11 Best Moisturisers for Oily Skin in Australia for 2025
Said to “tick all the boxes”, this $26 gel-cream hybrid is a must-try for those who suffer from oily skin.
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One of the biggest misconceptions about oily skin types is that you don’t need to be using moisturiser – but this is far from the truth.
According to dermatologist Dr Eshini Perera, “oily skin still requires hydration to maintain proper skin barrier function.”
“The stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin, requires a balanced level of water and lipids to function properly,” she explains. “A well-formulated moisturiser supports the skin barrier, particularly if you are using harsher anti-acne products at the same time.”
So with that being said, I’m here to help you find the best moisturiser for your oily skin, including a gel-cream hybrid that “ticks all the boxes” for five-star rating shoppers – and it’s only $26.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST MOISTURISERS FOR OILY SKIN
CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream, $25.99 at Priceline
Why we love it: Low price point and convenient pump-style packaging.
What to consider: Some users it didn’t help with sweaty faces.
Formulation: Gel-cream hybrid | Size: 52ml
What You Need To Know
CeraVe is widely regarded as the masters in moisturisers and creams, so it makes complete sense to see their pick for oily skin types is also loved by shoppers.
The CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream works hard to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier while also absorbing excess oil – and it also happens to be Dr Eshini’s top favourite.
“I recommend the Cerave Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream to my patients with oily skin, as it helps to rebalance oily skin.”
This is all thanks to the addition of niacinamide, silica and corn starch – plus the usual formulation of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated.
Five-star rating shoppers on Google Reviews claim that this cream “ticks all the boxes”.
“The Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream has truly been a game changer for my skin! One of the standout benefits is how effectively it contained the excess oil on my face,” said one rave reviewer.
Skinstitut Moisture Defence – Oily Skin, $59 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Packed with loads of skin-loving ingredients.
What to consider: Some user felt it took a long time to dry down.
Formulation: Cream | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
If you can’t find a moisturiser to suit your oily skin, this one from Skinstitut is specifically formulated for you. It’s packed with loads of natural extracts, and a bioactive complex, to hydrate the skin with antioxidants, without aggravating breakouts or pores.
The texture is also super lightweight so it doesn’t sit heavy on the skin.
It’s racked up majority positive reviews from Adore Beauty shoppers, with one commenting “it’s lightweight, controls oil, and helps maintain a fresh, shine-free complexion. Perfect for oily skin!”
Skinfix Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream, $83 at Sephora
Why we love it: The lightweight formula really focuses on skin barrier protection.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Gel-cream | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
The Skinfix Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream has well over 1000 five-star ratings on the Sephora website, making it a popular pick for those with oily skin types.
Rave reviewers claim its “amazing” for acne-prone, sensitive and oily skin types, and it’s all thanks to the formulation.
The gel-cream hybrid moisturiser features saccharide isomerate, niacinamide, heptapeptides and zinc PCA to really help hydrate the skin without compromising the natural moisture barrier.
BEST GEL MOISTURISERS FOR OILY SKIN
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser, $57 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: You can also purchase a refill pod, so it’s a win for sustainability!
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Gel | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
Another moisturiser specifically created for oily skin types, the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser offers hydration without making you feel greasy.
The lightweight formula is created with blue hyaluronic acid and mint leaf extract to soothe and hydrate the skin at the same time – perfect if you’re looking to target dullness and dehydration.
One rave reviewer from Adore Beauty claims the “lightweight formula is great for combination skin”.
Why we love it: Super budget-friendly and you can often find it on sale.
What to consider: Nothing we can fault.
Formulation: Gel | Size: 50g
What You Need To Know
One of the most popular – and most affordable – gel moisturisers on the market is this winner from Neutrogena. The Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel is a lightweight water gel that feels practically invisible on the skin, while also delivering a load of hydration.
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, amino acids and electrolytes to hydrate and strengthen your skin barrier, this budget-friendly option is sure to target the most oiliest of skin types.
BEST MOISTURISER FOR OILY AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN TYPES
Caudalie Vinopure Moisturising Mattifying Fluid, $58 at Sephora
Why we love it: The formula is designed to feel really refreshing for oily skin types.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Lotion | Size: 40ml
What You Need To Know
Said to be “very hydrating and lightweight” by five-star rating Sephora shoppers, Caudalie’s Vinopure Skin Perfecting Mattifying Fluid is a refreshing fluid-like texture that offers all-day hydration without any unwanted shine.
Perfect if you suffer from both oil and acne-prone skin, it’s formulated with Java Tea extract to regulate oil production and both grape water and olive squalane to really hydrate and calm the skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat, $37.95 at Priceline
Why we love it: The oil-free moisturiser’s primary benefit is to mattify the skin.
What to consider: Not suitable for those with normal to dry skin types.
Formulation: Cream | Size: 40ml
What You Need To Know
The Effaclar line is popular for those with oily skin types, so the Effaclar Mat moisturiser makes complete sense – it’s packed with a key ingredient called sebulyse, which is a sebum-regulating active ingredient that really treats excess oil. Added glycerine and thermal spring water help to ensure the skin stays soothed and hydrated.
The lightweight, breathable formula is also non-comedogenic, perfect if you’re prone to breakouts and congestion – which a lot of people with oily skin are.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY MOISTURISER FOR OILY SKIN
thirst trap moisturiser, $34.95 at tbh skincare
Why we love it: Great price point and you get a lot of product for what you’re paying.
