Best Oil-Free Moisturizers for All Skin Types: What You Need to Know

Best Oil Free Moisturizers

“Oil Free” is a complicated statement in skin care that’s way more confusing than it needs to be, in fact, there is no standard definition of “oil free” in skin care at all. I’m a dermatologist, and in this blog I’ll provide my own definition and recommendations of oil free moisturizers for all 16 Baumann Skin Types. Oily skin types often ask for a recommendation for an oil-free moisturizer for the face, but is avoiding oil in face lotions and creams really necessary when you have oily skin? Can dry skin types use oil-free face lotions and creams? Are gel moisturizers better for oily skin? This blog will explain what “oil free” means and if oil free products are good for your skin type.

First- I highly recommend taking the Baumann Skin Type Quiz for free today. Most people think they know their skin type, but our data shows that most people guess their skin type incorrectly. Buying the wrong products can set your skin health back by months. When you know your Baumann Skin Type, products on our website that are safe for you will be indicated with your skin type icon. You can take the quiz with the button below!

Best Oil Free Moisturizers

Which oil free moisturizer is best for you depends upon if you are oily or dry, as well as the other skin health barriers you have. Below Here are some general suggestions on the best moisturizers for individual skin concerns. Keep in mind that this advice is less personalized than your custom skin care routine recommendation is after you take the quiz.

Oil Free Moisturizers for Oily Skin

Oily skin types can have a hard time finding products that don’t cause acne. That’s because oily skin types can get clogged pores from an excess of lipids on the face, including saturated fatty acids from many oils. For those reasons and more, I often advise oil free moisturizers like these for oily skin types:

Cera Ve PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is an oil free light face lotion that is noncomedogenic.

Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 – contains micropearl technology to mattify skin and control excess sebum and shine. Broad spectrum SPF guards against daily UV damage.

Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture is one of the bestselling oil-free face moisturizers but it contains petrolatum and soybean sterols that can make this feel greasy on the skin. It is non-comedogenic.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Face Moisturizer – uses micro-exfoliating LHA to refine skin texture, shrink visible pores, and purify acne-prone skin without dryness or irritation. My acne patients with oily skin love this!

Essopi Triple Antioxidant Serum is my go-to oil-free moisturizer when my patients have sensitive skin and need antioxidants in their skincare routine.

This product is good for Baumann Skin Types 7,8,11,&12

This oil free antiaging moisturizer has peptides and antioxidants. It has jojoba esters but not the oil form of jojoba. It was designed to be noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic.

EltaMD AM Restore is an oil free moisturizer. It has some ascorbyl palmitate in it which is mildly comedogenic, however, it the moisturizer has been tested and shown to be noncomedogenic so it should be safe in acne-prone skin types.

Elta MD PM Restore Moisturizer is also oil-free and noncomedogenic. It is a bit heavier than the AM version so it you have very oily skin, you will not like this. Does not repair the skin barrier, so this is not for dry skin types. It is best for normal/oily and combination/oily types which some people call combination skin.

Oil Free Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Dry skin types need a moisturizer in their regular daily routine, but some dry skin types might be sensitive to many kinds of oils. Some oils can still clog the pores of acne-prone dry skin types, or are simply allergenic to some people. If you have dry skin and need an oil free moisturizer for your daily regimen, here is my product recommendation for you:

This oil free moisturizer was created by Dermatologist Dr. Amy Brodsky. It has niacinamide to help give cells energy to make collagen and other vital components and to repair skin damage. Niacinamide is a PAR-2 blocker that help even skin tone. This product is perfect for dry skin types with acne and dark spots from acne.

Antiaging Oil Free Moisturizers

Anti-aging products are designed to do things like promote collagen synthesis, aid in exfoliation, eliminate free radicals on the skin, smooth skin texture, and more. Anti-aging is a challenging skin care journey because it is best treated through prevention. For that reason and others, many moisturizers have anti-aging benefits, but some people are sensitive to products with oils in them. If you are looking for an oil free anti-aging moisturizer, these are my two favorites:

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is one of the best oil-free antiaging moisturizers. It’s also noncomedogenic. It has many antiaging growth factors and peptides.

This retinol for beginners is oil-free. Make sure you use it as part of a complete customized skincare routine to get the best results.

Oil Free Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin

Acne prone skin types are the most likely to get clogged pores from using oils in skin care products. If you are prone to acne and can’t find products that won’t clog your pores, but still need a moisturizer, this product might be your skin type solution:

La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer is good for skin types

This is the oil free product that I recommend most to my oily skin teens. Dimethicone helps keep oil hidden while silica and methyl methacrylate crosspolymer absorb oil. This is also noncomedogenic so is perfect for teens with acne-prone skin.

Oil-Free Moisturizers with SPF

Protecting your skin from solar radiation should be a part of your everyday skin care routine. If you are hesitant to use sunscreen because it might clog your pores, I recommend this oil free sunscreen for you:

This Murad oil-free susncreen was desinged for acne-prone skin.

Oil Free Body Moisturizer

This oil free body lotion contains humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to help hold water on the skin’s surface.

