Let's get straight to the point: Oily complexions need a moisturizer. Yes, despite having excessive sebum production, the frequent appearance of breakouts, and the fear of clogged pores, you have to use a hydrating product to keep your complexion clear. A major reason why you get so shiny before lunchtime is because your face thinks you need the extra dew. And you know what goes with having a greasy face: pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads!
Thankfully, overactive oil glands can be tamed by using the right face moisturizer. Choosing a lightweight, non-comedogenic humectant with the right blemish-fighting ingredients is the ultimate answer! Here are some you can try to restore balance in your complexion:
Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin
Celeteque Acne Solutions Acne Clearing Moisturizing Gel
This moisturizer can help you stop worrying about your oily skin and pimples. It has salicylic acid to unclog pores, and Acnacidol™ BG to stop acne-causing bacteria from multiplying. Plus, its gel formula will leave your complexion feeling fresh and calm.
Best applied: Day and night
Price: P335
Where to get: SM Beauty, Robinsons Department Stores, Watsons, Landmark Department Store, Lazada, Shopee
COSRx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
This ultra-hydrating cream contains 92 percent snail mucin extract that can aid in healing blemishes. Aside from treating existing pimples, this cream also prevents wrinkles and sagging. It's the ideal moisturizer if your priorities are to fight zits and stop the signs of aging.
Best applied: Night
Price: P1,100
Where to get: Look at Me
NACIFIC Fresh Cica Plus Clear Cream
Another K-beauty find the NACIFIC Fresh Cica Plus Clear Cream works as a soothing cream and moisturizer. It has cica extract, which calms down inflammation and protect the skin barrier. It also has ceramides for that much-needed moisture. A good technique to apply this is by lightly massaging it all over the face, then tapping it to wake up the blood circulation.
And no, this never feels sticky on the skin and it smells yummy, too! You'll wake up to soft, glowing skin the next day!
Best applied: Day and Night
Price: P605
Where to get: Shopee
ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream
Refine your pores and even out your skin's surface with this radiance-boosting gel moisturizer. It has hyaluronic acid acts as a hydrating agent that never feels sticky on the face. Centella Asiatica, Licorice, Betaine, Chamomile, Rosemary, and Houttuynia Cordata extracts soothe inflammation and bring out your skin's natural glow.
Best applied: Day and night
Price: P1,000/100ml
Where to get: Seek Space
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Since this is a spin-off of Clinique's best-selling moisturizer (Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion), you are guaranteed that this derma-approved, gentle formula will give your skin proper hydration without ever looking slick.
Best applied: Night
Price: P1,990/125ml
Where to get: SM Makati, SM Megamall, SM Aura, Rustan's The Beauty Source, Lazada
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream For Normal To Oily Skin Types
This oil-free gel's formula allows easy skin absorption. It has Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract and Antarcticine to help skin retain its hydration levels. The best part? This moisturizer also offers oil and shine control!
Best applied: Day and night
Price: P2,450/50ml
Where to get: Greenbelt 5, SM Aura, SM Makati, Lazada
Face Republic Cica Gel Moisturizer
Are you spotting a trend already? You see, gel-based moisturizers are oily skin's BFF for life. It's refreshing and won't leave a heavy, sticky film on your face! This particular tube is loaded with Centella Asiatica extract that soothes inflammation (and maskne!) with regular use.
Best applied: Day and night
Price: P379/50ml
Where to get: Shopee
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
For years, this formula has been loved by many. Its lightweight texture never feels sticky. You can also use this as a makeup base or a priming moisturizer if you want a glass skin glow.
Best applied: Day and Night
Price: P1,103/50g
Where to get: SM Megamall, SM Makati, SM Southmall, Greenbelt 3, Lazada, Watsons
Oxecure Acne Clear Oil Control Moisturizer
Still on the lookout for a non-sticky moisturizer that will help keep the shine away? You better check out this oil-control gel moisturizer from Oxecure. It has tea tree extract and salicylic acid that help treat and prevent breakouts. It is also enhanced with niacinamide for fading acne scars. BTW, its powerful benefits don't end there: it also has bakuchiol (a gentler alternative to retinol) to boost the skin's elasticity.
Best applied: Day and Night
Price: P799
Where to get: Watsons, Lazada, Shopee
Mario Badescu AHA & Ceramide Moisturizer
If you want a radiant glow without the greaseball shine, then slather this lightweight moisturizer on your face and neck every night. It has AHA, which gently lifts dead skin, to reveal a glowing complexion. Its other main ingredient, ceramide, is responsible for keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay. (Ed's note: AHA micro-peels, i.e. no visible flakes, the skin's surface, so you should always wear sunscreen during the day to prevent irritation.)
Best applied: Night (Never use AHA in the morning!)
Price: P1,300
Where to get: Rustan's The Beauty Source
Shiseido Wasu Quick Matte Moisturizer
This has Loquat Leaf Cells which offers an antioxidant effect that balances your complexion's hydration and oil production. Plus, it has sebum-absorbing powder that creates a matte (But not flat!) finish, making it suitable for daytime use as well. Glycylglycine also refines the appearance of visible and large pores.
Best applied: Day and night
Price: P1,900
Where to get: Rustan's The Beauty Source, Landmark Department Store, SM Makati, Century City Mall,
Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega Mushroom Soothing Face Lotion
This is highly recommended if your skin is prone to breakouts and sensitive AF. Its lightweight formula gets easily absorbed and doesn't leave a sticky feel. As for angry zits and flare-ups, Reishi and Cordyceps Mushrooms soothe any redness in your complexion. The price tag may shock you, but its clinical formula makes it worth the splurge.
Best applied: Night
Price: P4,220
Where to get: SM Makati, SM Megamall, Zalora
Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisturizes & Quenches Cooling Gel
The beloved Clarins moisturizer now comes in a gel formula that refreshes tired skin. It's enriched with hyaluronic acid to effectively hydrate and keep your face firm and supple. This luxurious night cream improves the skin's elasticity and evens out the complexion. It also easily melts on the skin so you will never have to worry about it feeling sticky and heavy or transferring to your pillowcase and sheets!
Best applied: Night
Price: P2,501/50ml
Where to get: Rustan's The Beauty Source, SM Makati, Zalora
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