What to consider: May not be the best for sensitive skin types.
Formulation: Cream | Size: 100ml
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a simple daily moisturiser that’s lightweight enough for oily skin types, the thirst trap moisturiser from tbh skincare is a great pick.
Providing barrier support and all-day hydration, this $35 cream has five-star rating shoppers “absolutely obsessed”.
“At first I was unsure on the texture because it was a bit thicker than I was expecting but the results in the morning after putting it in changed my mind … I feel super hydrated,” said one happy reviewer.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan, $21.30 at The Ordinary
Why we love it: Affordable, vegan and cruelty-free.
What to consider: Some users found the formula to feel too sticky.
Formulation: Gel | Size: 100ml
What You Need To Know
The Natural Moisturising Factors + Beta Glucan Moisturiser from The Ordinary is another popular lightweight gel texture. It’s perfect for all skin types, but the non-greasy formula means it works extra great for those with oily skin.
It’s formulated with a blend of natural moisturising factors, beta glucan and ceramides to support the skin’s natural hydration barrier.
One five-star rating shopper on The Ordinary’s website commented, “this leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated, but not heavy or oily at all. Great daytime moisturiser under SPF & makeup. And you can’t beat that price! Highly recommend!”
BEST HIGH-END MOISTURISER FOR OILY SKIN
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, $72 at Kiehl’s
Why we love it: Offers a refreshing cooling effect to the skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Gel-cream | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
Kiehl’s is another brand that’s known for their cult-fave moisturisers, and this version for oily skin types is a must-try.
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.5 out of five from almost 1000 reviews on the Kiehl’s website – so you could say it’s a very loved option.
The oil-free gel cream hybrid delivers a refreshing and cooling effect, while also providing loads of lightweight hydration. It’s also been clinically proven to offer shine-free hydration in heat and humidity – perfect if you’re about to go on a tropical vacation.
Benefit The POREfessional Smooth Sip Moisturiser, $69 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Specifically designed to minimise the look of enlarged pores.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Gel-cream | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
If you didn’t know iconic beauty brand Benefit Cosmetics also did skincare, then now you do – and you should start with the POREfessional Smooth Sip Moisturiser.
Specifically formulated to target enlarged pores, it’s formulated with niacinamide, squalane, celery seed extract and flax seed extract to hydrate the skin and make it appear more even.
It’s designed to glide on effortlessly and feel super lightweight on the skin. The gentle texture also promises to leave a refreshing effect, perfect if your skin is looking and feeling a little lacklustre.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A MOISTURISER FOR OILY SKIN
When choosing moisturisers for oily skin to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Price: You don’t have to break the bank to moisturise your oily skin – we’ve included options under $30 but if you feel like splurging, we’ve also found some fabulous high-end picks too.
Formula: Oilier skin types are more suited towards lightweight and gel-cream formulas.
Ingredients: Certain ingredients work better for oily skin types – think niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and salicylic acid.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of moisturisers available, it’s impossible to test every product out there. To help you find the best moisturiser to combat oily skin, we read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best moisturiser for oily skin types.
We also spoke to dermatologist Dr Eshini Perera to understand why oily skin types need to be incorporating moisturier into their skincare routine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MOISTURISER FOR OILY SKIN TYPES?
Dr Eshini explains, “moisturising oily skin requires a delicate balance between adequate hydration and oil control.”
“I often describe dealing with oily skin (and often the acne that comes with it) as ‘walking a tight-rope’. Too much hydration and moisture can result in clogged pores, however, trying to strip the skin of oil can lead to irritation, itching and sensitivity. The ideal moisturiser should support the skin barrier, without clogging the pores.”
When choosing the right moisturiser for your skin type, you should also consider your age, lifestyle and the season, as all these factors can play a part.
Oily skin types would also benefit from non-comedogenic.
“This means that the product has been formulated with ingredients that are not at risk of clogging your pores,” says Dr Eshini.
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE GOOD FOR OILY SKIN TYPES?
Dr Eshini recommends the following ingredients for oily skin types:
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – “This ingredient has been shown to reduce sebum production, in clinical studies. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help with the appearance of acne.”
- Hyaluronic Acid – “A humectant is an ingredient that attracts and holds onto water. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that retains water within the stratum corneum (the top layer of skin) without adding oiliness. It also helps maintain skin elasticity.”
- Salicylic Acid – “This ingredient absorbs well in lipids (lipophilic) and therefore penetrates the sebaceous glands and dissolves excess sebum. It also prevents clogged pores It also has keratolytic properties, meaning that it can help gently exfoliate dead skin cells.”
- Ceramides – “These are a key component of the skin’s moisture barrier. Maintenance of this natural barrier helps keep the skin looking healthier.”
WHAT SORT OF INGREDIENTS SHOULD OILY SKIN TYPES AVOID?
When it comes to oily skin, certain ingredients can increase oil, cause congestion and blocked pores or disrupt your skin barrier.
Dr Eshini recommends avoiding very thick and heavy occlusive oils & butters (think coconut oil or lanolin), petroleum-based ingredients, excessive silicones and denatured alcohol & ethanol-based products.
ARE GEL OR CREAM MOISTURISERS BETTER FOR OILY SKIN TYPES?
Dr Eshini prefers gel-based moisturisers for oily skin because of their lightweight, water-based formulations.
More Coverage
“They minimise occlusion while providing hydration. Gel-based formulations also absorb quickly, which prevents a greasy residue. They are also less likely to block follicles and cause pimples and blackheads.”
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