula, with ingredients like Kalahari melon, baobab, hyaluronic acid, and aloe, helps to hydrate the skin. It won’t pill under makeup or cause any flashback, making it the perfect makeup base. We can’t fail to mention that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, reef-safe, and refillable, making this a conscious choice for both the animals and the environment.

Best Brightening

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer

$21 at Amazon $21 at Sephora $40 at Walmart

What We Like: Gently exfoliates, reduces redness, and protects against environmental damage.

What We Don't Like: Contains fragrance.

Active Ingredients: Watermelon, hyaluronic acid, jasmine extract, peony extract | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, balanced, oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 2.02 ounces, 0.84 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This refreshing moisturizer is the secret to glowing, radiant skin. The daytime version of the brand’s fan-favorite Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, this bouncy gel—which includes watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants—hydrates, soothes irritation, and calms redness, as well as protects against environmental stressors. The result: an instantly dewy, radiant complexion that’s visibly more hydrated. It’s suitable for all skin types, either as a non-greasy moisturizer for oily/combination skin or a hydrating serum for dry skin. We appreciated how fresh it felt and the fact that it provided long-lasting hydration (sans any greasy residue), but also how lovely it was to apply.

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide

$59 at Amazon $65 at Sephora $65 at Dermstore

What We Like: Fades dark spots, boosts radiance, and great for winter.

What We Don't Like: Jar packaging isn’t the most hygienic.

Active Ingredients: Patented Vine Sap-Derived Viniferine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

Bye, bye, dark spots! Caudalie’s oil-free Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide visibly evens out the skin tone and fades the look of dark spots thanks to skin-brightening powerhouses niacinamide, viniferine—an extract of grapevine sap that’s 62% more effective than vitamin C—and white peony extract. Suitable for normal to dry skin types, it offers lightweight but deep hydration, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and olive squalane, and boosts radiance and glow with natural pearlizers.

Best for Large Pores

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance

$26 at Amazon $26 at Sephora $26 at Glossier.com

What We Like: Absorbs oil, minimizes pores, and matte finish.

What We Don't Like: May not be hydrating enough for some.

Active Ingredients: Apple fruit extract, marine extract, niacinamide, willow bark extract, bamboo extract | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A favorite of Byrdie senior editor Karli Bendlin, Glossier’s top-rated Priming Moisturizer Balance was developed with oily skin in mind. Its shine-controlling formula with marine extract keeps the skin balanced while niacinamide and willow bark extract reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and help smooth skin. You'll get soft, plump, and hydrated skin with a powdery matte finish—the perfect base for makeup.

Best Clean Formula

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

$44 at Amazon $44 at Sephora View on Farmacybeauty.com

What We Like: Gently exfoliates, and smells good.

What We Don't Like: Can leave a sticky residue.

Active Ingredients: Moringa seed extract, moringa water, papaya extract, 4 types of hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, kale, cucumber, eucalyptus, willow herb, niacinamide | Skin Type: Balanced, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Farmacy’s Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer is like a tropical smoothie for your skin, and it smells like one, too! The formula, an impressive four different forms of hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, acts as moisture magnets, keeping skin supple and hydrated without ever feeling heavy or greasy. Moringa seed extract and moringa water help refresh the skin and protect against pollution, while willowherb clears pores of impurities and fights shine, and papaya extract acts as a gentle exfoliant, according to the brand. In addition to being clean, it’s also vegan-cruelty-free, gluten-free, and comes in recycled packaging.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Osea Seabiotic Water Cream

$33 at Amazon $54 at Ulta $1,000 at Walmart

What We Like: Lightweight, silky texture, hydrates for up to 72 hours, and soothes inflamed skin.

What We Don't Like: Unhygienic container.

Active Ingredients: Seaweed, squalene, bisabolol | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.6 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sensitive skin? Seabiotic Water Cream is your best bet. This oil-free moisturizer leans on bisabolol (an extract of chamomile) to soothe inflamed, reactive complexions, and you can count on the lightweight, silky formula to keep you skin hydrated for up to 72 hours. The only thing we don't like about this product is its unhygienic container—you have to dip your fingers in every time you use it.

Best Fragrance-Free

Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer

$76 at Amazon $76 at Sephora $76 at Ulta

What We Like: Plumps and smooths, tones and tightens, and unlikely to irritate sensitive skin.

What We Don't Like: High price per ounce, and contains PEGs.

Active Ingredients: Amino acids, algae extract | Skin Type: Oily, sensitive, acne-prone, mature | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Added fragrance (whether synthetic or from essential oils) can be irritating, especially for those with particularly sensitive skin. That's one reason we love this unscented moisturizer from Kate Somerville—but definitely not the only reason. The lightweight formula calls on amino acids to plump your skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines, while algae extract works to tone and tighten the skin.

What to Look For in Oil-Free Moisturizers

• Hyaluronic Acid: An ultra-moisturizing ingredient, hyaluronic acid couldn’t be a better fit for those looking to keep their face dewy without oil. Because it holds so many times its weight in water, its effects are instantaneous, leaving you glowing after application. Ava Shamban, MD, tells Byrdie that "it is a superstar at alleviating dry skin.”
• Rose: Listed in the ingredient list of oil-free moisturizers as rose water or rose extract, this flower has numerous skincare benefits. It helps to moisturize dry skin, and if you experience redness, you’ll potentially receive benefits in that realm, as well. Dr. Ava Shamban says that “rosewater fights inflammation, helping to reduce redness and blotchiness.”
• Niacinamide: Known as B3, and also often referred to as a “powerhouse ingredient,” niacinamide offers hydration, can help your skin glow, and can even aid in preventing acne. Because it evens your skin and prevents signs of aging, it’s a key ingredient in assorted skincare products, and moisturizers are no exception.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Jenna Igneri has over six years of experience writing about beauty and has had thousands of skincare products come across her desk over her career. She's skilled at extracting the need-to-know details about the latest moisturizers on the market. To get more in-depth insights into the benefits of oil-free moisturizers we spoke to the experts:

• Dr. Ava Shamban, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California.