What's the Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin?

Oily skin can have its own challenges, but with the right skincare routine, you’ll maintain healthy skin you can feel confident in. One crucial part of caring for oily skin is a good moisturizer.

It may seem counterintuitive but even oily skin needs proper hydration to stay healthy. The trick lies in choosing lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that won't clog pores or lead to excess oil production.

With all the options out there, it might seem overwhelming to find the best face moisturizer for oily skin, but we’re here to help. Learn more about using moisturizer on your oily skin and what to look for when updating your skincare regimen.

Should You Use Moisturizer If You Have Oily Skin?

One of the most widespread skincare myths is that those with oily skin don’t need to or shouldn’t wear moisturizer, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In certain cases, skipping moisturizer can cause skin to produce even more oil to compensate for lack of moisture and hydration in the skin.

Myth vs. Fact using moisturizer for oily skin

What Are the Benefits of Moisturizer for Oily Skin?

Here are some of the key benefits of moisturizer for oily skin:

  • Controls oil production: Moisturizing oily skin helps control sebum production rather than making it oilier. By providing adequate hydration, moisturizers prevent the sebaceous glands from going into overdrive.
  • Protects the skin: Moisturizers create a protective barrier against the elements and irritants, preventing them from clogging pores and causing skin damage.
  • Delays signs of aging: Regular moisturizing helps keep the skin smooth and supple, delaying the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Balances hydration: Oily skin doesn't necessarily mean well-hydrated skin. Moisturizers help retain water in the skin's outer layer, providing essential hydration without adding excess oil.
  • Prevents sebum overproduction: Using only oil-controlling products can lead to dehydration, causing sebaceous glands to overcompensate by producing more oil.
  • Reduces acne: By keeping the skin properly hydrated, moisturizers can help unclog pores and control excess sebum creation, which contributes to breakouts.
  • Soothes the skin: Moisturizers leave the skin feeling soft and comfortable throughout the day, and can help soothe irritation for those with sensitive skin.
  • Enhances skincare routine: A good moisturizer can help lock in serums and treatments, so they can effectively work on the skin.

How Often Should You Use Moisturizer If You Have Oily Skin?

It’s generally recommended to moisturize twice daily — once in the morning and once at night, even for those with oily skin. This routine helps maintain hydration levels and prevents your skin from overcompensating by producing excess oil.

Young Black man applying face moisturizer.

In the morning, apply your moisturizer after cleansing, but before sunscreen and makeup. At night, use it after cleansing to ensure your skin is free of dirt and debris. Opt for lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to hydrate without clogging pores.

Consistency is key, as a regular moisturizing routine can help balance oil production and keep your complexion healthy and refreshed.

What’s the Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin?

When it comes to shopping for a moisturizer–or any skincare solution for that matter–it can be overwhelming when you have nearly infinite options. If you’re looking for the best moisturizer for your oily skin, we recommend Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer.

Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer Benefits

Why Is Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer Recommended?

Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer is a versatile moisturizer that offers a multitude of benefits that support overall skin health, including:

  • Strengthens the skin barrier: The formula helps reinforce the skin's protective barrier, enhancing its resilience against environmental stressors.
  • Supports microbiome balance: It contains ingredients that promote a balanced skin microbiome, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
  • Hydrates without heaviness: Its emollient properties provide soothing moisture with a light, velvety finish, making it suitable for those who want their skin to feel hydrated without feeling greasy.
  • Refines skin texture: Regular use helps improve the overall texture of your skin, leaving it smoother and more refined.
  • Provides blue (HEV) light defense: The thoughtful formulation offers protection against blue (HEV) light, addressing modern skincare concerns.
  • Nourishes the skin: Once applied, this moisturizer immediately envelops the skin with nourishing ingredients, promoting overall skin health.
  • Versatile for all skin types: Its lightweight yet effective formula makes it suitable for various skin types, including those with oily or acne-prone skin.

With this expertly formulated moisturizer, you can achieve more plumped, vibrant, healthy, and youthful-looking skin.

How Do You Use Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer?

