A high-quality moisturizer is an essential part of any oily complexion skincare routine. Here is what you need to know to choose a facial moisturizer that balances and softens for healthy, glowy skin. 

Understanding Oily Skin

Put simply, the sebaceous glands in oily skin produce more sebum compared to other skin types. This can make the complexion look shiny, especially as the day goes on. Since there is an excess of oil, this skin type is also especially prone to enlarged pores and breakouts.  

It may seem counterintuitive, but oily skin needs a moisturizer just as much as other skin types. A good facial moisturizer for oily skin will both moisturize and hydrate the skin, and will support skin barrier health so that the skin is able to function optimally. It’s an essential product for balanced, healthy skin. 

Importance of Using the Right Moisturizer for Oily Skin 

For the best results, you’ll want to pick out a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. If you have oily skin, a formula specifically made for dry skin will feel heavy on the complexion, and will likely end up clogging your pores. The key is finding a formula that gives your skin the moisture that it needs without making the skin feel oilier than it already is. 

Factors to Consider

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for an oily skin moisturizer. First and foremost, you’ll want a formula that has a gel or lightweight cream texture. These types of moisturizers will support your skin without feeling too greasy or suffocating on the complexion. 

For the overall health of your skin, it is also best to stick with clean formulas. These will be free of additives that may aggravate the skin. 

Of course, it’s also crucial that you look for formulas made with ingredients that play well with oily skin. 

Ingredients to Look For

As you’re looking through ingredient labels, here are some standout ingredients that you’ll want to seek out to maintain healthy, strong skin:

Lightweight Oils: Certain oils can be great for oily skin, as they’ll help soften, moisturize, and nourish without feeling greasy. Some of our favorite non-greasy, nutrient-dense oils include jojoba, cranberry seed, and coriander seed oils.   

Humectants: Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are perfect for maintaining oily skin’s balance of hydration levels. These lightweight ingredients draw water to the skin, ensuring optimal hydration and comfort levels. 

Plant Extracts: Naturally-derived plant extracts can take a moisturizer to the next level, as they nourish, protect, and calm the skin. For oily skin, we especially love antibacterial and barrier-restoring sesame seed extract, as well as hydrating and soothing aloe. 

Ingredients to Avoid

There are also certain ingredients that you’ll want to avoid if you have oily skin, including:

Comedogenic Ingredients: Comedogenic ingredients are ingredients that are known to clog pores. They can be especially problematic for oily skin, since it’s already particularly prone to congestion and breakouts. Some of the most commonly used pore cloggers include coconut oil, shea butter, avocado oil, and algae extract. 

Alcohol: Alcohol (especially methanol, SD alcohol, ethyl alcohol, and alcohol denat) can dehydrate the skin, which can actually trigger oily skin to produce even more oil to overcompensate.

Parabens and Phthalates: It’s best to pass on formulas made with these additives, as they can dry out and aggravate the skin. 

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

If you’re ready to take your skincare routine to the next level, the best moisturizer for oily skin is the Freedom Day & Night Moisturizer. The clean and alcohol-free moisturizer combines lightweight oils, hydrators, and plant extracts to help hydrate and soften without weighing the skin down. Powered by our proprietary tri-peptide delivery system that allows the active ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin, it simultaneously helps improve elasticity and smooth the appearance of wrinkles for a youthful, bouncy complexion. 

Choosing the Right SPF

In order to maintain your skin’s health and protect it against harmful UV rays, it’s equally as important to find a daily sunscreen that feels good on your skin. When choosing a sunscreen that is suitable for oily skin, look for a clean, lightweight formula that is made without pore-clogging ingredients. If you want to really keep oil in check, you can also seek out a mattifying sunscreen that simultaneously controls excess sebum while defending the skin against the sun. 

Tips for Application

For optimal results, apply a thin, even layer of moisturizer to the face, neck, and chest both morning and night. During the daytime, allow the moisturizer to absorb into the skin for at least five minutes before applying your sunscreen. 

Finally, remember that consistency is key. With regular use of your oily skin-friendly moisturizer, you’ll be able to achieve and maintain healthy, soft, and hydrated skin that looks as good as it feels.