10 Moisturisers That Are Perfect For Oily Skin
Anyone with oily skin will tell you why we are so wary of moisturisers. We are blessed with skin that almost never feels squeaky clean anyway and we don’t want anything that adds to that greasy feeling. Most oily-skinned people prefer going sans moisturiser thinking their naturally-gifted, overzealous sebaceous glands more than make up for it. However, this couldn’t be farther away from the truth.
Oily skin also needs to be hydrated since using face washes and cleansers alters the skin pH levels making the skin parched for moisture. Not bringing the pH levels back to normal will only send your sebaceous glands into overdrive making you wonder why your skin is oilier despite thorough cleansing.
Moisturisers for oily skin must be non-comedogenic (shouldn’t block pores), non-fragrant (strong fragrances can irritate skin causing breakouts), lightweight and MUST NOT add shine to the skin. We have naturally strobed skin thanks to our sebaceous glands. Here are a few creams that work well on oily skin:
1. Clarins Ultra-Matte Rebalancing Lotion For Oily Skin (Rs 2,379)
With the purifying Alpine Willow Herb, Clarins Lotion regulates oil production, tightens, purifies, and minimises large pores. You actually need only a pea-sized amount sicne it spreads easily. It has a mattifying effect, which makes it perfect for day-time use.
2. Dermadew Aloe Vera Cream (Rs 143)
Containing the soothing and calming goodness of aloe vera, Dermadew moisturises, hydrates and calms oily skin. Very often, acne treatments tend to dry out skin and make it sensitive. Dermadew does an excellent job of soothing angry, irritable skin while moisturising it. It works well as a moisturiser for night.
3. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Moisturiser
In addition to moisturising, Clinique’s Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Moisturiser helps in clearing blemishes and also controls redness. It is light and creamy, goes on smoothly and has a soothing effect.
4. Lotus Herbals Alphamoist Oil-Free Moisturizer (Rs 325)
Lotus Herbals — as the name suggests — is known for making some really kickass herbal products. This moisturiser from the brand is an oil-free, water-based moisturiser that’s perfect for those who have combination-oily skin. It is lightweight, gets absorbed easily, moisturises and doesn’t clog pores.
5. Lacto Calamine Skin Balance Daily Nourishing Lotion – Oil Control (Rs 338)
I never used moisturiser till my mid-20s, when my dermatologist put a gun to my head and forced me to start using one. I remember most girls in my school and college using this moisturiser religiously. Before you dismiss it as a teen favourite, let me tell you that I know ladies who continue to use it well into their late 20s and 30s. Lacto Calamine does a fab job of soothing skin. Safe to use by women who have sensitive-oily skin, and also people who tend to get sunburnt, develop rashes or allergic reactions. It contains glycerin, which moisturises and softens skin, and Kaolin clay, which absorbs excess oil.
Papulex Cream is an extremely lightweight, oil-free moisturiser and is perfect for people who have extremely oily skin and suffer from mild acne. It is so light that it can be used during the day under your sunscreen. It is fragrance-free, non-photosensitising, non-comedogenic and doesn’t clog pores.
7. Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture (Rs 331)
Non-fragrant, non-comedogenic and lightweight, Neutrogena’s Oil Free Moisturiser is perfect for people with oily skin. It moisturises skin without making it greasy, which is a blessing.
8. Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel (Rs 485)
Sebamed is a medicated, oil-free, gel-based moisturiser with a pH level of 5.5 (also the pH of healthy skin). It has active natural ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera that are moisturising, allantoin and panthenol that calm skin and lessen the redness caused by pimples.
10. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion (RS 2,100)
This non-comedogenic, unscented, gel-like moisturiser is our Editor-in-chief’s favourite day cream. It hydrates very well, and the best part is that it does not contain parabens or silicons, which makes it great for people who are prone to acne breakouts.
10. L’Oréal Dermo Expertise Hydrafresh Aqua-Essence (Rs 1,586)
An oil-free, gel-based formula, this L’Oréal cream helps restore and maintain the skin’s pH levels. It helps even out redness as well. It hydrates and leaves the skin feeling super fresh.
