13 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers for a Non-Greasy Feel
These lightweight moisturizers absorb quickly and won't leave you feeling oily.
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If you were ever told not to use face moisturizer because you have oily skin, it's time to change your mindset. Even if your skin is acne-prone, it's important to keep your skin hydrated. When it comes to oil-free moisturizers, though, much like the term "clean beauty," "oil-free" is not a regulated claim since there's no industry-wide accepted definition. "It can have many different meanings depending on who you talk to," says Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek.
Brands may claim that "a product can be 'oil-free' if it doesn’t contain any plant, animal or mineral oils. Others can take it a step further and claim that 'oil-free' suggests that it does not contain any oils, fats or waxes," Wnek explains. This type of misleading marketing leads to consumer confusion since these "oil-free" products may not actually address their skin concerns. As such, rather than shopping specifically for "oil-free moisturizers," Wnek suggests prioritizing "a product that doesn’t feel oily or greasy, absorbs quickly and is lightweight."
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has a century-long history of testing beauty products, including face moisturizers. Scientists in the Beauty Lab have tested everything from night creams to day creams with SPF, including the best moisturizers for oily skin and moisturizers for dry skin. In our most recent day cream test, scientists tallied 4,434 Lab data points to find the best moisturizers available. Ahead, we've rounded up Beauty Lab test winners, editor favorites and top-rated products from online shoppers to bring you the best lightweight moisturizers that tick all of those boxes.
Our top picks:
You can read more about how we evaluate face moisturizers in our Lab and consumer tests — plus everything you need to know to shop for your perfect lightweight moisturizer — at the end of this guide. And if you're looking for more face moisturizer options, check out our guides to the best tinted moisturizers and how to choose the right moisturizer for you.
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Night Cream
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Improves skin texture
Cons
- Fragranced
This GH Beauty Lab test winner earned perfect scores for not being greasy or irritating. With nourishing ingredients like resveratrol, hyaluronic acid and a vegan collagen alternative, this lightweight night cream firms skin overnight and was the best at improving skin texture over four weeks in Lab tests. "I didn't need to use a lot of this product and didn't leave my face feeling greasy," one tester noted. "I find that some products are too heavy for me to use in the summer months (when my skin isn't as dry), but I feel like this is a product that I could use year-round."
• Skin type: All
• Formula: Cream
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen alternative, squalane
RoC Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift 5 in 1 Night Cream
Pros
- Great texture
- Very absorbent
- Firming
Cons
- Not super moisturizing
This Beauty Lab-tested pick received top scores for absorbing quickly and having a non-tacky texture, earning a perfect score for the latter. With a combination of anti-aging and soothing ingredients like glycerin, this night cream is a favorite for someone seeking more firming benefits rather than moisture in their evening routine. Testers loved the texture, absorbency and scent of the night cream.
• Skin type: All
• Formula: Cream
• Key ingredients: Glycerin, antioxidants
TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Night Cream
Pros
- Won't clog pores
- Provides anti-aging benefits
Cons
This non-comedogenic moisturizer from Mary Kay was developed with oily and combination skin specifically in mind. Also a GH Seal Star, it contains vitamin B3 and peptides for anti-aging. Beauty Lab evaluations found that it absorbs quickly and feels non-greasy, and Lab data analysis confirmed that 85% of testers found it enhanced skin's youthful glow after five weeks of use.
• Skin type: Oily/combination
• Formula: Cream
• Key ingredients: Resveratrol, vitamin B3, peptides
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry
Pros
- Doesn't clog pores
- Great for dry skin
- Can be applied under makeup
Cons
This former Beauty Award-winning formula is a customer and editor go-to for good reason: With hyaluronic acid, this unique watery gel-cream hydrator keeps skin supple and quenched all day and is formulated especially for dry skin. It can be used on both face and neck, too. Beauty Lab evaluations confirmed that this product absorbs easily and is extremely moisturizing, keeping skin hydrated for 12 hours.