Thinking about integrating this into your skincare routine? Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the most effective way to use the Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer after you’ve washed your face and have applied any treatments you typically use.

Morning:

  1. Dispense 1-2 pumps of Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer onto your fingertips.

  2. Gently apply the moisturizer to your face, neck, and décolleté. Don't forget to use 1 pump for the back of your hands.

As part of your morning routine, follow up your moisturizer with a mineral sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.

Night:

  1. Use 1-2 pumps of Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer.

  2. Apply a few small dots to your face, neck, and décolleté. (You can also use 1 pump for the back of your hands.)

  3. Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin.

By incorporating Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer into both your morning and night routines, you ensure your skin stays hydrated, balanced, and protected throughout the day and night.

What Other Skincare Is Essential for Oily Skin?

Moisturizer is one piece of the puzzle; there’s a variety of other essentials you’ll want to include in a comprehensive skincare routine to balance and improve overall skin health. These treatments are oily-skin friendly:

Barrier Pro™ 1-Step Cleanser is actually designed to work together with the Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer. It’s suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, and helps remove impurities without stripping the skin's natural oils—a perfect addition to a gentle skincare routine.

For sun protection without added shine, Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Matte SPF 50 is a must-have. This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum sun protection with a matte finish, perfect for controlling excess oil throughout the day. Plus, you can pair with Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush a powder sunscreen formula designed to control shine and make reapplication throughout the day easy.

To further combat oiliness and create a smooth base for makeup, Mattifying Face Primer SPF 20 is your go-to. This primer not only extends your makeup wear, but it’s formulated with rice proteins and peptides to smooth and even your skin tone, and leaves a silky finish.

These skincare solutions work together to address the specific needs of oily skin and promote better overall skin health.

Red-haired woman sitting in bed drinking coffee while doing her skincare routine.

Are There Any Skincare Ingredients You Should Avoid When You Have Oily Skin?

There are a few skincare ingredients those with oily skin types should typically avoid, such as:

  • Heavy oils: Avoid or minimize use of products containing thick, comedogenic oils like coconut oil, mineral oil, or lanolin. These can clog pores and increase oiliness.
  • Alcohol-based products: While they may seem like they reduce oil initially, alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to increased sebum production over time.
  • Occlusive moisturizers: Rich, heavy creams that form a seal on the skin can trap oil and lead to clogged pores.
  • Harsh physical exfoliants: Rough scrubs can cause microtears in the skin and damage the skin barrier, potentially leading to more oil production.
  • Fragrances and essential oils: These can irritate oily skin and potentially contribute to breakouts.

Instead, look for skincare products that are:

  • Non-comedogenic: This means they're formulated not to clog pores, which is especially pertinent for oily skin types.
  • Oil-free: Opt for water-based or gel formulations that provide hydration without adding excess oil.
  • Lightweight: Choose products with lighter textures that won't feel heavy or greasy on your skin.
  • Formulated with beneficial ingredients: Look for products with salicylic acid, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid, which can help manage oily skin without causing irritation.

Remember, the best moisturizer for oily skin is not one that strips it entirely of oil, but balances the skin. Using the right products can help control excess sebum production while maintaining your skin's moisture barrier.

Dos and Don’ts for using moisturizer when you have oily skin

Personalize Your Skincare Regimen with the Right Moisturizer

Regardless of new teen skincare trends popping up online, moisturizer is always in vogue and an essential part of any skincare routine. If you have oily skin and are hesitant to use moisturizer, it’s understandable, but it’s essential to skin health–just make sure to keep the tips above in mind.

Beyond moisturizer, you can consider incorporating other treatments designed for oily skin, such as gentle cleansers, oil-control toners, and non-comedogenic, mineral sunscreens. Products like those in our skincare collection can offer effective solutions for managing oily skin while providing additional benefits like antioxidants and sun protection.

By tailoring your skincare regimen to your specific needs and consistently sticking to a routine, you can better care for your oily skin and achieve a more balanced and radiant complexion. Don't let misconceptions about moisturizing deter you – with the right approach, you'll start to see improvements in your skin's texture, tone, and overall health. Get started with Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer today.