Best water-based moisturisers for oily skin: 6 top picks (2024)

Moisturising your skin is essential to maintain the hydration level of your skin. So, try the best water-based moisturisers for oily skin.

Have you been ignoring the moisturisation step in your skincare routine because you have oily skin? If yes, you are depriving your skin of proper hydration and nourishment. Moisturisers hold the water in your skin and keep it hydrated without giving it a greasy feel. But if you still feel reluctant about including moisturisers while caring for your oily skin, use the water-based option once. They are infused with the goodness of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, witch hazel and more. These products offer lightweight hydration to your skin without adding excess oil. Their non-comedogenic formula ensures that they won’t clog pores, which makes them suitable for oily skin. So, include the best water-based moisturisers for oily skin in your daily routine to improve your skin texture, appearance and overall health.

6 best water-based moisturisers for oily skin

Moisturisers for oily skin may help control oil, soothe your inflamed skin and improve your skin care routine. So, check out this list of the best water-based moisturisers for oily skin in India:

1. Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Gel Face Moisturiser

Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Gel Face Moisturiser promises to nourish your skin from within. Packed with the goodness of panthenol, hyaluronic acid, zinc and betaine, this water-based moisturiser for oily skin may reduce trans epidermal water loss. It may hydrate your skin, control sebum production and prevent premature signs of ageing. The brand claims that its product is free from fragrance, sulphate, paraben, dyes and essential oils, which makes it safe to use.

2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Moisturiser

If you are looking for oil-free moisturisers for oily skin, this one from Neutrogena might be a good choice for you. Packed with the goodness of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene and octisalate, this moisturiser promises to provide 24 hours long hydration. It also contains SPF 15 that can protect your skin against sun damage, leaving it soft and smooth. This dermatologically-tested product is lightweight, non-greasy and non-comedogenic.

3. Sotrue Ceramide Gel Face Moisturiser for Oily Skin

Sotrue Ceramide Gel Face Moisturiser for Oily Skin absorbs quickly and is gentle on the skin. This lightweight moisturiser doesn’t feel sticky on the skin, making it look refreshed and radiant. Infused with the goodness of green tea, squalane and ceramide, this product promises to protect the skin barrier and keep your skin moisturised for up to 24 hours.

4. Dot & Key 72 Hours Hydrating Gel Moisturiser

Dot & Key 72 Hours Hydrating Gel Moisturiser contains hyaluronic acid that may help lock in water molecules and provide long-lasting hydration. It is enriched with the goodness of probiotics that can restore and balance your skin’s microbiome level and improve your skin health. Regular use of this moisturiser may also enhance the natural defence mechanism of your skin, making it healthier and more resilient. The presence of Japanese rice in this product may help calm redness, irritation and inflammation related acne. The brand also claims that its product is free from sulphate, mineral oils, essential oils, cruelty and paraben.

5. The Skin Story Aqua Boost All Day Moisturiser

The Skin Story Aqua Boost All Day Moisturiser promises to deeply moisturise your skin, refines pores and tighten your skin. Packed with the goodness of witch hazel, prebiotics and sodium PCA, this moisturiser can balance the bacteria on your skin and provide long-lasting hydration. The brand states that its product is free from paraben, cruelty and sulphate, which makes it safe to use.

Also Read: Best moisturisers for dry skin: 6 top picks to keep skin soft and smooth

6. Nua Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser

Nua Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser is lightweight and fast-absorbing that may help hydrate, calm and strengthen the skin barrier. BY preventing the oil production, this product may help control acne formation and prevent future breakouts. It is loaded with niacinamide, ceramides and vitamin E that can enhance your skin health. The brand claims that its product is free from paraben, sulphate and artificial colours that make it perfect for oily skin.

What are the benefits of water-based moisturisers for oily skin?

From hydrating your skin to preventing acne formation, water-based moisturisers have several benefits for oily skin.

  • Provides lightweight hydration: Unlike oil-based or heavy cream formulas, water-based moisturisers offer deep hydration without making your skin feel greasy or sticky.
  • Non-comedogenic formulas: Most of these moisturisers are non-comedogenic in nature, which means, they won’t clog pores. This makes them a safe option for oily skin as they will get intense hydration without worrying about pore blockage and acne formation.
  • Regulate sebum production: Regular use of these products may help replenish the skin’s moisture levels without adding excess oil. They also help to regulate sebum production, which prevents your skin from feeling oily and greasy.
  • Calms your skin: The anti-inflammatory properties of these moisturisers can help provide a soothing effect to your skin and calm the redness, irritation and inflamed skin.
  • Provides protection: Most of these moisturisers are packed with SPF that can help protect your skin from sun damage.

Health Shots Recommends: 5 best moisturisers for acne prone skin

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • Are water-based moisturisers good for oily skin?

