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Stocksy
If you have oily skin, you likely know the struggle that often comes with finding the right moisturizer. Perhaps you've been on the hunt for the perfect formula for years or maybe you've already thrown in the towel and stopped wearing moisturizer altogether– because oily skin needs to be dried out, meaning you don't really need one, right? Not quite. On the contrary, when your skin is too dry, it may actually start overproducing oil to compensate, which can contribute to making your skin even oilier.
Dermatologist, Kristina Collins, MD, acknowledges the common misconception that someone with oily skin should avoid using moisturizer. She explains, "Actually, oily skin typically benefits from use of moisturizer in the same way that combo or dry skin does and withholding moisturizer can even make oily skin worse." And the reasoning is quite simple, "dehydrated skin produces even more sebum as it tries to hydrate itself," she says, "so, the real question is how to provide moisture to oily skin while at the same time making sure not to worsen clogging of pores or breakouts."
Dermatologist, Ryan Turner, MD, seconds Dr. Collins' thoughts and says applying moisturizer to oily skin will help balance your sebum production, “training” your skin to produce less oil and keep excess sebum in check. "Oily skin is still susceptible to dehydration. When you’re faced with drying environmental factors like excess air conditioning or frigid winter air, your skin will go into further sebum overdrive, trying to compensate for the lack of moisture," he adds.
What you really need is the right moisturizer that strikes the perfect balance of hydration and nourishment, but isn't too thick and greasy. Especially with the colder weather, those of us with oily skin need to find something that will help combat the dryness without causing clogged pores or an even shinier T-zone, which is where mattifying moisturizers come in.
Unlike heavy creams, mattifying moisturizers are lightweight, don't cause breakouts, and won't make it look like we poured grease all over our faces. They also control excess oil production and simultaneously hydrate as they cut down on shine. Read ahead for the 11 best mattifying moisturizers.
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Kristina Collins is a double board-certified dermatologist and the founder of skincare brand, foy by Dr. Collins.
- Dr. Ryan Turner is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the cofounder of skincare brand, TRNR Skin.
- Samantha Susca is the Lead Esthetician at Casa Cipriani, based in NY.
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Oil Control Moisturizer
If you have oily skin, you likely deal with blackheads more often than you'd like to. Caused by a buildup of oil and dead skin cells in your pores that have oxidized, those annoying little blackheads are no match for this moisturizer. Formulated with grape seed polyphenols meant to prevent oxidization and rosewater meant to keep your oil production under control.
Boscia Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer
The star ingredient in this moisturizer is Japanese green tea, which contributes to a matte complexion by controlling your skin's production of sebum (an oily substance). It also contains burdock root meant to soak up any excess oil and sodium hyaluronate for optimal hydration without the shine.
La Mer The Moisturizing Matte Lotion
Yes, spending $320 on a moisturizer is a huge ask. But if you have really oily skin, you won't be wasting a cent here. This mattifying moisturizer goes on super lightweight and uses a lime tree extract meant to protect against environmental aggressors for smooth, hydrated skin. It has a really nice matte finish to control any excess oil too.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifyng Moisturizer
According to the brand, this mattifying moisturizer contains Sebulyse technology, which is a formula made specifically to mattify excess oil and reduce the appearance of large pores. It also promises to refine the skin's texture and provide moisture.
"This moisturizer contains lipo hydroxy acid, which is a derivative of salicylic acid and functions as an acne-fighting chemical exfoliant. The product works great as an oil-fighting primer," Dr. Collins says.
Formula 10.0.06 Seriously Shine Free Moisturizer
Just because it's the most wallet-friendly item on this list doesn't mean it's the least effective. It contains aloe vera, which calms the skin and soothes out any dryness and irritation, and bamboo extract meant to control the shiniest parts of your face from making you look too greasy.
Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45
"This product contains avocado and African yellow wood bark extracts that can help regulate sebum production and minimize the appearance of pores," Dr. Turner says. "It contains oil-trapping microspheres that can reduce shine by absorbing sebum and it contains SPF to complete your morning step of sun protection."
Decorté Prime Latte Cream
"Rich in omegas that nourish the deeper layers of the skin, but with a whipped texture that melts into skin instantly leaving behind a feather-light texture, this night cream gives you the best of both finishes—intense nutrition with a matte finish," esthetician, Samantha Susca says.
Agent Nateur Holi (Créme) Filter Face Cream
Susca loves this moisturizer because it's made without petroleum and essential oils, but it still provides hydration without clogging your pores. "This moisturizer contains a revolutionary patented emollient that glides onto skin to deliver a matte finish, without compromising ultimate hydration and without clogging your pores," she says. One of her favorite parts: it gives "a blurred filter-effect on your skin, sans-makeup and sans-phone." She adds that it's formulated without fragrance or essential oils, "making it ideal for reactive and breakout-prone skin."
The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Control Gel Cream
This lightweight gel-cream contains sustainably sourced royal sugar kelp, which helps to balance oiliness and dryness by regulating sebum levels. It also contains a plant-derived prebiotic to help manage the good and bad bacteria on the skin's surface.
Bubble Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer
This lightweight moisturizer is made with hibiscus extract to help control sebum production and lilac extract to help mattify oily skin. It also contains celery seed extract to minimize the appearance of pores.
TRNR Skin Prebiotic Lipid Nourishing Moisturizer
This lightweight moisturizer features an airy, yet indulgent texture to deliver comforting, breathable hydration and moisture, which comes courtesy of humectants glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and sodium PCA plus emollients like ceramides, jojoba oil and squalane, Dr. Turner says. "It also features a blend of prebiotics, inulin and yacon root, which promote a healthier and more balanced microbiome. When your skin’s microbiome is optimized, your skin functions better, with fewer blemishes, balanced oil production and reduced redness and inflammation," he adds.
