My oily skin always struggled during the summer until I made this easy adjustment to my skincare routine.

      I've had oily skin for as long as I can remember, so I fully understand how frustrating it can be at times. I often feel excessively shiny, my pores become clogged as soon as I use any type of skincare product, and I'm always contending with breakouts and blemishes. However, I also experience dry patches on my cheeks and chin, which makes finding one of the best moisturisers for my skin a real challenge. While I want a moisturiser that promotes a glowing complexion, I also need one that offers hydration without a greasy feel. That’s where the best oil-free moisturisers come into play. If you’re not already familiar with these products, you’re in the right place. Switching my usual moisturiser for one specifically designed without oil has been a transformative experience for me. These moisturisers are now my secret to achieving hydrated, glowing skin without the greasy, oily, or shiny finish that lasts throughout the day. In fact, I’m such a fan that I’ve compiled a list of the best oil-free moisturisers below, and I've also consulted leading skin experts to learn how these products can benefit oily skin types.

      What Is an Oil-Free Moisturiser? As the name implies, these moisturisers are formulated without oil. "Oil-free moisturisers typically have a less greasy formulation compared to traditional moisturisers and can help diminish acne flare-ups and improve the look of enlarged pores, which can result from excess sebum production," explains consultant dermatologist Dr. Derrick Phillips. There’s a common misconception that if you have excess sebum, you should skip moisturising altogether, but that isn’t true. "If you’re dealing with annoying blemishes or acne, it indicates that your skin is producing too much oil, so you certainly don’t want to layer more oil on top of that, risking further irritation. However, you can’t completely skip moisturisation," Kate Somerville, aesthetician to celebrities and founder of Kate Somerville Skincare, shares with me. "Your skin still requires hydration and certain benefits from a moisturiser to maintain a healthy appearance without becoming greasy or oily."

      Who Should Use an Oil-Free Moisturiser? While many oily ingredients make excellent moisturisers for dry skin, they aren't always suitable for everyone. "Many people mistakenly believe that oil-free moisturisers are exclusively for those with oily skin, which is not the case," Dr. Phillips explains. "They are especially advantageous for individuals with oily, stressed, or combination skin, but can actually be used by anyone. Their lightweight nature and rapid absorption make them ideal for anyone seeking a hydrating daytime moisturiser that can also be worn under makeup." Somerville concurs, stating, "[These moisturisers] are particularly beneficial for oily or breakout-prone skin types, but they also serve as an excellent makeup base! If you’re looking for something lightweight or long-lasting, they help mitigate the typical t-zone oiliness throughout the day." She adds that they make great summer and holiday moisturisers for when your skin craves something lighter during warmer weather.

      So yes, they are among the best moisturisers for oily skin, but they are also suitable for all skin types if you desire something more lightweight.

      Here are some of my current favorite oil-free moisturisers:

      The Best Oil-Free Moisturisers 2025

      1. Best oil-free moisturiser overall: Tatcha The Water Cream

      2. Best affordable oil-free moisturiser: CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream

      3. Best luxury oil-free moisturiser: Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream

      4. Best mattifying oil-free moisturiser: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat

      1. Tatcha The Water Cream

      Best Hydrating Oil-Free Moisturiser

      This is undoubtedly my all-time favorite oil-free moisturiser. Tatcha's Water Cream is perfect for those with oily skin who still want a hydrating and dewy base. It is filled with skin-loving ingredients like calming leopard lily and wild rose, which help control excess oil. Plus, it includes 23-karat gold for that extra glow. It boasts an incredibly lightweight and refreshing texture that leaves your skin feeling silky soft but not greasy; it leans more towards being a gel rather than a cream. I enjoy applying this under makeup or using it as my nighttime moisturiser when I prefer something lighter.

      2. CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream

      Best Affordable Oil-Free Moisturiser

      Next in line is an essential affordable moisturiser for me. Honestly, I can’t imagine being without this product, especially during the summer months. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly into the skin, and the pump makes it easy to apply whenever I need a moisture boost. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and ceramides for excellent hydration, but it also features oil-absorbing technology to keep shine in check throughout the day. I consistently reach for this in the mornings before applying foundation for a flawless