Look, we totally get it—if you happen to be dealing with the plight that is perpetually oily skin, moisturizing is likely the last thing you want to do. After all, your goal is to remove excess oil, not add more, right? Breaking news, though: Oily skin still needs moisture, and if you skip moisturizer, it's believed that your oil glands may potentially go into overdrive, producing more oil. As Alanis so eloquently said, isn’t it ironic?
"Many of those with oily skin do not realize that they still need to moisturize to help with the overall health, texture, and appearance of their skin," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein. "Not to mention that many moisturizers contain sunscreen, antioxidants, and anti-pollutants for an extra-protective barrier. For oily skin, and especially those who are acne-prone, it’s important to look for moisturizers labeled as oil-free or non-comedogenic.” The bottom line: You need to use a moisturizer regularly, no matter your skin type. The nuance lies in finding the right formula for you, particularly if you have an oily complexion.
What to Look For in a Drugstore Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Oil-free
It should go without saying that if you have oily skin, you do still need to use a moisturizer. However, you likely don’t need extra oil, so Dr. Marchbein recommends seeking out an oil-free formula. However, not all oils are created equal, and those that are generally considered non-comedogenic can also be a beneficial option—but more on those below.
Non-comedogenic
Since oily skin is more prone to clogged pores and breakouts, make sure the moisturizer you pick is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t gunk up your pores. If you do choose a formula that contains oil, Dr. Marchbein says to opt for oils that fall into this category. "Testing for comedogenicity is not standardized; however, certain oils like mineral oil and jojoba are virtually non-comedogenic, while others, like coconut oil, are extremely comedogenic," she says. With that in mind, definitely skip coconut oil-based formulas.
Lighter moisturizing ingredients
Rather than richer oils (remember, you’re going oil-free!) or butter, Dr. Marchbein says to seek out hydrating ingredients that are lighter in texture and feel. "Look for ceramides, glycerin, dimethicone, shea butter, petrolatum, and hyaluronic acid in the list of ingredients, as these are deeply hydrating even in a lighter lotion formulation," she says. Many of these ingredients work by attracting water to the skin and trapping it in without feeling too greasy or heavy.