• Skin type: Dry
• Formula: Gel cream
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF
Pros
- Contains SPF 30
- Doesn't cause burning or stinging on skin
- Doesn't leave a white cast or residue
Cons
- Not sweat and water resistant
Ceramides and hyaluronic acid help restore the skin barrier in this Beauty Lab-tested moisturizer wtih SPF. With a lightweight finish, it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave you feeling tacky. In Beauty Lab testing, it earned perfect scores for not irritating, causing breakouts or causing redness on the skin across all skin types. "It goes on easily and absorbs quickly," a tester shared. "It wasn't greasy, didn't leave a white cast, and didn't interfere with my makeup. I tend to have sensitive skin, and didn't notice any reactions or issues while using this product."
• Skin type: All (however, note that Beauty Lab tests ranked this highest for dry skin testers)
• Formula: Lotion
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, SPF
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Combination Skin
Pros
- Good for acne-prone and sensitive skin
- Doesn't congest pores
Cons
A previous GH Beauty Award winner, this Neutrogena moisturizer relies on a lightweight formula to both moisturize dry spots and control shine in oilier areas. GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed it moisturizes for up to four hours and absorbed quickly, leaving a non-greasy finish that won't congest pores.
• Skin type: Combination
• Formula: Lotion
• Key ingredients: Glycerin
Julep Beauty No Excuses Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Gel for Face SPF 40
Pros
- Doesn't leave a white cast
- Won't irritate eyes
Cons
This sunscreen gel, a Beauty Lab test winner for facial sunscreens, received perfect scores among testers for not leaving a white cast, not stinging eyes and not causing breakouts, in addition to working well on oily/combination skin types. "The texture of the product was really nice – like a gel that was instantly absorbed," one tester explained. "It didn't leave any residue or film and wasn't sticky or tacky. It felt weightless."
• Skin type: All
• Formula: Gel
• Key ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, sunflower seed oil, rosehip oil
La Prairie Pure Gold Radiance Nocturnal Balm
Pros
- Hydrates skin all night
- Rich texture yet doesn't leave skin greasy
Cons
- Extremely expensive
La Prairie's newest night balm has a rich, luxurious texture yet doesn't feel heavy on skin. Specifically designed for customers with devitalized skin, it boosts cellular energy metabolism to help balance and replenish. Though not Lab tested, one editor uses this cream for her combination/oily, acne-prone skin, saying "it absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling hydrated all night and into the next day without causing breakouts."
• Skin type: All
• Formula: Balm
• Key ingredients: Glycerin, sunflower seed oil, glycoproteins, shea butter
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Moisturizes skin while delivering anti-aging benefits
Cons
Olay's retinol-infused moisturizer is a GH Seal Star and Beauty Lab test winner, earning top scores for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, making skin look brighter and making skin feel more moisturized. "This cream was emollient, but very light," one tester said. "As for the anti-aging part, it seemed to work as well as my prescription retinoid," another noted.
• Skin type: All
• Formula: Cream
• Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Deeply moisturizes
- Great for everyday use
Cons
- Pricey
The classic Kiehl's face cream is a favorite of consumers and beauty pros everywhere, including GH's Beauty Assistant. "It keeps my skin hydrated all day long without feeling heavy or greasy," she says. "It doesn't cause my acne-prone skin to break out." While we haven't Lab tested this pick, it claims to provide long-lasting lightweight moisture with proven hydrators glycerin and squalane.
• Skin type: All
• Formula: Cream
• Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, glycoproteins
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen
Pros
- SPF 50
- Doesn't leave a white cast
- Contains hydrating ingredients to moisturize face
Cons
- Pricey
Tatcha's fan-favorite mineral sunscreen continues to sell out and even garnered a waiting list that was thousands of people long when it first launched. And for good reason: The tinted moisturizer includes niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to keep skin super hydrated while protecting from the sun. It's even replaced primer for our GH Beauty Assistant who uses it under makeup to stay dewy and protected from the sun. "It layers amazingly under makeup or stands on its own," she says. "It's my go-to for pool or beach days when I don't want to wear a full face of makeup." This pick isn't Lab-tested, but it's editor-loved.
