My Oily Skin Never Stood a Chance Against Summer Until I Made This Simple Tweak to My Skincare Routine
I've had oily skin for as long as I can remember, so I know just how frustrating it can be sometimes. I feel like I'm constantly shiny, my pores feel clogged the minute I apply any kind of skincare product and I'm always battling breakouts and blemishes. That being said, I also suffer from dry patches on my cheeks and chin, so finding one of the best moisturisers for my skin has been no mean feat. Sure, I want a moisturiser for glowing skin, but I also want one that feels hydrating without feeling greasy. Enter the best oil-free moisturisers.
If you're not yet familiar with this product, then you've come to the right place. Swapping my usual moisturiser for one specifically formulated without oil has been a huge game-changer for me. These moisturisers are now my secret to getting hydrated, glowing skin without feeling greasy, oily or shiny throughout the day. In fact, I love them so much that I've rounded up the best oil-free moisturisers below, and I've also spoken to top skin experts to find out how these products can benefit oily skin types.
I have oily skin that can get very shiny throughout the day.
What Is an Oil-Free Moisturiser?As the name suggests, these moisturisers have been formulated without oil. "Oil-free moisturisers are typically less greasy in formulation than other moisturisers and as such, can help to reduce flare-ups of acne and improve the appearance of enlarged pores, both of which can be caused by excess sebum production," says consultant dermatologist, Dr Derrick Phillips.
There's often a misconception that if you have excess sebum, you should skip moisturiser altogether, but that's simply not the case. "If you are struggling with pesky blemishes or acne, it means your skin is overproducing oil, so the last thing you want to do is layer even more oil on top of that and risk aggravating skin further, but it doesn't mean you can skip your moisturiser altogether," Kate Somerville, esthetician to the stars and founder of Kate Somerville Skincare, tells me. "Your skin still needs hydration and certain things from a moisturiser to keep it looking healthy without being greasy or oily."
I've been busy putting the best oil-free moisturisers to the test.
Who Should Use an Oil-Free Moisturiser?While many skincare oil ingredients make for great moisturisers for dry skin, they aren't always great for everyone. "Many people assume that oil-free moisturisers are just for people with oily skin, and that’s certainly not the case," explains Dr Phillips. "While they are particularly beneficial to people with oily, stressed or combination skin, they can actually be used by anyone. The fact that they’re lightweight and absorb quickly makes them perfect for anyone wanting a hydrating daytime moisturiser that can also be worn under makeup."
Somerville agrees. "[These moisturisers] are great primarily for oily or breakout-prone skin types, but also make an amazing base for makeup! If you want something lightweight or long-lasting, they will help prevent that typical t-zone oiliness throughout the day," she says. "They also make great summer and holiday moisturisers when your skin is in need of something a little lighter during the day in a hotter climate."
So yes, they are one of the best moisturisers for oily skin, but they can also be used by all skin types when you want someting more lightweight.
Some of my favourite oil-free moisturisers that I am using at the moment.
The Best Oil-Free Moisturisers 20251. Tatcha The Water CreamAt Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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