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20 of the *very* best oil-free moisturisers for every skin concern

Whether you're acne prone, or sensitive there's something here for everyone

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Looking for a new moisturiser but want something lightweight that won't leave you greasy? Enter: our oil-free moisturiser edit (which won't break you out or break the bank).

Contrary to what you might believe, oily skin still needs hydration, just a different kind via different ingredients. It doesn’t matter how shiny you feel like your face is, by skipping an essential part of your skincare routine you’re undoubtedly doing more harm than good.

While you might not think of your skin as dry, it's most probably dehydrated, and that goes for all of us *ups water intake immediately*. Without adding that lost moisture back into your skin, you'll produce excess oil to compensate, causing breakouts and the circle of oiliness continues.

The good news is there really is something for everyone. From oil-free moisturisers for acne-prone complexions to oil-free moisturisers with SPF, or whether you’re battling blemishes or overly slick skin, we've got you covered. Don’t stress about the spend, either. An oil-free moisturiser doesn't have to cost the earth. There are some fantastic, purse-friendly formulas by cult brands the internet is obsessed with, such as CeraVe and The Inkey List.

If you can afford to spend a little more on your skincare, there's the Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly, which I would not be without come summer, not to mention Glossier's Priming Moisturiser Balance which is the perfect base for your makeup.

Not a single one of these moisture givers will clog pores or break you out, so fear not and treat your skin to that daily dose of hydration it's so desperate for. Stock up on some skincare staples below...

1

BYOMA Moisturising Gel Cream

BYOMA Moisturising Gel Cream
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BYOMA Moisturising Gel Cream

Now 20% Off
£10 at Cult Beauty£12 at Boots£12 at Sephora
Credit: Courtesy of brand

Byoma is a brand that has quickly become one of our faves. And that's not only down to their budget-friendly beauties but their dedication to creating barrier-boosting and acne-friendly formulas.

Their gel cream is a moisturising cocktail boasting two hero ingredients: niacinamide and green tea — the perfect recipe for oily skin types that also crave some hydrating TLC!

2

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion with Ceramides for Normal to Dry Skin 52ml

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion with Ceramides for Normal to Dry Skin 52ml
2

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion with Ceramides for Normal to Dry Skin 52ml

Credit: Courtesy of brand

With its cooling hydration and a non-comedogenic formula (bingo!), CeraVe's moisturising face lotion has added benefits that make it suitable for those who are blemish-prone.

Think: ceramides (aka long-chain lipids that work to lock in moisture) and hyaluronic acid (the sponge attracting and retaining moisture in your skin).

3

versed Versed Dew Point moisturizing gel cream

Versed Dew Point moisturizing gel cream
3

versed Versed Dew Point moisturizing gel cream

Credit: Courtesy of brand

Green tea and aloe vera juice are an ace combo for soothing skin as well as replenishing lost moisture in the skin.

The texture is jelly-like too so it feels lush to apply and leaves skin looking bouncy and dewy.

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4

La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT

La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT

Credit: Courtesy of brand

While I, admittedly, don't always know what La Roche-Posay's product names mean (baso, 'Effaclar MAT' has gone straight over my head) what I do know fo' sure is that their products are a match made in heaven for my oily skin.

Although I don't necessarily want to add any more oil onto my sensitive, acne-prone face, what I do, in fact, need (as does everyone else) is hydration and moisture. And with this trusted hero, I get just that.

If, like us, you're a little bit Hyram obsessed, you should know that this particular oil-free moisturiser by First Aid Beauty made his top moisturisers of 2020 list. And is my personal fav, too – if you cared to know... That sold it to you already, right?!

This is super-light, gel-cream hybrid formula is perfect for anyone who struggles to find a comfortable summer moisturiser or for those like me, who suffer with excess sebum and clogged pores.

6

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer
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Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer

Now 44% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brand

*Tries to not sing Watermelon Sugar at the top our lungs*

Think of this like the tallest drink of thirst quenching natural fruit juice for your skin. The formula includes restoring and complexion-saving antioxidants and vitamins, plus the hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrating for the day to come.

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7

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream

Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream
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Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream

Credit: Courtesy of Brand

Yes, the corrector is all over Tik Tok but this gel-cream is where it's at for lightweight hydration. Naturally, it also calms all signs of sensitivity and irritation thanks to the handy helping of its Centella Rx complex which includes the tiger grass that the range is famed for.

8

Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturiser

Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturiser
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Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturiser

Credit: Courtesy of brand

At a hefty £65, this is a pricer option but it's packed with ingredients that justify it. Amino acids help diminish the appearance of fine lines, while algae helps improve firmness, elasticity and tone.

It's a myth that oily skin doesn't need hydration, in fact if you strip the skin it will send your oil production into overdrive. Which is why the oil-absorbing spheres in here are vital at keeping skin not only matte but hydrated, too.

