When it comes to moisturizing acne-prone skin, the idea of slathering on just anything for the sake of hydration is simply unruly. Nothing can be worse than applying face cream and looking shiny for the rest of the day—or worse, clogging our pores and sparking yet another breakout. Thankfully, oil-free moisturizers exist.

The right oil-free moisturizer is virtually weightless and is packed with the hydrating power of traditional creams, delivering the moisture our skin needs while keeping sebum production in check. The result: soft, supple skin, but without the heavy, greasy feeling. Plus, unlike their oil-based counterparts, they magically absorb in an instant, saving you time in between skincare and makeup application. To determine exactly which ones are crème de la crème, we researched options and even tested a few formulas, taking into account their active ingredients, how quickly they were absorbed, and how well they hydrated our skin. After consulting with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban, M.D., for expert insight, we chose these top options.

Best Overall

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer

$54

$44 at Amazon$54 at Sephora$23 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: 3 molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed silk, pentavitin | Skin Type: Combination, oily skin | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

As the name suggests, this Peter Thomas Roth moisturizer is as light as a cloud, which is perfect for skin that’s prone to blemishes. It contains hydrolyzed silk, which makes skin soft and smooth without the heavy feeling that some moisturizers can leave behind. Plus, it’s got the Goldilocks of texture—it’s not too runny and not too liquid-y. Formulated with the brand’s hyaluronic acid complex at a 30% concentration, as well as pentavitin, a potent hydrating ingredient, this cream will absorb into the skin quickly while keeping the skin barrier feeling breathable and nourished with ceramides.

Best Budget

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

$14 at Amazon$14 at SephoraView on Ulta

Key Ingredients: Amino acids, urea, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination, dry, sensitive | Size: 1, 3.3 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s typically unheard of to find a quality moisturizer for a super low price, but (as always) The Ordinary proves us otherwise. This treatment is composed of a powerful combination of anti-inflammatory and exfoliating hydrators, including 11 different amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid, that help with dryness without leaving behind a greasy residue. Its consistency does skew on the thicker side, though for $14, you’ll only have to go in with a little bit of product for a fully moisturized complexion, mimicking the properties of a rich and prestige option.

Best Budget, Runner-Up

The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

$12

$11 at Amazon$13 at SephoraView on Theinkeylist.com

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide| Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily| Size: 1.7 oz| SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another example of scoring a well-formulated, oil-free moisturizer without breaking the bank is this lightweight gel by The Inkey List, which relies on glycerin for featherweight hydration. It also contains niacinamide to help reduce excess oil; we were impressed with how our typical oil-prone areas responded to this gel moisturizer. And while we were a little bit surprised by the thinner consistency initially, it still spreads and absorbs nicely.

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel

$27

$20 at AmazonView on Ulta$20 at Target

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced to oily | Size: 0.5, 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

A powerful remedy for thirsty skin, the water-based gel deeply hydrates with hyaluronic acid, yet absorbs ultrafast, leaving behind a smooth, plump finish. In addition to being oil-free, it’s also noncomedogenic and dye-free, meaning it won’t cause any irritation or breakouts, making it the perfect option for those with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin types. However, if you have sensitive skin, stay weary of the fact that this gel moisturizer is fragranced, so it may cause a skin reaction if fragranced products are something your skin just simply cannot handle (always patch test first!).

Best for Combination Skin

Shani Darden Skin Care Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

$50 at Amazon$50 at SephoraView on Shanidarden.com

Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed collagen, red algae extract | Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily skin | Size: 2.5 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden launched her eponymous skincare line we knew her mastery would bring about formulas that stop breakouts right in its tracks. Her weightless moisturizer truly delivers: It’s as light as air but super hydrating. Plus, this fast-absorbing formula is perfect for balancing combination skin—we love how fast it soaks into the skin without residue. It nourishes dry patches and for oilier regions, the nongreasy formula lets the skin breathe while keeping unwanted shine away. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it’s also formulated with red algae extract and hydrolyzed collagen; a finish that is neither super dewy nor super matte just hydrating in every which way.