Why Use an Oil-Free Moisturizer?

There are a few things to think about in addition to skin type before buying a oil free moisturizer for your face. It is important to ask yourself, “Why would I want an oil free moisturizer?” Below I discuss the different reasons you might need to use oil free skincare products.

There are a few key reasons why someone may want to use an oil free moisturizer:

Preference for a non-greasy feel

Many people simply do not like the feeling of heavier, greasier moisturizers on their skin. Even patients who do not have overly oily skin often prefer the lighter feel of an oil free moisturizer formula. These are designed to hydrate the skin without leaving behind a slippery, tacky, or shiny residue after application.

Help control excess oil and shine

For those with very oily skin, excess sebum and slipperiness are major concerns. Applying an oil free moisturizer can provide hydration while controlling grease and shine. Patients also appreciate that oil free moisturizers allow makeup, powder, and sunscreen to glide smoothly onto skin without appearing patchy or caking up.

Reduce risk of clogged pores/acne

Moisturizers with high oil content have a higher likelihood of clogging pores for some skin types. This in turn leads to increased blackheads, breakouts, and congestion over time. Opting for an oil free, non-comedogenic formula minimizes this risk. Those already struggling with acne will likely see better results from an oil free moisturizer.

Improve compliance with regular use

When research subjects enjoy the feel and performance of a moisturizer formula, studies show they are more likely to apply it consistently every day. The non-greasy refreshing feel of oil free options makes people more eager to use them. This leads to better absorption of all regimen steps.

So in summary- the main driver for using an oil free moisturizer is personal preference for a lightweight, easily absorbed, non-greasy hydrating formula. But they also provide essential oil control and clog preventing benefits for the right skin types.

Once you have a better feel for why you want an oil free moisturizer, lets discuss the best moisturizers out there that do not contain oil.

Benefits

Using lightweight oil free hydrators offers perks like:

Oil Control – Less oil means less shine and slip, allowing you to comfortably wear less powder, touch up less often, and show off a flawless complexion longer

Allows Makeup to Glide Smoothly – Creamy moisturizers can interact poorly with liquid foundation, preventing proper application and absorption. Oil free options provide the perfect slick-free canvas for makeup

Non-Greasy After Feel – For those who dislike heavy lotions, oil free moisturizers absorb rapidly without leaving behind slippery residue or tackiness

Feels less heavy on skin – men and oily skin types seem to prefer lighter moisturizers on their skin.

What Does Oil Free Mean?

There is no standard definition or criteria that regulates use of the term “oil free” on skincare product labeling. As a dermatologist specializing in clinical skin care, I have often been asked to clarify what oil free truly means. This is what it means to me:

If interpreting the phrase literally, oil free would indicate a product formula containing no oil ingredients whatsoever. However, many items marketed as oil free actually do contain components of plant oils such as esters.

The term oil free can also be used as a descriptive adjective referring to the final texture, feel and spreadability of the product. Oil free denotes that the moisturizer, lotion, cleanser or serum has a lightweight, non-greasy, water-like feel when applied. It does not necessarily denote a complete absence of oily feeling substances. Oil free does not mean noncomedogenic, as some non oil ingredients can clog pores.

Myths about Oil Free Skincare

Oily free skincare may have ingredients that clog pores. For example, Bees wax is not considered an oil but is comedogenic. Oil free often means the moisturizer is light weight, but does not necessarily mean that the moisturizer is not greasy feeling. Fatty alcohols, for example, are not oils but give moisturizers a greasy oily texture.

It can be very confusing shopping for oil free skincare, so I suggest you make it easy on yourself and take our skincare routine quiz. We will help you find the best oil-free moisturizers for your skin type. Without knowing your Baumann Skin Type it is hard to know if an oil free gel moisturizer, oil – free lotion, or oil free cream is right for you.

Oily Ingredients that are Not True Oils

These ingredients in skincare are not considered oils, but do feel oily on the skin. They may be found in ‘oil-free moisturizers’. I divided them up by which plant oil or petroleum product the ingredient is derived from.

From Palm Oil:

Palm Kernel Alcohol

Palm Alcohol

Palm Glycerides

Palmitate (various forms like Cetyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Palmitate)

Squalene

From Soybean Oil:

Soybean Sterols

Soybean Glycerides

Hydrogenated Soybean Oil

Hydrogenated Soy Glycerides

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil

Soybean Oil PEG-6 Esters

From Vegetable Oil:

Cetyl Stearate

Glyceryl Stearate

PEG-100 Stearate

From Castor Oil

Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG Castor Oils (PEG-40 Castor Oil, etc)

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil

Ethoxydiglycol

Castor Isostearate

From Mineral Oil

Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil)

Petrolatum

Ceresin

Ozokerite

Paraffin

From Olive Oil

Squalane (Olive-derived)

Hydrogenated Olive Oil

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

Olive Glycerides

Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters

Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

These can be in products which make them feel heavy and greasy even if they are technically “oil free.”

As you can see, there is a lot to known when choosing an oil free moisturizer. Let us help you find the right moisturizer that targets all of your barriers to healthy skin.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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