9

Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly

Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
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Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly

Now 29% Off
Credit: Clinique

Whether you suffer with acne-prone skin, or whether you're just looking to switch to a lighter moisturiser as the seasons change, Clinique's Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly is what you need in your life.

Not only does the water-jelly consistency have an instant cooling effect on skin, but the sunflower seed, barley and cucumber extract, work with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and improve your skin barrier.

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10

Caudalie Skincare Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturiser

On Sale
Caudalie Skincare Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturiser
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Caudalie Skincare Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturiser

Now 20% Off

This oil-free moisturiser by Caudalíe contains niacinamide (an all round skin hero). It's brightening abilities come from both this and an ingredient called viniferine - a molecule that brightens and helps to even out dark spots.

As well as helping with hyperpigmentation, this moisturiser is super hydrating and nourishing thanks to the additions of squalane and hyaluronic acid.

11

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream
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Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream

Now 20% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brand

With imperata cylindrica root extract, antarcticine and cucumber this moisturiser will leave you feeling cool, smooth and hydrated.

You know in the summer when you fancy being boujee so you put springs of mint and slices cucumber in your water and somehow it makes you feel more hydrated? This is like that but, you know, for your face.

12

Paula's Choice Clear Moisturiser SPF30

Paula's Choice Clear Moisturiser SPF30
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Paula's Choice Clear Moisturiser SPF30

Credit: Courtesy of brand

It's no secret that beauty editors are OBSESSED with skincare brand Paula's Choice.

Her ingredient transparency and trusted formulations have earned her that respect and her Clear Moisturiser is one of our favourites thanks to its non-greasy feeling and anti-oxidant benefits.

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13

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance
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Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance

Credit: Courtesy of brand

We were one of the first people to try Glossier's moisturiser formula (you can read that review here) and to say we were impressed is an understatement.

Designed specifically for oily skin, it controls oil without that heavy silicone feeling that other oil-control products have.

It contains hero ingredient niacinamide that, amongst a host of other benefits, evens skin tones and minimises the appearance of pores. Prepare to meet your new favourite daily moisturiser.

14

Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturiser

Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturiser
14

Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturiser

Credit: Courtesy of brand

Summer Fridays is the luxe skincare brand that gained cult status with its infamous Jet Lag Masque. Their Cloud Dew Cream Moisturiser is every bit as heavenly as it sounds thanks to the three different weights of hyaluronic acid that plump your skin with all the moisture it needs.

15

Dermalogica Active Moist

Dermalogica Active Moist
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Dermalogica Active Moist

Credit: Courtesy of brand

Did you know uneven skin is a sign of dehydration? Dermalogica's lightweight moisturiser makes use of botanical extracts burdock, lemon and cucumber as well as prebiotics to improve the texture and moisture levels within the skin. Known for their anti-inflammatory action, prebiotics help keep your complexion balanced and provide protection against external aggressors like pollution.

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16

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser
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Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser

Credit: Farmacy

Each one of Farmacy's efficacious formulas are powered by plants, which means that they're free from any nasties. Plus they're sustainably packaged. So much greatness and we haven't even gotten onto the product itself.

Enriched with papaya and moringa, this botanical cocktail is brimming with nourishing moisture givers that plump without clogging pores. Hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids work in synchrony to hydrate and decongest. The result is dewy skin sans excess shine. Tick, tick.

17

Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel

Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel
17

Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel

Credit: Murad

Like a big ol' drink of water for your face, Murad's hydration solution is targeted towards acne prone complexions. Infused with Korean red pine extract and plumping hyaluronic acid the formula also contains salicylic acid to clarify and refine stressed skin.

18

CeraVe Blemish Control Gel

CeraVe Blemish Control Gel
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CeraVe Blemish Control Gel

Credit: Courtesy of brand

OK, I know what you're thinking but despite its name, CeraVe's Blemish Control Gel can also be used as a moisturiser!

The oil-free formula has been developed specifically for blemish-prone skin so is great for someone who is looking for not only a moisturiser but a breakouts treatment, too.

A visibly clearer complexion here we come!

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19

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser

Credit: Neutrogena

A refreshing drink of hydration for parched summer skin, or a daily moisturiser for those who hate the feeling of a heavy cream.

This gel contains sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid (HA) which has a lower molecular size than normal HA, meaning it can penetrate deeper into the skin. So don't be deceived by the cheaper price, or lightweight texture, this little pot packs a punch.

20

SVR SEBIACLEAR Hydra Moisturiser

SEBIACLEAR Hydra Moisturiser
20

SVR SEBIACLEAR Hydra Moisturiser

Credit: Courtesy of brand

If you have acne-prone skin, this affordable moisturiser is brilliant for keeping spot-prone areas in check.

It contains niacinamide which helps regulate your sebum and evens out skin tone (good for those acne scars too). As well as omega ceramides which help to plump and hydrate, leaving you oil-free but still glowing

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