• Skin type: All
• Formula: Liquid
• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum
Pros
- Easy to apply and absorbs quickly
- Smooth texture
Cons
- May irritate skin
Reduce the appearance of pores and improve skin's texture with this GH Seal Star serum moisturizer. It contains retinyl palmitate, a retinol derivative, to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Testers enjoyed the texture of this product, with 95% agreeing it wasn't too thick or greasy and 91% agreeing that it absorbed quickly. However, some testers found the formula irritating and didn't see much of a difference in skin texture. "Absorbed very quickly," one tester shared. "I saw results within the first 10 days – smoother texture, wrinkles less visible."
• Skin type: All
• Formula: Serum
• Key ingredients: Retinyl palmitate, collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid
Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil Face
Pros
- Well-priced
- Has anti-aging benefits
Cons
This 2022 Beauty Award winner and GH Seal holder is a customer and Lab favorite. The multitasking anti-ager and moisturizer performed well in Lab testing. During tests, the Corneometer device, which gauges skin hydration levels, measured an 8% skin-moisture increase without feeling heavy. Two testers reported that their skin had a "healthy glow" and "the lines are gone!"
• Skin type: All
• Formula: Oil
• Key ingredients: Retinol, cocoa butter, vitamin C
How we choose the best "oil-free" moisturizers
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has run extensive tests on moisturizers, from anti-aging day and night creams to eye creams and more. The Lab has yet to run a specific oil-free or lightweight moisturizer test, but in our most recent day cream test, scientists tallied 4,434 Lab data points to find the moisturizers that really work.
In testing, Beauty Lab scientists use machines like the Corneometer, which measures testers' skin hydration levels before application and again six hours after to calculate how much the product has increased skin's moisture levels. Additionally, the Lab sends out label-masked product to consumers to test moisturizers without bias. Testers record their experiences, factoring in product absorption, texture, scent and the look and feel of skin after use. The Lab then aggregates and analyzes all the data to determine the best face moisturizers on the market.
What to look for when shopping for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer
✔️ Skin type: Rather than shopping for oil-free moisturizers, look for formulas that agree with your skin type.
- If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for products that are non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog pores. While this is important for any skin type, it's especially helpful for oily skin types.
- If you have dry skin, try seeking out occlusives (which create a barrier atop your skin to prevent moisture loss), emollients (like cocoa or shea butters) or products with ceramides.
- If you deal with sensitive skin, consider hypoallergenic formulas and search out key words on packaging such as "calming" and "soothing."
✔️ Product texture: To avoid that greasy, tacky feeling, Wnek suggests moisturizers that are lightweight and quick absorbing. "Generally, you want to look for products that are gels, lotions or serums in texture as these are thought to have lighter textures than thicker creams and balms," she says.
✔️ Ingredients: Look for lightweight but hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and squalane. Squalane oil, for example, is a hydrating yet lightweight oil found in many moisturizers. "Oils aren’t bad," explains Wnek. "Our skin secretes oil, i.e. sebum, for a reason: To protect, moisturize and keep skin functioning properly."
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This article was written by Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn, who worked closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. As someone who has dealt with oily skin, acne-prone skin and even dry skin in the winter, she's sampled dozens of lightweight moisturizers on herself, including several of the products listed in this roundup.
Malzahn partnered closely with Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek, who researched and recommended several lightweight moisturizers and provided context to the issue of using the term "oil-free." Wnek has been testing skincare products including but not limited to eye creams, serums, night creams, neck creams, facial oils and moisturizing creams for over seven years at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has experience in using specialized skin evaluation Lab equipment to gauge changes in skin moisturization, firmness and facial features like wrinkles and texture before and after product use.
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