Best for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer

View on AmazonView on Ulta$40 at Target

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily skin, sensitive skin | Size: 1.45 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re yet to find a solution for overwhelmingly oily skin, you’ll need a nongreasy moisturizer that’ll neutralize excess oil. This one does just that, using the brand’s patented technology that targets excess oil and shine without depleting the skin barrier of hydration. The formula features LHA (lipohydroxy acid), which also tightens enlarged pores and micro-exfoliates your skin texture. It’s a lightweight lotion that leaves behind a perfect matte, yet hydrated finish.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

$16

$14 at Amazon$16 at TargetView on Walgreens

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 4 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re dealing with acne-prone skin, you’re probably well aware of the greasy, heavy feel that many moisturizers with sunscreen leave behind (which can lead to irritation and, unfortunately, more zits). That’s why Differin’s Oil Control Moisturizer with sunscreen is an absolute morning must for anyone prone to breakouts. This formula thoroughly hydrates skin and uses SPF 30 Oleosome, a form of sunscreen that still offers protection against UV rays while taking into account the triggers those with acne-prone skin need to be especially mindful of. The moisturizer also features micro pearl technology and absorbs pesky surface oil that might creep up during the day, keeping the skin matte and shine-free.

Best Anti-Aging

Tatcha The Water Cream

$72

$69 at Amazon$72 at Sephora$72 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, hadasei-3 complex | Skin Type: Combination, oily | Size: 0.34, 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

More than just a daily moisturizer, Tatcha’s beloved Water Cream also boasts skin-refining (and plumping) benefits. According to the brand, this cream is powered by a number of Japanese nutrients such as wild rose and leopard lily that deliver water-light hydration while tightening pores, smoothing skin texture, controlling excess oil, and improving cell turnover. It also contains the brand’s Hadasei-3 complex, an anti-aging powerhouse combination of green tea, rice, and algae that helps keep the complexion radiant. Oh, also, it is infused with a casual touch of 23-karat gold, leaving behind a serious (and shine-free!) glow. We raved about how it left our (oily) skin feeling fresh, light, and hydrated all day—and all night.

Best With SPF

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

$45 at SephoraView on Fentybeauty.com$40 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Kalahari melon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe, baobab | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination, dry | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A 2-in-1 moisturizer and sunscreen, this lightweight cream offers SPF 30 protection sans chalkiness, and niacinamide to help even out skin tone. The formula, with ingredients like Kalahari melon, baobab, hyaluronic acid, and aloe, helps to hydrate the skin. It won’t pill under makeup or cause any flashback, making it the perfect makeup base. We can’t fail to mention that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, reef-safe, andrefillable, making this a conscious choice for both the animals and the environment.

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide

$65

$62 at Amazon$65 at Sephora$65 at Anthropologie

Key Ingredients: Patented vine sap-derived viniferine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

Caudalie’s oil-free Vinoperfect Brightening Moisturizer with Niacinamide is potent, specifically focused on evening-out skin tone and fading the look of dark spots. Niacinamide is paired with viniferine in this formula—an extract of grapevine sap that’s 62% more effective than vitamin C—and white peony extract. Suitable for normal to dry skin types, it offers deep hydration, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and olive squalane, and boosts radiance and glow with natural pearlizers. The formula encapsulates shimmery pigment as some reviewers describe it, so take that into account before you make the final buy.

Best for Large Pores

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance

$26 at SephoraView on Glossier

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, apple fruit extract | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Glossier’s top-rated Priming Moisturizer Balance was developed for folks with oily skin in mind. Its shine-controlling formula has marine extract, which keeps an oily T-zone feeling balanced and areas prone to dryness patch-free. On the other hand, niacinamide and willow bark extract reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and help smooth skin. You’ll get soft, plump, and hydrated skin to start, and once makeup comes into play, this oil-free moisturizer grants a powdery matte finish.