Water-based moisturisers are a good option for oily skin as they help maintain the hydration level of your skin without leaving any greasy residue. According to a study published in the Clinical Medicine & Research, water-based moisturisers contain cooling properties that can help reduce itch symptoms.

  • Should I avoid moisturiser if I have oily skin?

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using moisturisers daily irrespective of skin type. So, use oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturisers to keep your skin hydrated and nourished from within.

(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)

Best water-based moisturisers for oily skin: 6 top picks (2024)

FAQs

Best water-based moisturisers for oily skin: 6 top picks? ›

When it comes to water-based moisturizer for oily skin, look for one with a matte (a.k.a. non-shiny) finish. An oil-free water-based moisturizer could be a good option for oily skin—and we just so happen to have one for you!

Is water-based moisturizer good for oily skin? ›

When it comes to water-based moisturizer for oily skin, look for one with a matte (a.k.a. non-shiny) finish. An oil-free water-based moisturizer could be a good option for oily skin—and we just so happen to have one for you!

Which based moisturizer is best for oily skin? ›

Packed with salicylic acid and a non-comedogenic formula, Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Facial Moisturizer proved to be the ultimate drugstore option for those with oily skin in our tests. The moisturizer's lightweight texture glided seamlessly onto the skin, providing an incredibly refreshing sensation upon application.

How do I find the right moisturizer for oily skin? ›

“Lightweight moisturizers tend to work best for those with oily skin,” Rebecca Marcus, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MaeiMD, tells PEOPLE. “Look for a noncomedogenic moisturizer with a light texture that absorbs well into the skin.

Is hydrating or moisturizing better for oily skin? ›

Yes, oily skin still needs moisturizer because it helps regulate oil production. Not moisturizing can cause your skin to produce more oil to hydrate itself. Did you know that oil is one of your skin's most valuable assets? With the right amount, your skin can ward off wrinkles and keep it smooth and moist.

Does oily skin need hyaluronic acid? ›

Yes — definitely. Hyaluronic acid is a key component in moisture retention for your skin, and when you eliminate dry skin, you get rid of many of the underlying causes for those dry cells to build up and cause oil production to go into overtime. So using hyaluronic acid could potentially help with oily skin.

Which moisturizers do dermatologists recommend? ›

Best moisturizers for dry skin: 9 Dermatologist picks
  • Wederm Restorative Lipid Replenishing Cream.
  • Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream.
  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
  • Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
  • Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer with Squalane.
  • Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream.
Jan 10, 2023

Is CeraVe good for oily skin? ›

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is great for normal to oily skin. Its formulation contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and niacinamide to calm the skin.

What ingredients should I avoid in moisturizer for oily skin? ›

5 Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Oily Skin
  • Occlusive Ingredients.
  • Oleic Oils.
  • Alcohol-Based Products.
  • Silicones.
  • Oxybenzone and Octyl Methoxycinnamate.
Feb 8, 2024

Is Vitamin C good for oily skin? ›

Vitamin C is a great ingredient to look out for in oily skin products for your face as it helps to draw moisture to skin cells, which helps the skin retain moisture. This stops the sebaceous glands overproducing oil and leaves skin happy and healthy.

Do dermatologists recommend CeraVe or Cetaphil? ›

CeraVe and Cetaphil are both dermatologist-recommended brands, and most of their products are fragrance-free, which is helpful for sensitive skin types. They make products such as: Facial cleansers and face washes. Moisturizing creams.

What is the best budget moisturizer for acne? ›

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

The Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer is one such product, and it's extremely affordable, too. This two-in-one acne treatment and moisturizer includes 0.5% salicylic acid to help unclog pores from blackheads and whiteheads and prevent new clogs and acne from forming.

Is water base good for oily skin? ›

Water based foundations

They are best suited for oily skin as they are very light on the skin and will not clog pores. You can also use them on dry skin as they provide excellent moisturisation. They give a very sheer effect and seem like a second skin on your face.

Is gel or water based moisturizer better for oily skin? ›

Since gel moisturizers are water-based and contain nourishing ingredients, they can instantly hydrate your skin and make it look fresh and radiant. So, if you're one with oily but dull and dehydrated skin, try adding a gel moisturizer to your regular skincare routine right now.

How do you know if moisturizer is oil based or water based? ›

If the main ingredient is listed as water, it's a moisturizer that is considered water-based. If you take a look at the list of ingredients and something like almond oil, jojoba oil, or any other oil is listed first, you can safely assume the product is an oil-based moisturizer.

What skin type is water based moisturizer? ›

Whether your skin is normal, oily, dry, or very, very dry, a water-based moisturizer could be the source of hydration your skin's been craving. Our Hydra Genius line of water-based moisturizers offer a “boost” of H2O, delivering much-needed hydration.

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