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Oil-Free Moisturizer for Oily and Combination Skin

An oil-free moisturizer hydrates with water-binding ingredients instead of plant oils or butters, so it adds moisture without adding shine. The American Academy of Dermatology advises that oily skin still needs moisturizer and suggests choosing products labeled oil-free and noncomedogenic. Skin Perfection's oil-free pick is the Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer, a light gel for normal to oily skin.

What Makes a Moisturizer Oil-Free

Oil-free means the formula has no added oils, butters or waxes. Hydration comes from humectants, which hold water in the top layer of skin, and from film-forming gels that slow water loss. A gel texture absorbs fast and leaves a matte finish, which suits oily and combination skin better than a rich cream.

When you shop, read the full ingredient list, not just the front label. Look for humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and panthenol near the top, and skip formulas with heavy fragrance if your skin is sensitive.

Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer: Who It Is For

The Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer is for normal, oily and combination skin that wants hydration without a greasy feel. Its ingredient list contains no oils. Hydration comes from an organic herbal infusion, organic aloe vera, vegetable glycerin, vitamin B5 (panthenol), hyaluronic acid and Irish moss, with ocean mineral concentrate, vitamins A and E and the amino acid arginine. It is preserved with phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin and comes in a 1 oz airless bottle.

What the Research Says

Vitamin B5 is one of the humectants in this formula. In a study, formulas with 1% and 5% panthenol applied daily to the forearm lowered transepidermal water loss, a measure of how much water escapes the skin, significantly after 30 days of use. That is the kind of support oily skin needs: water, not oil.

How to Use It

1. Cleanse with a gentle face wash, no more than twice a day.
2. Apply any water-based serum.
3. Smooth a pea-size amount of Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer over the face and neck.
4. In the morning, follow with sunscreen. At night, it can be your last step.

Combination skin: use it all over, then add a richer cream only on dry cheeks if needed. For a full routine, see our guides for oily skin and combination skin, and read Best Teprenone for Oily Skin Types for a serum option. Sensitive skin: patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours before first use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does oily skin need moisturizer?

Yes. The American Academy of Dermatology says it is still important to apply moisturizer to oily skin to keep it hydrated.

What does oil-free moisturizer mean?

It means the formula has no added oils or butters. It hydrates with humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and panthenol and with light gel formers, so it leaves less residue on the skin.

Is a gel or cream moisturizer better for oily skin?

A gel is usually the better fit. It sinks in quickly and dries to a matte finish, while creams usually contain oils or butters that can feel heavy on an oily T-zone.

Can I use an oil-free moisturizer under makeup and sunscreen?

Yes. A light gel makes a smooth base. Let it absorb for a minute or two, then apply sunscreen and makeup.

Is oil-free moisturizer good for combination skin?

Yes. An oil-free gel suits the oilier T-zone and gives enough hydration for most cheeks. If your cheeks still feel dry, add a richer moisturizer only on those areas.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology. How to control oily skin.
• Camargo FB Jr, Gaspar LR, Maia Campos PMBG. Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations. J Cosmet Sci. 2011;62:361-369.
• Ingredient list: Skin Perfection product page.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.