Best Gel

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

$44 at AmazonView on Farmacybeauty.com$44 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Moringa seed extract, papaya extract, kale, cucumber, eucalyptus, willow herb, niacinamide | Skin Type: Balanced, combination, oily | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Farmacy’s Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer employs moringa and papaya extract to purify and protect the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution. On top of featuring four different forms of hyaluronic acid, the formula contains polyglutamic acid, moringa seed extract, and moringa water to refresh the skin while willowherb clears pores of impurities and fights shine. Papaya extract is a gentle exfoliant too, lending a hand in the skin-smoothing department. In addition to being clean, it’s also vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and comes in recycled packaging.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Osea Seabiotic Water Cream

$54

$52 at Amazon$54 at Ulta$54 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, bisabolol | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.6 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sensitive skin? The Seabiotic Water Cream soothes irritation and reactive concerns at every stage of life. This oil-free moisturizer leans on bisabolol (an extract of chamomile) to soothe inflamed, reactive complexions, and you can count on the lightweight, silky formula to keep your skin hydrated. Its scent is very present though—think of it as the ocean breeze of aromas if you will. The only thing we don’t love is that the product doesn’t come with a spatula to scoop out the formula; you’ll have to go in with your fingers, which can be unhygienic if they’re dirty.

Best Fragrance-Free

Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer

$84

$65 at Amazon$84 at Sephora$84 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Amino acids, algae extract | Skin Type: Oily, sensitive, acne-prone, mature | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Added fragrance (whether synthetic or from essential oils) can be irritating, especially for those with particularly sensitive skin. That’s one reason we love this unscented moisturizer from Kate Somerville—but definitely not the only reason. The lightweight formula calls on amino acids to plump your skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines, while algae extract works to tone and tighten the skin.

Best Lightweight

Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer

$45 at SephoraView on Summerfridays.com$45 at Revolve

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid complex, pineapple enzyme, | Skin Type: Dry, combination, oily skin | Size: 0.5, 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This gel moisturizer doesn’t have an intensely rich texture, but does have all the ingredients necessary to keep the skin feeling breathable and plumped during warm weather. Specifically, pineapple enzymes feed and exfoliate your skin tone with loads of vitamins E and C while three forms of hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin barrier.

Best Cooling

Dieux Air Angel Collagen & Peptide Hydrating Gel Cream

$44 at SephoraView on Dieuxskin.com

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vegan collagen amino acids | Skin Type: Normal, combination, dry, oily skin | Size: 2.53 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This gel cream opens up the floodgates for dry, dehydrated skin. Anytime we’re experiencing a depleted skin barrier, we turn to this moisturizer to get our skin back to its supple state. The brand doesn’t claim this moisturizer to be oil-free but does point out it is water-based, which means that it doesn’t grease, slick, or latch onto extra dry areas, and offers us a lightweight option that hydrates our skin barrier just as much as our rich moisturizer does at nighttime.

What to Look for in Oil-Free Moisturizers

• Skin Type and Concerns: Consider your skin type—oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. This will dictate the type of ingredients you’ll want to look for. For example, if you have oily skin, look for something that can mattify. If you have dry skin, look for something rich and hydrating. 
• Ingredients: An ultra-moisturizing ingredient, hyaluronic acid couldn’t be a better fit for those looking to keep their face dewy without oil. Because it holds so many times its weight in water, its effects are instantaneous, leaving you glowing after application. Dr, Shamban says that “it’s a superstar at alleviating dry skin.” Consider rosewater or rose extract, too, as Dr. Shamban says that it fights inflammation, helping to reduce redness and blotchiness. Niacinamide, also known as B3, offers hydration and can even minimize the look of dark spots. Plus, it’s a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to anti-aging. 
• Packaging: The packaging is another element to consider. Moisturizers come in a whole slew of options (jars, tubes, bottles, etc.), each of which can work well for different people. Jars are great since they’re generally more recyclable, however, if they don’t come with a spatula, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria if you dip dirty fingers directly into it. Tubes are best for travel or those concerned about cleanliness since you can toss them in your bag and go and don’t have to worry about it being compromised by external factors.

Meet Our Expert

For this article, Byrdie consulted the following expert:

• Ava Shamban, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California.

Why Trust Byrdie

Chelsea Avila is a contributing writer at Byrdie who reports on the beauty, fashion, and wellness market. To write this article, Avila researched the ingredients in each oil-free moisturizer listed and highlighted their replenishing and hydrating properties, as well as speaking to a dermatologist.